Gardai and Department of Agriculture officials are investigating the discovery of 35 dead cattle on a farm in Broomfield, between Carrickmacross and Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
The discovery was made last Saturday. It is understood the animals died because of a lack of fodder. Officials from Monaghan County Council are to arrange the burial of the carcasses today.
Arrangements are being made for the removal of about 20 remaining cattle. Some two miles away three cattle have been found dead on another farm. Meanwhile, the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh, has said that £20 million promised to poorer farmers to feed their animals over the winter will be paid out next week.
The pay-out is the second this winter and will bring to £41 million the amount paid out in fodder-related schemes to alleviate animal feed shortages last winter.
The scheme has two main elements, a general scheme and a special hardship fund. The first of next week's payments will be made under the general scheme.
This applies to farmers in all disadvantaged areas who have suckler cows, lowland ewes and milk quotas under 35,000 gallons.
The maximum farmers will receive is £300. Farmers who received £300 last year will get a 50 per cent top-up on their payments.
The Department said the closing date for applications for the fodder hardship fund was March 5th.
This scheme is geared towards providing support for farmers who are almost totally dependent on a small farm enterprise for income. The applications are being processed by Teagasc, the farm advisory service.
In general, the situation on farms continues to improve, with good grass growth and better weather. Donations of hay and silage from east coast and midland farmers to colleagues along the west coast has greatly reduced the pressure.
There has also been a fall in the price of fodder. However, it will be some weeks before the crisis is over.