Don't be caught napping with your manure‏

"Make sure you incorporate manure management into your grassland management programme" - that's the advice from Colin Bowers, marketing specialist at Dow Agrosciences.

"Good manure management is essential for herbicide users," Mr Bowers continues." Many farmers work with their agronomists to put together excellent weed control programmes, but what can get forgotten is that managing the manure produced from stock grazed on treated grass should also form part of the whole grassland management programme.

"Check carefully where you can apply manure from stock which have been grazed on herbicide-treated land," explains Mr Bowers. "Our feedback from agronomist training updates is that some farmers aren't aware of the restrictions that apply if they're using Forefront [aminopyralid]. There are specific recommendations for follow-on crops, depending on their susceptibility to aminopyralid. By following recommendations carefully, farmers can ensure that they are planting the appropriate crops for that field.

"The same principles apply when using manure from livestock which have eaten treated grass, as there may be trace levels of aminopyralid in the manure. Manure and slurry can be spread on grazing or cutting grass, cereals, or land for maize, but should not be used on land intended for growing sensitive crops such as potatoes, legumes, sugar and fodder beet, tomatoes and other compositae.

"Make sure you also take these factors into account if you are selling on manure. It is important to remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that the manure is used appropriately. It can be used by farmers who wish to use it for grass, cereals or maize, but not sold to farmers or general public for use on sensitive crops or in gardens.

"A simple rule of thumb is: if it is intended to grow sensitive crops after grass, check what herbicides were used. Some may have following crop restrictions, and, if manure or slurry is to be applied to ground intended for sensitive crops, check what products were used. There may be limitations on the use of the manure or slurry.

"Finally, if in doubt, ask your agronomist," advises Mr Bowers.