Slurry guidance for farmers following wet weather
Natural Resources Wales is issuing temporary guidance to help farmers manage slurry following the recent wet weather.
The prolonged rain is hampering both storage and spreading of slurry for farmers and contractors.
If it is spread in very wet conditions, the nutrients in the slurry will be mainly lost and the run-off potentially causing water pollution.
However many farmers’ slurry stores are now full and the guidance below explains how best to deal with the situation.
It will be issued through farming unions and is available on the Natural Resources Wales website
It offers advice on both best practice and legal requirements to help farmers deal with the problems caused by full slurry stores and waterlogged land.
Huwel Manley, Operations Manager West for Natural Resources Wales said:
“We are aware that this winter’s prolonged spell of wet weather has been a difficult time for farmers.
“The storms and heavy rain over a number of weeks have left them with full slurry stores and waterlogged fields unsuitable for spreading.
“This guidance will provide farmers with advice on creating short-term extra storage and, if this is not an option, how to spread slurry while minimising the pollution risk and meeting legal guidelines.”
Farmers can also contact the Natural Resources Wales Customer Care line on 0300 065 3000 for further advice.
Anyone concerned about pollution from slurry storage should report it via the Natural Resources Wales incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
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