The fine weather of the past week has seen another burst of silage, haylage and even some hay being made. Some fields have given up to 10 silage bales per acre, which is heavy for the time of year. Ground conditions have improved, which is also helping. In addition, maize and beet crops are reported to be very promising and there remains plenty of grass ahead of grazing cattle and sheep. All of this, plus the large carryover of fodder from last year, mean that livestock farmers have large supplies of fodder for the coming winter.
The fine weather of the past week has seen another burst of silage, haylage and even some hay being made. Some fields have given up to 10 silage bales per acre, which is heavy for the time of year. Ground conditions have improved, which is also helping.
In addition, maize and beet crops are reported to be very promising and there remains plenty of grass ahead of grazing cattle and sheep. All of this, plus the large carryover of fodder from last year, mean that livestock farmers have large supplies of fodder for the coming winter.
As a result, trading of fodder continues to be slow and prices have not risen in recent weeks. A general asking price for silage bales is €20 but farmer report few enquiries and few takers at this price. Asking prices are up to €25 in western counties. Similar prices are being asked for silage baled off clean reseeded pasture. Meanwhile, there is plenty of 2019 silage still being offered at €10 to €15 per bale.
Demand for hay is that bit better. A good amount of late-saved hay sold out of fields at €18 to €23 per bale. Asking prices for hay out of sheds are in the range of €20 to €30 per round bale depending on location and quality. Small square bales are on offer at €2.50 to €3 each.
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