There has been a one-month extension to the deadline by which derogation farmers must have 50% of their slurry spread. The date is extended from 15 June to 15 July 2018.

After the new 15 July deadline, the remainder of slurry must be spread by low-emission technology. Splash-plate spreading will not be allowed after that date for the remainder of 2018.

Examples of low-emission slurry spreading equipment include dribble bar, shallow injection or trailing shoe spreaders. The reason for the use of low emission slurry spreading in the second half of the year is down to the national emissions ceiling directive.

According to the Department, Ireland must reduce its ammonia emissions because it says the agriculture sector is responsible for 98% of ammonia emissions. The Department says ammonia losses from slurry are significantly reduced by slurry application in the springtime and also by using low-emission equipment.

The time frames for slurry application stipulated in this new measure for derogation farmers will contribute to reducing ammonia losses and assist farmers to deliver their production targets, reduce their greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions and reduce the risk of runoff to water quality, according to the Department.

It says the minor adjustment in the date is aimed at facilitating an orderly introduction of the measure on derogation farms this year (6,891 applications for derogation status have been submitted in 2018).

Wild bird cover deadline extended

The deadline for the sowing of wildbird cover for GLAS has been extended. The new deadline is 16 June 2018. In a circular issued this week to GLAS advisers, the extension was put in place to allow ground conditions improve following the extremely wet spring weather.

“This extension applies solely to 2018 and all other requirements in relation to wildbird cover as set out in the scheme specifications must continue to be observed,” according to the Department circular. The news will surely be welcome by contractors and farmers.