Peter Harland, a tenant of Mulgrave Estate, farms 155ha diary, beef and arable farm near Newton Mulgrave. In 2022, he received funding towards the cost of installing an innovative slurry management and rainwater harvesting system and a wash-down kit.
Analysis of Village Farm slurry revealed it contained approximately 8,820kg of nitrogen, 2,640kg of phosphate and 1,520kg of potash plus an array of micronutrients, which was a significantly underutilised resource.
Inspired by Mark Roach, the managing director of Grosvenor Farms, who had implemented changes on the farm which led to a 40% drop in GHG emissions, Peter applied to FiPL for funding towards the cost of 4 x large slurry bags and to the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, towards a slurry separator and a trailing shoe applicator.
The slurry bags have turned a problem into an asset. We can now use the slurry where and when we need it, instead of worrying about how we’re going to get rid of it. They have saved me 28 tonnes of artificial fertilizer per year, at a cost of around £10,000. I expect this saving to increase as the soil adjusts to the new system. It is helping to make better use of on farm nutrients improve soil health and making our business more financially resilient.
Thank you all very much for helping arrange the funding it’s been great. Peter Harland
The new system enabled the separation, storage and correctly timed application of slurry, which has reduced the need for artificial fertilizer, increasing farm business resilience and has contributed to a reduction in GHG emissions on the farm.
Management Plan
This project supports the following management plan objectives:
Outcome 1: A resilient landscape at the forefront of addressing climate change and nature recovery.
Objective 4: Protect, restore and improve soils across the National Park.
Objective 5: Achieve good ecological status for all water bodies by 2027 and support the improvement of the marine and coastal habitat.
Outcome 5: A place that supports a diverse and innovative low carbon economy.
Objective 19: Maintain a strong and viable farming and land management community that delivers more for climate, nature, people and place.