Farmers Re-house Livestock and Prepare for Difficult Days Ahead as Weather Deteriorates

IFA President Joe Healy has described farming conditions since the first fall of snow yesterday as “difficult and challenging”, with some dairy farmers struggling to keep water supplies flowing in milking parlours. In addition, livestock farmers calving and lambing at this time are having to draw in fresh water supplies from other sources.

He said, “This is already a busy time of the year on most farms. However, the deteriorating weather, freezing ground conditions and continuing snowfall are now adding increased hardship and work on many farms, particularly in midland and eastern counties.

“Over the next number of days, farm families will continue to face extreme challenges for themselves and their livestock. It is absolutely essential that farmers think of their own safety and the safety of their families and their neighbours at this time.”

Regarding livestock, the IFA President said “Animals need to be well nourished in the cold weather and the possibility of getting them out to grass, given the current weather conditions, is now very much on hold, which will have an impact on already tight fodder supplies.

“Minister Creed must rethink his current inadequate response to the fodder difficulties. It is clear that the fodder scheme that is in place is not working and IFA’s proposal for a meal voucher scheme should be brought back to the table.”

Joe Healy urged all farm families to continue to take the necessary precautions around their farms over the next number of days, to get through this difficult period and to make contact with their local IFA branch for support, where necessary.

The IFA National Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, March 1st has been postponed in light of the weather conditions.