If farmers feel “overwhelmed” by continuous wet weather impacts, then they should consult an advisor to form a plan for the rest of the year, according to the president of the Agricultural Consultants’ Association (ACA), Michael Ryan.
Ryan said that members of the ACA are currently dealing with Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) applications, and are hearing from most farmers that they are “concerned” about the weather.
He said that the plan could be used to make some “tough decisions”, based on whether lowering stock is necessary.
Unsettled showers and rain are expected to continue over the coming week, with wettest conditions expected in the southeast and west.
Many farmers have not gotten stock out for grazing yet, and some are experiencing fodder shortages.
He said that the ACA would be “recommending caution going forward” following conditions this year.
“There is enough fodder in the country, the problem is that it isn’t where it needs to be. We’re not looking at a case where we might have to import.
“But it is definitely ringing alarm bells that there will be no surplus carried into the next winter,” Ryan said.
Dry weather
Ryan warned farmers that when the wet weather stops, land may end up experiencing a prolonged dry spell.
He said this would impact on grass growths and affect tillage “severely”.
He added that for now farmers “need to focus” on getting stock out to the driest land as soon as possible and ensure on planning for a surplus of feed in the year to come.
With overflowing slurry tanks this year, farmers will have to take every chance they get to spread too, according to Ryan.
He said that farmers will also have to take care while spreading and “bear nitrates rules in mind”.
“We’re living in rapidly evolving times in terms of pollution and we have to be wary of our environmental responsibilities,” Ryan said.