A WEST of Ireland TD has urged the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, to respond to indications of a possible fodder shortage through the later spring period.

Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Agriculture and Roscommon-Galway TD, Claire Kerrane, said that a recent survey indicated that almost one third of farmers were running short of fodder.

She said that the Agriland survey indicated that many farmers were worried about the price they might have to pay for fodder and were now contemplating selling off livestock earlier than planned.

“It is really concerning that not only are farmers facing a fodder shortage, which is a challenge in itself, they are also facing a significant financial burden as a result of this.

“I appreciate that a fodder shortage is largely due to the weather we experienced in 2023, and that the poor second cut of silage and early housing of animals are knock-on consequences of that,” said Deputy Kerrane.

She added that she had now submitted a query to the Minister to ask what his response was to the survey results and what measures his Department were taking to deal with the issues raised.

Galway IFA Chair, Stephen Canavan, said that while the fodder supply situation was fairly stable at present, a lot would depend on how the spring weather situation developed.

“Straw is hard to source too with a lot of the bigger tillage farmers now taking part in the Straw Incorporation Measure [putting chopped straw back into the soil] and that has had an impact too.

Pictured: Claire Kerrane TD: Query to  Minister on fodder shortage.