At this time of year, attention turns to the end of the closed period when farmers are allowed to spread slurry. The opening date for spreading slurry all depends on which county your farm is located and what zone that county has been placed. The 26 counties have been split into three zones A - C with Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal and Leitrim in zone C and Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo, Louth, Mayo and Westmeath in zone B.
Storage periods for cattle manure and prohibited periods for spreading fertilisers to land in Cavan and Monaghan is 22 weeks. The prohibited application periods for Cavan and Monaghan in Zone C are as follows: chemical fertilisers ends on the 14th of February; organic fertilisers and farmyard manure is on January 31st. As reported by Agriland earlier this week, the closed period for spreading soiled water has now ended. The closed period was in place from December 10 until December 31, 2023. Farmers are now permitted to spread soiled water, once conditions are suitable.
