By Bryan T. Smyth
Many Farmers in Cork cannot afford to feed their cattle, and there have
been calls for the Minister for Agriculture
to access emergency EU funding.
It’s being called the “Fodder crisis”.
The poor summer of 2012 meant that the quantity and quality hay and silage
preserved for winter feed was lower than normal. Then in 2013 grass growth
has been slower than expected because of cold and wet weather.
Cattle should now be on grass, but many are still being kept in sheds where
they’re eating purchased fodder.
Cork County Councillors, many of whom are farmers, today spoke of stories
of maxed out co-op credit,
, uncooperative banks, and mental stresses.
With stocks low in Ireland some co-ops are now having to import fodder from
Kent in England.
Farmers are being advised to consult their Teagasc adviser or consultant
for advice on how to make the best use of what is available.
Independent County Councillor Declan Hurley is a farmer in Dunmanway.
Seven of his cattle have died in the past week, and he is in debt
