Plentiful supplies of fodder continue to be baled around the country, with meadows now bulked up and heavy.

Farmers are this week getting yields of up to 14 and 15 bales per acre. For many, that’s a 50% increase on last year.

The high volumes and patchy weather mean farmers are finding grass slow to dry and hay difficult to make.

The high yields are affecting price. General asking price for both hay and silage is in the range of €20 to €30 per bale. A lot of fodder is effectively for sale at €20 to €25 per bale.

However, contractors claim that quality hay suitable for horses will be worth a premium over these prices this year, given current weather. Many stud yards are buying in now for €35 per bale.

Asking prices for small square hay bales have fallen and are now in the range of €2 to €3 each.