The ongoing fodder crisis could cause irreparable damage to Galway farms if supply issues are not addressed.
That’s according to Galway-Roscommon TD Eugene Murphy who says cattle farmers might have to dump stock they cannot feed.
“I have seen cows and calves on land where there is no grass. The Minister knows when farmers are forced to sell livestock at a time of crisis, the livestock is bought on the conditions of the purchaser.
“If this happens, many farmers will not recover. They are already pressed owing to the terrible ground conditions. Farmers are in crisis and this is the last straw.”
Speaking in the Dáil this week Deputy Murphy said the Transport Subsidy Scheme to help support the transport of hay and silage announced this January was not good enough.
“In my view, the transport subsidy scheme is a farce. I do not believe it was ever mean to work. The silage is gone, the hay sheds are empty, but the cattle pens are full.”
The crisis has not been helped by almost a year of poor weather which has strained grazing land according to Deputy Murphy.
“There is not growth anywhere. According to Teagasc 85% of farmers in the west, northwest and in part of the midlands are affected by this crisis.”
