Farmers apply for nitrates derogation

The effect of nitrates banding on higher-yielding herds is evident in this year’s increase in derogation applications.

If the total nitrogen produced by all livestock on a holding, adjusted for livestock imports and exports, exceeds 170kg/ha/year, farmers can apply for derogation status.

Cow banding has pushed about 600 farmers into the derogation status that allows them to farm at higher stocking rates if they take extra steps to protect the environment.

If the total nitrogen produced by all livestock on a holding, adjusted for livestock imports and exports, exceeds 170kg/ha/year, farmers can apply for derogation status which enables them to operate between 170kg and 250kg of nitrogen per hectare.