Farmers across East Yorkshire are urging residents to be patient with the strong smells produced by muck-spreading, the twice-yearly process of applying animal manure and treated sewage sludge to fields to fertilise them ahead of the next crop. Farmers say the practice, which follows the harvest, is a natural and sustainable alternative to chemical fertilisers, reducing costs and emissions associated with manufactured products, and argue that while the odour is unpleasant, it is temporary and an unavoidable part of food production.

Farmer Ben Clappison, from Cowlam, explains that manure from cattle, pigs and poultry, as well as human sewage sludge, is spread using GPS-guided technology to ensure it is applied only in permitted areas, with strict DEFRA rules governing sludge use on crops such as wheat and barley. The National Farmers' Union's Angela Kirkwood says a strong smell actually indicates healthy soil, and advises nearby residents to shut windows and avoid drying washing outside during spreading. Councils, including East Riding of Yorkshire, say they will only investigate complaints if odours are "particularly excessive or prolonged", treating muck-spreading as standard, expected agricultural practice.