Minister Urged to Act Now as Drought Threatens Fodder Reserves

Minister resists emergency Food Security Committee meeting until fodder survey results are in

Minister Martin Heydon urged all farmers to complete a fodder budget to inform the survey by August 21

Irish farmers warn of fodder pressure after prolonged dry spell

Hot weather, lack of rainfall could force farmers to use winter fodder stocks earlier than expected

Fodder survey results key to minister's next steps on drought

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon is urging all farmers to complete a fodder budget. The comments come as drought conditions have severely impacted grass growth in recent weeks, particularly in the east of the country. 53% of farms in the south, east and midlands currently have a farm cover below 500kg dry matter per hectare (DM/ha), according to Teagasc, Soil moisture deficit is between 60-95mm in the south and east. F…