The excretion figure for a dairy cow is to increase from 85kg of nitrogen to 89kg of nitrogen, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has confirmed.

The increased figure had been widely touted following a review of the excretion rate for dairy cows carried out by Teagasc in 2019.

Teagasc carried out the work on foot of a recommendation in the midterm review of Ireland’s nitrates derogation completed last year. The excretion rates for livestock were last evaluated in 2003.

Stocking rates

The updated figure will affect the dairy farm stocking rate, which for non-derogation farms is 170kg N/ha, previously two cows per hectare but set to fall to 1.91, and 250kg N/ha for derogation farms.

In response to a question from Fine Gael’s Brendan Griffin on the changes, Minister McConalogue said farmers could comply with limits by reducing stock numbers, exporting slurry or renting extra land.

The minister did not directly comment on Griffin’s question as to whether the proposed changes could be delayed until a formal review of the derogation is completed.

In line with the gradual introduction of many of the new measures contained in the midterm review, the new rate is likely to apply from 2021.

Review

Ireland’s current Nitrates Action Programme is due to conclude next year and a request for a subsequent programme will be subject to scrutiny from the European Commission. A detailed review and consultation will take place with all stakeholders over the coming months.

It was the Commission that requested Ireland review some of the technical aspects of the nitrates programmes, including basing annual excretion rates on the more recent research.

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