Farmers warn that worsening drought conditions are putting increasing pressure on livestock and grass growth as dry weather persists in parts of the country.
According to the head of the Irish Dairy Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA), Denis Drennan, farmers simply “need the rain”.
In the southeast, Drennan said there was likely to be a soil moisture deficit of up to 100 mm.
drought
“We are not getting any rain this week as we are getting in other parts of the country.
“Growth rates have probably gone to zero, and nothing is growing,” Drennan said.
As grass stops growing, many growers are forced to choose an alternative Silage feed is the most common form of nutritional supplementsIt is easily available to farmers.
“It will take 50 to 60 mm of rain to get things back to somewhat normal.
“The chances of getting that in July or August are very slim.
“If we get 20mm, we will probably start planting grass for a few days but not in the long term,” the ICMSA president added.
He is afraid
Drennan said every farmer’s “biggest fear” is going out into the fields and seeing their water troughs empty.
He said that the animals are drinking huge amounts of water to cool down at the moment.
“I think everyone needs to be aware that there is a ban on household pipes and it must be strictly adhered to to provide water to those who need it most,” he added, highlighting concerns about animal welfare and fetal loss as potential risks.
The ICMSA President also highlighted issues related to farms when water restrictions occur overnight.
Drennan addressed the financial impact of feeding silage at this stage, saying “we could see feed shortages at the end of this year in this part of the world.”
He added that dairy farmers were already under “serious pressure” due to the costs of milk production at the moment.
Interruptions
Robert Nash, a Fine Gael councilor for Louth, said the Hackpoolscross and Courtbane areas had seen frequent water cuts since June during heatwaves.
He said that although Uisce Éireann provides alternative water supplies, it is of little benefit to farmers.
“I had one farmer and he had 200 head of cattle and he had no water for them,” Councilor Nash said.
“We got to the point where the cattle were going to explode, it was so bad.”
Councilor Nash said the farmer did not have a well because he had access to a mains source, but with the power outage it became an unreliable source.
“There is a serious danger to livestock,” he added.
“It’s also affecting businesses, as well as homeowners. It’s affected a tremendous amount of people in that area.”
He called for the establishment of cross-border connectivity to help the people of the north of the province with supplies.
He met Ireland
In its latest agricultural commentary, Met Éireann said most areas are currently experiencing growth restrictions, with near drought or drought conditions in most parts of Munster and Leinster.
She said the soil was not dry in the northern parts of Ulster and the northern and western parts of Connacht.
Soil moisture deficits currently range from 10 mm in the north to nearly 90 mm in the southeast.
Overall, there is unlikely to be much significant change over the next week, with soil moisture deficits generally expected to ease only slightly, Met Éireann said.
Rainfall accumulations were well below average in most parts of the country over the past week, with most places recording less than 20% of average rainfall amounts for this time of year.
Met Éireann said rainfall was heaviest in parts of the north and west, with rainfall ranging between 150 and 175 per cent in northern parts of Ulster and western parts of Connacht.
There was very little rainfall overall in Munster and Leinster, with stations along the south coast recording less than 1mm.
Key priorities for farmers amid drought
Teagasc consultant, Padraig Glynn, provided advice on key management priorities for dry stock farmers during dry conditions.
July often brings a natural slowdown in grass growth after the May/June surge, and a dry spell can quickly tighten covers on dry matter farms, Glenn said.
The priorities are to protect grass quality, match demand with low growth, and secure enough winter feed.
Glenn recommends measuring grass covers at least weekly.
“Aim to wait 12-16 days, and if average agricultural cover declines, move quickly to reduce demand,” he said.
“Culling heifers or front stockers, or weaning and housing heavier cows, will reduce demand for grass.
“Tighten groups. Run larger group groups to improve grazing and reduce the number of pastures grazed at one time.
“This protects regrowth and slows turnover.”
Glenn advised targeting pre-grazing covers of around 1000-1400kg DM/ha where possible.
“Avoid forcing small livestock to graze herds, as this reduces income and gains,” he said.
“Autumn-calving dry cows or dry ewes are ideal for tidying rough pastures; otherwise, use strip wire and, where necessary, re-quality.
“Manage surpluses and deficits. When some pastures run dry before a dry period, remove them as bales to reset the quality.
“If the covers are too light, feed the bale on the grass to retain residue and protect the next cycle.”
moisture
When the ground is too dry or bare and too stressed for moisture, it’s the moisture, not the nutrients, that limits grass growth, Glenn said.
“When soil moisture deficit is above 60 mm and land is dry or bare, delay nitrogen until heavy rains are forecast,” he said.
“Don’t spread fertilizer hoping for rain.”
Feed budget
Glenn encouraged farmers to budget for feed.
“First cuts after a wet spring can be below average. Assess needs and plan for second/third cuts early,” he said.
“When second cut regrowth is slow, avoid silage grazing by feeding one bale per day to cows and calves in the grazing area.”
He also advised slowing down the rotation now to create August covers.
