Farmers encouraged to embrace sustainable nutrient management at CAFRE event in Co Antrim

CAFRE Northern area Beef and Sheep Team pictured with host Victor Chestnutt welcomed visitors to the on-farm ‘Fertilise to Maximise in a sustainable way’ event.

On a crisp evening at the farm of Victor Chestnutt in Bushmills, the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) hosted the first in a series of events aimed at promoting sustainable nutrient management practices.

The event, part of CAFRE’s ongoing commitment to supporting farmers in enhancing both economic and environmental sustainability, drew a crowd of local farmers eager to learn how to optimise nutrient use on their farms.

Rachel Megarrell, CAFRE Senior Beef and Sheep Adviser, opened the evening by underscoring the importance of targeted nutrient application.

“This event is about showcasing best practices to ensure nutrients in slurry are directed where they’re most needed,” she said. “This approach not only maximises efficiency but also safeguards our watercourses, which is critical for the sustainability of our industry.”

The event featured three CAFRE specialists who addressed key aspects of nutrient management: planning, the value of slurry, and effective application techniques. Their presentations highlighted practical steps farmers can take to reduce costs, improve yields, and minimise environmental impact.

Nutrient Management Planning: The Foundation of Efficiency

John Hamilton, a CAFRE adviser, kicked off the technical discussions by stressing the importance of soil analysis as the cornerstone of nutrient management.

“A full farm soil analysis is the starting point,” Hamilton explained. “It reveals the nutrient status and needs of each field, allowing farmers to apply slurry and fertiliser precisely where required.”

He cautioned against purchasing chemical fertilisers without first assessing on-farm slurry resources, which could already meet nutrient demands. Hamilton also highlighted the role of soil pH, noting that low pH levels can hinder fertiliser effectiveness. “No farmer can afford to waste fertiliser due to poor soil conditions,” he added.

Host farmer Victor Chesnutt provides an overview of his farm enterprise

Unlocking the Value of Slurry

Faith Stewart, another CAFRE expert, focused on the often-underestimated value of slurry as a farm asset.

“Slurry can significantly reduce the need for purchased fertiliser if used strategically,” Stewart said.

She advised targeting slurry to low-index soils or high-demand areas, such as silage fields, and emphasised the importance of testing slurry to understand its nutrient content. Factors like dry matter percentage and livestock feeding regimes can affect slurry’s nutrient profile, and testing helps avoid over- or under-application.

Stewart also discussed the role of sulphur, a critical nutrient that is easily leached from soil. She recommended applying sulphur as needed—32 units per acre for silage fields and 16-24 units per acre for grazing fields—to support nitrogen uptake and crop growth.

To maximise slurry’s value, Stewart urged farmers to avoid spreading on waterlogged ground or before heavy rain and to adhere to buffer zone regulations.

“If we treated slurry with the same care as expensive fertilisers, we’d see its true potential,” she remarked.

Precision Application for Maximum Benefit

Jonathan Brown, the final speaker, explored how to optimise slurry application using modern techniques and technologies. He highlighted the benefits of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE), which reduces nutrient loss, lowers emissions, and protects waterways from runoff.

“LESSE is a win-win,” Brown said. “It saves money by reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and delivers environmental benefits.”

Brown also addressed soil compaction, a major issue that can slash crop yields. “Prevention is far better than remediation,” he noted, advocating for sustainable practices such as appropriate tyre use and satellite-based guidance systems.

On the host farm, these measures, combined with infrastructure upgrades, have improved soil health, biodiversity, and profitability. Brown’s data-driven approach underscored the potential for farmers to enhance resilience while maintaining economic viability.

Faith Stewart, CAFRE Beef and Sheep Adviser discussing the importance of understanding the value of your slurry.

A Model for Sustainability

Victor Chestnutt’s farm served as a practical example of the principles discussed. By targeting slurry to low-index soils and using precise nutrient management plans, the farm has reduced fertiliser costs while maintaining productivity.

The integration of technologies like LESSE and careful attention to soil health have further strengthened the farm’s sustainability credentials.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

CAFRE announced two additional nutrient management events scheduled for Monday, 28 April 2025, at 7:30pm. These will take place at the farms of David Brown (68 Drumhack Road, Drumgague, Enniskillen, BT92 3DT) and Conor McAlinden (11 Castlewellan Road, Rathfriland, BT34 5LY).

No pre-booking is required, and farmers are encouraged to attend to gain further insights into sustainable practices.

In addition, CAFRE is recruiting for its new Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs), designed to foster collaboration and innovation among suckler, beef, and sheep farmers. BSGs offer members access to benchmarking, analytical testing, and one-to-one support, with a minimum of five meetings per year, often hosted on members’ farms. Participants must attend at least three meetings annually to qualify for a Learner Support payment, and host farmers receive a hosting payment.

Applications for BSGs are open until 12 noon on Friday, 2 May 2025. Interested farmers can apply online and find more details, including FAQs and terms, at the CAFRE website: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/knowledge-transfer-programmes/business-sustainability-groups/.

For further information, contact CAFRE at kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk.

A Call to Action

The Bushmills event underscored the potential for farmers to achieve economic and environmental gains through sustainable nutrient management.

As CAFRE continues its series of events and expands its BSG programme, farmers across Northern Ireland are encouraged to seize these opportunities to enhance their businesses and contribute to a more sustainable future for agriculture.

By adopting these practices, farmers can not only improve their bottom line but also play a vital role in protecting Northern Ireland’s natural environment for generations to come.

Published: 20 April 2025