Teagasc holding fodder/drought clinics for farmers

Teagasc has set up a help line for farmers who want to speak to an advisor regarding options for feeding stock given the continuing decline in grass growth rates throughout the country.

Farmers can contact this help line at 087 7971377 from 9am to 9pm each day. 

There are also a series of clinics and events taking place around the country where advice will be available for farmers. 

Chairman of the Interagency fodder group, Dermot McCarthy, Teagasc, said; “Grass growth rate has declined to nil in parts of the south east and on individual fields and farms in the south and midlands.

“Given that the weather forecast indicates no significant rain for at least another week, it is important that farmers make best use of remaining grass supplies and make the best decisions regarding meal and silage supplementation.” 

Currently Teagasc and the interagency group are carrying out a fodder census to establish the levels of silage in pits which was meant for feeding next winter.

Results are expected within days but indications are that most farms had good yields of first cut silage.

Unfortunately, however, silage pits are now being opened on many farms.

Teagasc are also holding events throughout the country which will deal with fodder and feed management in the current drought.

A list of some events is given in the table below. At these local events the financial and social/stress aspects of this drought will be discussed.

There will also be an opportunity for dairy farmers to discuss the options for managing through this drought period at the Teagasc/Glanbia Kildalton Open Source Sustainable Dairy Farm Open Day, tomorrow, Thursday, July 5, in County Kilkenny.

 

 

 

Events dealing with fodder/drought

Sligo, July 6, 11am, Teagasc Office, Ballymote

Donegal, July 5, 11am, Teagasc Office, Ballybofey

Mayo, July 4, 10am, Teagasc Office, Claremorris

Cork, July 12, 10am, Teagasc Office, Kanturk

Cork, July 5, 8pm Larry Kearney, Barnahash, Rathcormac, County Cork

Cork, July 5, noon Ballyclough GAA Complex, Ballyclough, Mallow 

Cork, July 12, 11am, Thomas Carver, Gurrane, Dromagh, Kanturk, County Cork

Cork, July 9, 11am, Bandon Mart, Bandon, County Cork

Galway, July 6, 10am, Teagasc Office, Tuam, County Galway

Meath, July 9, 10am, Teagasc Office, Navan, County Meath

Kildare, July 10, 10am, Teagasc Office, Naas, County Kildare

Laois, July 10, 10am, Teagasc Office, Portlaoise, County Laois

Offaly, July 5, 10am, Teagasc Office, Tullamore, County Offaly

Limerick, July 3, 11am, Martin Crowes, Doon County Limerick

Kerry, July 11, 11am, Smarter Milking Event, Ballysheen, Abbeydorney

Tipperary, July 4, noon John/Maria Walsh, Ballylooby, Cahir, County Tipperary

Wexford, July 3, 11am, Johnstown Castle, Dairy Unit, Johnstown Castle

Wexford, July 6, 2.30pm Frank Brownrigg, Crory, Ferns, Enniscorthy, Wexford

Carlow, July 6, 10.30am Tom Jordan, Sheen, Garryhill, Carlow

Carlow, July 12, 11am, Paddy Maher, Cloruske, Bagenalstown, County Carlow

Wexford, July 10, 11am, John Watchhorn, Scullabogue, Foulskmills, New Ross

Wexford, July 6, 11am, Teagasc Office, Showgrounds, Gorey, County Wexford

Kilkenny, July 5, 11am, Kildalton College, Piltown, County Kilkenny

Waterford, July 6, 11am, Matthew3 Fogarty, Whitechurch, Cappagyh, 

Kilkenny, July 6, 10am, Brian Blackmore, Rathleek, Callan Road, Kilkenny

Roscommon, July 10, 10am, Teagasc Office, Castlerea, County Roscommon

Longford, July 10, 10am, Teagasc Office, Longford