Rain-sodden farms under pressure.

This article discusses the challenges faced by farmers in Ireland, particularly due to the wet weather conditions and the recent reduction in the derogation limit for organic nitrogen. The author, Mark Collins, describes his family farm's grass-based system and the difficulties they have encountered in getting cows out to graze. He also mentions the financial challenges posed by low milk prices and high costs. The reduction in the derogation limit has put pressure on farms to find more land or reduce cow numbers, despite research suggesting that stocking rate has no impact on water quality when best farming practices are followed. [Extracted from the article]