The first consignments of hay shipped in from France to address the fodder crisis, are being distributed today to farmers.

The French hay is being given out in western counties through co-ops, marts and merchants.

It's to relieve farmers, who have been experiencing a major shortage of feed for animals because of poor growing conditions.

Another 3,500 tonnes of hay will arrive in the coming days.

The Irish farmers Association has put together a €1 million fund to assist members through the fodder crisis.

The money from the farm lobby's own resources has been matched with funds from 5 companies in the agri-business sector including the Farmers Journal, and FBD insurance.

It's being used to provide a transport subsidy for importing feed and the IFA says the support will be maintained until the middle of May, when it will be reviewed.

The prolonged cold spell this year meant grass didn't grow as normal which left farmers short of hay.

The fund will provide some measure of relief to those who had completely run out of fodder.