Mat Beale (Chippenham)

Since the beginning of the year, I have been contacted by many farmers who have received letters from the environment agency confirming that they will be inspecting their farm, (just what everyone needs following one of the wettest winters in memory).

Although the main sectors being looked at for inspections seem to be dairy, others have also received confirmation that they will be due a visit.

So, what can you expect from a visit?

Inspectors are attempting to be helpful, advising farms on best practices etc., instead of going looking for problems to pull you up on.  More of the carrot than stick approach as one person recently put it to me.

Inspectors will have a standard checklist they will work from.  Physically, they will look at slurry storage, open yard areas that are ‘dirty’ areas and ensure these are not draining to ditches, watercourses etc.  Other things, they are looking at are guttering, and the condition of concrete.

Essentially, their remit appears to be to stop slurry entering clean water sources, and to prevent clean water from becoming slurry and therefore increasing the amount that needs to be stored and spread on land.

Whilst receiving this notice of inspection isn’t going to be something to look forward to, it can be relatively pain free provided that everything is ready and up together beforehand.

If your farm was not inspected last year, the likelihood of inspection this year is quite high.  I believe the phone may ring a few more times yet!  I and my colleagues in FCG are here to help to allay peoples’ fears and concerns by getting prepared.  Fail to plan is planning to fail!  Contact Mat at mathewbeale@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.