Farmers have the next month and a half to apply for a 2026 nitrates derogation, while all dairy farmers now have the chance to declare their herd’s 2026 milk bands used for the purposes of calculating stocking rates.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon announced the opening of nitrates derogations for applications on www.myagfood.ie this Tuesday, stating that applications will be received until 15 May.

“The nitrates derogation allows approximately 7,000 farmers to farm at a higher stocking rate, subject to additional terms and conditions designed to protect our watercourses,” Minister Heydon said.

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“Opening the 2026 nitrates derogation is a significant milestone for me as Minister for Agriculture, having secured a three-year extension to the derogation towards the end of last year.”

Farmers have been encouraged to discuss with their farm adviser whether their farm might need of a derogation for this year.

Herd yield bands

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website opened on Tuesday to facilitate dairy farmers in confirming their dairy cow yield band used to calculate organic nitrogen stocking rates for 2026.

The facility will remain open until 15 May and dairy farmers can also opt in to receive recognition for feeding lower crude protein concentrates last year to reduce nitrates.

Should no band be declared before 15 May, a herd will be opted into the highest nitrogen excretion value of 106kg N/dairy cow for this year, unless the appropriate information is subsequently submitted to the Department of Agriculture.

The deadline to change from the default nitrates band is 31 December 2026.

Slurry movements

The Department is to write to all dairy farmers this week to remind them of changes introduced under the nitrates action programme regarding nutrients on milking platforms and increases to slurry and soiled water storage capacity due to kick in from October 2028.

“As farmers carry out busy spring work, it is important that they are aware of the possible need to record movement of slurry off the milking platform and engage with their agricultural adviser, where appropriate, regarding the new rules,” Minister Heydon said.

“As organic nutrient storage requirements will be increasing in 2028, farmers should take the opportunity to put a plan in place regarding planning permission and finance where necessary.”

N and P statements

In addition to the nitrates updates above, the Department announced that farmers can now view their 2025 bovine grassland stocking rates for 2025 on www.myagfood.ie.

The previous year’s stocking rate determines a farm’s grassland fertiliser allowances.