Firstly I would like to wish all readers a happy and safe 2018.

This week, we focus on slurry. We take a look at the value of both cattle and pig slurry to the land in terms of N, P and K. We give guidelines on what to spread and when depending on the time of year and also a few tips before you set off with your tractor and tanker.

A wetter than expected autumn forced a lot of farmers to house their stock earlier than planned, putting pressure on slurry storage facilities across the country.

One contractor in Co Fermanagh is more than used to this challenge and has built his own bespoke umbilical system to get spreading from the get-go no matter what the conditions are.