Technical Notice: Reminder to submit 2024 temporary movement of animals for grazing records

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine wishes to remind farmers that completed forms regarding the temporary movement of animals for grazing during 2024 (Record 4) or short-term land rental agreements relating to 2024 (Record 5) must be submitted by 31 December 2024 by email to: nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or by post to: Nitrates Section, Water and Air Quality Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Y35 PN52.

The only accepted proof of postage is a Swift Post Receipt or a Registered Post Receipt.

A small minority of dairy farmers have not confirmed their herd’s dairy cow band for 2024. These herds are currently defaulted to the highest excretion rate band of 106kg N/cow/year for 2024 in accordance with the Nitrates Regulations, and previous direct communication from the department with these farmers.

This band will remain applicable for these herds, unless the herd owner confirms that a different 2024 excretion rate band is appropriate for their herd by 31 December 2024.

For almost all farmers, a dairy band for 2024 can be confirmed online via the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website. However, for those who have not consented to their milk data being shared with ICBF, a manual form is available to download on the department’s website.

If a manual return is being used, it must be submitted by email to: nitrates@agriculture.gov.ie or by post to: Nitrates Section, Water and Air Quality Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Y35 PN52.

The only accepted proof of postage is a Swift Post Receipt or a Registered Post Receipt.