Beef and dairy farmers in England are eligible to apply for a capital grant towards the cost of covering existing slurry stores.

The scheme is designed to help beef and dairy farmers with the following:

• protecting the store from rainwater and reducing storage and field application costs
• reducing the loss of nitrogen and increasing the nutritional value of slurry as a fertiliser
• reducing ammonia emissions and improving air quality
• minimising odour emissions

The grant is estimated to pay for 100% of the cost of the cover but farmers might need to contribute towards installation costs.

Above ground circular stores are eligible for self-supporting covers at £61/m²

Lagoons and rectangular stores are eligible for floating covers at £11.20/m²

The application window is open until 31^st  January 2017, there is no upper limit on the grant and multiple stores on each farm can be applied for. As part of the grant process the applicant will also receive free advice from Natural England on the reduction of ammonia and sustainable slurry management.

For more information on this grant contact Will Hyde on 01249 750151 or williamhyde@fcgagric.com