As farm families across the country struggle to feed their livestock I have again called for Minister Creed to introduce an emergency fodder voucher system.
It very clear across rural communities that the transport scheme for fodder has not worked for most farmers. The red tape involved in this half-hearted effort to meet the needs of farmers has failed to deliver a viable scheme. Having to engage a farm advisor and purchase through co-ops has resulted in an increased cost of fodder.
Vouchers need to be provided through the co-ops and feed merchants. Teagasc have already collected data on farmers’ needs’ which has identified the areas most at risk. This would guarantee the quality of the feed available providing a high level of nutrition for livestock rather than relying on the variable qualities of silage and hay being transported now.
The vast majority of farmers will only apply for what they need to feed their livestock. A voucher limit can be set for each herd owner linked to their individual herd number.
It is no longer acceptable for the Minister to keep repeating there is no fodder crisis while ignoring the immediate problem. Now is the time to act.
