Articles
26 May 2022
Teagasc Signpost Future Beef Farmers in Waterford
Eamon McCarthy and his son Donnchadh operate a bull beef finishing system, farming near Glendine, Youghal, Co. Waterford. Part of the farm is in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). They have a suckling to beef enterprise also. Catriona Foley and Aisling Molloy, Teagasc tell us more
26 May 2022
Control Grass Quality and Boost Profits
There is an old saying that “A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay” and this certainly true this year. Grass growth rates have shown a 20% increase in the last week. High grass growth can be challenging for farmers. Teagasc Advisor Kay O'Connell has some advice on managing this growth
26 May 2022
Spring Beans
Tillage Specialist Ciaran Collins gives an update on the various stages that spring beans are at present. Disease concerns are chocolate spot and downy mildew
26 May 2022
Controlling foliar disease in crops
‘A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay’. However, wet conditions in May bring their own problems with increased foliar diseases. Dr. Steven Kildea, Teagasc joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the progress of disease control in crops so far this year.
26 May 2022
World Potato Congress 2022
The Irish Potato Federation is proud to host the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC 2022) which will take place in Ireland, 30 May – 2 June 2022. Get details about booking your place at the conference here and get a preview of what you can expect
25 May 2022
Fertiliser Spreader - Tray test and field procedure Factsheet
Teagasc recently published a compendium of 20 factsheets providing the latest technical advice on soils, nutrients and fertiliser. The sixteenth of these is about the Fertiliser Spreader - Tray test and field procedure and can be read here. All 20 will be published here on Teagasc Daily
25 May 2022
Newford Notes - Week of 16th May 2022
Breeding season began on Wednesday the 20th of April and 100% AI is being used on the farm again in 2022. Michael Fagan Technician at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry outlines breeding details for the farm. He discusses some recent cattle weighings and reseeding with a multispecies mix
25 May 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 24th May 2022
The Grass10 e-Newsletter features; Grass10 featured farmer Sean O'Donnell, Co. Mayo, the clover reporter with Ger Pardy, Co. Offaly; a look back on the Getting to Grips with the Summer Wedge webinar plus Grass10 weekly tips and checklist; grass growth predictions, and more here
25 May 2022
Organic Farming: the biggest changes and lessons learned
Teagasc Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy joins Catherine Egan with an update on the recent organic scheme, how red clover and multispecies is managed on organic farms and the upcoming organic walks.
25 May 2022
Grass silage – why high feed value is essential
The production of high feed-value silage should always be the objective of producers who feed silage to lactating dairy cows, growing and finishing beef cattle, and pregnant ewes. For me, the target for high feed-value silage is a DMD of greater than 75% writes Dr. Tim Keady, Teagasc researcher
24 May 2022
New Teagasc study finds no impact of inhibitors on the soil microbiome
New research from Teagasc Johnstown Castle has demonstrated that there was no impact of urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), incorporated into protected urea fertiliser, on the structure and abundance of soil bacterial and fungal communities after 5 years repeated application
24 May 2022
Parasite Control TASAH Consult
Dr Natascha Meunier from Animal Health Ireland is on this week’s OviCast podcast to tell us more about the Targeted Advisory Service on Animal Health (TASAH) parasite control consult which is a new fully funded programme from Animal Health Ireland (AHI).
24 May 2022
Maximising lamb performance
Michael Gottstein, Head of Teagasc Sheep Knowledge Transfer Programme, summarises the five key management tips that sheep farmers should be taking into consideration at this time of year to maximise the performance of their lambs
24 May 2022
Making enough quality grass silage for dairy farms in 2022
With fertilizer Nitrogen prices at very high levels, our Teagasc dairy advisory staff have been receiving many queries this spring on the best strategy to keep the cost of silage down. Joe Patton, Head of Dairy KT, Teagasc has advice on fertiliser application and silage quality to address these
24 May 2022
Lambing review and planning ahead in the South East
Tim & Richard Sheil farm in partnership with their parents Terry & Olwen at Coolree, near Kiltealy on the Wexford/Carlow border in the shadow of the Blackstairs Mountain. James Doran, Teagasc advisor reviews how lambing went and takes a look at grazing season plans
23 May 2022
Teagasc Beef2022 Open Day Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming
The official launch of the Teagasc Beef2022 Open Day, themed Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming and planned for Tuesday, 5th July, took place at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath, today Monday, 23 May. The Beef2022 Open Day is supported by FBD Trust
23 May 2022
Getting cows back in calf
Pauline O'Driscoll, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Skibbereen, discusses the importance of nutrition for breeding, EBI and getting cows back in calf. While discussing the breeding season she has tips on targets, plans and goals and she lists bull selection targets to keep in mind
23 May 2022
Borrowing from the bank
In the second part of the year many farmers examine what investment they will complete on farm in the months ahead. While smaller investments may be funded through cash flow, the majority of larger investments will require funding from a bank. Patrick Gowing Teagasc Dairy Specialist has helpful tips
23 May 2022
Pushing milk solids per ha from grazed grass at Shinagh Farm
Dairy advisor, John McNamara, and Shinagh dairy manager, Kevin Ahern, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the system of pushing milk solids per hectare from grazed grass and low levels of supplementary feeds.
