Welsh slurry closed periods set for overhaul

Welsh farmers could see an end to fixed slurry spreading dates as the government develops plans for a more flexible approach.

Rural resilience minister Llyr Gruffydd has committed to removing the closed period under Wales’ Control of Agricultural Pollution regulations, although details of how and when changes will be introduced have yet to be announced.

See also: NVZ review: Welsh farmer frustration continues with rules

A government Task and Finish group met in July, with Mr Gruffydd present, to discuss the closed period and other recommendations arising from a review of the regulations. It is due to meet again in September.

Mr Gruffydd has previously criticised “farming by calendar” and called for a more targeted approach using technology, weather and soil conditions.

With the closed period beginning on 1 September for grassland on sandy or shallow soils, NFU Cymru, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) and Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) Cymru have called for greater flexibility.

Fodder pressures mount

Prolonged dry weather has restricted grass growth and left some livestock farms short of winter fodder.

NFU Cymru water quality chairman Martin Griffiths said some farmers had already resorted to feeding conserved forage and would need late silage cuts to rebuild stocks, delaying opportunities to spread slurry.

“The closed periods with arbitrary dates have put farming businesses throughout Wales under immense strain,” he said.

NFU Cymru said changes would not be enacted in time for 2026-27 and wants exceptional circumstances provisions allowing exemptions during extreme weather or events such as TB breakdowns.

FUW president Ian Rickman said many farmers hoped to take another silage cut before the growing season ended.

“There are a number of alternative options to consider that could allow for measured flexibility whilst also ensuring that pollution incidents are avoided,” he said.

The FUW wants legislative changes ahead of the 2027 closed period and has raised the potential need for derogations this autumn and winter.

Environmental safeguards

NFFN Cymru manager Rhys Evans described fixed dates as “increasingly outdated and rigid”.

He said spreading decisions should reflect local weather forecasts, soil saturation and crop nutrient requirements, with safeguards including nutrient accounting and soil testing.

Mr Evans warned dry, compacted soils could also increase the risk of slurry being washed into waterways by sudden autumn rainfall.

“In the short term, the Welsh government should offer pragmatic, temporary flexibility for spreading based on real-time soil and weather conditions ahead of the closed period,” he said.