Ireland: Call for fodder production incentive to offset poor grass growth

The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has called for the introduction of a Fodder Production Incentive Measure to offset what it said are “likely fodder shortages” over the winter. President of the ICSA, Sean McNamara said: “Grass growth is well down on where we need it to be. As a result, cattle are being fed from the first cuts of silage, eating into what should be stored for the winter. “This does not bode well for the winter, and a scheme similar to the one introduced in 2018 is badly needed,” he said. Fodder production In 2018, a ‘Fodder Production Incentive Measure for Tillage Farmers’ worth €2.75 million was introduced to encourage tillage farmers to sow forage crops on their land to reduce the feed deficit in the country. Under the scheme some 19,400ha was planted – with 13,400ha made up of brassica crops including forage rape, stubble turnips, kale and rape hybrids, according ot the ICSA. A further 6,000ha was made up of grasses including Westerwold ...