The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) has called for a “simplified process” in order to allow farmers feed a higher crude protein concentrate.
The requirement for written confirmation to exceed the limit of 15% crude protein applicable from today (Monday, April 15), was criticised by ICMSA deputy president, Eamon Carroll.
The 15% crude protein limit applies to concentrates fed to dairy cows and other cattle aged over two years that are outdoors at grass fulltime from today to September 30.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed that it will allow a higher level where it is required to maintain animal welfare or to meet the animal’s dietary needs.
However, in this scenario, written confirmation must be provided at inspection from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist or an accredited farm advisory service (FAS) advisor.
Crude protein exemption
Despite welcoming the possible exemption, Carroll criticised the requirement for a nutritionist or FAS advisor to “sign off” on a higher crude protein concentrate, which he said is “another paper trail for farmers”.
He believes Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue should change the procedure for securing the exemption by extending the date to May 1, with an “option for further extension”.
Calling on the minister to remove the “paper trail requirement” in order to be exempt from the 15% limit, Carroll said: “Farmers have enough on their plate without this additional requirement.
“Involving advisors at one of the busiest times of the year makes absolutely no sense for a piece of paper that will ultimately end up in a shredder [with] absolutely no benefit for the environment.”
The DAFM said that inspectors will be conscious of local weather and soil conditions, and that it recognises that in certain parts of the country dairy cows and adult cattle may not be at grass fulltime in the coming weeks.