Teagasc Daily
20 July 2020
Working Safely with Livestock on Farms
Working with livestock is responsible for 39 farm workplace deaths on Irish farms in the last 10 years. During this period 7 deaths were caused by an attack by a bull, 22 by cows and heifers and 5 were associated with cattle. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John McNamara have some advice.
17 July 2020
Teagasc Pig Research Facility Update - 16 July
Video in a series by the Teagasc Pig Development Department. Tomás Ryan farm manager in the Teagasc Pig Research Facility gives us an update on what's been happening in the unit.
17 July 2020
Mycotoxins and their impact on pig performance
Mycotoxins and their impact on pig performance is the topic for this episode of the Pig Edge and presenter Ciaran Carroll was joined by Louise Clarke, Teagasc’s Specialised Pig Development Officer at Ballyhaise to find out more.
16 July 2020
Revised Teagasc Green Book published - Major and Micro Nutrient Advice for Productive Agricultural Crops
The Teagasc Green Book of Major and Micro Nutrient Advice for Productive Agricultural Crops has been revised this year and provides up to date cutting-edge information for farmers, advisors, agronomists and the wider agricultural industry, backed by the latest research and science.
16 July 2020
TResearch Summer 2020
In this issue of TResearch, we highlight some of the exciting research across Teagasc to identify control strategies against important diseases of mushrooms, barley, potato and laurel. Each respective crop has significant challenges, but increasing the resilience and efficiency of plant varieties as part of an integrated management approach is key to maintaining plant health and supporting sectoral-level sustainability.
15 July 2020
Pig Research Update - GILTLIFE (Part 2)
This project was a collaboration between Teagasc & University College Limerick. It investigated the effects of nutrition & management on gilt welfare & performance. Improving rearing conditions for replacement gilts should improve their welfare & increase their output.
14 July 2020
Let's Talk Pigs- Biosecurity - the first step to excellent health and performance
In the latest Let's Talk Pigs Webinar, which took place on Friday 10 July, Jereon Dewulf joined the webinar to discuss Biosecurity and the first step to excellent health and performance.
12 July 2020
Nutrient Recovery Cycle - Infographic
This infographic outlines the nutrient recovery cycle which can improve the efficient use of resources in pig production. By using pig manure as a fertiliser to grow crops which will in turn be used in making pig feed, a circular economy is created.
11 July 2020
Processing Fresher, Healthier, Longer-Lasting Foods
Food processing is any method used to convert fresh foods into food products. In large-scale food manufacture. Dr Elena Inguglia describes how some of our foods are currently processed, and how these processes might be improved for food to be processed freshers, healthier and longer-lasting.
05 July 2020
Let's Talk Equine Webinar- Breeding the next generation of broodmares
Teagasc Equine Specialist, Wendy Conlon was joined by Mary McCann, Hartwell Stud & Norman Allen, Knockrath Stud in the third webinar in our Let's Talk Equine series. The topic discussed was "Breeding the next generation of broodmares".
03 July 2020
Let's Talk Pigs Webinar - Becoming Lean - A Guide for Pig Farmers
The first in a series of fortnightly webinars aimed at Irish pig producers took place on Friday, 26 June which focused on becoming Lean and featured special guest Richard Keegan and Agricultural Development Officer Michael McKeon.
03 July 2020
Today's Farm - July/ August 2020
Today’s Farm is a bi-monthly publication which includes advice and information on the various farming enterprises, including beef, dairy, tillage, sheep, crops and horticulture, as well as environment and farm management.
03 July 2020
What you need to know about African Swine Fever
On this episode of the Pig Edge, Amy Quinn speaks to Eithne White, Veterinary Inspector from the National Disease Control Centre at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, to get an overview, update as well as general advice on ASF.
01 July 2020
Pig Research Update - GILTLIFE (Part 1)
This project was a collaboration between Teagasc & University College Limerick. It investigated the effects of nutrition and management on gilt welfare and performance. Phoebe Hartnett, previous PhD student who worked on the GILTLIFE project tells us more.
29 June 2020
Lower production costs and exceptional aid measures led to a modest increase in average farm income in 2019
The average family farm income rose by 2% in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report by Teagasc. A combination of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933. The results are published in the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 and are representative of over 90,000 farms in Ireland.
29 June 2020
The MASTER Plan
A European consortium co-ordinated by Professor Paul Cotter of Teagasc is using next-generation sequencing technologies to investigate the microbiomes of food systems and to improve our food quality, security and sustainability.
