Farmers are being advised to assess fodder stocks on their farms for the upcoming winter by completing a fodder budget.

Teagasc is currently undertaking its annual fodder survey to assess fodder levels on farms ahead of the winter.

The results, expected on August 20, will provide farmers and the wider industry with an overview of the national and regional fodder situation.

Teagasc has emphasised the importance for farmers to establish what fodder stocks they expect to have in place for the winter period.

The authority said this will help to inform their management decisions for the coming months.

A fodder budget will include the quantity and quality of stock currently available in yards, crops due to be harvested and expected livestock numbers over the winter.

Teagasc has asked farmers to submit their completed fodder budgets on PastureBase where possible.

This data along with on-the-ground information from Teagasc advisers will be used for the National Fodder Survey.

Growth levels

According to the latest data from PastureBase, grass growth is currently below average across the country.

On dairy farms, there is average grass growth of 26kg of dry matter per hectare (DM/ha), with a demand of 39kg DM/ha.

Average growth on drystock farms currently stands at 31kg DM/ha, with demand running at 37kg DM/ha.

Average farm covers (AFC) were 491kg DM/ha on dairy farms and 489kg DM/ha on drystock holdings.

Teagasc said that the recovery of paddocks will be proportional to the amount of rainfall received locally and has advised farmers to walk their farms to determine growth recovery rates.

Predicted growth is still below average levels in the east of the country.

In some parts of the country, fodder will need to be fed until soil moisture has recovered, which will in turn impact fodder budgets.

Teagasc also noted there might not be an opportunity to harvest any more fodder this year in places.

Rainfall

Over the past week, rainfall levels have varied hugely across the country.

Rainfall amounts range from 33mm in Athenry, Co. Galway to 4.8mm in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary over the period.

Met Éireann has reported soil moisture deficits in general currently range from around 40mm to 85mm, with the driest conditions in the south and east.

However, values are lower in the north, north-west and north midlands, with deficits of around 10mm to 20mm. Some soils on the northwest coast are close to saturation.

Grass

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon said that his department "reviews grass growth and fodder availability on an ongoing basis".

"Up to the week ending July 21, cumulative grass growth for the year-to-date was over 550kg ahead of the five year average, enabling farmers to build up fodder stocks for the winter ahead.

"However, reduced soil moisture availability and limited rainfall have led to a decline in grass growth.

"Growth rates in the south-east began to decline over three weeks ago, and in the past week grass growth in the north and north-west has also dropped below average.

"Grass growth over the coming weeks will depend on localised rainfall and is expected to vary significantly across the country," he said.