There are some serious issues in localised areas of the northwest.

At an ICSA fodder crisis meeting in Cavan on Tuesday night, 88% of farmers attending were short of fodder.

There are a number of things you need to do if you are short or feel that you may run short of fodder in spring.

Budget

First, you need to do a budget and calculate the amount of fodder you have available in the yard. Count your bales and measure your pit to get the tonnes available to feed. Typically, a suckler cow will eat two bales a month, a weanling will eat one bale/month and a store animal will eat 1.75 bales/month.

Budget until at least 1 April and later if you think you won’t get out to grass early.

Forage vs meal

If you have 50% of your forage requirements, you will be able to make up the deficit with meal but it’s important to start planning this now by rationing forage early – 1kg of meal will replace 5kg to 6kg of silage and meal represents better value in that you know exactly what you are getting. Buying silage is pot luck in that you haven’t a clue what you are getting until you open it.

Bedding

Straw is also very scarce and many farmers are looking to alternatives such as woodchips, sawdust and peat.

Advice

It’s important to talk to someone and seek advice from someone you trust like a Teagasc adviser or agri-consultant.

Dealing with issues such as this can increase financial stress and mental stress. You are not on your own and it is important to seek help if you need it.

Read more

Listen: Fodder shortage hits 85% of farmers in northwest

Hundreds of bales of silage and hay donated

Meal might be better value than poor forage