23 May 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Breeding Season Progress
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 12th May 2022, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist does some checks and balances in relation to breeding.
22 May 2022
The Jackson Organic Farm
In 2015 Ross and Amy Jackson began conversion to organic farming and now farm a cereal enterprise of malting barley and oats, and a sheep enterprise. In April they held an organic farm walk on their farm at Lacka, Carrig, Co.Tipperary. We catch up with them here to find out about their organic farm
22 May 2022
Tillage Biodiversity Photo Competition Winners
Congratulations to Christopher Bourke, Kanturk, Co. Cork, the Teagasc & Tillage Industry Ireland ‘Tillage & Biodiversity Photo Competition’ winner. His photo showing an ‘Orange Tip Butterfly & friend on a charlock plant’ was described by the judges as exceptional, with excellent clarity and lighting
22 May 2022
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - Managing broodmares to optimise fertility
On this episode of Let's Talk Equine which took place on Tuesday, 3rd May, Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist was joined by Dr. Susan Salter BSc Hons BVM&S MRCVS, SES Equine Veterinary Services and Dr. Aoife Osborne, Osborne Farm (K&A Sport Horse Ltd. to discuss optimising mare fertility.
21 May 2022
Fodder Budget – Planning for winter 2022
As feed prices are anticipated to remain strong next winter, it’s very important that farmers calculate the silage stock in their farmyards. Advisor Eddie Webb gives advice and guidance on the completion of a fodder budget as the best way to forward plan
21 May 2022
Climate Actions for May
As we progress through the latter half of May it's time to check to see if we are meeting our Signpost climate action targets for May; Using protected urea, grazing at 8-10cm, targeting a late May silage cut, manage silage effluent, right clover incorporation conditions, applying sulphur to cereals
21 May 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - The added value of using high merit beef sires on the dairy herd
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 6th May, Andy Boland, Teagasc Environment Specialist was joined by Dr. Nicky Byrne, Teagasc to discuss the added value of using high merit beef sires on the dairy herd.
20 May 2022
Introduction to soft fruit growing in Ireland - Webinar
On Tuesday 24th May at 7.30pm join Join Dr. Eamonn Kehoe, Teagasc Soft Fruit Advisor for an interactive seminar aimed at anyone who is interested in growing soft fruit crops. You can Register for this webinar and get more information here
20 May 2022
Pig Herd Performance 2021 Infographic
The Pig Herd Performance 2021 infographic summarises some of the main results from the 2021 National Pig Herd Performance Report. This report is the detailed analysis of the performance of the pig farms that participated in the Teagasc Profit Monitor (PM) recording system in 2021.
20 May 2022
Teagasc Forestry Development Department - Overview
The Forestry Development Department of Teagasc provides forestry advisory, research and training services to private forest owners in Ireland. Find out about our forestry research centres, the work of our forestry advisors and the service we provide in a brief video overview here
20 May 2022
Getting to grips with the Summer Wedge on PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
On Thursday, 12 May, the Teagasc Grass10 and PastureBase Ireland team were joined by 2021 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year Philip Tyndall and 2021 Drystock Grassland Farmer of the Year Aidan Maguire to discuss getting to grips with the Summer Wedge on PastureBase Ireland.
20 May 2022
How farmers can help bees on World Bee Day
It's #WorldBeeDay. Bees need food all year round, requiring a diversity of flowering plants in the landscape. Farmers can help bees by allowing space for wildflowers to grow and flower within hedgerows and field margins, around farmyards, along farm roadways and in field corners. Learn more here
19 May 2022
Safely Handling Animals on a Beef Farm - Factors to Consider
Bernadette Earley, Noeleen Brereton, Teagasc Grange Researchers set out general guidelines that all persons should take into consideration to reduce the likelihood that an animal will behave in an unpredictable or aggressive way and thereby endanger either people or other animals nearby.