27 June 2020
National Farm Survey Webinar
On Monday next June 29th Teagasc for the first time will reveal the results of the 2019 National Farm Survey (NFS) with a webinar. The National Farm Survey (NFS) has been conducted by Teagasc on an annual basis since 1972. Join Trevor Donnellan and Brian Moran to find out more.
27 June 2020
Managing native woodland resources on our farms
To fully appreciate how valuable native woodlands are for our well-being and for biodiversity, take a slow walk through a mature oak and birch woodland during a full bloom of bluebells and just breathe in the fragrant air. Forestry Development Officer Jonathan Spazzi has more information on our native woodlands.
27 June 2020
Let's Talk Poultry Webinar - Chick Start - The do's and don’ts to a healthier crop
The second webinar in the "Let's Talk Poultry" series for Irish poultry producers in collaboration with Alltech which took place on Wednesday, 17 June. Guest presenter Professor Steve Collett discussed the topic of Chick Start, and focused on the Neonatal Intestinal health.
26 June 2020
Clonakilty College Virtual Open Day
Clonakilty College Virtual Open Day took place on Wednesday, 17 June. This virtual event allowed potential students to hear from college staff and gain an insight into the courses on offer in the college.
25 June 2020
Teagasc Pig Research Facility Update - 25 June
Video in a series by the Teagasc Pig Development Department. Tomas Ryan farm manager in the Teagasc Pig Research Facility gives us an update on what's been happening in the unit.
25 June 2020
The Sustainability of Irish Agriculture Webinar
The Sustainability of Irish Agriculture Webinar which took place on Wednesday, 23rd June. Dr. Cathal Buckley, Teagasc provided an overview of the latest sustainability assessment for Irish agriculture, covering Economic, Social and Environmental Metrics.
24 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmers Ross and Amy Jackson
Ross and Amy Jackson are farming organically in Lacka, Carrig, Co Tipperary. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Ross and Amy.
23 June 2020
New Teagasc Sustainability Report Launched
The newly released Teagasc National Farm Survey 2018 Sustainability Report, produced by Teagasc economists, benchmarks the sustainability of a range of farm systems in Ireland, and was published today, Tuesday, 23 June.
22 June 2020
Discover the diverse world of microbes…
Join us in celebrating World Microbiome Day 2020. The day will focus on communicating the diversity of microbes, microbiome habitats, diets to feed and fuel microbiomes and diversity among microbiome researchers.
21 June 2020
Ballyhaise College Virtual Open Day
Ballyhaise College Virtual Open Day took place on 15th June. Two sessions were held covering the agriculture and forestry courses.
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), figures show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales. Francis Bligh and John McNamara, Health and Safety Specialists have some advice
19 June 2020
Pigs Newsletter - June 2020
This month’s newsletter looks at the areas to target to improve weaning to service interval, an update on the spread of African Swine Fever and we hear about the potential benefits of a recently discovered sow feed additive on carcass weights. It also includes the details on the launch of “Let’s Talk Pigs”, the new Teagasc webinars series, on June 26th.
19 June 2020
How and why ‘evenitis’ could be costing producers
Pig Farmers can often spend a considerable amount of time grading and sorting pigs throughout the production stages, but in this episode of the Pig Edge, Specialised Pig Advisor Michael McKeon talks to Amy Quinn to discuss why this well-meant practice might in some cases be costing producers.
18 June 2020
‘Farmers Have Hearts’ Cardiovascular Health Programme - Major Study indicates Farmers at high risk of Cardiovascular Disease
A major study of farmer’s health is being published today, Thursday 18 June, as part of Men’s Health Week. The research found that 74% of male farmers have four, or more, risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
17 June 2020
5 Minutes to get your Cash Flowing
Teagasc are highlighting the importance of Cash Flow Planning as a vital business tool that all farmers should engage in. A series of videos, articles and support tools are now available on the Teagasc website.
17 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmer Donal Keane
Donal and Frederique Keane, Camelton Stud, Summerhill, Co Meath are organic suckler to beef and cereal farmers. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Donal.
16 June 2020
Meet our People - Rebecca Tierney
The Teagasc Poultry Advisor, Rebecca Tierney is based in the advisory office in Ballyhaise County Cavan. Rebecca is making a name for herself with the pioneering ‘Let’s Talk Poultry webinars. In the first of our ‘Meet our People’ series Rebecca tells us a little about herself and the work she carries out.
