Each farmer must ensure their stocking rate matches fodder supply on their farm, including in the current difficult weather conditions, Minister Creed told the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee this Tuesday.

"While we all celebrate the increased output from the dairy sector, we shouldn't lose sight of the individual responsibility that there is enough fodder on farms," he said. He added that with reserves built over previous years now exhausted, farmers would need to replenish fodder stocks in the coming months, not only for an average winter but also for an extra four to five months' supply.

While Minister Creed said that the Government would step in in "exceptional circumstances," there are no current plans for intervention beyond the existing fodder transport scheme.

'Misdirected' fodder scheme

Fianna Fáil agriculture spokesperson Charlie McConalogue asked the minister whether he would admit there was a "fodder crisis" and the "misdirected" scheme should be replaced with meal vouchers.

Minister Creed replied that he acknowledged it was a difficult spring nationwide and difficulties had grown since the fodder transport scheme started, with "a number of farmers acutely waiting for grass growth". Yet, while his Department is "monitoring the situation on a daily basis," he added: "At this stage we're not planning any initiative of the type that you're talking about."

Independent Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae commented: "The time for monitoring is gone. There isn't a blade of grass growing anywhere."

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