Farmers should be aware that the deadline for grazing GLAS traditional hay meadows is 15 April.

If the parcels where these meadows are located have been closed during the winter, there is more than likely a strong cover of grass present.

A kind winter followed by a very mild February led to great grass-growing conditions.

Last year, a two-week extension was granted to GLAS farmers to graze these parcels for longer due to the fodder supply problem.

That extension was only granted because there was sufficient reason to do so.

There is no pressure to grant an extension this year, so farmers should aim to graze these parcels before the deadline.

As mentioned in last week’s column, farmers are now allowed to graze GLAS wild bird cover parcels before re-sowing.

These parcels need to be grazed off to help breakdown the trash from last year’s crop.

Traditional buildings

More information on the status for this year’s GLAS traditional farm buildings scheme has been revealed.

The Irish Farmers Journal attended a training day in Athlone last week organised by the Heritage Council.

Those who have been shortlisted were invited to the event.

The 2019 tranche received approximately 280 applications from building owners around the country.

Approximately 119 applications received a mark of 60 or over and have been shortlisted for funding.

Their applications will be screened based on a number of criteria for their suitability to the scheme’s criteria and the proposed project budget before receiving funding.

Letters have been sent out to those who have been shortlisted.

In many cases, applicants have been asked for additional information, including more detailed quotations.

The Heritage Council envisages that offers will be issued towards the end of April.

It aims to offer between 50 and 70 grants each year, with funding allocations ranging between €4,000 and €25,000.

Reminder

The closing date for 2019 nitrates derogation applications is 31 March 2019.