Nitrogen and phosphorus (N and P) statements for the period January to the end of September are now available on www.agfood.ie, with further updates available in the coming weeks.

Farmers at risk of breaching the organic nitrogen level of 170kg/ha or derogation farmers at risk of exceeding their limit of 250kg/ha of organic nitrogen should keep up to date with levels produced.

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 way 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.

    • 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.