About this episode
Claire Mooney discusses practical tips for farmers to improve water quality and prepare for future regulations.
Claire Mooney, Catchment Coordinator for the Suir, joins Stuart Childs to discuss practical tips for farmers in relation to improving water quality. Claire first explains immediate on-farm actions to improve environmental compliance and efficiency, including better silage management, protecting waterways with fencing and alternative drinking points, improving slurry and effluent handling, using sulphur correctly, and how clover can reduce chemical nitrogen use. Claire discusses the need for farmers to prepare for tighter slurry storage rules in 2028 by assessing storage capacity now, working with advisors, exploring TAMS grants and capital allowances, and planning investments early rather than waiting until compliance becomes urgent. Finally, Claire stresses that small operational improvements can make a significant difference, such as separating soiled water from slurry, reducing rainwater entering tanks, fixing leaks, cleaning yards efficiently, and redesigning cow traffic areas to reduce unnecessary slurry storage demand and avoid a need to reduce stock numbers on foot of the new regulations that may be avoidable. She also emphasises the importance of using slurry well and…
People in this episode
Host: Stuart Childs
Guest: Claire Mooney
Topics covered
- water quality
- farming tips
- environmental compliance
- slurry management
- sustainable agriculture
Keywords
- water quality
- farming
- slurry storage
- environmental compliance
- sustainable practices
- agriculture
- effluent handling
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Teagasc, LastCastMedia.com
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