'TIME is running out on Single Farm Payments as their future is not guaranteed so use the breathing space to get land in shape to make the best possible use of seeds and fertiliser."
That is the opinion of West Tyrone agricultural merchant Alan Holden, who urges farmers to prepare now for life beyond fast shrinking Single Farm Payments.
"Brussels and London are both moving support away from farming to the general rural community. They only disagree about the speed of change so farmers must see the current Single Farm Payments regime as a brief breathing space of a few years in which to become more efficient.
"For example since the old lime grant ended, pH levels on many units have slipped below the ideal 6.5. So there is no point worrying about nitrates directives limiting slurry and fertiliser applications if your N, P and K is being wasted because pH is below 6.5.
"Remember, at pH 5.5 a third of N and half the P you put on is not available to plants," the Artigarvan, Co Tyrone farm supplier explained.
"Soil Analysis is one of the support services Holden Agriculture offers to clients province wide, most finding pH in some fields or parts of fields too low.
"The simple answer is G-Lime granulated lime used as a management tool to adjust pH levels. Especially as getting traditional ground lime spread is a major operation, often delayed due to ground conditions.
"But, with G-Lime only one to 4cwts per acre, 125 to 500kg a hectare, is usually required to push pH back up to 6.5. Thus G-Lime is easily applied, even on a crop or reseed already abraid, with an ordinary fertiliser sower.
"Consumers are urged to buy home produce, not imported food, so with G-Lime we have a chance to do as we say and buy a product made in Fermanagh at an environmentally friendly factory.
"Just about dust free, G-Lime from ABN puts the right amount of lime in the right place where it acts fast to ensure slurry and fertiliser is actually available to crops.
"Coping with shrinking Single Farm Payments as costs rise means getting back to the basics of good farming, checking pH levels and applying a little G-Lime, often, and for a lot less than fertiliser," Alan affirmed.
