Technical notice: Interim 2025 Bovine Nitrogen and Phosphorus Statements and improved approach for ovine nitrates calculations

Interim Bovine N & P Statements for the period 1 January to 31 December 2025 have been published on the Department’s online system, www.myagfood.ie.

All farmers with cattle on their holdings are encouraged to check their Interim Statements.

The grassland stocking rate and dairy band are available where relevant on the user screens. Statements provide the breakdown of the holding’s maximum organic Nitrogen per hectare where parcels are subject to differing maximum limits.

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.

Following consultation, the Department is amending its approach for calculating ovine nitrates production at farm level.

Going forward the Sheep Census data for 31 December will be the data used to determine ovine nitrates production for the holding for the coming year, i.e., the recent Sheep Census data submitted by farmers will determine those farmer’s ovine nitrates production for 2026.

This improved approach 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 (SI 588 of 2025).

Where a farmer’s Sheep Census return is not representative of their ovine stocking across the year, the option to submit a Sheep Quarterly Breakdown Form will still be available to farmers.

ENDS