On all farms across Ireland, the animals have been kept warm and fed in their houses. The waste produced by the animals is collected in large underground, or sometimes above-ground, tanks. Farmers refer to them as slurry tanks or slurry towers. As the microorganisms break down the slurry into the vital nutrients needed for the soil, they also produce dangerous gases. These gases are trapped by a crust that develops on the surface of the slurry, and when the farmer agitates or mixes the slurry the dangerous gases are released.
These gases are very poisonous for you, the farmer and livestock if inhaled – they can make you very sick and even kill you. No one should be near the slurry tank when the farmer is mixing the slurry.
Our young readers must follow the rules below:
Remember you must be supervised if you enter the farm.
Stay away from the farm when agitation is taking place and machinery is in use.
Never go inside a shed where slurry is being mixed.
Slurry tanks are always covered. Tell an adult if an agitation point has been left open. DO NOT attempt to close it yourself.
Adults can learn from you too.