An additional 1,000 bales of maize silage have been sourced in the UK by the Kerry Group to help support farmers through ongoing fodder difficulties, the Irish Farmers Journal has been told.

The 1t bales are understood to be excellent quality at 35% dry matter content.

The bales are expected to be delivered on 11 April and are in addition to another 1,000 bales, which Kerry Group also sourced from England and were delivered earlier this week.

A spokesperson stated that there had been strong demand for the imported fodder, and the company had established a register in Kerry Agribusiness stores for farmers to register their interest and receive an update when fodder arrived.

Monitoring situation

According to the spokesperson, conditions remain difficult on some farms, particularly in areas of heavy ground, and the situation continues to be monitored.

The maize silage will be sold at cost price to farmers at £50/bale with the euro price still to be determined.

This fodder import is in addition to 2,000 large hay bales that were imported from the UK and distributed to agribusiness stores in Kerry, Clare and Limerick. The hay was sold at cost price at €35/bale.

Kerry Group also sourced 1,000 bales of hay in Ireland for distribution through its stores.

In total, Kerry Group has sourced between 4,000 and 5,000 bales to help farmers through the fodder crisis, according to its spokesperson.

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