Flexibility on Farmyard Manure Logical Given Recent Weather Conditions

IFA Environment Committee Vice Chair John Murphy said the flexibility around the storage of farmyard manure (FYM) is important given the weather conditions.

He was reacting to confirmation from the Dept of Agriculture and the Dept of Housing that farmers will be permitted to store farmyard manure (FYM) on fields after the closed period starts next Tuesday, November 1st.

IFA had made representations to both the Departments in recent days seeking additional flexibility in relation to the management of FYM.

“Given the prolonged period of wet weather, particularly after Storm Babet, IFA made the case that farmers would be permitted to store FYM in temporary field heaps in appropriate locations on land where there is minimal risk of runoff polluting watercourses,” he said.

This flexibility will enable farmers to comply with the regulations but most importantly avoid water pollution given the ground conditions on farms.

Under the Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters Regulations the prohibited period for spreading of farmyard manure (FYM) is to begin nationally on the 1st November.