The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed it is amending its approach for calculating ovine (sheep) nitrates production at farm level.

A technical note issued by DAFM on Friday, February 27, confirmed that going forward, the sheep census data for December 31 will be the data used to determine ovine nitrates production for the holding for the coming year.

The most recent sheep census data submitted by farmers will determine their ovine nitrates production for 2026.

According to DAFM, where a farmer’s sheep census return is not representative of their ovine stocking rate across the year, "the option to submit a sheep quarterly breakdown form will still be available to farmers".

Confirming the change in a technical note, DAFM described the move as "an improved approach" and added that it will "simplify matters for sheep farmers, allowing nitrates calculations for interim statements as well as projections on MyAgFood to include ovine as well as bovine nitrates data".

"The change will also facilitate more timely grassland stocking rate determination and easier farmer management of compliance with the Nitrates Regulations," DAFM said.

Interim bovine N and P statements now available

On Friday, February 27, DAFM confirmed interim 2025 bovine nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) statements are now available.

Farmers can access their information through the department's online system, AgFood.

The department has encouraged all farmers with cattle on their holdings to check their interim statements.

The grassland stocking rate and dairy band are available where relevant on the user screens.

DAFM said the statements provide the breakdown of the holding’s maximum organic N per hectare where parcels are subject to differing maximum limits.

The department added that similar to previous years, "a small minority of dairy farmers" who have not confirmed their herd’s dairy cow band for 2025 have been defaulted to the highest band of 106kg N/cow.

Banding for new entrants will be updated when their milk supply for 2025 has been confirmed.