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The Tipperary-based co-op Arrabawn, has confirmed that it has received over 120 calls from farmers in recent days asking for fodder.
“Arrabawn has had over 120 requests from farmers for hay and silage and has sourced both hay and silage in Ireland and UK to meet the fodder shortfall of our members and will continue to work with and help suppliers over the next few days,” a spokesperson for the co-op stated.
The co-op also told the Irish Farmers Journal that is it has sourced seven lorry loads of silage and haylage in Somerset and Kent in England.
Each load comprises 40 bales and they’re expected to arrive in Ireland,“in the next few days”.
In addition to help immediately respond to farmers’ needs, Arrabawn has sourced 15 loads of bales from Munster, as well as 500 bales from other parts of the country.
Bales vary in size but will be sold for between €25 and €30.
The Department of Agriculture has announced that it has introduced a Fodder Import Scheme to help support fodder imports, and has also relaxed the rules on the Fodder Transport Scheme.
The farming community has come together in the face of the crisis with several other co-ops confirming that fodder imports are expected this week to help support farmers through this challenging time.
Fodder crisis costing €2,500/week for Waterford farmers – IFAC
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