15 June 2020
Diagnose before you dose
Resistance to dosing products is of increasing concern. It is therefore incumbent on farmers to ensure that they are using the right product at the right rate at the right time. Dairy specialist Stuart Childs has some useful advice
14 June 2020
Farm Buildings – Busy six months ahead
The number of applications from farmers for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) was the highest to date. The scheme is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine closed for applications in early June. Teagasc Buildings Specialist Tom Fallon has more information.
14 June 2020
Kildalton College Virtual Open Day
Kildalton College Virtual Open Day took place on June 4th - Three sessions were held covering the agriculture, horticulture and equine courses.
13 June 2020
College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens - Virtual Open Day
On Wednesday, 3 June the College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens held the first Teagasc College - Virtual Open Day. This virtual event allowed potential students to hear from college staff and gain an insight into the courses on offer in the college.
12 June 2020
Irish Pig Production - Infographic
Infographic outlining the performance and population of pigs, the economy and export values for pigs and a profile of the average pig.
12 June 2020
Farm Roadway Quality Indicators
Effort should be given to maintaining roadways to a high standard. This in turn reduces impediments to cow movement and will lower contaminated material that is a source of pollution. Researchers Paul Rice, Owen Fenton, Karen Daly, John Murnane and Patrick Tuohy give more information.
12 June 2020
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - A rider's perspective on eventing
Teagasc Equine Specialist, Wendy Conlon was joined by Sam Watson, Ballybolger Stud and Camilla Speirs, Kildare for the second webinar in our Let's Talk Equine series.
11 June 2020
Pig Research Update - SOWWEANWEL
This project is a collaboration between Teagasc & the Institute of Genetics & Animal Biotechnology, Poland. It investigates the risk factors for chronic stress in gestating sows. Martyna Lagoda, PhD Candidate working on the SOWWEANWEL project tells us more.
11 June 2020
Let's Talk Poultry Webinar - Mitigating bird flu with better biosecurity
The first webinar in the "Let's Talk Poultry" series for Irish poultry producers in collaboration with Alltech which took place on Wednesday, 3rd June. This webinar had presentations from Joe O’Flaherty, DAFM & James Greaves - Broiler and Broiler Breeder Consultant.
09 June 2020
Drought stress following low rainfall levels in late spring 2020
The June Map of the Month compares the average Normalized Difference Moisture Index (NDMI) for the month of May between 2020 and a long-term average between 2009 and 2019. The map shows that in general the north-east is most affected by the drought, while the south west is wetter than usual.
05 June 2020
Teagasc Pig Research Facility Update - 5 June
Video in a series by the Teagasc Pig Development Department. Tomas Ryan farm manager in the Teagasc Pig Research Facility gives us an update on what's been happening in the unit.
05 June 2020
Seasonal infertility in pig production
Head of Knowledge Transfer for the Teagasc Pig Development Department, Ciarán Carroll joins Amy Quinn on this episode of The Pig Edge to discuss the topic of seasonal infertility in pig production.
04 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmer Fergal Byrne
Fergal Byrne from Calverstown Little, Dunlavin, Co Kildare, is an organic beef, sheep and cereal farmer. A farm walk was due to take place on his farm this week.
03 June 2020
Farmers are frequent Hand-Washers – keep it up to defeat COVID-19
Hand washing is very important in the battle against Covid-19. During their working day farmers wash their hands frequently. Teagasc Health and safety specialists John MC Namara and Francis Bligh have some advice and information
01 June 2020
Bloom at Home - Summer Annuals
Louise Jones, College Lecturer, Botanic Gardens explains how summer annuals are excellent for adding colour displays around your garden in borders or containers on your patio and balconies for the summer months.
01 June 2020
Child Safety on Farms
Most children like to be outside helping on the farm. It is important to remember that farms are not playgrounds and children must be closely supervised and only take part in age appropriate tasks.
29 May 2020
Bloom at Home - Trailing petunia
Louise Jones, College Lecturer, Botanic Gardens outlines how trailing Petunias have beautiful colours, amazing trailing habits, and will ensure you have some truly stunning displays in your hanging baskets and containers throughout the summer.
30 May 2020
Economic Impact of Covid 19 on Irish Agriculture Webinar
During this live interactive webinar on the possible impact of COVID-19 on farm incomes in Ireland this year speakers from Teagasc and ESRI discussed how might the emergency impact on incomes across agriculture in 2020?
