The closed period for slurry spreading ended in zone A on Sunday and the rest of the island of Ireland will open in the next three weeks.

According to the IFA’s health and safety executive William Shortall, slurry spreading is potentially one of the most hazardous activities a farmer undertakes because of the combined risks associated with toxic gas, slurry tank and lagoon openings, and PTO shafts.

"We are urging farmers not to take unnecessary risks and follow simple steps to ensure their own safety and that of their animals," Shortall said.

"Make sure all children and pets are kept secure and away from the farmyard."

Advice

  • Only agitate on a windy day.
  • Open all shed doors and shutters to allow airflow through the shed being agitated.
  • After starting agitating, leave the area for 30 minutes to allow slurry gases to dissipate.
  • Re-cover agitating points when not in use.

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