19 May 2022
Additives reducing methane emissions
The ‘METH-ABATE’ project aims to identify additives from a range of sources in order to reduce methane emissions. Emily Roskam and Sinéad Waters, Teagasc Grange Researchers enlighten us. Sinead Waters also presented on the role of feed additives in reducing methane emissions in a Signpost video here
19 May 2022
Ireland to host European Dairy Farmers Congress in June
The 30th European Dairy Farmers Conference,will take place from 28-30th June in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork. The theme of the conference is ‘Sustainable Dairying – The Irish Story’. Over 350 delegates from more than 28 countries are expected to attend the three day event. Read more here
19 May 2022
A Preview of the World Potato Congress in Ireland
Ireland will host the World Potato Congress on May 30th to June 2nd in the RDS, Dublin and this week’s Tillage Edge podcast previews the event with Liam Glennon of the Irish Potato Federation and Denis Griffin from Teagasc who are the main drivers in organising the congress.
19 May 2022
Spring Malting Barley - May update
Spring malting barley crops are performing very well on farm. Favourable weather conditions in both rainfall levels and temperatures since sowing have meant that many crops are on track to reach their full yield potential. Eoin Lyons Teagasc/Boortmalt Joint Programme Advisor updates us here
18 May 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 17th May 2022
In this week's newsletter get the regular Grass10 weekly tips, grass growth figures plus a chance to look back on the webinar on grass wedge using PastureBase Ireland. Peter Doyle, Teagasc Grange returns as The Clover Reporter and this week's Grass10 featured farmer is John and Brendan Walsh
18 May 2022
Using beef AI on the dairy herd
As we progress through the breeding season Teagasc recommends moving from selectively using beef AI on the dairy herd to fully using beef AI on the cows once the target number of inseminations to dairy AI has been achieved. Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Grange has more advice in a video here
18 May 2022
Selecting a suitable fencer for your cattle fencing system
With rising costs, many farmers are considering implementing a paddock system or even putting up a few strip wires. Improving grazing infrastructure on farm allows better control of grass, increased grass growth and improved animal performance. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist has advice
18 May 2022
Managing costs with Kilkenny farmer, Peter O’Hanrahan
Green Acres calf-to-beef programme participant, Peter O’Hanrahan, from Co.Kilkenny discusses how he is managing costs on his farm this year on the latest Beef Edge podcast.
18 May 2022
Bats and their habitats
It's National Biodiversity Week and Bat Walks are among events planned around the country. Bats and their Habitats is one of a Countryside Management series of leaflets published by Teagasc. Here we share some of the interesting facts about Bats like: Bats only have a single baby, once a year
17 May 2022
Teagasc announce details of National Sheep Open Day
Teagasc will hold a national sheep open day at its Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Athenry, County Galway on Saturday 18th June. Details of this major open day for the sheep sector were announced today. Join us for the event on 18th June which is kindly sponsored by FBD.
17 May 2022
The key factors in producing high quality silage
Following on from the previous episode, Ciarán Lynch is re-joined by Dr. Tim Keady to discuss some of the various factors that influence silage digestibility.
17 May 2022
Making more use of AI on Future Beef farm
Recently Brian Daly, Teagasc advisor Roscommon caught up with Olivia Hynes. Olivia, is a full-time beef and sheep farmer from outside Four Roads, Roscommon and is part of the Teagasc Future Beef programme. He started off by asking Olivia how the current crop of calves born this spring are doing.
17 May 2022
Identifying poor performing sheep in your flock
Every year ewes drop out of flocks for a variety reasons including mastitis, prolapse etc. However, invariably some ewes slip through the cracks and despite underperforming are kept on for a further year. Here Teagasc researcher Frank Campion has some advice on identifying underperforming ewes.
17 May 2022
Photo Competition - Biodiversity on Equine Farms
The Teagasc Equine Specialists and Countryside Management Specialist are delighted to launch the second edition of a photo competition showcasing ‘Equine Farming and Biodiversity’ aimed at highlighting some of the many examples of biodiversity evident on equine farms around the country.
16 May 2022
Kildalton 50th Anniversary Open Day launched
Kildalton College in South Kilkenny will hold a major open day on Saturday, 25th of June this year kindly supported by FBD. Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently launched the open day in Kildalton and reviewed the plans for the event.
16 May 2022
Understanding, reducing and treating lameness in cows
Lameness experts, Ger Cusack and Ned Dunphy, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the level of lameness that exists in grazing dairy cows and the proactive steps that farmers can take to reduce its incidence.
