Environment Agency publishes silage advice for farmers

Handy factsheets to help farmers better manage their silage have been published on the Environment Agency website.

The updated Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil Regulations came into force on April 6 (May 10 for Wales). With the silage-making season about to start the Environment Agency is reminding farmers to take extra care to keep silage as dry as possible. This reduces the risk of pollution caused by silage effluent.

The dry spring has resulted in a delay in grass growth. However, recent rainfall coupled with warmer weather is likely to lead to an abundance of late grass with a high moisture content, which could result in an increase of silage effluent.

Farmers can take these steps to reduce the risk of pollution:

• Ensure silos and effluent systems comply with the SSAFO regulations and are in good condition with any cracks sealed and protected
• Consider weather forecasts and if possible avoid making silage if wet weather is forecast
• Wilt the grass as much as possible as this can virtually eliminate effluent
• Have a contingency plan in place to collect any silage effluent that does leak, or that is produced in larger volumes than usual
• Check drains and ditches daily for any signs of leaking effluent
• Do not waste effluent spread it onto the land as fertiliser or feed it back to livestock
• Ensure that collection channels and drains remain free of obstructions
• Make sure effluent tanks do not overflow
• Prevent clean water from entering slurry stores by fixing roofs, gutters, wards and lanes
• Ensure open silage bales are not stored within 10m of any watercourse or 50m of any spring

Farmers must also notify the Environment Agency at least 14 days before making changes to silage, slurry or agricultural fuel systems. Farmers can also contact the Environment Agency in the planning stages for advice.

The Environment Agencys Head of Land and Natural Environment Pam Gilder said: We are urging farmers to be extra careful this year because of the predicted weather. Its important to be aware of the regulations and keep silage as dry as possible. This minimises the production of silage effluent, which can be up to 200 times more polluting than raw sewage.

For more information on the 2010 SSAFO Regulations you can call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or visit the website, where you can also download the free factsheets: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/118798.aspx