{"analytics_identifier":null,"base_path":"/countryside-stewardship-grants/aq1-automatic-slurry-scraper","content_id":"52cb8143-6baf-4003-822a-32fc9460289c","description":"Find out about eligibility and requirements for the Automatic slurry scraper option.","details":{"body":"<div class=\"example\">\n  <p>This item is part of Capital Grants 2026. You must read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-grants-2026\">Capital Grants 2026 guidance</a> to understand the rules and how to apply.<br><br>\nIf you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (<abbr title=\"Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier\">CSHT</abbr>) application, you must read the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht\"><abbr title=\"Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier\">CSHT</abbr> applicant’s guide</a> to understand the rules and how to apply.</p>\n</div>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-much-youll-be-paid\">How much you’ll be paid </h2>\n\n<p>£2,760 per passageway or channel.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"how-this-item-benefits-the-environment\">How this item benefits the environment</h2>\n\n<p>Removing slurry more frequently from livestock housing reduces the levels of ammonia released into the air, improving air quality and the natural environment. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"where-you-can-use-this-item\">Where you can use this item </h2>\n\n<p>If you have support from a <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catchment-sensitive-farming-reduce-agricultural-water-pollution#get-advice-from-csf\">Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser</a>, you can use this item either:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>on holdings targeted for the reduction of ammonia emissions  from agriculture – your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser will tell you this</li>\n  <li>in livestock housing with impermeable or slatted floors</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>In addition, use this item either:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>within passageways where slurry is deposited</li>\n  <li>in slurry channels within livestock housing systems</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Catchment Sensitive Farming provides advice where there are water or air quality, or flood risk issues linked to farming.</p>\n\n<p>You cannot use this item in livestock systems if:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>the type of manure produced (such as higher dry matter) means the slurry scraper would not be effective</li>\n  <li>there’s an uneven or cracked floor meaning a slurry scraper would not be effective</li>\n  <li>the automatic scraper is unlikely to reduce ammonia emissions – your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser can tell you if this is the case</li>\n  <li>you need to repair or replace part of an existing automatic scraper system</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h2 id=\"what-you-must-do-to-use-this-item\">What you must do to use this item</h2>\n\n<p>You must install an automatic slurry scraping system into the livestock housing that has either:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>a floor scraper that runs automatically using a hydraulic ram and ratchet drive system</li>\n  <li>a rope or chain and winch system with an electric motor</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You must make sure the scraper works effectively, so you can clear the slurry away from an area and store it appropriately.</p>\n\n<p>You must use a scraper that:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>fits the width of the passageway or channel</li>\n  <li>is suitable for the type of livestock you house</li>\n  <li>is suitable for the volume of slurry produced</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Follow the manufacturers’ instructions when setting the frequency of the automatic scraper.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"evidence-you-must-keep\">Evidence you must keep </h2>\n\n<p>You must keep written support from your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser and provide this with your application.</p>\n\n<p>You must also keep and provide with your claim:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the equipment and installation</li>\n  <li>photographs of the equipment in place and working</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>You must also keep and provide on request:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable</li>\n  <li>photographs of the site before work starts</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2026\">Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants</a> for more information.</p>\n\n<p>If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (<abbr title=\"Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier\">CSHT</abbr>) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht\"><abbr title=\"Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier\">CSHT</abbr> agreement holder’s guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"advice-to-help-you-use-this-item\">Advice to help you use this item</h2>\n\n<p>The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements. </p>\n\n<p>This item supports the cost of an automatic scraper for one passageway or channel. You can apply for additional scrapers for more passageways or channels if needed.</p>\n\n<p>The funding is for a new or complete replacement of an existing automatic scraper system.</p>\n\n<p>The more frequently slurry is removed from passageways and channels, the greater the reduction in ammonia emissions. You should ideally increase the number of automatic scrapings to more than 4 per day.  </p>\n\n<p>You can scrape less often when cows are fed a diet which produces higher dry matter manure.</p>\n\n","change_history":[{"note":"Updated links to guidance for Capital Grants and Agreement holder's guide from 2025 to 2026.","public_timestamp":"2026-05-28T10:32:24Z"},{"note":"Now eligible in woodland.","public_timestamp":"2025-02-03T11:05:17Z"},{"note":"First published.","public_timestamp":"2021-02-09T09:12:07Z"}],"headers":[{"id":"how-much-youll-be-paid","level":2,"text":"How much you'll be paid "},{"id":"how-this-item-benefits-the-environment","level":2,"text":"How this item benefits the environment"},{"id":"where-you-can-use-this-item","level":2,"text":"Where you can use this item "},{"id":"what-you-must-do-to-use-this-item","level":2,"text":"What you must do to use this item"},{"id":"evidence-you-must-keep","level":2,"text":"Evidence you must 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