Confirmation Needed of Inclusion of Dribble Bar Slurry Equipment in new TAMS

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins has re-iterated the need for urgent clarification on the inclusion of dribble bar slurry equipment as eligible investment under the new Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) programme, due to commence in early 2023.

As the deadline for the final tranche of TAMS II approaches, Michael Biggins has once again called on the Minister for Agriculture to confirm their inclusion.

“Dribble bars have proved to be a very popular investment item among farmers since their inclusion under TAMS and have played a significant part in reducing ammonia emissions from slurry spreading,” he said.

Farmers like them as they are suitable for tractors with lower horsepower; can be can be easily retrofitted to existing tankers; and will work on slurry that is drier in nature.

“Trailing shoe slurry tankers require higher horsepower tractors, burning more diesel to drive them, and are not suitable for rougher land on which dribble bars will still operate. Removing dribble bars from the list of eligible TAMS investments would be a significant step backwards from an environmental point of view and will discourage many farmers from investing in Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS) equipment,” he said.

“Many farmers have delayed applying on LESS equipment in order to avail of the higher grant rate and revised costings for LESS equipment expected under the new TAMS scheme, which is set to open early next year.”

“With tranche 28 of the current TAMS II due to close on Friday, Dec 16th, it’s vital that farmers receive clarification as soon as possible,” he concluded.