Support needed for farmers in flooded areas – Kilkenny Farming

IFA President Tim Cullinan has called on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to support the many farm families whose homes, lands and/or farmyards have been impacted by the unprecedented deluge of rainfall that has hit many parts of the south and south-west in recent days.

“The Minister needs to act quickly to ease the emotional and financial strain on impacted farm families. This is the last thing farmers needed this year. Many have already been stretched due to delayed farm payments and falling output prices. They are facing significant added expense as a result of the recent flooding,” he said.

Tim Cullinan said farmers are facing increased operational pressures to rehouse stock in drier locations; dealing with fodder stocks under water/destroyed; and land sown for cereals where the crop has been washed away.

The IFA President also appealed to the banks to take a flexible and understanding approach as farmers grapple with very difficult conditions.

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“The forecast into the weekend and early next week is mixed, with more rain to fall in areas that are already saturated. This will only add to the pressure that farmers are experiencing as they work to keep their livestock safe,” he said.

“The floods and heavy rainfall will also effectively put an end to the salvage effort that was harvest 2023. There will be crops around the country that simply won’t be harvested this year. What has been collected has largely been of lower quality and yields in many parts, meaning little or no returns for cereal growers. Increased targeted interventions are needed,” he said.