AQ1: Automatic slurry scraper
Source: gov.uk (2025-02-03)

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the Automatic slurry scraper option.

This item is part of Capital Grants 2025. You must read the Capital Grants 2025 guidance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capital-grants-2025) to understand the rules and how to apply. If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht) to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid

£2,760 per passageway or channel.

How this item benefits the environment

Removing slurry more frequently from livestock housing reduces the levels of ammonia released into the air, improving air quality and the natural environment.

Where you can use this item

If you have support from a Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catchment-sensitive-farming-reduce-agricultural-water-pollution#get-advice-from-csf), you can use this item either:
- on holdings targeted for the reduction of ammonia emissions from agriculture – your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser will tell you this
- in livestock housing with impermeable or slatted floors
In addition, use this item either:
- within passageways where slurry is deposited
- in slurry channels within livestock housing systems
Catchment Sensitive Farming provides advice where there are water or air quality, or flood risk issues linked to farming.

You cannot use this item in livestock systems if:
- the type of manure produced (such as higher dry matter) means the slurry scraper would not be effective
- there’s an uneven or cracked floor meaning a slurry scraper would not be effective
- the automatic scraper is unlikely to reduce ammonia emissions – your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser can tell you if this is the case
- you need to repair or replace part of an existing automatic scraper system
What you must do to use this item

You must install an automatic slurry scraping system into the livestock housing that has either:
- a floor scraper that runs automatically using a hydraulic ram and ratchet drive system
- a rope or chain and winch system with an electric motor
You must make sure the scraper works effectively, so you can clear the slurry away from an area and store it appropriately.

You must use a scraper that:
- fits the width of the passageway or channel
- is suitable for the type of livestock you house
- is suitable for the volume of slurry produced
Follow the manufacturers’ instructions when setting the frequency of the automatic scraper.

Evidence you must keep

You must keep written support from your Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser and provide this with your application.

You must also keep and provide with your claim:
- contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the equipment and installation
- photographs of the equipment in place and working
You must also keep and provide on request:
- receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs of the site before work starts
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the Agreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grants (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agreement-holders-guide-capital-grants-higher-tier-capital-grants-and-protection-and-infrastructure-grants-2025) for more information.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/countryside-stewardship-higher-tier-csht).

Advice to help you use this item

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.

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.

The funding is for a new or complete replacement of an existing automatic scraper system.

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.

You can scrape less often when cows are fed a diet which produces higher dry matter manure.