1 in 3 contractors have spread 450,000 litres less slurry this year

The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) have written to Government requesting a temporary extension of the slurry spreading period - beyond October 1^st - based on actual ground and weather conditions.

Figure 1: Results from survey of FCI membership

Unusual growing conditions have disrupted normal silage and slurry-management patterns. Allowing additional spreading days, where appropriate conditions exist, would support further grass growth by allowing nutrients to be utilised while grass is still growing, in-turn facilitating an additional autumn silage cut, thus reducing pressure on farmers as the winter housing period approaches.

FCI have requested that Government urgently examine a controlled extension to allow slurry spreading into October 2026, where weather, soil and ground conditions are suitable.

FCI fully recognises the importance of protecting water quality and maintaining Ireland’s environmental obligations, therefore, we are not requesting an unrestricted extension.

FCI Managing Director Ann Gleeson Hanrahan said:

“Contractors are not demanding a for a free-for-all on slurry spreading. We are asking Government to recognise that the weather and ground conditions this year are exceptional, and to prepare a mechanism by which slurry could be spread beyond October 1^st if the weather and ground conditions are suitable”.

FCI National Chairperson Norman Egar said:

“Any extension should not be unrestricted, and must be designed to avoid nutrient losses to water”.