Teagasc set up Fodder Register and Farmer Helplines
Teagasc continue to provide support to farmers in dealing with the difficulties created by the persisting wet weather.
Today, Monday, 8 April, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer Dr Stan Lalor announced two additional initiatives that have been put in place by Teagasc to provide further support to farmers.
Fodder Register
Firstly, a Fodder Register is being put in place to help connect farmers who have fodder available with those farmers that require it. A fodder register will be set up in each Teagasc region, where farmers can contact the local Teagasc Advisory office to register as having feed available, or to enquire if there are farmers on the register from whom they might source feed.
The fodder register is being set up on foot of a request from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, for Teagasc to establish a system for co-ordinating advisory supports to help farmers maximise existing fodder stocks and provide a basis for those with surpluses to engage with those who are struggling.
Despite the persisting wet weather across the country, fodder continues to be available nationally but some farms are short due to regional variation in rainfall levels, and the difficulty in getting livestock out to grass.
The fodder register will help connect farmers locally to allow neighbouring farmers to support each other. The register is open to all farmers.
A full list of Teagasc offices with phone numbers are available here
Teagasc Helplines Available to Farmers
Teagasc has also set up two helpline numbers to provide advice to farmers on how to manage their farms through this difficult weather period. The Helplines will be open initially for a two week period up to Saturday 20th April.
- Monday to Saturday
- 9am to 9pm
- A voicemail can be left outside of these hours to request a call back
Teagasc National Crops Helpline: 059 918 3533
Teagasc National Grassland Helpline: 059 918 3155
Teagasc advisors and specialists, led by Pearse Kelly and Michael Hennessy, will be available to provide advice over the phone to assist farmers in making the best decisions to cope with the difficulties caused by the weather.
The Helplines are open to all farmers seeking advice in coping with the ongoing wet weather and challenging soil conditions.