asked the Minister for Agriculture if, in view of the loss of winter feed due to faulty polythene silage covers, his Department will have a check made on the quality of these covers in the coming season.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Silage Covers.
11.
I am not aware that the polythene covers available result in silage losses when used correctly. The problem is one on which advice and guidance may be obtained from instructors in agriculture and I am arranging to have the matter brought to their attention.
I am glad to hear the Minister is making that arrangement. Is he aware that many farmers who conserve their winter feed in open silos have been faced with the problem of imported perforated covers? There should be some system of testing them for quality and gauge to ensure that they are in accordance with the regulations. Many farmers found that most of their winter feed went bad because of the polythene covers.
I am told in a further note that it seems this polythene is clear film and may not have been covered or covered adequately to protect it from the sun. The ultra-violet light of the sun's rays can destroy the structure of the polythene. With black pigmentation it is able to resist sunlight for a year. Apparently the clear film material is not able to stand up to direct sunlight. As the Deputy knows, most farmers cover the polythene and protect it from the sun.
Is the Minister aware that in the cases I mentioned they were covered with black polythene?
I was not so aware. That is not the information the Department have.