2566. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the assessments his Department has carried out on availability of fodder ahead of the winter season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56561/26]

My Department reviews grass growth and fodder availability on an ongoing basis.

Up to the week ending the 21st of July cumulative grass growth for the year-to-date was over 550kg ahead of the five year average, enabling farmers to build up fodder stocks for the winter ahead. However reduced soil moisture availability and limited rainfall have led to a decline in grass growth. Growth rates in the South East began to decline over three weeks ago, and in the past week grass growth in the North and Northwest has also dropped below average.

Grass growth over the coming weeks will depend on localised rainfall and is expected to vary significantly across the country. Current forecasts indicate that growth rates next week will range from 55-65 Kg DM/ha/day in the North West, to as low as 20 Kg DM/ha/day in the South East.

Teagasc will commence its annual fodder survey in early August. As in previous years, the survey will assess fodder stocks ahead of the winter and will provide farmers and wider industry with an overview of the national and regional fodder situation. It is intended the results of this survey will be published mid August.