Slurry Spreading Deadline Extended by One Week: Registration Required

Registration Requirements and Deadlines

The revised timeline permits slurry application up to October 7, with the mandatory closed period for spreading scheduled to begin on Thursday, October 8. To qualify for the extended window, farmers must register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) before they begin spreading. Registration can be completed by emailing nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or by calling 053 916 3425 and providing a valid herd number.

Both departments confirmed that local authority inspectors and DAFM personnel will enforce a zero-tolerance policy against anyone found applying slurry or soiled water during the closed period.

Weather Challenges and Farm Workloads

Ministers Heydon and Browne stated that the extension was granted because exceptional weather criteria outlined in the Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations had been met. Minister Heydon noted that drought conditions across the south and southeast during the summer created significant operational hurdles.

“I am conscious that on some farms animals were indoors up to very recently as farmers sought to build covers to allow animals get back out to grass and with the harvesting of second and third cuts having been delayed, this extension will help manage workload on farms,” Minister Heydon said.

Industry Response

The Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers’ Association (ICMSA) welcomed the decision, describing it as a common-sense approach to seasonal pressures. ICMSA deputy president Eamon Carroll stated that excess slurry accumulated in tanks due to summer droughts needed to be spread while nitrogen could still be utilized during longer, drier days.