Heatwave prompts fears of second fodder crisis

Emer Connolly

The heatwave is likely to contribute to a fodder crisis later this year, according to the IFA in Offaly.

Several farmers are forced to dip into their winter fodder, as the ground is exceptionally dry, according to the chairman of the IFA in the county Richard Scally.

Mr Scally, who is a farmer based in Ballycommon, said there is grave concern among the farming community amid the high temperatures.

“It is getting serious now. The hot weather is curtailing grass growth. Farmers are feeding silage bales and hay because the ground is too dry. They are delving into the fodder they have for next winter,” he said.

There are also concerns over water shortages, he said, amid warnings from Irish Water that night-time restrictions may be necessary to deal with the increase in demand. This could mean that farmers have to draw huge amounts of water every day for their stock.

“The other problem is water. People are under pressure at the minute and there isn't a thing anyone can do,” he added.

He is fearful that “we are heading into a fodder crisis”, he said.

However, on a positive note, he said that a spell of rain will bring good news for farmers.

“If the rain comes there is so much heat in the ground the grass will come bursting out of the ground which is great,” he said.