An extension to the slurry spreading deadline has been announced.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon and Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne have today (Friday, September 25) announced a one-week extension to the deadline.

In order to avail of the extension, farmers will be asked to register with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) in advance of spreading.

In response to exceptional weather over the summer period and the recent surge in grass growth in areas that were previously impacted by drought, slurry application will be permitted this year up to Wednesday, October 7, with the closed period for slurry spreading commencing on Thursday, October 8.

Announcing the extension, Ministers Heydon and Browne stated: “The Good Agricultural Practice for the Protection of Waters Regulations provide for an extension to the slurry spreading period in exceptional circumstances where defined criteria have been met.

"We are satisfied those criteria have been met this year and in response a one-week extension has been granted."

Weather conditions

Minister Heydon further commented: “Weather conditions this year have presented significant challenges for many farmers, in particular due to the drought experienced during the summer over much of the south and southeast of the country.

"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."

The minister said the extension announced today gives an opportunity for farmers to ensure they can comply with the closed period while also promoting responsible slurry application.

Farmers who wish to avail of the extension need to register with DAFM in advance of spreading.

This can be done by emailing [email protected] or by phoning 053 916 3425 and quoting your herd number.

Both ministers concluded by stating that given the importance of improving water quality, inspectors from the local authorities as well as DAFM will be adopting a zero-tolerance approach to anyone found spreading slurry, or soiled water, during the respective closed period.

'Common sense approach'

Speaking after the decision to extend the deadline for spreading slurry, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers' Association (ICMSA) told Agriland that it was the "common sense approach and will be very welcome by farmers".

ICMSA deputy president Eamon Carroll said: "There is no doubt that there is excess slurry in tanks due to the summer drought.

"It is important that it is spread now when the nitrogen can get used in the longer and dryer days."