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Making every drop count: Maximising nutrients from slurry

Slurry is no longer seen as waste – most farmers now recognise it as a valuable source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

The challenge today is not convincing anyone of its worth, but making sure you are getting the maximum value out of it.

That means handling and applying slurry with the right equipment – and this is where Vogelsang’s proven technology comes into play.

An integral part of a good tanker and applicator setup is the macerator.

Vogelsang macerators feature a heavy-duty design, proven, tested and trusted in Ireland’s toughest slurry conditions.

Their ExaCut range chops fibre, separates stones, and guarantees the most even distribution to every outlet.

The ExaCut ECQ has won the top DLG (German Agricultural Society) rating (++) for even slurry flow for the second time, most recently for 2025.

It is the piece of kit that keeps the whole operation moving without downtime, giving farmers and contractors confidence that slurry is spread where it is needed.

There are also other technologies that make the job faster and more efficient:

  • The XSplit Separator increases slurry storage capacity by up to 20% while retaining valuable nutrients in the liquid phase;
  • Durable slurry transfer pumps, self-priming and easy to service, keeping slurry moving smoothly;
  • The RotaCut inline macerator helps to prepare slurry before spreading to ensure consistency and accuracy;
  • The PowerFill system allows tankers to be filled quickly and completely, avoiding wasted time at the yard.

Together, these tools mean less nutrient loss, more precise application, and ultimately, lower fertiliser bills.

When it comes to spreading, choosing the right applicator is key.

Dribble bars are lighter, faster, and ideal for covering large acreages. Trailing shoes take things further by placing slurry closer to the soil, reducing losses and making them particularly effective on grassland where nutrient uptake is critical. Umbilical systems support controlled traffic farming, reducing compaction, and saving time.

Vogelsang’s applicator range spans 6-36m, covering everything from smaller farm setups to high-output contractor machines.

The latest additions – the BlackBird Light and Single trailing shoes – feature a lightweight design and NightShift lighting for safe low-visibility operation, giving farmers greater control and more value from their slurry.

Irish farmers and contractors are seeing the benefits.

Pat Boyle of Boyle Agri in Co. Tipperary, who runs the ExaCut ECQ macerator, says: “It gets the job done fast. Maintenance is simple, and there’s easy access to all internal parts.

"It delivers a consistent and even spread to every hose and handles fibre-heavy slurry, like baled silage, without issue.”

For Boyle, that reliability means less downtime and more consistent spreading.

Terry and Joel Milligan, cereal farmers in Co. Armagh, working with a 24m BackPac dribble bar, highlighted the performance gains.

They said: “The 24m dribble bar is very compatible with our controlled traffic tramline system for the top dressing of crops.

"It gives a very even precise spread and distribution to all the hoses.”

Slurry may already be recognised as a valuable resource, but it is only with the right equipment that farmers can truly unlock its potential.

Vogelsang’s full range of macerators, pumps, separators, applicators and support systems are built to make every drop counts – turning slurry management into real savings and real results in the field.

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