Farmers at risk of exceeding the organic nitrogen limit of 170kg/ha, or 250kg organic nitrogen per hectare for those availing of a nitrates derogation, now need to assess the likely level of output until the end of the year.

This will allow producers to gauge if any action needs to be taken to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties.

The Department of Agriculture announced on Friday that nitrogen and phosphorus statements for the period January through to October 2020 have been updated and published on the Department’s agfood.ie facility. The statements will be particularly useful in accurately establishing the current farm situation and forecasting organic nitrogen levels until the end of year.

Farmers should note that the statements are based on bovine numbers and, as such, do not take into account other animals such as sheep, pigs, poultry, horses, etc.

A lowland ewe has an annual nitrogen output of 13kg N, while hill ewes are 7kg N, rams 9kg N, lowland hoggets 6kg N, mountain hoggets 4kg N and store lambs 2.4kg N.

The main route of reducing nitrogen levels at this stage of the year are as follows:

  • Reducing livestock numbers.
  • Exporting enough slurry/farmyard manure.
  • Availing of temporary grazing agreements.

    • The most likely level of bringing about significant change at this stage of the year is with exporting nitrogen. Reducing livestock numbers for one month will generally only bring about a small change unless there is a severe reduction.

    A Record 3 form must be submitted to notify of the movement of slurry and farmyard manure, while a Record 4 form must be submitted to record temporary grazing agreements. Both of these forms must be submitted by 31 December 2020.