I have heard of a number of issues with tanks filling up over the past week on farms. Always try to mix tanks if you are moving slurry from one tank to another.

Taking out water is a short-term solution and can lead to huge problems mixing tanks later in the year.

I heard of one case this week of a digger being used to take off gang slats and remove solid material in a tank as too much water had been removed.

Try to agitate when there is another person around the yard

If agitating tanks, try to wait for a windy day to disperse slurry gas and never enter a shed when agitating is taking place.

Try to agitate when there is another person around the yard or at least alert someone that you are completing the job. Remove all animals from sheds before agitating tanks.

The spreading period opens up on Friday 12 January in Zone A, 15 January in Zone B and 31 January in Zone C.

Farmyard manure is also included in this. In order to comply with cross-compliance and environmental regulations, you cannot spread chemical fertilisers, livestock manure, soiled water or other organic fertilisers when:

  • The land is waterlogged.
  • The land is flooded, or it is likely to flood.
  • The land is frozen, or covered with snow.
  • Heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours (you must check the weather forecast prior to spreading).

    • You cannot spread organic fertilisers or soiled water from a road or passageway, even if the road or passageway is on your own holding.

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