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This month promises to be an especially busy time for farming. Fieldwork ramps up as more land becomes fit to travel after winter –...

This month promises to be an especially busy time for farming. Fieldwork ramps up as more land becomes fit to travel after winter – and we are due a particularly important government announcement.

The announcement involves long awaited clarification from Defra on the government’s farming rules for water – and how they affect the spreading of autumn slurry and manure, including its timing and location.

The Environment Agency was rightly taken to task last summer when it issued new guidance telling farmers that organic manure shouldn’t be spread in autumn unless there was an immediate crop requirement for doing so.

This effectively banned the accepted practice of applying autumn manures in preparation for spring uptake – something that improves soil health, structure and organic content.

At times like this, it is no wonder farmers are confused. Defra suggests spreading manure is good so long as there is no pollution risk – yet one of its agencies suggests the complete opposite. Clarification can’t come soon enough.

Privately, government ministers admit that there is “some education to be done” when it comes to the Environment Agency’s interpretation of government rules and regulations. And in this case it certainly appears agency officials have been over-zealous.

Mixed farming – including the reintroduction of livestock into arable systems – is seen as one of the most sustainable ways of farming. As such, it is encouraged by the government’s transition plan for agriculture.

Farm minister Victoria Prentis has promised clarification in the coming weeks. It is important she delivers. Fertiliser prices have reached record highs – making alternative nutrient sources such as manure, slurry and digestate increasingly valuable. 

Growers and livestock producers both benefit from proper and sensible applications of manure. And there is no reason for it to remain banned. We hope – and indeed believe – that common sense will prevail.

Johann Tasker

Editor