16 May 2022
Time off this summer: Planning and Task Prioritisation on Dairy Farms
With calving finished on Spring block calving farms, now is a great time to plan time off, the staff roster, and farm projects. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses planning ahead and task prioritisation. Martina recommends using a wall planner and actively working with it
16 May 2022
Water quality, the EPA and the tools to make improvements
Catchment scientist, Eva Mockler joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to chat about water quality and the tools the EPA Catchment Science & Management Unit are developing to help us make improvements.
16 May 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Milk Butterfats
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 5th May, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses milk butterfats
15 May 2022
Growing Wild - dandelion and greater stitchwort
Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity to look out for in the countryside. Here she shares some interesting facts of nature about Dandelion and Greater Stitchwort
15 May 2022
Meet the farmer - Prionnsias & Máire Creedon Future Beef/SignPost
Proinnsias farms with his wife Máire and sons Ciarán, Aodhán and Diarmuid in Clondrohid, Macroom, Co. Cork. They are farming 33.31Ha of variable land with a good bit of rough grazing ground. Here their advisor Anthony Dineen who is in the Teagasc Office Macroom gives some information on their farm
15 May 2022
Fertiliser Spreader – Basic Setup and Calibration Factsheet
Teagasc recently published a compendium of 20 factsheets providing the latest technical advice on soils, nutrients and fertiliser. The fifteenth of these is about the Fertiliser Spreader – Basic Setup and Calibration and can be read here. All 20 will be published here on Teagasc Daily
14 May 2022
Award-winning Kylemore farmhouse cheese
Kylemore farmhouse cheese won the Sustainable Rural Innovation Award 2022 at the RDS Agriculture & Forestry Sustainability Awards recently. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme, Athenry reports from her visit with Teresa Roche at her cheese-making business
14 May 2022
How to reduce Nitrogen losses at farm level?
Diffuse nitrogen (N) loss is a key pressure on water quality. Losses typically occur in ‘light’ free draining soils, which water can easily permeate through. Teagasc Advisor Mary Roache has advice on ways to minimise N leaching on your farm and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)
14 May 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - The role of genetics in helping address GHG challenges in agriculture
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 29 April, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Andrew Cromie, Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) to discuss the role of genetics in helping address GHG challenges in agriculture.
13 May 2022
Teagasc Hosts Food Digestion Conference in Cork
Scientists from industry and academia gathered in Cork recently for the 7th International Conference on Food Digestion, with over 250 delegates from 29 countries.
13 May 2022
Sm@RT demonstrates digital technologies to improve efficiency of small ruminant production
With about 98 million small ruminant animals in the EU, of which 87% are sheep, small ruminant (sheep & goat) farming is important to the rural economy of many countries. Sm@rt aims to improve labour efficiency and productivity in the sector by promoting uptake of innovative digital technologies
13 May 2022
2022 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner - Cathal Rudden
Cavan farmer Cathal Rudden is the winner of the 2022 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award. Cathal was presented with his award in Dublin last Friday, 6th May by Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett.
13 May 2022
PDD Recently Published paper on Chronic Stress in Sows
The Pig Development Dept introduces it's recently published paper, a literature review on the risk factors for chronic stress in group-housed gestating sows, and the associated prenatal stress consequences for piglets, from Martyna Ewa Lagoda, Joanna Marchewka, Keelin O'Driscoll & Laura Ann Boyle
13 May 2022
Forest recreation walks - don't miss out
The Teagasc and DAFM series of nationwide walks on Forest recreation continue up to May 20. Each walk is in the evening and will commence at 7pm. You can register for one of the four remaining walks in Laois, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary and get further details of each walk here
13 May 2022
Today's Farm - May/June 2022
The May/June edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on Teagasc Grange research and previews the BEEF2022 Open Day. It also has articles on the upcoming Sheep Open Day; heart health; butterflies and moths; fodder budgets; silage walls and more.
12 May 2022
Insights on the Current Global Grain Market
Phelim Dolan from Comex McKinnon joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to talk about the current grain market and the prospects for the coming months. Phelim talks about the pressures on grain supply before the war in Ukraine started and the current effect of the war on prices now.
