Farmers permitted to store farmyard manure on land over closed period
Arising from the exceptionally wet summer and autumn this year, there are many farmers who have been unable to spread farmyard manure without doing significant damage to soil structure.
Farmers are permitted to have farmyard manure that is currently appropriately stored on land remain there for the duration of the closed period this winter.
Under the regulations in place, farmyard manure can’t be stored on land from November 1 until mid-January and in the case of counties Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, and Monaghan until January 31.
However, arising from the exceptionally wet summer and autumn this year, there are many farmers who have been unable to spread farmyard manure without doing significant damage to soil structure.
From an environmental perspective, given current soil conditions, the risk of damage to the soil and associated risks to water quality outweighs the risk to water quality if the farmyard manure remains in a compact heap that is appropriately located, according to the Department of Agriculture and Department of Housing.
The exemption from the rule only applies to existing heaps of farmyard manure that are currently stored on land in an appropriate location, respecting set-back distances and that ensures there is no risk of run-off or seepage, directly or indirectly, into groundwaters or surface waters.
Such manure should remain in a compact heap until the end of the closed period next January. At that point, it can remain stored on the land in accordance with the Regulations until there is a suitable opportunity for land spreading.
Where farmyard manure remains in dungsteads, or other suitable farmyard facilities, it should remain there until the end of the closed period.
If storage capacity in such facilities becomes an issue before the end of the closed period, the farmer is advised to engage with their local authority to discuss the most appropriate way to deal with the situation.
Appropriate sanctions would apply where a farmer is found to have stored farmyard manure inappropriately or to have spread it during the closed period.
Irish Farmers' Association environment committee vice-chairman John Murphy said the flexibility around the storage of farmyard manure is logical and important given the weather conditions.
"Given the prolonged period of wet weather, particularly after Storm Babet, IFA made the case that farmers would be permitted to store farmyard manure in temporary field heaps in appropriate locations on land where there is minimal risk of runoff polluting watercourses," Mr Murphy said.
"This flexibility will enable farmers to comply with the regulations but most importantly avoid water pollution given the ground conditions on farms."
