Slurry extension to the 31st

BAD weather during September caused significant hardship for farmers, and made it extremely difficult to carry out regular farming activity, said Environment Minister Phil Hogan, as he recently granted a two-week extension to the period during which slurry may be spread, as an exceptional measure.

The extension is to October 31, but nitrates directive regulations prohibit slurry application at any time of the year when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or heavy rain is forecast.

Minister Phil Hogan said the deferral of the start of the closed period by two weeks was requested by the Irish Farmers Association.