12 May 2022
Managing and Utilising Grass in the Mid-Season
Maximising animal performance from an all grass diet is the main goal in midsummer grazing. Cathal Conaty, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Claremorris has pointers for drystock farmers in setting up paddocks in order to grow, manage and utilise grass more efficiently
12 May 2022
Tillage Update 12th May 2022
Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Wexford has advice here on Spring crops and trace elements. He emphasises the importance of soil analysis before going on to discuss manganese, zinc, copper and magnesium deficiencies in detail
12 May 2022
Tillage Newsletter - May 2022
This month's Tillage Newsletter includes information on: Winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley disease control, beans, buffer zones, Basic Payment Scheme and Health & Safety - May is a high-risk month
11 May 2022
Investigating the role of red clover on beef farms
The inclusion of red clover into silage swards has great potential and can contribute to future proofing beef systems by enhancing N balance and ultimately economic and environmental efficiency. Nicky Byrne, Donall Fahy, Peter Doyle and Paul Crosson, Teagasc Grange discuss their red clover research
11 May 2022
Farm Contractors Ireland: Top Tips for Silage 2022
With silage harvesting taking place in the coming weeks, Michael Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (FCI), joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to best to prepare for silage 2022 -covering the pit, handling bales and cost
11 May 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 10th May 2022
In this week's newsletter get the regular Grass10 weekly tips, grass growth figures plus details of upcoming webinar on the grass wedge using PastureBase Ireland. Brian McCarthy, Teagasc Clonakility is The Clover Reporter and this week's Grass10 featured farmer is Aidan Maguire, 2021 Drystock GFOTY
11 May 2022
May update from three Future Beef Farmers
Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Future Beef Programme Advisor, has a Future Beef Programme update on the breeding season from the farm of James Skehan, Co. Clare, on grass growth from the farm of William Kingston, Co. Cork and on animal health from organic farmer Kay O'Sullivan, Co. Cork
11 May 2022
Beef Newsletter - May 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Growing more with less, Lime – a good investment, Changing from CAN to protected urea, Making quality silage, Date for the diary and Health & Safety - May is a high-risk month
10 May 2022
Teagasc Athenry sheep open day
Teagasc Athenry Sheep open day, takes place in Athenry on June 18 at 10am. Phil Creighton Sheep Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Programme outlines what to expect on the day.
10 May 2022
Silage – why quality matters
As silage season is kicking off, this week’s OviCast is joined by Dr. Tim Keady to discuss the importance of focusing on quality.
10 May 2022
Direct selling from Castlemine Farm
The Allen family has been farming Castlemine Farm for five generations. The 250ac farm, located at Four Mile House in Co Roscommon produces pasture fed beef, lamb and free-range pork. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme, Athenry visited the farm and farm shop to learn more
10 May 2022
27% of farmers in Ireland report their wellbeing was ‘poor’ or ‘below average’
A recent Irish study shows that 27% of farmers reported their wellbeing was ‘poor’ or ‘below average’ whilst a further study found that the most common sources of work related stress are weather, workload and money. Other issues causing stress include policy changes, regulation and farm succession.
10 May 2022
Sheep Newsletter - May 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team in this month's newsletter. It includes: grassland management, flock health issues, research update - lambing time, BETTER Farm Update - Improving grass situation and Health & Safety - May is a high risk month
09 May 2022
How to keep control of the grass on your farm, maintain quality and avoid feed waste
Micheál O’Leary from PastureBase Ireland joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast with advice on how to keep control of the grass on your farm, maintain quality and avoid feed waste as growth rates explode across the country
09 May 2022
Signpost - Meet the farmer John Joe Fitzgerald
John Joe is a hill sheep farmer based west of Dingle and farms with his wife Karen and their five children Shannon, Aoife, Colm, Aodhán and Tadhg. The farm consists of improved ‘’green’’ ground and a share of open commonage on Mount Brandon and a share of enclosed section. Find out more here
09 May 2022
Reminders for Breeding Season 2022
George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist summarises advice on breeding. Select a team of high EBI sires using the threshold and average values detailed here. As herds stabilise, there is an opportunity to more carefully select the cows that we breed our dairy replacements from in the years ahead
09 May 2022
Let's Talk Dairy - Reduced Crude Protein Diets Requirement Under Derogation
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday, 28th April, Stuarts Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses the reduced Crude Protein diets requirement under Derogation.
09 May 2022
Dairy Newsletter - May 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in the May newsletter. It includes information on: Don’t delay first-cut silage, Are you taking on the clover challenge?, Research Update - Milking efficiency of dairy farms and Health & Safety - May is a high-risk month. View it here
08 May 2022
Commercial Apple Production
Irish apples have been grown commercially for over a century. Dessert apples are the most common type found in retail sales in Ireland. It should also be noted that the proportion of Irish apple retail sales through supermarkets has increased in recent decades. Find out more in this factsheet
08 May 2022
Helping farmers reduce energy use
Teagasc is engaged in an extensive range of research including national and international collaborations. Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Dairy - reducing energy use is one such area as John Upton, Teagasc Researcher, Moorepark outlines
08 May 2022
Duck Production
Duck production is carried out largely in Monaghan, with Silver Hill Duck being the largest duck processor in Ireland, located in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan. On an annual basis, over four million ducks are produced in Ireland.
