Muck-spreading: The smellier the better as farmers ask for patience

Farmers are urging patience as they spread manure on farmland to prepare for next year's crops. Known as muck-spreading, this process involves distributing animal waste as a natural fertilizer and is done twice a year, in spring and late summer. Farmer Ben Clappison from Cowlam, East Yorkshire, explains that while the smell can be unpleasant, it is essential for improving soil health and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

He notes that inorganic fertilizers, often imported and costly to produce, can have a significant carbon footprint, whereas manure is produced on-site, making it a more sustainable option.

Ben utilizes precise technology to ensure even distribution of manure, which is collected from various farm animals. The process is carefully mapped out to avoid overuse and to minimize environmental impact. DEFRA regulations dictate that sludge, a form of manure from sewage works, can only be spread on crops like wheat, barley, and oilseed rape, as these do not pose a direct risk of contamination.

Despite the potential for complaints from nearby residents due to the strong odors, Ben and other farmers maintain that the smell is temporary and a necessary part of agricultural practices. East Riding of Yorkshire Council typically investigates complaints only if the smell is particularly strong or long-lasting, emphasizing that muck-spreading is a standard practice in farming. Angela Kirkwood of the National Farmers Union supports this view, stating that a strong smell often indicates healthy soil, rich in nutrients.

Farmer Jono Dixon, from Sunk Island in rural Holderness, also takes measures to mitigate the odor's impact on nearby areas, such as plowing the manure into the soil within 12 hours of application. Despite the challenges, he acknowledges the importance of the process for maintaining healthy crops and sustainable farming practices. He advises residents to close their windows and refrain from washing clothes during muck-spreading operations to minimize exposure to the odor.