30 May 2020
Bloom at Home - Hanging Baskets
Louise Jones, College Lecturer, Botanic Gardens gives an overview of planting 14” hanging baskets
29 May 2020
Pig Manure: A Valuable Fertiliser - Infographic
It is well known that farmers can make substantial savings in fertiliser costs by using pig manure to grow their grass and tillage crops. This infographic outlines how pig manure is counted as being a valuable fertiliser.
29 May 2020
Bloom at Home - Garden of Hope at Bloom 2017
This time 3 years ago we were celebrating with our horticulture colleagues when our garden won gold medal & best in show in medium size category. Here’s a short time lapse of the hard work and determination that went into the Garden of Hope with Pieta House.
28 May 2020
‘Let’s Talk Poultry’ - Teagasc and Alltech launch webinar series to tackle poultry industry issues
Ireland’s poultry industry will gain industry insights over a four-part webinar series beginning Wednesday, 3 June, at 2pm. Hosted by Teagasc, with support from animal nutrition company, Alltech; prominent topics such as avian influenza, gut health and layer management will be examined.
27 May 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmer John Hurley, Co. Roscommon
John Hurley is from Knockalaughta, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon. He is an organic suckler cow and sheep farmer. He was due to have a farm walk on his farm. Organic Specialist Dan Clavin got an update from John.
25 May 2020
Gut Relations: Fermented foods are tightly linked to the gut microbiome
Fermented foods can be a primary source of potentially probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for the human gut, as is shown in a new international study published in Nature Communications.
24 May 2020
Is there an opportunity now to hire good staff?
Are you thinking of employing someone to help out on your farm? There are a number of legal requirements you should be aware of and adhere to. Five are outlined here.
24 May 2020
Contract Heifer Rearing
Contract heifer rearing is an option worth considering for both dairy and drystock farmers offering benefits to both.
23 May 2020
Distribution of Cultivated Peat Soils
The May map of the month looks at the distribution of cultivated peat soils. The map is presented at 1km square scale- each 1km cell is coded for the percentage of cultivated peats in the cell.
22 May 2020
Antimicrobial use and resistance in pig production
The topical area of antimicrobial use and resistance in pig production is covered by Amy Quinn on the latest Pig Edge podcast with Teagasc PhD student Lorcan O’Neill.
20 May 2020
Bull Safety
Bulls are dangerous animals. They must be treated with caution and respect even when they seem to be good tempered. John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists explain further.
16 May 2020
Time to Check Slats
The lifespan of slats done to grant specification is about 20 years. Intensive use of slats, slurry reaching them, stocking with bulls etc. will shorten the lifespan of the slats.
15 May 2020
Teagasc Pig Research Facility Update - 15 May
Video in a series by the Teagasc Pig Development Department. Tomas Ryan farm manager in the Teagasc Pig Research Facility gives us an update on what's been happening in the unit.
14 May 2020
Teagasc ‘Food Industry Development’ Webinar Series
Teagasc are starting a series of food industry development webinars, commencing on Tuesday morning, the 19th May at 9.30am.
10 May 2020
Jessy's Smart Kids - Summer 2020
Jessy's Smart Kids is a fun easily downloadable kids farm safety newsletter. Check it out here for fun tips and games on how to keep your little ones safe on the farm.
09 May 2020
Developing Ireland’s bioeconomy
RURAL ECONOMY: Maeve Henchion tells us about the bioeconomy and the research being done in Teagasc to support its development.
08 May 2020
The Key Findings from the 2019 Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance Report
Teagasc Specialised Pig Advisor Ger McCutcheon joins Amy Quinn on the latest episode of the Pig Edge to discuss the newly released Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance Report which outlines the key performance indicators and their trends for the 2019 year.
08 May 2020
Pig Herd Performance 2019 Infographic
This infographic summarises some of the main results from the 2019 National Pig Herd Performance Report. A main feature of the infographic is the comparison of a number of the 2019 statistics with those of 2017 and 2018.
07 May 2020
National Pig Herd Performance Report 201
This report details the performance of the pig farms participating in the Teagasc e-Profit Monitor (ePM) in 2019. Data is from 94 herds representing over 78,000 sows or 52% of the total Irish sow herd.
06 May 2020
Andrew and Leonie Workman Dunany Flour Organic, Co Louth
Andrew and Leonie grow, mill, package and distribute their organic wheat, rye and spelt direct from their farm. Oats are also grown on contract for the organic porridge market.
