Safeguarding the cattle and sheep trade appears to be the main priority of the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA), as it has put forward a series of proposals regarding this. According to INHFA vice-president Micheal McDonnell, there is a real worry about these sectors, and that is already becoming apparent on the light of store trade for cattle. Outlining his concerns, McDonnell says that many farmers are “not in the financial position to purchase enough fertiliser to ensure adequate silage supplies for next winter”.
Earlier this month Teagasc reported that farmers in the sheep and cattle trade are forecast to have incomes decline by between 16-25%. McDonnell claims that “while some of these farmers may carry their younger stock into and through the winter, there are many more that depend on a strong trade every autumn, a trade that could be undermined by the lack of fodder and meal.”
In acknowledging the assistance of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee regarding animal feed, McDonnell stressed the need for “additional consideration around financial supports and scheme amendments, which the government must now lead on. ”
The INHFA has recommended the following in the proposals submitted:
- The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine seeks permission from the EU Commission for an early pay-out of all schemes, which should ideally commence this August.
- A substantial budget package to support farmers that are making silage or hay. Details on this will need to be indicated in the coming weeks with payment made following the presentation of a receipt of payment from their contractor indicating the area cut or number of bales made
- Under the BEEP-S, consideration will need to be given to farmers that have included the feeding of meal as an option in the event that meal is unavailable or price prohibitive
McDonnell says these proposals can have a positive impact on the lamb, weanling and light store trade this coming autumn.