Slurry problems loom larger on farms

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is closely monitoring the slurry situation on farms ahead of the 15 October closed period.

A spokesman for the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal that it has not yet received any specific requests to extend the slurry spreading season from farm organisations or individual farmers.

However, it has received a number of parliamentary questions seeking to extend the slurry period.

The spokesman for the Department of Housing added that it would continue to liaise with the Department of Agriculture.

Last year, less than 70 farmers were granted permission to spread slurry after the 15 October deadline on animal welfare grounds.

The Department of Housing said there had been potential concerns for animal welfare arising from heavy rainfall in specific parts of the country and a very localised and limited permission to spread slurry was granted to farmers who registered their concerns.

There’s no way we will be able to spread for everyone

Meanwhile, contractors are also struggling due to the weather.

Seamus Donohoe, who covers counties Longford and Leitrim, said there had been only one or two days’ of spreading every week since July.

“There are lots of tanks full around the place. I know of a few three- and four-bay double slatted sheds that are very full and it’s difficult to see how that will be spread.”

Donohoe said initiatives, such as in REPS, where farmers had to have a volume of slurry spread by July, should be reconsidered.

Requested

Micheál O’Mahony in west Cork said it is unlikely he will be unable to reach all the farmers who have requested work.

“Ground is drying up well but there’s no way we will be able to spread for everyone that has asked. It’s just flat out at the minute. Conditions have been very challenging. There have been some fields badly damaged by it.”

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