Act now and save money this winter, Teagasc advises

Prompt action now could save farmers thousands on feed costs this winter. Low rainfall over the last three months has reduced grass yields to a 30 year low according to Teagasc grassland researchers. Results from Moorepark and Ballyhaise show that drought related issues have reduced year to date grass yields by up to 20%. The net result is the grass shortage currently being experienced on many farms and the disappointing yields of second cut silages reported.

A group of Teagasc specialists met this week to discuss the situation on the ground. Following the meeting, Teagasc Drystock specialist Liam Fitzgerald said, “The first step is to assess your own individual situation. How much grass have you at present on the farm? How much silage and hay have you saved already and how much will you need this winter?”.

“Where a deficit exists, the next step is to draw up a plan to deal with the situation. More options are available to farmers who identify a problem early. The key is to take action immediately. Our fear is that farmers who leave it until the last minute may end up paying too much for the feedstuffs available”, he said.

Teagasc advisers are gearing up to help farmers address their winter fodder concerns. They can assist you in determining the relative value of various concentrate feeds and forages to ensure you are getting the best value for money and in taking steps to shorten the coming winter on your farm.

Teagasc Dairy specialist George Ramsbottom said, “Solutions may include an application of Nitrogen now to boost grass growth to delay the winter housing period, and make up some of the deficit. Alternatives to silage based diets exist – these include straw-concentrate diets and ad lib meal diets for finishing cattle. A third option may be to reduce the stock numbers on the farm ahead of the housed period.

“In some situations these winter feed options may prove to be better value than the prices now being quoted for hay or baled silage. Based on prices of €160 and €230 per tonne for rolled barley and soya bean meal respectively, we believe that a typical square bale of hay or round bale of silage is not worth more than €2 or €24 per bale respectively,” he said.

Teagasc clinics are scheduled to take place around the country to assist farmers in planning for the coming winter. Further details of the clinics available in your area will be advertised shortly in the local press.