NVZ farmers reminded to update records before deadline

Farmers in a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ) in England and Wales must update their livestock and grassland management records by 30 April.

If using livestock manure on the holding, the number and type of animals on the farm, and the length of time spent there should be detailed for the previous year.

The livestock categories and the amount of nitrogen they produce can be found by downloading the blank claimant completion and standard values tables. These are accessible via The guide to cross compliance in England 2019 on the gov.uk website.

See also: Handy guide to key cross-compliance dates 2019

A record for the previous calendar year must also be completed by 30 April, showing:

• Calculations showing kept within the whole farm N limit
• Calculation of the amount of nitrogen produced by livestock
• Copy of sampling and analysis of manures and soils and/or output from software

For grassland management, evidence of the soil N supply and method of assessment, the crop N requirement and how it was calculated, and any written advice from a FACTS-qualified adviser, should be included.

All records must be kept for five years.

May compliance deadlines

Hedge or tree coppicing or hedge laying is banned from 1 May.

The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application window is set to close next month.

Regardless of what happens with the UK’s exit from the EU, BPS 2019 will continue to operate under the current rules.

See also: Basic Payment Scheme – tips for applying in 2019

The rules are the same as in 2018, but it is essential to read the BPS 2019 Scheme Rules guidance on the gov.uk website.

The Rural Payments Agency must receive your application and supporting documents by no later than midnight on 15 May 2019 to avoid any late claim penalties.