07 May 2022
Red Clover for silage swards
Red clover has the potential to fix between 150-200 Kg N/ha per year from the atmosphere in well managed silage swards. Nicky Byrne, Research Officer in Teagasc Grange highlights the progress of a red clover/ perennial ryegrass silage sward at Grange in this video
07 May 2022
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Land Drainage
Appropriately designed and constructed land drainage will lead to improved nutrient uptake by the plant. Ivan Kelly, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Athenry, discuss the risks associated with land drainage and the options for reducing the impacts of draining here.
07 May 2022
Getting to Grips with the Summer Wedge on PastureBase
Join John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy from Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase in this webinar on Thursday 12th May at 7pm, as they give advice on understanding the summer wedge, managing summer grass and more. They will be joined by 2021 young GFOTY Philip Tyndall
06 May 2022
Organic Farm Walk - Andrew and Leonie Workman, Dunany Organic Flour
On Wednesday 11th May at 12pm Andrew and Leonie Workman of Dunany Flour Organic in Drogheda, Co Louth will host an Organic Farm Walk. Here Elaine Leavy Teagasc Organic Specialist & John Brophy Business & Technology Advisor give some information on their farm enterprises
06 May 2022
Managing stress
The most valuable assets that any person has is their health and safety. With pig farmers facing into increasingly difficult times – be it financial, personal or professional – the one thing that shouldn’t be neglected is your mental health and well-being.
06 May 2022
Fertiliser Advice for Cereals Factsheet
Teagasc recently published a compendium of 20 factsheets providing the latest technical advice on soils, nutrients and fertiliser. The twelfth of these is about Fertiliser advice for cereals and can be read here. All 20 will be published here on Teagasc Daily
06 May 2022
Newford Notes - Week of 26th April 2022
Michael Fagan, Technician at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry summarises the calving results for 2022 now that all cows have calved. Breeding is underway. Michael summarises the criteria used when selecting sires for the 2022 breeding season. Two strong paddocks were baled. Read more here
06 May 2022
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2022 and Forestry
Once again, it is time to ensure your all-important Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application is completed and submitted in good time. Teagasc recently launched a guidance video where Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist, explains how the BPS interacts with forestry and provides useful tips and checks
05 May 2022
Jim McCarthy in Romania on spring crop conditions and Ukrainian harvests
Irish farmer in Romania, Jim McCarthy, re-joins Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the continued effects of the Ukrainian conflict on the local people in Romania and also on his farm business there.
05 May 2022
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter May 2022
In this month’s newsletter, we publish a factsheet on practical steps to reduce chemical N use on farms as well as an article on useful tips for managing silage effluent. We have the profiles of 3 Signpost farmers, our monthly climate actions, key messages from the Teagasc clover walks and more
05 May 2022
Tillage Update 5th May 2022
Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Crops Specialist has an update on crops of winter barley and winter wheat and spring barley. He discusses applying the final fungicide to winter barley and the final nitrogen split on winter wheat. He advises on fertiliser, weed and disease control in spring barley
05 May 2022
Teagasc response to a call for a complete ban on burning in the uplands
Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc said that fire has a traditional and important role in the management of upland areas and that there is a need to bring these upland areas into active management, while balancing the agricultural objectives & habitat management sustainably
05 May 2022
Getting clover into the system
With clover more in focus than ever, this week’s episode of OviCast is joined by Germinal’s Dr Mary McEvoy to discuss this in more detail.
05 May 2022
The Gut MicrobiotAware project
The GutMicrobiotAware project aims to explore general awareness of the concept of the gut microbiota among the general population. So we'd like to know - Do you know how the microbes in your gut influence your daily life? Take our survey here to help us all find out more.
04 May 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd May 2022
In this week's newsletter the Grass10 team return to farmer Lawrence Sexton in The Clover Reporter section as well as this week's Grass10 featured farmer Philip & John Tyndall. View some Grass10 weekly tips, grass growth figures and upcoming webinar on the grass wedge using PastureBase Ireland
04 May 2022
The Silage Dilemma - Bulk or Quality
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist discusses bulking up the silage crop and warns of the negative impacts such as reduced overall digestibility and therefore feed value. Lower quality means extra feed costs. Aidan has advice on deciding on cutting date and on getting good preservation
04 May 2022
Beef Summer Budgets with Teagasc’s Aidan Murray
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs will have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs.
