Closed Period for Chemical Fertilizer Starts Soon

The Ulster Farmers’ Union is reminding farmers that the closed period for spreading chemical nitrogen fertilisers begins at midnight on 15th September. During this period, no chemical nitrogen fertilisers can be applied in fields. The closed period will remain until midnight 31 January.

Slurry Spreading

The Ulster Farmers’ Union is encouraging farmers to make use of the good ground conditions and start to thinking about utilizing slurry stores as the closed period approaches on the 15th October. It is important to note that spreading during the closed period is a breach of cross compliance rules and can result in a penalty being applied to the Single Farm Payment.

Controlled Burning

From 1st September 2013 until 14th April 2014 farmers will be able to use controlled burning as a means of managing vegetation. Anyone carrying out a controlled burn is advised to consult the Code of Good Agricultural Practice and Guide to Land Eligibility for further information and guidance on responsible practice. 

Hedge Trimming

From the 1st September 2013 until 28th February 2014 farmers will be able to cut hedges. DARD Countryside Management Unit has produced a technical booklet offering guidance on the management of hedgerows which can be accessed at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/ruralni/field_boundaries.pdf

(Source – Farming Life – 16/09/2013)