Every year, farmers fear inspections – the dreaded phone call or knock on the door to say you have been selected for a cross-compliance inspection literally keeps people awake at night.

It’s understandable, not least because of the sheer range of possible breaches of the reams of red tape that can catch people out. Things have improved year-on-year, with the “yellow-card” system a big step forward – less than half of the farmers who were found to breach rules received a financial penalty last year.

At the same time, the silent but deadly threat to farmers payments is the stocking rate limits under nitrates rules. One in three farmers penalised last year were sanctioned for breaches of stocking rates. It is utterly avoidable. Any week now, the Department will contact any farmers close to the limit with an update of their status. Action can be taken – either sell stock or export slurry or FYM. Almost €2m was lost by farmers last year, and in all recent years. What a waste.