If you happen to be in Ireland, the persistent downpour might seem like just a minor inconvenience. But, for dairy farmers of the Emerald Isle, this ‘trivial’ inconvenience is turning out to be a major crisis. As the harsh weather prolongs, a staggering 1 out of every 10 farmers is finding themselves without fodder at the onset of April. This severe shortage is not just an isolated issue but has acted as a catalyst, leading to broad spectrum ramifications such as escalating feed costs, depleting fodder reserves, and even apprehensions about future supply.
In February alone, the volume of milk received by processors took a significant hit, standing at 330.4 million litres. If you compare this to the same month last year, that’s a concerning 13.3% drop. The decrease is even sharper when compared to February 2022, with a reduction of 10.1%. This scenario paints a devastating picture for the dairy sector that’s grappling to lay hold of its bearings.
The gravity of the situation has led Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue to convoke emergency meetings of the National Committee on Fodder to brainstorm potential solutions. He’s paused farm inspections that are not directly required to support payments. Simultaneously, he’s also instructed Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – to devise a system to streamline advisory aids to assist farmers in making the most of the existing fodder stocks.
“A coordination system will not only be instrumental in guiding farmers to exploit existing fodder reserves effectively but also act as a crucial touchpoint for those blessed with surplus resources to connect with those in dire need,” states Minister McConalogue.
The exacting weather has also dealt a crushing blow to milk supplies, causing a more than 10% decline in several co-ops. Dairygold, the largest of them all, reported a 9% drop in milk supply for the year 2023 compared to the previous year. Arrabawn and Tirlan echoed a similar sentiment, documenting dips between 8%-10% and a 10% slump in yields per cow respectively. The Carbery Group bears the brunt of the situation, witnessing the most significant annual milk supply reduction, down 14% for the first 12 weeks of the year compared to 2023.
Union leaders express deep concerns about this crisis. Francie Gorman, the president of the Irish Farmers’ Union, advocated that every cent from the market ought to go back to the dairy and livestock farmers. These farmers, he insists, have been unable to get out to grass this spring due to dreadful weather conditions.
“Our members are fighting profound battles, not just against the weather and the fields, but oftentimes deleterious mental conditions, too. This crisis goes beyond economic stress to encompass a significant human element. I urge every farmer to look out for their neighbors and ask for help when needed. We are all in this together,” implores President Gorman.
