The Environment Agency (EA) has recently launched this year’s Farm Winter Ready campaign. With many areas of the country experiencing drought, a wet winter may not be top of mind for many farmers. However, winter waits for no one, and the summer months are the ideal time to plan for slurry storage. Taking action now makes maintenance easier, planning less stressful, and ensures storage requirements are carefully considered.
Weather and forward planning
Last year’s wet spring left many farmers’ slurry stores under pressure. This year has been the opposite, with very dry spring and summer conditions. The lesson? Past weather isn’t a guarantee of future conditions. Wet weather can appear when least expected, so it’s crucial to plan ahead.
Key considerations for winter-ready slurry storage include:
- Calculate storage requirements: Know how much slurry you are likely to accumulate during the winter months.
- Check drains and guttering: Ensuring these are fully functional and rainwater is kept separate can significantly reduce overall volumes.
- Contingency planning: Have a plan in case storage capacity runs out or issues arise.
- Think long-term: Consider whether covering existing storage, increasing capacity, or planning for expansion is needed.
Regulations and good practice
While regulations may feel burdensome, they are designed around good agricultural practice. They protect the environment while also enhancing efficiency and productivity on the farm.
Storage Requirements:
- Under the Silage, Slurry and Fuel Oil Regulations (SSAFO), a minimum of 4 months storage capacity is required.
- In Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs):
- 5 months for cattle and sheep
- 6 months for pigs and poultry
- The EA recommends six months storage to ensure adequate contingency capacity.
Spreading Rules:
- The Farming Rules for Water allow spreading fertilisers according to soil and crop needs, without causing pollution.
- Spreading because storage is full rather than soil or crop need breaches these regulations.
- During autumn and winter, there is usually no soil or crop requirement for spreading, and materials spread at this time risk runoff or leaching into waterways.
The EA routinely monitors and inspects farms to ensure compliance, including checks during the winter months.
Further help & advice
If you have concerns about slurry storage, need clarification on regulations, or require capacity calculations, contact the CXCS Agricultural Compliance team at 01981 590514.