We’re excited to share Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS) for alternative weed management in grassland fields. With tailored options, STEPS 2025 has been designed to provide meaningful support for your farm whilst targeting water quality improvements.
The six core objectives of the STEPS offering are:
- Improve Soil Health
- Improve Soil Structure
- Protect Watercourses
- Apply in the Right Place, Right Time
- Keep Soil and Nutrients in the Field
- Work in Harmony with Livestock
They are focusing on priority catchments (see map below for these):
To give your application the greatest chance of success, select an option that aligns with your area’s specific priorities.
The new STEPS options to maximise improvements in water quality and ensure the most effective use of their resources are:
- Essential and Enhanced Margins: Buffer watercourses, protecting water quality
- Low Input Leys: Promote improved soil health and reduced inputs
- Low Drift Nozzles: Minimise drift and reduce pesticide impact
- Changes to Tillage Practice: Trial the benefits of sustainable tillage methods to protect soil and water
- Crop Residue Management: Leave residues in the field to build organic matter and reduce your inputs
- Livestock Integration: Explore different ways to incorporate livestock and manures in the rotation
- Farmer Innovation: Your proposals to improve water quality in your area
STEPS038 Grant Value:
Weed Wipers (uses glyphosate but permitted for this option)
50% cost up to £5,000
Visit the link below for more information:
