IFA to intensify fodder campaign at Mayo meeting
THE IFA is intensifying its fodder campaign with a major meeting taking place in Claremorris next Friday, December 1, at 8 p.m.
President Joe Healy says the deepening fodder problems will have to be addressed by the Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed.
He described a 'blasé response' from the Minister in the Dáil last Tuesday during a debate on the matter as 'wholly inadequate'.
Said Mr. Healy: “From what we have seen on the ground, including when Minister of State for Agriculture, Andrew Doyle, joined us 10 days ago to survey the conditions on farms affected, there is no doubt that there is an urgent need for a scheme. Minister Creed should get on with it and introduce one immediately.
“Farmers who are under extreme pressure because of the challenges facing them expect a strong response from the minister and the government.”
He continued: “Our meeting on December 1 in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, starting at 8 p.m. will hear directly from the farmers affected. Minister Creed has been invited to attend and speakers will include representatives from Teagasc and Aurivo. All farmers from the western region are encouraged to attend.”
Mr. Healy said urgent action is needed to assist farmers in affected areas, mainly in the northwest and west of the country. The difficult weather conditions since August have left many farmers facing a severe fodder crisis during the winter and spring months.
“It is clear that many farmers were unable to get a second cut of silage and have had to house their animals earlier using up silage from first cut and other fodder they need for the winter. We have to address this now as the problem has become acute; we cannot wait until the new year,” he said.
The IFA has also met with Teagasc and a survey is underway to identify those farmers who are likely to have a problem this winter. Discussions have also taken place with local co-ops and merchants to provide a feed mix for those farmers.
Other issues to be discussed at the meeting on Friday include ANCs, CAP 2020 and supporting the suckler herd.
INHFA national rally
The Irish Natura & Hill Farmers Association is holding a national rally to also highlight the need for action on the fodder crisis and to address how additional funding for the ANC scheme will be directed.
The rally is also scheduled for Friday night, December 1, starting at 8 p.m., and will be held in the Sligo Southern Hotel.
National president Colm O’Donnell outlined the need to have a fodder aid package in place before Christmas, stating: “How many farmers will be facing into 2018 with most or all of their fodder supplies used up as a result of the early feeding of livestock and their inability to harvest a second cut due to excessive rainfall?
“Many farmers are facing into their fourth month of feeding with another five still to come and what they need to see is recognition from Minister Creed that there is a crisis and a plan in the form of a fodder scheme to help them.”