Vol. 507 No. 4
14 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the advice, if any, his Department is giving to farmers regarding the provision of adequate fodder supplies for winter 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16531/99]
Last year's difficult summer weather conditions and the long winter resulted in fodder shortages and the depletion of fodder stocks on many farms. The tight fodder situation was exacerbated by the fact that many farmers were forced to carry excess stock over the winter because of the collapse of the Russian market last year. The relative improvement in the weather this year resulted in the satisfactory completion of the first cut of silage.
On 31 May 1999 I pointed out that we were entering a critical phase in planning the winters forage supply. I urged farmers to take careful stock of their fodder needs and plan accordingly. While the Government provided a considerable level of assistance last winter to farmers in greatest need there is no substitute for prudent planning at this stage of the year.
Teagasc has an extensive programme of advice at which the provision of winter fodder is a top priority.
