Slurry

From now on, all slurry on derogation farms must be spread with low emission slurry spreading (LESS) equipment, such as a trailing shoe, dribble bar or injectors. Soiled water can still be spread using a splash plate. These slurry rules apply to farmers in derogation or above 170kg organic N/ha.

Exports

The deadline for receipt of slurry movement forms for farmers in a derogation has been brought forward to end of October 2020. Farmers who are not in a derogation, but who still export slurry, must submit the form before the end of the year.

Grass management

All derogation farmers will have to either undertake grass measuring and budgeting through a software programme (such as PastureBase) or undertake certified grassland management training in either 2020 or 2021.

Lime

All farmers in a derogation or above 170kg organic N/ha will have to participate in a compulsory liming programme. How much lime to spread will be determined by soil samples and evidence of lime purchased will have to be filed.

Crude protein

All farmers at more than 170kg organic N/ha will be limited to using a 15% crude protein concentrate feed between 15 April and 15 September next year. This measure is aimed at reducing the nitrate concentration in urine, which results when excess crude protein is fed.

Clover

Clover must be sown when reseeding is carried out by derogation farmers.

Hedge-cutting

Derogation farms must either leave a mature whitethorn or blackthorn bush every 300m along a hedge or only be cutting hedges on a three-year cycle.

Water quality

By 2021, farmers in a derogation or those that are stocked higher than 170kg organic N/ha will have to adopt extra measures to prevent contamination of waterways. Water troughs must be more than 20m away from watercourses and animals must be prevented from entering watercourses to drink water.

All watercourses must be fenced back 1.5m from the top of the bank. Furthermore, roadways adjacent to watercourses must be cambered away from the watercourse.