The initial interim nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) statements published by the Department of Agriculture (DAFM) for the months of July and August 2025 contained incorrect information.

The Department issued correspondence to Farm Advisory System (FAS) advisers on Friday evening to inform of the error.

It stated: “Changes to the N and P data relating to bovines less than one year of age, introduced as part of the revisions to the nitrates regulations earlier this year, were not correctly incorporated into the interim statements published online by DAFM for the periods ending July and August 2025.”

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The Department added that the error is regretted and said: “The interim N and P statements for July and August have been corrected and republished.

"Analysis of the updated NPH values shows that correcting the error has had a very small impact for the vast majority of herds.

"However, as farmers and advisers use the interim statements for managing compliance, DAFM is aware that a small change could have a significant effect in some cases.

"As a result. DAFM has written to the farmers we believe may be impacted by this change.”

No farmers disadvantaged

The correspondence stated that no farmer will be disadvantaged due to this error: “No farmer will be disadvantaged due to this error.

"Any herds that, based on the original published statement to end of August would have been compliant and arising from that corrected statement, find they are no longer compliant at year-end will be considered by DAFM on a case-by-case basis.”

Any farmer or adviser who has concerns is encouraged to email nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie with their herd number and their specific details.