The Environment Agency (EA) is urging farmers to start their
preparations now for winter slurry storage, with their Winter
Ready campaign. While the current dry weather is at the front of
minds, with rainfall across England is 20% less than long term
average for June, farmers also need to start considering the
weather extremes that winter may bring.
To help ensure farmers have enough storage and a robust back-up
plan in place, the EA's Winter Ready campaign will support
farmers across the country facing slurry storage issues.
The EA is encouraging farmers to start their preparations now,
and to contact them for advice if necessary. If you have any
questions or concerns, please speak to your local EA Officer or
call the EA's National Customer Contact Centre hotline on 03708
506 506.
Some simple steps and solutions to tackle slurry storage issues
include:
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Ensuring you have adequate storage to see you through winter
without the need to spread. The EA recommends having six
months of storage to help comply with the requirements of the
Farming Rules for Water to spread only according to crop and
soil need.
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Covering slurry tanks, lagoons and pits and using the summer
months to fix drainage and clear guttering to ensure
separation of clean and dirty water, meaning less rainwater
mixes with slurry to increase its volume.
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Refraining from taking sludge, digestate or other materials
if you don't have an immediate need for them. Even if you are
contracted to take these materials, all producers have a
responsibility to ensure bi-products and waste are properly
disposed of.
Environment Agency Deputy Director for Agriculture,
Nicola Riley said:
Recent Met Office research has found that weather extremes are
now the norm in the UK with wetter winters and drier summers.
Currently the pressing issue of the impact of drought is at the
front of minds and the Environment Agency is working closely with
farmers and growers to help secure water this summer.
It is important too that we look ahead to the wet weather we can
expect towards the end of the year and we are helping farmers to
get ready ahead of time by supplying guidance and practical
solutions.
We're urging farmers to start their preparations now, with the
Environment Agency on hand to help farmers find the right
solutions that work for them.
Last month ministers met representatives from the farming sector,
environmental groups and the water industries to start a review
aimed at making the rules and regulations that apply to farming
clearer and more effective helping reduce and prevent pollution
from farms.
Farmers should plan spreading and use of other fertilisers to
meet soil and crop need at the time of application and to
minimise the risk of pollution. This means that in the majority
of cases there is no requirement for spreading in the autumn and
winter months.
Farmers can also apply for a range of capital items available
through the Capital Grants offer that can support farmers to
reduce the amount of slurry generated on their farm. This
includes slurry store covers, roofing, concrete yards and
drainage systems.
A Catchment Sensitive Farming advisor can visit farms and provide
advice on how these can best be utilised.
Notes to Editors
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If you have any concerns or questions about adequate slurry
storage for the winter, contact your local EA Officer or call
the EA's National Customer Contact Centre hotline on 03708
506 506 or emailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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The EA recommends using the online Slurry Wizard Tool to help
farmers with calculations.
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Farmers can also look at the Harvesting Success
booklet which provides advice to comply with the law,
reduce your risk of causing pollution and benefit their
business.
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Read the Environment Agency blog on
slurry Winter Readiness for further information.
