This weather season has posed plenty of problems for both farmers and contractors. Many farmers are now very anxious about rising slurry levels coupled with wet weather and strong grass growth.

Flotation tyres fitted to tankers and tractors that use umbilical systems has been adopted to meet these demands. The Irish Farmers Journal has learned that some contractors working in Northern Ireland are spreading slurry for as little as £25 (€30) sterling per hr plus VAT, which is 20% in Northern Ireland. VAT-registered customers would be getting this back of course, and 0% VAT is charged by Northern contractors to farmers in the Republic of Ireland if they VAT registered.

Many contractors in the Republic are charging €40 plus VAT for application with a splash plate and a 2,000-gallon tanker. Variations on this will occur regionally and for customers who have a large amount of work.

Charges

Most contractors are charging €100 plus VAT per hour for applying slurry with the standard umbilical system. Extras are charged for an extra pump or piping as the labour and equipment is increased.

In the North, contractors are charging €90 plus VAT for this service. Reports from the west of Ireland on slurry charges are coming in at €30 per 2,500 gallon tanker load, including agitation. Farmers can also benefit with a payment of €1.20 per m³ of slurry in GLAS when using low-emission slurry application. It should be noted that contractors will charge more per hour for this service.