A slurry problem is mounting up on farms across Scotland and it needs a sensible response. The closed period is almost upon us, meaning farmers will no longer be able to spread on their fields. We know that due to the weather farmers have been unable to empty their tanks.

To compound the issue, we are looking at higher prices for straw – driving more cattle onto slats.

Therefore, the Government must look to put in place legislation similar to Northern Ireland – where farmers can spread slurry on their farm where they can prove exceptional circumstances; records have to be kept and good reasons for why the farm needs to spread in the closed period needs to be provided.

However, it is far more environmentally sensible to spread a little slurry in good weather conditions on a flat park in the closed period, than to flood sodden fields in slurry in the days running up to it, or worse, have slurry tanks overflowing through the winter – causing serious financial costs on top of environmental damage.

Due to EU rules, a-case-by-case basis for exceptional circumstances is a more likely outcome than seeking an outright extension to the start of the closed period.

Sadly, there is no guarantee the rotten weather won’t continue in the extension.

For the moment, the EU will need to see Scotland demonstrate exceptional circumstances. Since extreme weather conditions, like those we are experiencing, are more often nowadays, exceptional circumstances may be harder to prove than we think.

Perhaps a complete shift away from calendar farming towards a more common-sense, weather-based approach is needed in the long term. Clearly we need flexibility in the rules to allow farmers to spread in appropriate conditions during the closed period, when conditions make applying to the rules impossible.

Any farmer doing this would need to be prepared to defend themselves at inspection when questions are asked.

Farmers don’t want penalties and they don’t want to increase the chances of inspectors poking about their slurry stores.

Therefore, only those who really need the exemption would take it up.

Simply the best

Well done to our farmer writers Robert and Jac Neill for picking up the Farmer of the Year at the Farmers Weekly awards. I know Robert and Jac have an incredible set up at Upper Nisbet and their attention to detail never fails to impress. Plus, they do more than their fair share of hosting farm visits and trips.

Keeping BPS bargain

Farmers need to apply for CAP payments before 20 October. While this is technically a loan, farmers should not worry about paying it back. It is important that they take the time to apply for the loan – then it is down to the Scottish Government to keep its side of the bargain. The industry needs its payments in November, like so many other countries across Europe. Livestock is already heading indoors and wet conditions have hampered harvest, so the cash will be sorely needed.