Supplementary Feeding And Cross Compliance

Supplementary feeding sites are essential on many farms for feeding silage, straw, hay, concentrates/meal or minerals to livestock.

Supplementary feeding is one of six Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions which are part of Cross Compliance and apply to Northern Ireland farmers receiving direct agricultural support e.g. the Single Farm Payment.

Care should be taken when selecting a suitable site to feed. Excessive

trampling and poaching associated with permanent supplementary feeding sites may result in soil erosion and damage to the soil structure. Feeding sites beside waterways can cause “run-off” which may result in pollution of neighbouring waterways. The following areas are prohibited:-

Semi-Natural Areas and Archaeological Sites: woodland,

scrub, moorland, wetlands and species-rich grasslands.

Beside Waterways: within 10 metres from waterways, or 50 metres from a borehole or well (irrespective of its current use), or 250 metres from any borehole used for a public water supply.

Feeding sites should be sited on hardcore areas (including lanes) where possible. Hard core areas for feeding must not however be created on semi-natural habitats, on archaeological features, or within 10 metres from waterways.

Supplementary feeding sites should be rotated and managed to prevent

excessive trampling, poaching or vehicle rutting. Good supplementary feeding site management will result in minimal damage to the underlying and surrounding plant cover and to the environment. The grass/vegetation will recover within the same growing season, thus providing more feed for livestock.

If you require further advice on supplementary feeding or any other Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition please contact your local Countryside Management Branch office.