Helping farmers comply with NVZ regulations

The new NVZ regulations which came into force earlier this year are forcing farmers to reassess their business plans in order to maximise the resources available to them.

Livestock farmers must now comply with closed spreading periods, the manure N loading limit and minimum manure storage requirements, as well as planning Nitrogen applications before any is actually applied. Non-compliance could lead to significant financial penalties under the Single Farm Payment Scheme, or even prosecution.

Leading environmental and agricultural consultancy ADAS has been assisting farmers with the complex calculations and record keeping that are required if farmers are to be confident of meeting the new regulations. ADAS has developed the Defra and Environment Agency recognised PLANET software and has experienced FACTS-qualified advisers who use PLANET to help with NVZ compliance.

The new regulations have had a particularly big impact on the dairy industry. Lancashire-based farmer John Carr was concerned about the potential investment that could be needed against a backdrop of falling milk prices and approached ADAS to assist with the calculations required:

"My first concern was establishing whether or not the farm fell within the boundaries of an NVZ," explains John, "I knew I was on the borderline and so the final decision could have a significant impact upon the future of my farm."

An extra 13 per cent of England has now been designated an NVZ, bringing the total to 68 per cent of all land. Four per cent of the land in Wales is also affected. It is vital that farmers establish whether their farm lies within an NVZ in order to assess liability under the new regulations. ADAS can advise farmers on the location of NVZs across the UK.

"Fortunately for us, our farm lies on both sides of the NVZ boundary," explains John. "In view of rising prices, however, and the global economic climate, it’s extremely important for us to focus on efficient use of all inputs and ensuring that we optimise all sources of fertiliser nutrients on the farm."

Working with ADAS consultant Steve Ford, John was able to provide the key information to allow the calculation of his farm’s manure N loading and identify how the slurry and manure and fertiliser use could be planned more effectively.

"Initially, we looked at total slurry production, as well as other factors such as the existing slurry storage capacity," explains John. "We use both artificial fertilisers and farm manures, so this is something we need to monitor carefully.

"Steve has now provided us with a service using the PLANET software which we can use to plan and record nutrient inputs and outputs – we can input our crop and nutrient data and keep track of where we’re going with our soil index levels. His advice has really put my mind at rest."

Steve explains: "With the introduction of the new regulations, it’s crucial that farm businesses consider their future, and which direction they should be moving in the short, medium, and long term. They need to be absolutely clear that fertiliser rates are correct and how money can be saved, as well as ensuring NVZ compliance.

"It is not always necessary to invest in new facilities in order to do this. Slurry storage can potentially yield unnecessarily high costs, and so alternative options may need to be identified. Careful calculation of the NVZ requirements has shown that additional slurry storage capacity is not always required, as in John’s case. The situation is one that should be evaluated carefully farm by farm before deciding that new storage is actually required."