Getting slurry storage sorted

DairyCo extension officer, Chris Coxon, says that now is the ideal time to think about slurry management, before we get too far into the winter season.

Chris recommends that farmers think carefully about the following points:

1. NVZ storage regulations

In just over a years time dairy farmers will have to demonstrate that they can store slurry for five months in order to comply with NVZ regulations. If farmers havent made a plan for this yet then now is the time to start DairyCos Dairy Wizard publication can help with the calculations for this future planning.

2. Is there adequate storage space?

Some farmers may be aware that they need more slurry storage but they might not know about all of the options available, which include installing a separator, or, diverting the surplus water from the parlour wash down to an irrigation system. The DairyCo publication, Cost Effective Slurry Storage, booklet provides guidance in these areas and can help farmers to choose the right option for their farm.

3. Dont forget that closed periods may now apply

For those with adequate slurry storage facilities, we are now technically into the slurry spreading closed period.  This applies to arable cropping on all soils and grassland on light land soils.  If you have heavy grassland soils the closed period will apply from 15 October.

4. Check that your slurry scraper is ready for winter

And if its not, repair or replace it now to help keep yards as clean as possible.

5. Check slurry pumps, channels and valves

A quick check of the pathway of your slurry system through to the pit will decrease the likeliness of problems occurring when its used at full capacity. Just be very wary of the potential for toxic gas build-up in channels and slurry pits when you are doing checks.

To order your copy of the Dairy Wizard or Cost Effective Slurry Storage, call the DairyCo publications line on 024 7647 8702, email publications@dairyco.org.uk, or visit the DairyCo website at www.dairyco.org.uk.