Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014
513. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the fodder crisis of winter-spring 2013, if his Department has drawn up plans to be enacted should such a serious crisis occur again particularly on account of the losses and hardship experienced by farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16766/14]
View answerAfter a very difficult spring in 2013, weather conditions resulted in excellent production of high quality fodder across all fodder types last year. Both yields and quality of later cut hay and silage were good, while yields of specialist crops such as fodder maize and beet were well above average. Excellent conditions last Autumn provided an opportunity for farmers to extend the grazing season. The indications are that there is a satisfactory supply of fodder available at present and with many farmers now turning out their animals, it is anticipated that adequate supplies of fodder will be available. Supplementary concentrate feeding has fallen significantly in cost since last year and adequate volumes of fodder continue to be advertised on farming media and associated websites. At my request, Teagasc have prioritised the continued need for budgeting of fodder stock on farms through the media, discussion groups and one to one advisory contacts.
