Farmyard water risks examined in Teagasc podcast
Catherine Egan and adviser Jimmy Lyons discuss how beef farmers can prepare for environmental inspections in the final Getting Winter Ready episode. Their conversation covers slurry storage, pollution prevention and access to specialist support through the agricultural agency’s advisory programme.
Beef farmers can take practical steps to protect local waterways and prepare for environmental inspections, Teagasc adviser Jimmy Lyons explains in the final episode of the Beef Edge podcast’s Getting Winter Ready series.
Joining presenter Catherine Egan, Lyons discusses water quality, farmyard management and preparations for Nitrates Action Programme inspections. Based at Teagasc Listowel, he works with the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP).
The discussion examines common problems found during inspections, including pollution risks around farmyards and the routes by which contaminated water can reach streams and rivers. Even small quantities of agricultural pollution can affect water quality, Lyons explains.
He also considers ways to manage dirty water and reduce the amount collected in the yard. With cattle housed for winter, farmers are encouraged to assess slurry storage capacity, limit rainwater entering tanks and understand the rules on spreading dates and suitable ground conditions.
Farmers can access ASSAP advice to identify risks and make improvements. Further information about the programme, local advisers and a practical guide to preventing farmyard pollution and complying with Good Agricultural Practice regulations is available from Teagasc.
The episode and other instalments of the Beef Edge are available through Teagasc. The podcast is produced for Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com.