Farmers in Kildare urged to complete a fodder budget

The request coincides with the recent spell of warm weather

By Ciarán Mather Published 12th Aug 2026, 17:00 BST Farmers in Kildare urged to complete a fodder budget | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY The request coincides with the recent spell of warm weather Sign up to our Kildare Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kildare Live within your account.

The Minister for Agriculture , Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael), has urged farmers in County Kildare and beyond to complete a fodder stock budget.

Explaining his request, Minister Heydon, whose office is located in Newbridge , confirmed that his Department is ‘liaising closely’ with the agriculture and food development authority, Teagasc, on the National Fodder Survey.

Read More Man hospitalised after being bitten by shark off the Irish coast Day care centre in Kildare announces temporary closure of certain services Temporary Stop and Go system to be implemented on busy Kildare road Kildare householders encouraged to avail of important grant He also said that a fodder budget will assist farmers in taking appropriate action in order to ensure sufficient fodder stocks for the coming winter.

The message from Minister Heydon comes in response to the ongoing hot weather , which is contributing to challenges relating to grass growth and is, according to the Minister, ‘especially severe’ in the eastern half of the country.

Speaking further about this dilemma, Minister Heydon assured farmers that he ‘recognises the impact that the ongoing drought is having on farms’.

The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael) | PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT: OIREACHTAS.IE He elaborated: “While there is no shortage of fodder at present, grass growth is significantly impacted; grass growth for the current year as monitored by Teagasc was 5 per cent above the five-year average up until the end of July.

“However, severe soil moisture deficits (more than 70 millimetres) in the eastern half of the country are leading to current grass growth rates of less than 10 kilograms (kg) of Dry Matter per Hectare (DM/ha), with growth rates in the south approximately 20 kg DM/ha and in the west 50 kg DM/ha.”

Moreover, Minister Heydon revealed that Teagasc has commenced data collection for the National Fodder Survey.

“As in previous years, the survey will assess fodder stocks ahead of the coming winter,” he added.

Going back to his original point, Minister Heydon said that he would urge all farmers to complete a fodder budget, as it will help to inform the Teagasc National Fodder Survey.

He asserted: “The results of this survey are expected later this month and will provide a basis for farmers and the wider industry to assess the overall national and regional fodder supply situation.

“When the results of this survey are made available, consideration will be given to any necessary next steps, including reconvening the National Fodder and Food Security Committee.”

Read More Aldi gives date for re-opening of new-look Naas store Kildare garda station used to detain suspects arrested in crackdown on brothels Ireland braces for 30 degree heat as hosepipe ban extension being considered Restaurant near Kildare border ordered to shut its doors Minister Heydon also said: “In the meantime, the advice from Teagasc to all livestock farmers is to continue grass measurement to assess pasture supply and growth rates on a weekly basis.

“Pasture supply deficits will need to be filled using a combination of grass silage and concentrate supplements while also considering autumn pasture management targets.

“Winter feed stocks will also need to be considered when deciding supplementation strategies.”

Minister Heydon concluded by once again emphasising his call for farmers to complete a fodder stock budget: “These budgets are increasingly important, given the impact of the recent drought on reduced grass growth, and to inform any next steps that may need to be taken to ensure sufficient fodder at both a national and regional level.”

Farmers are encouraged to complete their fodder stock budgets by Friday, August 21, 2026.

All farmers can complete a fodder budget for their farm on Pasture Base by contacting their local advisor or by visiting pasturebase.teagasc.ie .