The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has highlighted the severe challenges that are facing farmers following 28 consecutive days of rainfall.
According to the UFU, this has “left ground conditions unsuitable for the safe spreading of slurry across many parts of Northern Ireland”.
In a statement, the union said the prolonged wet weather has “significantly reduced the opportunities for farmers to manage nutrients”.
This in turn has increased pressure on slurry storage capacity and created “difficult conditions for farms that are determined to remain compliant with environmental regulations,” the UFU said.
The UFU has called on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to “see the realities that farmers are facing” and to “provide appropriate flexibility” for farmers affected.
“Farmers are resilient but resilience isn’t unlimited.
“Farmers do want to be part of the solution and are willing to invest and modernise their infrastructure to improve long-term resilience.
“However, they are unable to do so due to harsh planning rules,” the statement said.
UFU deputy president John McLenaghan commented on the situation, saying: “We recognise the strain many farmers are under at present.
“If storage capacity is becoming a welfare concern or issues are emerging, farmers should contact their UFU technical officer for advice and guidance and where ground conditions allow, and only where it can be done safely.”
McLenaghan further mentioned that while these are “difficult days” for farmers, longer daylight hours and drier weather are approaching.
“Farmers are resilient and committed to doing the right thing and, with practical support, they will be able to manage through this period,” he said.
The UFU reaffirmed its commitment to working constructively with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) in order to ensure regulations “remain fair, practical and capable of being implemented safely, all while supporting environmental protection and sustainable food production”.
