The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) has called for a two-week extension to the slurry spreading deadline to allow farmers to “take advantage” of improved ground conditions.
The permitted period for slurry spreading is scheduled to end on October 1, leaving farmers with a matter of days to empty the remainder of tanks.
Despite calls from farm organisations and opposition parties for a deadline extension, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue said he will not extend the permitted period for slurry spreading past next Tuesday (October 1).
The minister acknowledged that he agreed to extend the slurry spreading period to October 15 last year (2023).
However, he said that the government’s priority has to be under the terms of making sure that water quality is improved and that the country keeps its nitrates derogation.
ICSA rural development chair Tim Farrell said that many farmers are “still grappling with significant challenges” in managing their slurry levels due to the unfavourable weather conditions that persisted throughout the season.
With ground conditions improving in recent weeks, the ICSA has proposed an extension to Monday, October 14 to “give farmers the opportunity to spread slurry safely” and empty tanks before winter.
“This two-week extension would provide farmers with the vital time they need to responsibly spread slurry in optimal conditions.
“Those who aimed to meet this weekend’s deadline are simply seeking a bit of flexibility that recognises the reality they’re facing on the ground and ensures they are fully prepared for another long winter,” Farrell said.
Minister McConalogue said that ground conditions this year had been much better than in 2023, and the “widows” for spreading had been here this year, and the harvest had progressed well.
Some farmers may be entitled to extend the deadline to October 15 in exceptional circumstances, provided they meet certain pre-defined scientific criteria sanctioned by a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) official.
These circumstances may relate to weather conditions, grass growth, proximity to water sources and individual farm drainage pathways.