*This podcast is sponsored by AXA Farm Insurance.

In this episode of the AgriFocus podcast, Francess McDonnell chats to David Whelehan, agricultural technical consultant with Vogelsang Ireland and part time beef farmer in Co. Westmeath, about the “huge value” in organic fertilisers and how farmers can make the best use of slurry on their farms

Under the Nitrates Action Programme, Ireland is divided into three zones (A, B and C) based on soil type, rainfall and length of growing season. 

Farmers in zones A and B have been able to spread organic manures from January 13 and January 16 but this farmers in Zone C – which includes Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan – can begin the application of organic manures from February 1.

The fortnightly AgriFocus podcast series takes a closer look at some of the key issues that directly impact on farmers, rural communities and the agri-sector.