Cork dairy farmer tracks nitrates in derogation
Watch how this Cork farmer manages and tracks nitrates in derogation using the Herdwatch app. The nitrates situation presents both challenges and opportunities for Irish farmers, especially those in derogation. As the industry strives for sustainability, understanding nitrates and their regulations has become crucial. Nicole Keohane and her grandmother Anne, dairy farmers from Cork, exemplifies how the Herdwatch app’s Nitrates Calculator can be an invaluable tool in managing nitrogen levels and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Understanding Nitrates in Agriculture
Nitrates are vital for plant growth, providing a key source of nitrogen that crops need. However, in farming, excessive use of nitrates—often from fertilisers and manure—can lead to significant environmental issues, including water pollution and biodiversity loss.
In Ireland, regulations under the Nitrates Directive limit the amount of organic nitrogen that can be produced per hectare of farmland to 170 kg per year. Farmers must maintain detailed records of their nitrogen use, including livestock numbers, fertiliser application, slurry management, and crop requirements. Compliance is not only essential for environmental protection but also to avoid penalties.
Nicole Keohane’s Approach to Nitrate Management
Nicole understands the importance of effective nitrate management on her dairy farm. Farming alongside her grandparents, Nicole has introduced technology and software into their farming practices. Nicole has been using Herdwatch to track breeding information in her dairy herd and remain compliant with farm records. Using the Herdwatch app, particularly the Nitrates Calculator feature, she can easily track and manage her nitrate usage throughout the year, ensuring her operations remain compliant and sustainable.
Utilising the Nitrates Calculator
The Nitrates Calculator in the Herdwatch app is a user-friendly tool that allows farmers to monitor their organic nitrate levels efficiently. Here’s how Nicole makes the most of this feature straight from her phone:
- Access the Home Screen: Open the Herdwatch app and navigate to the home screen.
- Select ‘Management’: Click on the ‘Management’ section to access various management tools.
- Choose ‘Nitrates Calculator’: Select the Nitrates Calculator from the menu.
- Input Relevant Data: Choose options that apply to your farm, then click ‘Next’.
- View Results: The calculator will provide an estimate of your nitrates in app, allowing you to assess your current position.
Benefits for Nicole
The Nitrates Calculator offers several advantages for Nicole.
- Proactive Management: The tool allows her to adjust cattle numbers and manage slurry import/export proactively, helping to stay within legal limits and plan for the upcoming year.
- Streamlined Record Keeping: The ability to save her results as a PDF simplifies record-keeping, making it easier to track her farm’s nitrate levels.
- Tailored Insights: Whether on a mobile device or desktop, Nicole receives customised insights based on her specific farming operations, enabling better decision-making.
- Enhanced Compliance: Regular use of the calculator helps her ensure compliance with nitrate regulations, reducing the risk of penalties while promoting sustainable practices.
