ICSA: Dribble bar grant should be 'reinstated' on back of new research
Dribble bar slurry spreading equipment should be "reinstated" in the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) according to one farm organisation, following the results of a new research study which shows it delivers "similar" benefits to other equipment.
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) today (Thursday, April 10) said the results of the study financially supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) underlines the "urgent need to reinstate grant aid for dribble bar equipment under TAMS".
The aim of the study by senior research officer at Teagasc, Dr. Dominika Krol, was to investigate the ability of three different Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) techniques to reduce ammonia emissions compared to splashplate on Irish soils.
Dr. Krol's conclusion at the end of the research project confirmed that on average, the LESS techniques do lower ammonia emissions.
However, she found that "contrary to that demonstrated in previous research in other countries, there is very little difference between LESS techniques".
As a result, Dr. Krol said "there should be a focus on encouraging farmers and contractors on the island of Ireland to use any LESS equipment, rather than specifically pushing the more expensive form, as this may increase uptake".
According to Sean McNamara, ICSA president, the new research study "completely undermines the rationale for excluding dribble bars from TAMS support".
"It confirms what we have believed all along, that the dribble bar performs just as well as the trailing shoe when it comes to emissions.
"If both deliver the same environmental outcome, there is no justification for favouring one over the other in terms of financial support," McNamara said.
He said that the current exclusion of dribble bars from TAMS is therefore "not based on science or emissions data".
"In fact, it is forcing farmers to invest in heavier, more cumbersome equipment that may not even suit their land, and for no extra environmental gain.
"ICSA is now calling on Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, to urgently reverse the decision to exclude dribble bar technology from TAMS 3.
"A trailing shoe is too heavy for smaller tractors, unsuitable for undulating terrain, and cannot be retrofitted to existing tankers. In contrast, the dribble bar is lighter, easier to operate, and can often be added to equipment a farmer already owns. It is the most practical and cost-effective solution for many," the ICSA president said.
