Mike Magan, the chair of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, is encouraging farmers to make sure that enough fertiliser is spread on grassland now for grazing and first-cut silage. The newly formed committee currently has representatives from over 30 farm and agri-food organisations, and Magan gave the advice at their second meeting.
He said that, “there is a good weather forecast for the weeks ahead,” and that farmers “need to spread the fertiliser to grow the grass”. In his view there are adequate fertiliser supplies to meet farmers’ spring requirements. He encouraged farmers to take stock of their requirements over the next two months, urging them to secure their supply if not already done.
The chair welcomed Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue’s announcement of the €12m targeted intervention package for the tillage sector and the multi-species sward initiative.
He said the committee wanted to send a positive message to farmers to respond and make this initiative a success. He said farmers should take advantage of the new funding.
Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc director, also stressed that fertiliser spread in late March and early April will give a higher response than that spread at other times of the year.