The Welsh government has issued details of a second window for grants including significant contributions towards slurry system equipment.

“Grants for slurry equipment and infrastructure typically offer a 40% contribution. However, slurry separators now come with a more generous 50% grant,” says Vogelsang’s Andy Hayhurst.

Mr Hayhurst adds that slurry scraping systems, pumps, drainage and pipework are all covered with a 40% contribution, but that separation offers a cost-effective opportunity for Welsh livestock farms to reduce their slurry burden.

“An XSplit slurry separator is now essentially half price in Wales, thanks to this grant. Once installed, the separator provides a dry matter content of up to 40 per cent and will reduce the strain on stores, especially if the store is uncovered,” he says.

The latest guidance also reminds farmers in Wales that since 1st August, five months' slurry storage is required for cattle, or six months' for pigs and poultry.

“With regulations coming into effect and the grants being made available to farmers, now is the time to invest and improve slurry management across Wales,” adds Mr Hayhurst.

The grants also include contributions to application technology such as dribble bars, trailing shoe applicators and injectors.

“With the ban on splash plates still planned for next year, we have seen enquiries for trailing shoe applicators and dribble bars rise sharply. The grants offer 40% towards the cost of an applicator of this type as an incentive to help farms transition from splash plates before the ban,” says Mr Hayhurst.