Farming Monthly National July 2017 | Page 42

| Muck & Slurry Cut costs by making more of muck and slurry Dairy farmers can learn how to release the true value of muck and slurry by attending one of a series of meetings throughout July and August. rganised by AHDB Dairy the events will cover muck and slurry storage, and techniques for cost effective applications within a nutrient management plan. Farmers will also hear how the AHDB Slurry Wizard can help calculate volumes produced and storage capacity required to stay NVZ compliant, as well as exploring any cost/benefit of covering yards and slurry stores. David Ball, AHDB Technical Manager said: “Farmers already acknowledge slurry, farmyard manure and dirty water as valuable by-products but up until now many underestimate their true value.” The recently refreshed AHDB Nutrient Management Guide (RB209) provides accurate nutrient and availability values, and based on current market values, shows that muck is worth £9.20/tonne and a cubic metre of slurry has a O value of £3.20 in NPK alone. David continued “Dairy farmers should be looking at all of their outgoings as a matter of course and anything that can help bring down the cost of fertiliser should be encouraged.” Details of the meetings can be found below and at ahdb.org.uk. To book a place, farmers should contact the AHDB Dairy KE Events hub on 01904 771216 or email [email protected]. Date Venue 4th July Wicton Farm, Bromyard, Herefordshire 19 July Manor Farm, Waterston, Dorchester 24th July Coldharbour Farm, Binegar, Near Radstock 26th July Higher Trevallett Farm, Laneast, Launceston 1st August Yennards Farm, Potters Marston Lane, Leicester 2nd August Ashton Pool Farm, Stone 42 | Farming Monthly | July 2017 www.farmingmonthly.co.uk