Farmers advised to plan now for winter forage shortages

Livestock farmers affected by this year’s prolonged dry spell are being urged to assess their winter forage supplies now, with some farms already using stocks intended for the months ahead.

Forage Aid committee chairman Tom Hind said recent rain had been welcome, but was “probably too little too late” for many farms.

A number of livestock businesses across England and Wales are already buffer feeding animals or using winter forage after a prolonged dry spell.

See also: Advice as drought pressures dairy forage stocks

“Farmers are resourceful people. While we are concerned about what lies ahead, we do not want people to panic,” said Mr Hind.

His advice is for farmers to plan ahead rather than wait until forage stocks are critically low.

Farmers should assess how much silage, hay and straw they have available, review stocking numbers and calculate how long existing supplies are likely to last.

They should also consider whether forage can be conserved by changing feeding strategies, whether alternative feeds or concentrates need to be budgeted for, and whether additional fodder should be bought in before demand increases.

“We would like to encourage people to think ahead. It is better to have a plan,” Mr Hind said.

Where supplies are severely constrained, farmers may also need to consider reducing stock numbers.

“The health and welfare of the animals is what matters most,” he said. “Some people will be faced with some difficult decisions. But you have to think about the welfare of the animals.”

First silage cut only

Fifth-generation beef farmer James Winslade, who runs West Yeo Farm near Bridgwater, Somerset, said his own experience showed how little forage some farms had been able to produce in the South West.

“We had a first cut of silage in the second week of June and we have not had a second cut since,” said Mr Winslade, who is also a Forage Aid committee member.

Mr Hind said Forage Aid was already receiving requests for help, although they remained a “trickle rather than a rapid stream”.

“We have helped dozens of farmers over the past 12 months,” he said.

“We are there to help in cases where people are genuinely desperate and there is a risk of animals suffering and people do not have an obvious solution.”

The charity is warning that drought and extreme weather should increasingly be viewed as a long-term business risk rather than a one-off event.

“What seems extreme now is, in all likelihood, the new normal,” Mr Hind said.

Forage Aid – how the charity can help

Farmers in England and Wales facing an immediate feed or fodder crisis can apply to Forage Aid, part of the Addington Fund, for emergency support.

The charity can provide short-term help with essential livestock feed where there is a risk to animal welfare. It is also appealing to farmers with surplus forage or bedding to donate supplies to help fellow farmers facing shortages.

Need help or able to donate?

Tel: 01926 620135
Email: enquiries@addingtonfund.org.uk

© Addington Fund