The Environment Agency is urging dairy farmers in the South West to get in contact if they are running out of space to store milk and slurry on their farms during this period of extreme weather.  

Some of the worst conditions for 30 years have prevented tankers in some parts of the region from completing their usual milk collections and are hampering farmers attempts to manage their slurry and manure stores.  We’ve been in close contact with the NFU who tell us hundreds of farms in the South West have been affected. This is not surprising as the South West has  37% of England’s dairy herd. Normally, surplus milk and slurry are not allowed to be spread on frozen ground because of the high risk of water pollution. Milk may seem harmless, but if it gets into a stream or river it is more harmful than sewage. It takes all the oxygen out of the water and kills fish and harms other aquatic life. Farmers who are rapidly running out of storage space for either milk or slurry should use the Environment Agency’s helpline on 08708 506 506. Environment Agency staff are on hand to give advice on how to deal with the issue without causing unnecessary risk to the environment. 

They can also go to the Environment Agency’s website at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32755.aspx 

In exceptional cases, the Environment Agency will temporarily allow some farmers to spread slurry and surplus milk on snow-covered or frozen soil, but there are strict conditions which have to be met beforehand. Farmers must speak to the Environment Agency first and be able to show: 

• action has been taken to prevent storage overflowing.
• there is no alternative temporary storage available - including at a neighbour's farm - and there are no other environmentally acceptable options for disposal.
• the activity is unlikely to result in pollution

 ‘We understand what farmers are going through at the moment. I used to be a dairy farmer and still look after livestock, so am well aware of the problems associated with storing milk, spreading slurry and ensuring cattle have water. I know the bad weather is causing big problems on farms across the South West. That’s why we’re temporarily relaxing the rules on spreading milk and slurry. Most farmers will hopefully have enough space to cope, but those who don’t, need to know that we’re here to help.’ Said Phil Shere, Principal Agriculture Officer for the South West at the Environment Agency.   

Melanie Hall, is South West Regional Director for the NFU: ‘Due to the snow and ice farmers have been caught between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand many have not had milk collections creating a situation where their stores are literally overflowing and on the other hand they are prevented by regulation from spreading on frozen soils. What can they do in this situation? The pragmatic view agreed between the NFU and the Environment Agency is absolutely correct given the current situation and we hope that the matters return to normal in the next couple of weeks.’ 

Phil Cork, Membership Manager at Milk Link, one of the leading dairy businesses in Britain said: ‘We welcome the important changes and clear guidance that the Environment Agency has announced regarding milk and slurry disposal. At a time when the severe weather has had a major impact on dairy farmers in the South West, the Agency’s practical and farmer friendly advice will be greatly appreciated.’ 

Richard Davies, DairyCo extension officer and technical expert on housing and storage said: ‘These are exceptional conditions for farmers, and it’s welcome that the Environment Agency is looking to see how the problem of storage can be resolved. I would add a note of caution to farmers that they need to be careful to select a suitable site with the least possible risk.’ 

To find out more about what you can do, use the Environment Agency’s helpline: 08708 506 506 or go to the Environment Agency’s website at: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/sectors/32755.aspx 

Notes to Editors:

• The Environment Agency takes it’s role of protecting the environment from pollution very seriously.
• This temporary relaxation of the rules will only apply until milk collections return to normal and ground conditions and other rules permit land spreading of slurries and manures.

• Milk Link is one of the UK’s leading integrated dairy businesses, owned 100% by British dairy farmers.
• It manufactures a complete portfolio of dairy products including long life milk, cheese, creams, flavoured milks and milk powders supplying all the UK’s major multiples and the food services sector.

• DairyCo is a levy-funded, not-for-profit organisation working on behalf on Britain's dairy farmers.
• It is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).