A new specialist machinery event focused on manure handling and nutrient management reflects a wider shift in UK farming towards tighter regulation and more efficient input use.
Muck Management UK 2026 will bring together manufacturers, contractors and farmers at a time of increased scrutiny on slurry storage and application. It will take place on 3-4 June at Bodrhyddan Hall in North Wales.
Organisers say the event responds to growing demand for practical guidance as farms invest in slurry infrastructure and adapt to environmental rules. Event director Graeme Lea said the industry had responded strongly to the concept.
“What we’re building is a focused, technical machinery event centred on live working kit and meaningful conversations. The response from manufacturers and technology providers has been extremely encouraging.”
Shaping investment
The event’s timing reflects pressure on farmers to improve nutrient management. Policy changes and environmental targets have pushed slurry handling up the investment agenda.
Farmers now face decisions on storage capacity, application accuracy and nutrient efficiency. These decisions carry cost implications but also affect compliance and productivity.
Organisers say this has created demand for a more technical, machinery-led event, rather than a general agricultural show. “The focus is on getting working machinery in front of farmers and contractors who are planning their next purchase,” said Mr Lea.
The event will combine live demonstrations with a static exhibition and a technical forum delivered with ADAS, aimed at providing independent advice on nutrient use and investment planning.
Practical focus
Live demonstrations will form a central part of the event. Organisers have already confirmed a range of slurry and manure application systems. Demonstration slots are almost at capacity, with strong interest from manufacturers.
The emphasis on working machinery demonstrations comes as producers demand more cost-effective investments. Farmers want to see how equipment performs in real conditions before committing capital.
With fertiliser costs volatile and environmental regulation tightening, manure and slurry have become more valuable as nutrient sources. That increases the importance of accurate application and efficient handling.
Organisers say early ticket sales and exhibitor interest indicate momentum behind the event. Interest has surged following the spike in fertiliser prices caused by the Iran war and conflict in the Middle East. The event points to a broader trend too. Nutrient management is moving from a compliance issue to a core business decision.
For tickets and full details about the event, please visit muckmanagement.com
Why nutrient management is moving centre stage
Farmers are placing greater emphasis on manure and slurry as part of wider changes in nutrient management.
Rising fertiliser costs have increased the value of organic nutrients. At the same time, regulation has tightened around storage, application timing and environmental impact.
These pressures are forcing farms to rethink how they handle and apply slurry. Investment decisions now focus on both compliance and efficiency.
Better informed
Events such as Muck Management UK highlight this shift. They bring together machinery, advice and practical demonstrations in one place. The aim is to support more informed decision-making, say organisers.
The technical forum, delivered with ADAS, will provide independent guidance on nutrient management and application systems. Poor decisions can lead to losses through runoff, emissions or inefficient use.
But better management can reduce input costs and improve soil performance. Farmers must decide how much storage they need, how to apply nutrients accurately and how to integrate organic manures into cropping systems.
The move towards more precise nutrient use reflects a broader change in farming. Inputs are no longer applied routinely. Farmers now manage them more carefully, with greater attention to timing, placement and return on investment.