Spreading the word
Where there's muck there brass, the old adage goes, but too much of it could bring major problems for farmers in the region.
Where there's muck there brass, the old adage goes, but too much of it could bring major problems for farmers in the region.
Changing legislation means that some farmers will have to restrict their muck spreading and storage practices or face financial penalties.
To find out how the latest science, machinery and technology can help them make more from their muck, farmers in the West Midlands and North West are invited to attend Muck North West, a new event for the region.
Jointly sponsored by Berrys and the Environment Agency, Muck North West will be held on Tuesday, March 18, at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, from 10am to 4pm.
Farmers will be able to see the latest slurry handling and incorporation equipment in action, including self-propelled spreaders, shallow injectors, arable injectors and umbilical equipment to help them choose the best equipment to maximise muck values on their farms.
Arable farmers will be able to see a growing crop of winter wheat being top dressed with slurry using a trailing shoe. With bagged nitrogen soaring to £270 a tonne, slurry could become an economic option for growers.
Discussion forums will highlight the main issues and a free slurry analysis service will be available so event visitors can bring along their own slurry samples for testing on the day to analyse nitrogen content and dry matter percentage.
The Milk Development Council and catchment-sensitive farming officers from the Natural England will also be offering their top tips for cost-effective manure management.
