DAFM has written to Feed Business Operators (on 28 April) reminding them that a maximum of 14% crude protein is allowed in concentrate feed fed to cattle aged 2 years and over at grass between 15th April and 30th September. This requirement applies to all farmers but it does not apply where cattle are not outdoors full time at grass.
Even in situations where cattle are at grass full time, DAFM remind FBOs that ‘the Department has always and will continue to allow for situations where a higher level of crude protein is required in concentrates to maintain animal welfare or to meet the animal’s dietary needs’. At inspection, DAFM ‘will accept written confirmation from the feed supplier, a recognised ruminant nutritionist, or an accredited Farm Advisory Service (FAS) advisor stating that a higher level of crude protein is required’.
DAFM has also provided a template, that it will accept as a form of written confirmation justifying if a higher level of crude protein is required, however other forms of letters that provide the appropriate info will also be accepted. This letter should be available on inspection. DAFM also says that ‘Records of purchased feed should include the quantities and types of concentrate feed, including crude protein content, fed to livestock on the holding…these records should be maintained for 5 years and made available for inspection if requested’.
On March 12 the US imposed tariffs of up to 25% on imports of steel and aluminum, and derivative products from the EU and other trading partners. The EU responded by announcing counter measures and has put together a new list of products from the US that may be affected. They asked for views from stakeholders and member states on this list by March 26. This list is therefore not yet final and includes a number of important products for the EU feed industry including Soybeans. However key products on the list for the Irish feed sector are Dried Distillers’ Grains with Solubles (DDGS) and Corn Gluten Feed (CGF).
IGFA submitted a response to the Commission consultation requesting that these 2 products be taken off the list due to the likely impact on the Irish feed and livestock sectors. The final list is currently being considered by the commission and the plan is for member states to vote on it at a council meeting on 7 April. Indications are that the new tariffs on the US products on this list could become applicable from mid-April 2025.
Read the IGFA response here
Government has consulted on additional measures to include under the Fifth NAP . It proposes to include 2 new measures on CP under the Good Agricultural Practice Regulations.
The consultation also proposes non regulatory measures and says ‘to enable efficient calculation of nutrient surpluses, an animal feed sales/import database would complement the National Fertiliser Database’.
IGFA has submitted a response and circulated it to members. For further details contact maeve.whyte@eorna.ie
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