Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The banks, meanwhile, are generally increasing bank charges. The co-ops have told us that they are playing their role but that they are concerned about the banks. They are doing their very best to help their suppliers. Teagasc is also playing its role. The problem, however, is that it is giving professional advice but farmers involved are at the pinnacle of animal husbandry. These are good farmers who have taken good advice all along the way. However, last summer’s weather conditions and the extended winter period have impacted on the amount of feed available. What happened at the back end of the year will present another problem because of the extended winter period.

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