Dept flexibilities on 14% ration – ICMSA want commencement extended from April 15 to May 15

Following the reminder from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine that there are flexibilities around the feeding of concentrate from April 15 to 30 September under the Nitrates Regulations, ICMSA Deputy President, Eamon Carroll, has urged the Department to go one step further and extend the date of commencement for the 14% ration from April 15 to May 15

 “Given the very difficult weather conditions this Spring, It is a logical response to the problems being experienced across the country. Farmers are to ‘the pin of their collar’ in terms of weather and field conditions before you even mention input cost and milk prices.  Cows have needed increased protein in their diet and farmers have responded accordingly”, said Mr. Carroll.

Observing that it would be ridiculous if we ended up in a situation whereby farmers are having to explain to an inspection later in the year that that were feeding higher protein concentrates due to the bad weather, the ICMSA Deputy President said the logical and obvious remedy is to simply extend the date of application of the rule to May 15.   

 “This would save time and hassle for the farmer, the farm advisor, and the Department and surely the system can facilitate this sensible approach”, he noted.  “The farmer knows the weather was bad and so obviously does the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, so should we not just cut out the superfluous bureaucracy and deal with it in a sensible manner?”  

Mr. Carroll concluded by noting that most farmers will have to avail of the flexibilities outlined in the legislation and rather than dealing with an increased administrative burden on farmers, farm advisors, and the Department, an extension of one month is much more logical and sensible.

Ends        21 April 2026

 Eamon Carroll, 087-6312945

Deputy President, ICMSA.

 Or

 Cathal MacCarthy, 087-6168758

ICMSA Press Office