Nitrates 2021

The following is applicable to Whole Farm Stocking Rates of ≥170kgs N/ha prior to exports

Crude Protein:

• Maximum of 15% crude protein content fed to grazing livestock on the holding between 1 April and 15 September focused on dairy cows and cattle over 2 years and does not apply to livestock under 2 years.

• If higher levels of crude protein are required it must be certified by advisor (Agricultural Advisor or Nutritionist).

• Receipts should be retained nitrates related record shall be retained for 5 years.

Liming Programme:

• Implemented in 2021.

• A current Nutrient management PLAN (NMP) and/or associated soil analysis results must be available.

• Liming programme will be 4 years in duration

• 25% of lime should be spread in 2021.

• Lime applied prior to 2021 can be included in the requirements for a liming programme provided it was spread post soil analysis. The balance of lime must be spread over the 4-year programme commencing 2021.

• Invoices should be retained.

• Lands by way of one-year (conacre) agreements don’t have to be limed; however, if land is being managed for more than 1 year then it should be included.

• On high molybdenum soils the lime requirement should be reduced by 5 tonne t/ha. This needs to be agreed in advance with a FAS advisor.

Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment:

• All Slurry spread by LESS after 15th April 2021.

• Records shall be prepared (including relevant invoices) for 2021 by 31 March 2022 and shall be retained on the farm and submitted as requested by the DAFM. (Note deadline for submission applies to Nitrates Derogation Applicants).

Exclusion of bovines from watercourses:

• 1.5m from riverbank by January 2021 from bovine livestock.

• Livestock can cross watercourse to isolated parcel.

• Supplementary drinking points (water troughs) may not be located within 20m of surface waters from 1 January 2021.

The following is applicable to all holdings regardless of stocking rate.

New Roadways

• A minimum buffer of 1.5m shall be kept between waters and the farm roadway and incorporating a fence 1.5m from the edge of waters. Fence both sides.

• The new roadway should be orientated away from waters.

• Existing roadways must be fenced on both sides.

Amendment to 89kgs

• Cows N production changed from 85kg to 89kg.

• Farmers have a full year to make on farm changes required due to the new figure. These include exporting slurry, reducing young non dairy stock and/or applying for a derogation next Spring.