Further Flexibility Needed on Slurry Spreading Deadline – IFA

*** Minister Charlie McConalogue and Minister Darragh O’Brien announced an extension of the deadline with the close period for slurry spreading to commence on Sunday, 15th October. ***

IFA National Environment & Rural Affairs Vice-Chair John Murphy said that farmers need further flexibility and an additional extension to the slurry spreading deadline.

“The original extension is due to finish this Saturday, 7th October. While this did help in allowing some farmers to apply nutrients, the weather pattern has been very challenging in early October preventing many farmers from spreading any slurry,” John Murphy said.

“A further extension is now needed to allow farmers to spread slurry and ensure that these nutrients are applied in more appropriate weather conditions,” he said.

“Announcing this extension promptly would also provide the opportunity for land conditions to improve before farmers spread their slurry,” he said.

“The weather outlook for next week is favourable and there are still strong grass growth still evident so it makes sense, based on the Department’s own criteria, to extend the deadline,” John Murphy said.

“There are provisions within regulations that permit the Minister for Agriculture, based on specific criteria to extend the period for slurry spreading to the 14th of October,” he added.

“It is clear to me that we meet the criteria to grant a further extension. Putting this in place will ensure that these nutrients are applied in more appropriate weather conditions,” John Murphy concluded.