In light of increased pressure on winter fodder as a result of the prolonged period of dry weather in recent months, the Department of Agriculture is advising that mowing operations are permitted on and from 21 August 2026 for the following Agri-Climate Rural Environmental Scheme (ACRES) actions, with this flexibility permitted in 2026 only.
This management may take place on or after 21 August 2026 and before 15 January 2027.
Margins must be cut between 21 August 2026 and end of February 2027, but not below 10cm, to ensure the litter layer is retained.
Alternatively, from 21 August to the end of September 2026, margins may be managed by grazing, if no poaching occurs, and the litter layer must remain.
Cutting is permitted on or after 21 August 2026, and offtakes can be removed.
Cutting is permitted on or after 21 August 2026.
Non-Productive Investments
Where 2026 is the second year after the grass margin was created, the margin must be cut between 21 August 2026 and end of December 2026, but not below 10cm, to ensure the litter layer is retained.
Alternatively, from 21 August to the end of September 2026, margins may be managed by grazing, but no poaching can occur, and the litter layer must remain.
Cutting is permitted on or after 21 August 2026.
All changes to dates are applicable to 2026 only.
SHARING OPTIONS