DAERA had no engagement with farmer representatives about difficulties with spreading slurry before the start of the current closed period, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has said.

In response to written questions from independent MLA Claire Sugden, Minister Muir said that while September 2025 had above average rainfall, early October was generally dry.

“The summer months prior to this were generally favourable for slurry spreading, allowing most applications to be completed before the autumn and the subsequent closed period,” he said.

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The Alliance MLA pointed out that while the current closed period is 16 weeks, the current rules state that cattle farms are required to have 22 weeks’ storage.

“This is to ensure farms have sufficient storage capacity to allow for when weather and soil conditions are unsuitable for slurry spreading either side of the closed period,” he said.

Minister Muir also indicated that the current closed period for slurry spreading would not be changed as part of the ongoing review of the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP).

“The fourth ongoing NAP review is based on this scientific evidence and proposes that the current closed spreading period dates remain effective for the region,” he said.

He pointed to a “comprehensive scientific review” of the closed period policy which was conducted by AFBI in 2020.

“[It] concluded the current evidence base supports the closed period as the most effective strategy for minimising the risks associated with slurry spreading from 15 October to 31 January,” Minister Muir said.

Several changes to slurry rules were proposed in the initial NAP consultation in May 2025 including reduced maximum application rates in October and February, a phase out of splash plates and a short-term ban on spreading when heavy rain is forecast.