Agency appeals to farmers to check silage stores before cutting season

Environment Agency Wales is urging farmers to check their silage systems for cracks, leaks or breaks before this year’s cutting season starts.

Farmers have been caught out in the past as they fill damaged stores with silage.

The Agency is advising farmers to check their stores for any damage or signs of wear and tear before filling them.

Taking action now could save farmers experiencing costly leaks from their stores later in the year.

Silage effluent is some 200 times more polluting than un-treated sewage, so even small leaks can cause serious problems in streams and rivers.

Silage systems must meet the requirements of the Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil Regulations 2010 (the ’SSAFO’ Regulations), including:

• Floors of silos must not leak,

• Silage effluent must be collected in channels right around silos

• Held in a tank designed to store silage effluent, which can be very corrosive.

Some aspects of these regulations changed in 2010, for example, allowing suitable tarmac to now be used to repair or replace silo floors.

Farmers can contact local EAW office to discuss any concerns and obtain guidance, or consider using Farming Connect (through the Farm Advisory Service) to help meet regulatory requirements

The Farm Advisory Service (FAS) can help provide practical solutions to many on-farm issues.