Drought Conditions Driving Up Costs for Suckler and Beef Farmers – IFA

IFA Livestock Chair Declan Hanrahan said the drought conditions in parts of the country are dramatically increasing costs for farmers.

He said some farmers have opted to house animals to manage limited supplies of grass and increased concentrate feeding to supplement silage.

Declan Hanrahan said this will have a knock-on effect on overall fodder supplies if we don’t have an improvement in growing conditions in the next few weeks.

He said beef prices have started to stabilise this week and it is important factories remain strong in the marketplace to offset the increased costs of production.

Declan Hanrahan said it is important farmers optimise feed supplies that are available and fertiliser usage in these difficult conditions.

“IFA have called on the Minister to reconvene the Fodder Crisis Committee urgently to assess the situation in real time and come forward with plans that will allow farmers to plan their feed management for the coming weeks and months, he said it is critical early and decisive decisions are taken to alleviate the concerns on farms,” he added.

The IFA Livestock Chair said it is also important that Teagasc issue specific advice and guidance immediately for suckler and beef farmers in effected areas to best manage their particular situation.