The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) is calling for support for farmers from the agricultural sector and further afield as they face continuing challenging weather conditions.
IFA deputy president Alice Doyle said the ongoing weather conditions are placing farmers under serious pressure and adding to stress levels for families.
“The level of rainfall has made it impossible to move livestock; planting and sowing is way behind and bills are mounting as farmers struggle to keep on top of their work,” she said.
“St. Patrick’s Day is seen as a turning point in the farming calendar, but ground is saturated due to wet conditions that stretch back to the middle of last year.”
Support amid challenging weather conditions
Doyle has appealed to everybody in the sector who interacts with farmers to take this into account and to give whatever support they can.
“For the Department of Agriculture, it could mean stepping down inspections for the moment and also redoubling their efforts to ensure the timely payment of funds from farm schemes,” Doyle continued.
“Any change to terms and conditions that allows maximum flexibility should also be considered.”
The IFA deputy president said processors and banks also have a role to play.
“Every cent that’s in the marketplace has to make its way back to farmers. Banks should apply leniency for anybody who’s battling to meet repayments,” she said.
IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs chair Teresa Roche is also asking farmers to support their neighbours and offer help if it is needed.
“Most farmers operate as sole traders and the persistent weather conditions may overwhelm them. I would encourage anybody who is feeling isolated to seek support,” she said.
Fodder shortage due to weather
Meanwhile Agriland has been speaking to farmers facing a fodder shortage due to the inclement weather during the last back end and into spring.
Vice-president of the ICMSA, Eamon Carroll from Templemore, Co. Tipperary told Agriland that for the first time ever on his farm this year, he has ran out of fodder.
Carroll described the situation as “unusual” and said the situation is not down to an increase in stock numbers, but “predominantly” caused by weather events.