Across Ireland, farmers are still struggling with the ongoing fodder shortage.

Importing foodstuffs from abroad has eased the crisis, but the general consensus is that this needs to continue for the time-being.

The situation in Ireland is severe, and there are other nations also feeling the effects of adverse weather conditions.

Here's a look at three who have been affected by drought, the economy, and a tough winter.

• Australia - Drought affecting northern farmers

Graziers in northern regions have been hit by a drought which left some farmers in dire straits, and while fodder and grain are available, some simply can’t afford it.

ABC reports that some farmers have taken to shooting their cattle rather than letting them starve to death.

The drought caused by the lack of a seasonal monsoon has meant that grass failed to grow and water has become scarce, leaving farmers with herds which are too expensive to keep in shape.

Some farmers are affected by the live export trade slowing dramatically, markets not paying well for cattle, and banks not willing to lend money which would have allowed them to buy foodstuffs to keep their herds alive.

• New Zealand - situation easing but future fodder crisis looms

The situation in New Zealand is looking up after the worst drought in 30 years.

It cost farmers on North Island an average of $100,000 (over $60,000) to keep their farms operating.

Similar to Australia, virtually no rain over the winter meant dairy farmers did not have enough grass for their cattle to graze on.

The rains have now arrived and farming organisations report that most farmers have “bounced back”.

In a move similar to our own fodder crisis, a New Zeland farming body arranged for 100,000 bales of rye-grass and barley straw to be brought to the Island.

A spokesperson for Federated Farmers told the New Zealand Herald that although the situation is now realitively under control “there is thousands of kilograms of feed missing out of the system and, really, the ugliest part now is some of the biggest costs farmers are about to be faced with now.”

Although New Zealand are out of the woods for the moment they look set to be hit by an Irish-style fodder crisis this winter, and farmers are being urged to take action now in an attempt to avoid future hardship.

• India - government response to drought hasn’t ended hardship for farmers

Yet another country experiencing drought, the Indian government have rolled out water tankers to help those affected and has set up emergency facilities for farmers to feed and water their herds.

Although rainfall has been low, opposition parties say that the mismanagement of water resources is to blame for the shortage.

The Chief Minister of India is being urged by MPs to offer compensation to coconut, arecanut and other farmers who have been affected by the drought, expressing fears some may commit suicide.

There are accusations that sugar crops are given preferential treatment over livestock and other crops.