The delays in GLAS and AEOS payments are causing huge frustration on farms. On GLAS, DAFM claims there are a number of reasons for the delayed payments, including incomplete low emission slurry spreading (LESS) declaration forms, unreturned or incomplete interim commonage management forms, changes to GLAS land parcels on the BPS system, amendment of claims and some IT and data issues.
The delays in GLAS and AEOS payments are causing huge frustration on farms.
On GLAS, DAFM claims there are a number of reasons for the delayed payments, including incomplete low emission slurry spreading (LESS) declaration forms, unreturned or incomplete interim commonage management forms, changes to GLAS land parcels on the BPS system, amendment of claims and some IT and data issues.
Farming organisations and consultants are calling on the Minister for Agriculture to make the first instalment of payments to all farmers now. They argue that any claw backs required after payment can be made through the final instalment.
Slurry
We are experiencing near-perfect slurry spreading conditions. Currently, farmers in Zones A and B are allowed to spread slurry.
Unfortunately, those in Zone C have the longest wait before they are permitted to spread slurry. They cannot spread until 1 February. The counties in Zone C are Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
Farmers in these counties will no doubt be frustrated given the current conditions. These counties would have been most affected by wet weather in August and early September and many farmers would have housed livestock earlier than usual as a result.
With earlier housing, the likelihood is slurry levels in tanks are reaching capacity. The nitrates action programme is set to be reviewed this year and the Green party has called for the Government to incorporate more flexibility on slurry spreading dates.
NMP
The submit button on the nutrient management plan (NMP) system is still not live. Farmers participating in GLAS are required to submit up to date NMPs.
According to GLAS terms and conditions, NMPs must be completed by the first full calendar year in the scheme for farmers participating in GLAS I and by 31 March 2017 for farmers participating in GLAS II.
Without a submit button, this is not possible currently. The advice is to have the preparation work done now before the submit button is active.
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