As winter approaches, farmers in Ireland are taking stock of their fodder reserves to ensure their livestock have enough feed to last through the colder months. The latest Teagasc national fodder survey provides valuable insights into the current state of fodder stocks on both drystock and dairy farms across the country.
The survey reveals that a majority of farms, 62%, have fully secured their winter feed requirements, including a one-month reserve. Another 20% of farms have minor deficits of less than 10% of their winter feed needs. However, around 6% of farms reported significant deficits of 20% or more, although this is an improvement from the previous survey conducted in June.
One of the main factors contributing to feed shortages is the light second cuts of silage in many regions, which has further impacted fodder reserves. Some farms have already resorted to feeding silage due to lower than expected grass growth, raising concerns that deficits could worsen before the onset of winter housing.
Data from the survey also highlights a 1.2t dry matter (DM)/ha reduction compared to the five-year average, indicating that many farms are falling behind their target for average farm cover (AFC) to support autumn grazing. This shortfall in grass growth has forced farmers to use more silage than usual, further depleting their feed reserves.
To address the dwindling fodder stocks, 50% of surveyed farmers have taken steps to secure additional forage. However, approximately 30% anticipate cash flow issues over the winter due to the need to purchase extra feed. This financial strain underscores the importance of proactive planning and management of feed resources to ensure the welfare of livestock during the winter months.
The survey also delves into regional variations in feed balance and enterprise types. Dairy farms in different regions showed varying levels of sufficiency in winter feed, with some areas reporting higher deficits than others. Similarly, drystock enterprises exhibited differences in feed reserves across regions, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to address feed shortages based on local conditions.
In response to the survey results, experts from Teagasc have issued advice to farmers to conduct thorough fodder budgets for their farms and take early action to secure feed supplies or reduce demand. Testing the quality of silage and prioritising the best quality feed for specific livestock categories, such as freshly calved cows and young stock, can help optimise feed resources and animal performance.
By identifying opportunities to reduce stock numbers, such as culling empty or poor-performing cows and heavier cattle, farmers can better manage feed demand and minimise the need for additional purchases. It’s crucial for farmers to empty slurry tanks promptly to utilise the valuable nutrients for the benefit of their farm operations.
Aisling Claffey, Teagasc ruminant nutrition specialist, emphasised the importance of individual farm assessments and appropriate diet formulations based on silage quality to ensure optimal feed management. Tom Curran, head of advisory services at Teagasc, urged farmers to remain vigilant about their winter feed stocks and adjust their strategies accordingly to maintain herd health and productivity.
In conclusion, the Teagasc national fodder survey provides valuable insights into the current state of fodder reserves on Irish farms as winter approaches. While many farmers have successfully secured their winter feed requirements, significant deficits still exist in some regions and enterprise types. By proactively managing feed resources, conducting fodder budgets, and adopting targeted strategies, farmers can ensure the well-being of their livestock and maintain sustainable farming practices throughout the winter season.
