This stocking rate row is core to why the handbrake is pulled on farm investment here in Ireland.
The Department of Housing must be inviting the water quality stakeholders over for the spuds and turkey if it wants real consultation on the latest nitrates measures.
A Department of Housing consultation paper on the Nitrates Action Programme has proposed restrictions on nitrogen usage on lowly stocked holdings.
The letters issued to farmers who had been compliant with stocking rate limits over recent years.
Two farmers have outlined the actions they have taken to reduce demand for grass and how much it is costing them.
The co-op stated that high water quality, a low stocking density and an economic dependence on agriculture dictate that more of its supplier catchment should fall in the 250kg N/ha zone.
Last week, farmers gathered at Shinagh for an update on Farm Zero C to hear how the farm, which has a 250-cow spring-calving herd, is reducing emissions. Jack Kennedy reports.
The sustained poor growth over the past few weeks has been a real pain in the side of farmers, resulting in heavy supplementation having to go in.
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Growth is down on average around 1t DM/ha which will come at a significant cost to replace, Teagasc's Nigel Kennington has said.