Organic dairy farmers facing forage shortfall

DESPITE recent rain, the widespread dry weather experienced across the country since early spring has impacted forage growth significantly leading to a shortfall Of required forage volumes for the winter months.

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With its reliance on grass and grazing, the organic sector has suffered more than most and conserved forage stocks have started to be used without any notable grass growth since early July.

But as we look to the winter, with the organic milk price the highest it has potentially ever been, the buoyancy in the market needs to be optimised.

ForFarmers Organic and Grazing commercial manager Ben Trott (pictured) says: “It is a real double edge sword. The organic milk price is at a high with strong demand, with supply falling short. Organic dairy producers should be pushing for more production, but it isn’t that easy this year”