Teagasc has said that it will put a fodder register in place to allow farmers who require fodder to contact farmers who have excess fodder available.
Teagasc has also said that it will set up phone helplines to assist farmers by providing advice on how to manage their farms through the difficult period of challenging weather conditions.
A fodder register will be set up in each Teagasc region, where farmers can contact the local advisory office to register as having feed available, or to enquire if there are farmers on the register from whom feed can be sourced.
The register is being set up of foot of a request from Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue for Teagasc to set up a system for coordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surplus feed to engage with those who may run into shortages.
Teagasc said that fodder continues to available across the country despite the wet weather. However, the advisory body said that some farms are short due to national variations in rainfall and the difficulty in getting livestock out to grass.
Teagasc confirmed that the register will be open to all farmers. The full list of Teagasc advisory offices, with their phone numbers, is available on the Teagasc website.
Separately, the two helplines that have been set up will be open initially for a two-week period up to Saturday April 20.
Farmer who wish to avail of the helplines can do so between Monday and Saturday from 9:00a.m to 9:00p.m.
A voicemail can be left outside of these hours to request a call back.
The numbers are:
- Teagasc National Crops Helpline – 059 918 3533;
- Teagasc National Grassland Helpline – 059 918 3155.
Advisors and specialists, led by Pearse Kelly and Michael Hennessy, will be available to provide advice over the phone to assist farmers in making decisions to cope with the difficulties caused by the weather.
The helplines are open to all farmers seeking advice in coping with the ongoing wet weather and challenging soil conditions.