Farmers urged to prepare as the spreading closed period approaches

As winter approaches, we are reminding farmers and landowners across Wales that the last day for spreading slurry and other organic manures with high readily available nitrogen is Saturday 14 November 2026.

The closed period will begin on Sunday 15 November 2026.

Following a dry summer, the spreading period was extended on an exceptional basis for this year only. The continued dry weather into mid-November has helped create suitable conditions for emptying slurry stores ahead of the winter period.

Organic manures with high readily available nitrogen are a valuable source of nutrient available for farmers. Making the most of it means applying it when crops and grass can use those nutrients, while protecting the rivers, streams and groundwater that we all rely on.

Applying slurry to waterlogged, flooded, frozen or snow-covered land, or when heavy rainfall is forecast, increases the risk of valuable nutrients being lost from fields and entering nearby watercourses and breaches regulations.

NRW is committed to protecting the environment and any instances of noncompliance with the regulations and pollution reports will be investigated and where sufficient evidence appropriate enforcement action taken.

We urge farmers and members of the public to report any pollution incidents immediately by contacting our 24/7 incident communications centre via our online report it form or by calling 0300 065 3000.