asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if his Department has made any estimate of the likely fall in tonnage during the current year of silage and hay crops; and if these supplies will be adequate for winter feeding.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Silage and Hay Crops.
30.
It is difficult, at this stage, as the relevant statistics are not yet available, to arrive at a reliable estimate of the quantity of hay and silage saved. It is certain, however, because of the ideal weather conditions that the tonnage already saved is of good quality and field and storage losses will be minimal. The availability of adequate feed next winter will depend a good deal on growing conditions for the rest of the season and also on the amount of silage saved in the autumn. Pressure on available supplies will, I expect, be decreased as a result of increases in the number of animals slaughtered and exported live in the first half of this year as compared with the corresponding period of 1974.
Is the Minister aware, as so many Deputies on this side are, that there is a very substantial drop in the amount of silage and hay conserved in the last grass season, and that to pin one's hopes on a further cut of silage in the autumn is a bit fatuous in view of the fact that the use of phosphates and potash has dropped calamitously in this grass season? Having regard to these two serious features, can the Minister give any hope that farmers will have access to subsidised feedingstuffs to supplement hay and silage losses?
First of all, I hope the Deputy does not hold me responsible for the weather and the yield of hay and pasture because of the drought. Last year the drop in production was for another reason, the wet weather. The Deputy is asking will there be forever a rescue scheme for people who have not made preparations and who will not accept their responsibilities.
Surely the Minister will not blame the dry conditions in May and June for the shortfall in silage crops which began to be cut in May?
It was the wet conditions last year, it is the dry conditions this year. There will always be an excuse.
The real reason is the lack of fertilisers on the land because of the huge prices this year.
We dealt with that question.