Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The difficult winter and spring gone by not only impacted significantly on fodder availability last winter and spring but also highlighted the need to ensure the livestock sector conserved adequate fodder for the coming winter. This situation has been further affected by the current prolonged dry spell.

To address these issues I formed a representative group chaired by Teagasc including stakeholders such as Co-ops, banks, farm bodies, amongst others, to coordinate advisory messages to farmers this summer around replenishing stocks that have been used up and also to manage grazing and fodder through this extended period of extraordinarily dry weather. I have asked that this group meets regularly, particularly during this difficult period, until I am satisfied that the issue of securing adequate fodder supplies for next winter has been fully addressed.

The group has met on two occasions and indeed I joined the second meeting of this group by phone link to keep informed of its actions in support of livestock farmers affected by the dry conditions. The group is scheduled to meet again next week.

On the 26th June I launched a national fodder census to be compiled by Teagasc through its client network as well as clients of the other fodder group stakeholders, with another census planned for the 1st September. The aim of the census is to monitor and measure the levels of fodder in the country and will inform further actions that may be necessary this autumn.

Detailed agronomic advice is being regularly coordinated and communicated to farmers by the bodies represented on the Fodder Group, including through our own social media account.

In addition, Teagasc has established a dedicated helpline to provide advice to farmers affected by the on-going drought. This is being supplemented by a series of local meetings/clinics where farmers can obtain direct support from Teagasc advisors on the spot. The helpline will operate daily from 9 am to 9 pm - 087 7971377.

This helpline service and local clinics are open to all farmers, including non-Teagasc clients.

Co-ops and feed compounders represented on the group have increased feed output to meet demand.

Banking institution members of the group are also working closely with farmer customers on effective financial planning to see them through the current difficult spell.

I believe it is very important that in the face of such weather related events farmers should have access to measures that improve their resilience to these occurrences. I have asked my officials to examine all available risk management tools to determine which of these may be most appropriate to the farming sector.