Check slurry storage capacity now, farmers advised

The Environment Agency is urging livestock farmers to take steps now to ensure they have sufficient capacity for winter slurry storage.

As part of a “Winter Ready” campaign, it suggests farmers should use the summer months to fix draining and clear guttering.

This will ensure separation of clean and dirty water, meaning less rainwater mixes with slurry to increase its volume. 

See also: River Action considers appeal in Farming Rules for Water case

The Environment Agency (EA) is also encouraging the covering of slurry tanks, lagoons and pits, pointing to various grant schemes available to help farmers in England improve or expand slurry storage capacity.

These include the slurry infrastructure grant and various capital items available through Countryside Stewardship.

“Wet weather throughout the year has already put pressure on farms’ storage and, if this continues, it is important to have enough storage and a robust back-up plan in place,” it said.

“The EA recommends having six months of storage to help comply with the requirements of the Farming Rules for Water to spread only according to crop and soil need.”

The statement goes on to advise farmers to refrain from taking deliveries of sludge, digestate or other materials “if you don’t have an immediate need for them”.

Immediate need

This emphasis on “immediate need” comes in the wake of a recent High Court case, where the judge advised that organic fertiliser application should be limited to the growing crop’s immediate need, rather than its annual need.

EA deputy director for agriculture Nicola Riley said: “We know the profound impact that wet weather can have on farmers and their slurry storage.   

“That’s why we’re urging farmers to start their preparations now, with the Environment Agency on hand to help farmers find the right solutions that work for them.”

 Any farmers who have questions or concerns are encouraged to speak to their local EA officer, call the customer hotline on 03708 506 506, or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

The EA also recommends using the online Slurry Wizard Tool to help farmers with their calculations.