Every year, the Irish Farmers Journal receives calls from people living in rural areas who give out about the smell of slurry.

The odour is usually the biggest bugbear among these urbanised rural dwellers. Some find it difficult to accept that living in rural areas will mean having to deal with agricultural activity from time to time.

Of course, every farmer has a right to spread slurry on land during the open period when conditions are suitable. However, in built-up areas, the best option is always to try to avoid confrontation. Often times, there is a lack of understanding on both sides and this can be overcome with dialogue or maybe an invitation to have a look around the farm.

Explain that slurry is an important fertiliser, it is a vital source of organic matter for the soil and spreading is necessary to be compliant with nitrates regulations and to keep the countryside alive and growing.

To avoid issues in the future, you might consider giving advance notice, a text or a phone call to the residents explaining that slurry is going to be spread on certain days.

That way they can be prepared and less likely to become annoyed.

Unfortunately, this method will not work in every situation, but if confrontation can be avoided that is the route to take.

Grants

There are attractive grants available under TAMS II for low-emission slurry spreading equipment, which reduces the odours from spreading.

These grants cover the purchase of a new slurry tank or umbilical system with low emission slurry spreading attachments. Some farmers might consider this option in very built-up areas.

Grant-aid of 40% up to an investment ceiling of €40,000 per holding is payable under this scheme.

For farmers in a registered farm partnership, the ceiling increases to €60,000. Interestingly, the investment ceiling under this scheme is separate to the overall TAMS II investment ceiling of €80,000 per holding, which makes this scheme in TAMS more attractive.