How nitrates rule changes will act as a new quota for Irish livestock farms

The new Nitrates Action Plan beginning in January 2023 will increase the organic nitrate levels deemed to be produced per cow, with a new banding limit brought into effect for higher-yielding herds. Agricultural accountant Kieran Coughlan explores how changes will limit Irish cow numbers.

The nitrates regulations govern the maximum number of animals a farmer is allowed to carry on their holding. Breaching the regulations will result in penalties to the farm's direct payments. 

A key driver of increasing individual farm profit over many generations has been to increase productivity through scientific advancements, the application of enhanced farming techniques along with greater knowledge and skill.

The most economically productive and efficient farms of today can produce multiples of what was produced just a few decades ago.