04 May 2020
Farming, COVID-19 and your Mental Health
Half of all people will experience a mental illness in their lifetime. Farming can be a lonely occupation. Many daily jobs are performed alone. Social isolation can have a negative effect on mental health. Social distancing due to COVID 19 will increase the risk of isolation.
03 May 2020
Teagasc Kildalton College
A brief overview of college life and courses at Teagasc Kildalton College including Agriculture, Horticulture and Equine Studies.
03 May 2020
Piece of Cake?
TEAGASC research aims to comprehend the influence of ingredient and process manipulations on the sensory quality of bakery products. Emer C. Garvey and Kieran Kilcawley give more information
01 May 2020
Pig Manure: A Valuable Fertiliser
Farmers can make substantial savings in fertiliser costs by using pig manure to grow their grass and tillage crops. Pig slurry is an organic fertiliser. It has a value because of the nutrients that it can supply for crop growth
01 May 2020
Something old, something new
Research funded by TEAGASC and SFI into grassland management histories has led to the discovery of a number of new archaeological sites
01 May 2020
Today's Farm - May/June 2020
Today’s Farm is a bi-monthly publication which includes advice and information on the various farming enterprises.
29 April 2020
Questions and Answers with Frank O’Brien
Frank from Ballybroder, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath is an organic drystock and tillage farmer. A farm walk was due to take place today, Wednesday 29th April. Dan Clavin, Organic Specialist got an update from Frank on what has been happening on the farm this year.
28 April 2020
Covid-19: Distribution of Populations with Higher Risks
RURAL ECONOMY: The April Map of the Month shows the concentration of populations that are particularly vulnerable to Covid-19 and highlights those areas that could be severely impacted by an infection if it were to spread within their populations.
27 April 2020
Summertime brings Risk, manage Farm Safety
Provisional H.S.A. figures up to April 23rd 2020 show that 7 persons have lost their lives in farm workplace related accidents. Tractors and machinery are key
25 April 2020
Long Term Land Leasing
FARM MANAGEMENT: Leasing land long term has many advantages for both the landowner (lessor) and active farmer (lessee) utilising the land.
24 April 2020
The PATHSURVPIG project
PIG: Teagasc Researcher Maria Costa joins Amy Quinn on this episode of the Pig Edge to discuss the completed PATHSURVPIG project.
18 April 2020
White Clover on Organic Farms
ORGANICS: Research has shown that in a productive sward white clover can supply 100-150Kg Nitrogen/ha/year. Find out how to get it established in pastures.
11 April 2020
Tail Biting Risk Factors in Pigs
PIGS: Tail biting is a result of pigs experiencing stress. Stress can come from many sources. The risk factors can be different for each farm. This is why tail biting can be hard to manage.
08 April 2020
Health & Safety
HEALTH & SAFETY: The Health and safety focus presently is to flatten the Covid 19 curve and keep farm families safe and well. This can create pressure on farms. Get advice and tips from advisor Claire Mooney.
05 April 2020
Drones, Satellites & Farm Forecasting
RURAL ECONOMY: The Spatial Analysis unit in Teagasc use Earth Observation technology to help understand the status of Irish agriculture. Here Stuart Green tells us how they use Drones and Satellites for this Farm Forecasting.
31 March 2020
Standard Operating Procedures
FARM MANAGEMENT: Would someone unfamiliar with your farm know what to do if you became ill with Covid-19? Standard operating procedures are written instructions used to manage variation that is introduced in production systems when different individuals perform tasks in different ways.
27 March 2020
Some recommendations to protect the health of humans, horses and business from the effects of Covid-19
Some simple protocols to put in place for the weeks ahead which will hopefully help those managing equine enterprises to navigate this challenging period
27 March 2020
Pregnancy scanning in sows
Farm manager Tomás Ryan gives an insight into pregnancy scanning in sows and explains about the systems used in the Pig Development Department in Moorepark.
26 March 2020
Dealing with adverse events: Covid 19
What is the likelihood of you, or someone you are in close contact with getting Covid 19? It is important to have contingency plans in place in case you, your family or employees get sick.
20 March 2020
Managing challenging times - Coronavirus Advice Available
FARM HEALTH & SAFETY: It is understandable that farmers would feel anxious with the coronavirus dominating our news and influencing our daily activities. It is important that farmers keep in contact with each other and in particular with elderly farmers
18 March 2020
CAP provides important funds for Irish farms
FARM MANAGEMENT: Farmers are hugely dependent on the Basic Payment Scheme and other CAP payments for their income and to support their farm business. The BPS for 2020 is open until May 15th