Farmers across Ireland are facing significant challenges when it comes to slurry spreading this year. Poor grass growth and difficult weather conditions throughout the summer have made it tough for many farmers to keep up with their work. Michael Fitzmaurice, the Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, has spoken out about these struggles and is calling for help.
Request to Extend the Deadline
Currently, farmers are permitted to spread slurry until September 30, but Deputy Fitzmaurice is asking for an extension to this deadline. He’s urging Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, to grant a two-week extension to give farmers the extra time they need.
Earlier this year, poor grass growth meant farmers had to focus on managing their livestock and making sure they had enough grass to feed them, which delayed their slurry spreading plans. Now, they need more time to finish grazing their fields before spreading slurry safely.
Working to Build Fodder Reserves
Farmers have also been working hard to increase their fodder reserves, which were alarmingly low this year. Silage and bale returns from the first and second cuts have been below expectations. With these difficulties, farmers are “doing everything in their power” to manage the situation, but many now need a little more time to get the job done.
More Calls for an Extension
Not only is Michael Fitzmaurice calling for help, but Paul Lawless, a Mayo County Councillor, is also asking for the slurry spreading deadline to be extended into October. He believes the agriculture sector is working flat out to meet the current deadline and needs more time to get the job done properly.
What Happens Next?
Farmers will have to wait to see if the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, will agree to extend the deadline. For now, they continue working hard to manage their fields and ensure their livestock are well fed, despite the tough conditions they’ve faced this year.
Why Is Slurry Spreading Important?
For young farmers, it’s important to understand why slurry spreading is such a big deal. Slurry is a natural fertiliser that helps grass grow by adding nutrients to the soil. When farmers spread slurry on their fields, it boosts grass production, which is essential for feeding livestock. Without enough grass, farmers struggle to keep their animals healthy and well-nourished.
This year, with so many challenges around grass growth and weather, farmers are hoping for a bit more time to do the job right!
Is This an Issue on Your Farm? Have you noticed similar problems on your own farm? Maybe your family has been struggling with poor grass growth or difficult weather conditions this year too. If spreading slurry has been a challenge, it might be affecting how you manage your livestock and fields. Ask yourself: have you had to delay spreading slurry because of a lack of grass or tough weather? It’s something that’s impacting many farmers across Ireland right now. |
