Farmers can’t spread slurry or manures within 10m of a watercourse
HOW far is 10 metres? This is the question which all farmers should be asking themselves before they start spreading manure this spring.
The good weather has brought out the ploughs, fertiliser spreaders and slurry tankers. However, before starting any cultivations or manuring, answering that question is vital to ensure the Single Farm Payment is secure for the business.
From the first of January there was a new GAEC (Good Agriculture and Environmental Condition) brought into force and, with a few farmers already having been penalised, it has to be made clear that it will not be acceptable to spread slurry or manures within 10 metres of a watercourse.
For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.