The deadline to spread chemical fertiliser has been extended to the end of September and the deadline for organic manure has been extended to the end of October.

Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed made the announcement at Tullamore Show on Sunday.

"Following consultation with my colleague the Minister for Planning, Housing and Local Government Eoghan Murphy TD, I can announce flexibility on an extension to the closed period for spreading of chemical and organic fertilisters, in order to capitalise on autumn grass growth for fodder production."

Farm organisations and contractors have been calling for an extension for a number of weeks and the news will come as a relief to many farmers.

The move is to help farmers grow more grass after drought conditions had a serious knock-on effect on grass growth.

The move comes in addition to a €2.75m tillage scheme announced by the Department of Agriculture and GLAS flexibilities for tradtional hay meadows.

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