The closed period for spreading slurry – as well as farmyard manure – is set to kick in first thing tomorrow (Thursday, November 1).

Farmers will not be allowed to spread organic manures on their land from tomorrow in the Republic of Ireland right through to January.

An extension to the slurry spreading deadline was granted by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed, at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show on Sunday, August 12.

The minister granted the extension following a challenging spring and summer so that farmers could capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production.

Farmers have been prohibited from spreading chemical fertiliser since the end of last month. No extension was granted to the deadline for spreading farmyard manure.

The aim of the closed period is to protect ground and surface water, including drinking water.

The regulations also prohibit the spreading of slurry at any time of the year when the ground is frozen or waterlogged – or when heavy rain is forecast – in order to prevent slurry running off into waterways.

The closed period for spreading chemical fertiliser, organic fertiliser and farmyard manure comes to an end at different times during the month of January – depending on counties and regions.