The Ulster Farmers’ Union is monitoring the pressures on farmers to feed their livestock following a prolonged and wet winter.
UFU President Barclay Bell said: “We are monitoring the fodder situation on a daily basis through our group offices to try and gauge the situation across different areas. We would appeal to farmers to try and help each other out in what has been a difficult year. We are still getting mixed messages on fodder availability.
“It will greatly depend on the weather over the next few days and it will be a very close call as to whether the situation improves or deepens. With slightly better weather forecast for next week, we are hoping it will be the former.”
“The demands and pressure farmers are under with this situation cannot be ignored.
Mr Bell added: “Farming is already physically and mentally demanding, involving long hours and working in isolation.The added stress of a long wet winter can be depressing and farmers need to be aware of their own mental health and ask for help and support if they need it.”
The UFU have also spoken with DAERA and CAFRE who are assessing the situation. The Union will continue to monitor the fodder situation across all of Northern Ireland over the weekend and into next week.
