The impact of soil moisture deficiency on the feed base: results of the Virginia Show

The weather this year has created serious difficulties for farmers: the alternation of excessive rainfall with periods of heat has negatively affected the condition of the land. Despite the rainfall during the exhibition, which was gratefully received by the participants, specialists note a critical level of soil moisture deficit. Teagasc agricultural development advisor John Conway emphasizes that when the moisture deficit exceeds 25 mm, grass growth slows down, and after 50 mm, it stops abruptly. On heavy soils, deficit indicators reached 65 mm, and in Carlow — up to 95 mm.

The current situation has led to the forced use of winter feed stocks, as the shortage of fresh grass in pastures has become a widespread phenomenon. A farmer from Longford reported that farms have now switched to buffer feeding, using up supplies intended for winter. According to John Conway, the consequences of the current feed crisis will be felt until March or April of next year, as it will be extremely difficult to replenish the deficit of hay and silage in the southern regions, where the drought was most pronounced.

Producers report significant financial losses. A farmer from Kildare, John Coakley, who keeps a herd of 500 head, stated that this year has been the worst in his experience. The increase in costs for purchasing feed is not offset by current milk purchase prices. At the same time, despite the weather challenges, participants of the Virginia Show submitted 370 entries in the dairy and beef cattle sections, which indicates an increase in interest in the exhibition's competitive program. Among other things, judges evaluated contenders for the title of the Diageo Baileys Irish Champion Dairy Cow.