04 May 2022
British Ecological Society announces journal prize winners
The British Ecological Society (BES) has announced the winners of its journal prizes for research published in 2021. The prizes are awarded for the best paper by an early career researcher in seven of the BES journals. This year The Harper Prize was awarded to Dina in ‘T Zandt, hosted at Teagasc
03 May 2022
Don't delay silage cutting date on your dairy farm
James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Ballyhaise, outlines why delaying silage cutting date will have a negative effect on quality and quantity of silage for dairy systems. He advises against using a ‘one big first cut’ approach, which can lead to fodder shortages due to late first cuts being made
03 May 2022
Forest Recreation Walks in May 2022
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will run a nationwide series of walks between 9 and 20 May focusing on forest recreation. These walks will celebrate private forests where the owner has developed a recreational element to his or her forest. Register here
03 May 2022
Harvest high feed value silage to reduce pre-lambing concentrate costs
With silage season fast approaching, focusing on producing high quality silage for sheep has many advantages. Dry matter digestibility (DMD) is the key factor influencing silage feed value as Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Mellows Centre, Athenry explains
03 May 2022
How Sea Solutions is helping to solve the problem of methane
One third of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture with methane being one of the biggest challenges. Dr Maria Hayes, Teagasc joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on The Environment Edge podcast to explain how Sea Solutions is helping to solve the problem.
03 May 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Providing our partners with affordable sustainable food
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 22 April, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Emer Fardy & Sean Leahy, Hilton Foods to discuss providing our partners with affordable sustainable food.
02 May 2022
Pine Weevil Conference
Teagasc in association with Maynooth University and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are organising a free, one-day conference on 4 May 2022 focusing on integrated pest management for pine weevil in Ireland.
02 May 2022
How to make potential savings to feed reserves this year
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, advisor Adrian O’Callaghan and dairy farmer Diarmuid Hegarty join Emma-Louise Coffey to consider the potential feed saving that can be achieved by identifying problem cows and culling them from the herd early.
02 May 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 21st April, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist is joined by Dr Emma-Louise Coffey, Teagasc and Brendan Ryan, Dairy Farmer to get an insight into the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course.
01 May 2022
Growing Wild - willow, primrose and lady's smock
Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity to look out for in the countryside. Here she shares some interesting facts of nature about willow, primroses and Lady's smock or cuckoo flower
01 May 2022
Pushing back lambing date
Farming in Glenmalure in the Wicklow hills Teagasc BETTER sheep farm participant Patrick Dunne is operating a sheep and suckler beef system. Here Ciaran Lynch and Kevin Sheehan, Teagasc give information on Patrick's enterprises
01 May 2022
New strawberry varieties to complement ‘Malling Centenary’ - Webinar
Dr. Eamonn Kehoe, Teagasc Soft Fruit Advisor hosted an interactive seminar on Tuesday, 15th March which focused on the new strawberry varieties to complement ‘Malling Centenary’. Eamonn was joined by guest speaker Adam Whitehouse, Strawberry breeder, NIAB East Malling Research, East Malling, Kent.
30 April 2022
Reducing the cost of growing grass
In this article Dr. Peter Lawrence Teagasc drystock advisor Co. Wicklow, has advice for reducing the cost of growing grass. His tips include using paddocks, soil testing and drawing up a fertiliser plan based on the reports and incorporating white clover into grass swards
30 April 2022
Summertime Cow Nutrition: A Lot Done, More to Do
We have come a long way in the last 20-25 years in terms of managing the feed we give to dairy cows during the summer. However, there is still a lot more to be done in terms of mid-season cow nutrition. John Mc Cabe, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Dairy Programme Advisor has some advice
30 April 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Danone Sustainability Story
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Thursday, 14th April, Andy Boland, Teagasc Environment Specialist was joined by Elaine Crosse and Mark Stafford, Danone to give an overview of Danone's Sustainability Journey.
29 April 2022
Save the dates – Teagasc Open Days 2022
Teagasc has a busy summer offering of events and open days. Open Days planned for 2022 include Beef 2022 in Grange, Sheep Open Day in Athenry, and Kildalton 50th anniversary celebration. More information on these and other events below.
