Slurry extension ‘will help farmers to maximise grass utilisation’

FARM groups have welcomed Environment Minister Phil Hogan’s decision to grant an extension for the spreading of slurry to October 31.

Macra na Feirme president Alan Jagoe welcomed the decision to take account of the heavy rainfall, noting that the extension will allow farmers to implement best practice in grassland management as advocated by Teagasc.

Mr Jagoe said: “Farmers aiming to maximise the utilisation of grass as well as minimise the expenditure on artificial fertilisers will benefit from the extension.

“The decision to extend the deadline will allow farmers to spread slurry during the optimum period. This extension allows for more effective practices for both the farmer and the environment.

“There is every good scientific, environmental and grassland management reason to allow later spreading of slurry. Furthermore, as weather patterns are changing, we are getting wetter summers and drier winters and the grass growth is maintained into the winter months. We welcome the decision by the Minister for the Environment in conjunction with the Minister for Agriculture to extend the deadline.”

The Environment Minister’s decision was also welcomed by his cabinet colleague, Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Mr Coveney said: “The weather conditions in September, with very high rainfall, made conditions for farming particularly difficult. The granting of the extension will alleviate the pressures on farmers.”