20 August 2010

2 minute read

Europe

Last December and January, a prolonged severe cold snap following persistent wet weather led to some farms suffering problems with slurry storage capacity. Taking action now – while it is drier and easier to empty and check any storage does not leak - can help prevent slurry problems next winter.

Environment Agency agricultural advisor Jane James said: " Recent wet summers have made it difficult to fully empty and check stores, but we are asking farmers to take full advantage of the more favourable conditions this year to empty and carefully check their slurry stores.

“Putting in this good groundwork now can make all the difference in the deep, dark winter - reducing the risk of overflowing stores and pollution. Emptying slurry stores can also help farmers make the most of the better fertiliser value of slurry during the summer months.”

NFU Chief Dairy Advisor, and chairman of the EPDF steering group, Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, said: “The EPDF is all about advocating a voluntary approach to environmental problems. By bringing together industry regulators and dairy farming representatives we can find practical solutions that mean less regulation and actually deliver positive environmental benefits. That has to be a win-win solution.”

Farmers can follow this checklist to help prepare stores for winter:

• Check that slurry storage capacity fits with slurry production
• Look at immediate cost-effective ways to increase storage, such as controlling the amount of clean water entering slurry stores
• Aim for stores to be emptied in the summer, and certainly before animals are put inside for the winter
• Check the slurry store for leaks and corrosion and make any necessary repairs.

The EPDF steering group is made up of the Environment Agency, NFU, Dairy Co, Dairy UK and the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

TheCattleSite News Desk