Farmer morale hammered - Bugler

Farmers must be supported due to the challenging weather conditions, stated Cllr Phyll Bugler.

Farmers have faced a wet autumn in 2023, which has led to early housing of animals and disruption to the planting of crops on tillage farms. Spring has been a washout, which has increased the workload and financial pressures on farms with farmer morale taking a hammering as a result. Farmers are acting responsibly and doing their best to manage fodder supplies, slurry storage capacity and field work.

In 2022/2023 the Government introduced a fodder scheme, which has helped to alleviate shortages on the majority of farms. Tillage farmers were also supported with top-up schemes and once off-financial financial supports for unharvested crops.

“New schemes need to be introduced immediately to help farmers with slurry storage, fodder supplies and the planting of crops,” Cllr Bugler stated. “I am calling on the Government to provide a coordinated response to the difficult situation facing farmers.

“It is welcome news that the Food and Fodder Committee convened on March 29 to establish the most up to date facts and focussed-on advice to assist farmers. It is also welcome that all non-essential farm inspections have been paused until April 22 and commitments given that all farm payments will be made on time.

“Agriculture is very important to the local economy and I am committed to delivering for farmers and rural Ireland. Every option needs to be investigated to support farmers during this difficult period,” stated Cllr Phyll Bugler.