Longford Farming News: Advice on what to expect with an ACRES inspection

There was a huge uptake for the ACRES scheme nationally with almost 55,000 farmers participating making it a popular choice for many Drystock and Beef farmers.

The Department of Agriculture normally completes a 5% Inspection rate each year in ACRES so one would expect at least a quarter of all ACRES participants to be inspected over the five year period of the scheme.

It’s very disappointing when penalties arise following an inspection resulting in reduced payment for that year but even more serious is that an action can be lost out for the whole duration of the plan resulting in a much larger financial hit.

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Following an inspection, you will be requested to provide the most recent ACRES records showing what work you did in relation to actions chosen.

The new fertiliser Database will provide the inspector with details of your most recent fertiliser purchases for the relevant year and you will also be asked to provide meal / concentrate records for the previous year as well.

Virtually all ACRES farmers have taken soil samples recently and your fertiliser purchases must be in accordance with the Soil Sample requirements so it is very important that you know what the soil samples require when it comes to ordering fertiliser for this calendar year as there are penalties for exceeding fertiliser limits.

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You will be asked for your herd number when you order your fertiliser. You may also be asked to provide receipts for any actions undertaken such as winter bird food, new hedgerow planting and new tree planting, etc.

Having consulted with colleagues recently, the biggest problem area are as follows -
· Buffer Zones not fenced off and or being grazed as well.

· Extensively Grazed Pasture has led to issues due to parts being reseeded, being topped or mown during the prohibited period of 15th of March to the 1st of July, the use of cattle ring feeders and the non-fencing of watercourses.

· Winter Bird Food crop failure.

· The replacement of trees that have died especially within Riparian Buffer Zones. Remember that the tree should be staked and have a Tree guard as well and have a Plant Passport Number.

Satellite Imagery is now being made available to Department Inspectors and this can clearly show up problems on the ground which can lead to inspections and penalties.

The Quality of this imagery has improved significantly recently and is now being widely used by inspectors.

Nobody wants penalties on their farm but if it is in the ACRES plan, it must be done and completed. If you are unsure of your obligations under ACRES, consult your planner.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers.

They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021), You can find us on Facebook @Teagascroscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD. Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie