New nitrates rules come into effect on 1 January.

The new rules, aimed at reducing nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment loss to water, apply mainly to farms in derogation, but all farms will have to ensure that farm roadways are cambered away from water bodies and drains or are bunded to ensure no run-off enters the water.

This rule also applies to tillage farms.

Fence stock

Farmers with a grassland stocking rate of over 170kg of organic N/ha (even where slurry is exported to stay under 170kg/ha) must fence stock at least 1.5m from watercourses.

Watercourses are marked with a solid blue line on Ordnance Survey Ireland maps (1:5000 scale).

Drinking points will also have to be fenced off from stock and a water trough installed.

All water troughs on these farms will need to be placed at least 20m away from the watercourse.