29 April 2022
Dairying and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
AMR is a new challenge to the farming community and a risk to public health. Don Crowley, Teagasc Dairy advisor discusses antimicrobial resistance, how it develops and the importance of milk recording in the absence of preventative antimicrobials, on the dairy farm
29 April 2022
Pig Newsletter - April 2022
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Pig Team. In this month's edition: Dealing with Stress, New Nitrate Regulations and BSAS 2022 Industry Prize Winners Feature.
29 April 2022
How to Manage Pine Weevil Control
It is estimated that on average 50% of the seedlings on untreated reforestation sites in Ireland and the UK are killed by large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis), in the early years. John Casey, Teagasc Forestry & Dr. Louise McNamara, Teagasc Crops advise on predicting the risk and management options
29 April 2022
Perfecting potato disease predictions
Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Research into potato blight undertaken by Steven Kildea and Mladen Čučak qualified as one of the highlights. Teagasc is engaged in an extensive range of research of national and international collaboration
28 April 2022
Kildalton College takes top prize at Macra Challenge Day
The 2022 Macra Na Feirme Challenges day ran in Gurteen Agricultural College, Ballingarry, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, 27 April 2022. The overall winners this year were Kildalton College.
28 April 2022
Polish farming update with Tim Bergin
The latest Tillage Edge podcast catches up again with Tim Bergin who is a Dubliner farming in north Poland.
28 April 2022
Tillage Update 28th April 2022
Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist reports on the progress of tillage crops this week. He notes that BYDV is a concern for some winter barley growers in parts of the south. All crops are progressing well otherwise with low disease levels and Ciaran provides advice for managing this
28 April 2022
Your chance to become a BETTER Sheep Farmer
Are you interested in using the latest technology to develop your sheep enterprise for a sustainable future in collaboration with Teagasc? If your answer is ‘Yes’ then this may be the opportunity you need. Teagasc is seeking farmers interested in taking part in the BETTER Farm Sheep Programme
28 April 2022
From costs to the weather, how stressed out are farmers?
Analysis: farmers and farm workers have been found to experience high levels of stress and relatively low levels of wellbeing. This article by Mary Brennan, Emma Dillon and David Meredith, Teagasc and Thia Hennessy, UCC, was first published on RTÉ Brainstorm recently
28 April 2022
7th International Conference on Food Digestion (ICFD2022)
The 7th International Conference on Food Digestion (ICFD2022) is taking place in Cork from 3 - 5 May 2022. The three day event will be held at the Maryborough Hotel, Cork. Get details here about the programme, speakers, topics, venue, registration and more
27 April 2022
The Cullinane Monitor Farm in West Cork
John and Veronica Cullinane are dairy farming with their three children; Eoin, Aoife and Laura in Ballineen. Co Cork. They milk 140 cows on a milking platform of 53 hectares and farm outside blocks for replacement heifers and silage. Aoife Healy, Teagasc Dairy advisor discusses their April tasks
27 April 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 26th April 2022
In this week's Grass10 e-newsletter; PastureBase Ireland growth figures, Grass10 Weekly Tips, Grass growth and soil temperature predictions, Grass10 Farmer David Gannon, Red clover for silage swards and Aidan Maguire, Drystock GFOTY on measuring grass. Sign up for the weekly e-newsletter here
27 April 2022
Targeting an early year reseed in Carlow
Shane Cranny operates a calf-to-beef system in Myshall, Co. Carlow. After correcting soil fertility and improving grazing infrastructure, Shane began the journey of reseeding in 2021 when 12 acres were reseeded. Sean Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor details Shane's approach to reseeding since.
27 April 2022
An Update on the Derrypatrick Herd
With breeding season around the corner Derrypatrick farm manager Michael McManus gives an insight on this week’s Beef Edge podcast into how calving went, the breeding season ahead and what sires are being selected.
27 April 2022
Should you consider clover in 2022?
Vincent Ronayne, Teagasc Advisor Ballinrobe, notes that Clover offers an alternative to expensive artificial fertilisers and helps towards Environmental Sustainability. Incorporating clover in grassland swards can to reduce costs, improve profitability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
26 April 2022
A window into genetics
Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Sheep is one such area, as the highlight of this research in sheep genetics by Nóirín McHugh, Fiona McGovern, Nicola Fetherstone and Henry Walsh shows.
26 April 2022
Alternative Forage Crops for Winter 2022
Many farmers will question an article about next year’s winter fodder supply while they still possibly have stock in sheds. But given the exceptional rise in input costs, it's now time to plan for adequate winter feed. Kevin O’Hara, Education Officer, Teagasc Ballinrobe advises on alternative crops