Irish farmers report a serious feed deficit due to drought.

IFA President Francie Gorman, following a meeting with Martin Heydon and representatives of other agricultural associations, emphasized the need to take emergency measures. According to Teagasc, survey results from farmers indicate that 39 percent of respondents expect a feed shortage of 10 percent or more for the upcoming winter. In addition to securing supplies, the industry is facing a severe liquidity crisis.

The state of crop production and horticulture is of particular concern. In these sectors, low yield is expected against a backdrop of rising production costs and low market incomes. According to the Science Media Centre All Ireland, current weather conditions have been the driest in recent years: grass growth in the eastern and southern regions of the country was only 10–20 percent of normal, and 50 to 75 percent in the southwest.

Martin Heydon acknowledged that farmers, especially in the eastern and southern parts of the country, are in a difficult position. He urged farmers to take care of feed stock formation in advance and to contact banks, trading and cooperative organizations if cash flow problems arise. Heydon also initiated a meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee, chaired by Mike Magan.

The issue of providing additional state support to farmers will be considered by the authorities later, after a full assessment of the situation, taking into account the context of the 2027 budget.