Kilkenny TD pleads with Minister to extend slurry spreading season

By COLIN BARTLEY

KILKENNY TD Bobby Aylward has written to Agriculture Minister Micheal Creed urging him to grant an extension to the slurry spreading season.

The dealdine for spreading slurry, essential in replenishing soil, passed on October 15. But the recent harsen harsh weather has reaped havoc on Kilkenny’s farming land, meaning it is not suitable for spreading slurry.

Deputy Aylward said: “An extension to the slurry spreading deadline is now needed due to poor weather conditions.

“The Minister for Agriculture needs to speak with his colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to extend the deadline to accommodate farmers who need additional time.

“This deadline causes huge worry for farmers, as it’s impossible to judge from year-to-year how suitable the land will be for spreading slurry. Farmers who feel under pressure may spread in a panic and that risks damaging the land.

“There needs to be some level of discretion. It’s important to remember that this sector has repeatedly been hindered by factors beyond their control – Brexit, the beef crisis, and falling prices are just a few of the challenges farmers have faced this year.

“The least the Minister can do is grant an extension to help farmers during this time,” Deputy Aylward said.