Grass
Farmers have been urged to make the most of the recovery in grass growth in the last week or so in order to boost fodder supplies.
Fodder
70% of farms in the parts of the country worst impacted by the drought are continuing to feed silage to their livestock.
The National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) is set to meet again next week to discuss the current fodder situation.
Tillage
Teagasc has advised farmers to secure straw supplies amid a reported increase in demand in the south-east.
22% of farms surveyed by Teagasc have fewer than 100 days feed available, the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) heard.
Agri-Business
A meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) will take place on Friday (August 21).
Drought
ICOS has added to the growing number of calls for the National Fodder and Food Security Committee to be reconvened.
Pressure is mounting on Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon to reconvene the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC).
Non-government members of Fianna Fáil have called for the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee to be reconvened "urgently".
Bank of Ireland told a meeting of the NFFSC that it is "beginning to see the first signals of cash flow tightness" on farms.
Farmers are being advised to book straw as early as possible this year, the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) has been told.
Dairy
Up to 30% of farms across both dairy and drystock enterprises are currently reporting significant winter feed deficits, the NFFSC heard.
The Department of Transport has approved a temporary derogation on driving hours and rest periods for animal feed and fertiliser deliveries.
Fertiliser use in 2024 will exceed last year, but farmers will be buying supplies more often and in smaller quantities, Liam Woulfe said.
Bank of Ireland has reduced downwards its outlook for farm profitability in 2024 as the poor weather conditions continue to take a toll.
The NFFSC has heard that some beef farmers in the west and northwest of the country are coming under pressure for silage.
Tillage News
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue said he will not rule out anything in terms of what may be needed to support the tillage sector.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has announced the introduction of a new Fodder Transport Support Measure.
Rural Life
Met Éireann has said that there will be another 10 days of rain before high pressure is expected to set in over Ireland later this month.
Agri Politics
The ICSA president has said that urgent financial support is needed to help farmers to buy feed and transport fodder.
Environment
The Department of Agriculture (DAFM) has issued advice to farmers whose slurry tanks are full as a result of prolonged housing of livestock.
Beef
Independent TD Carol Nolan has said she expects "at least 70,000 applications" in the event of a new fodder support scheme being rolled out.
Minister McConalogue has been urged by the ICMSA "to come with a plan and funding" to the next meeting of the national fodder committee.
