Articles
Reviewing beef prices and budgets for coming months
Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue is on this week’s Beef Edge discussing cattle finished so far this year and, given current increasing beef prices, budgets for the coming months.
26 March 2025
External review of grass-clover and multispecies swards research published
Grass-white clover swards can maintain pasture production, increase animal performance, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase farm profitability.
26 March 2025
Ensuring the best performance from synchronisation programmes
Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Stuart Childs takes a closer look at synchronisation programmes and offers tips on how to ensure maximum performance.
26 March 2025
The Importance of Fertility Testing and Completing a Bull NCT for Suckler Farmers
For suckler farmers a healthy bull is key to a productive herd. Fertility testing and the Bull NCT help spot issues early. A subfertile bull could cost you €90 per cow. Martina Harrington tells us more.
26 March 2025
Young Breeder Training 2025 is Underway
Passionate about horses? Join The Young Breeders Programme to learn from experts and connect with like-minded peers.
26 March 2025
Troubleshooting problems in the field
Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein joins Ciaran Lynch on this week's OviCast podcast to discuss how to stay ahead of potential issues in the flock post-turnout.
25 March 2025
Breeding strategies to enhance herd sustainability, profitability and efficiency
In an effort to ensure breeding strategies are implemented to enhance herd sustainability, profitability and efficiency, all dairy farmers will receive a copy of the ICBF and Teagasc Breeding Guidelines in the post over the coming days.
25 March 2025
Grass tetany control in ewes
Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, tells us why it is really important to have a grass tetany control programme in place, sharing tips on its control and high risk conditions.
25 March 2025
The Next Generation Herd II
The Next Generation Herd study explores sustainable dairy farming through high-genetic-merit cows. It has driven breakthroughs in productivity, efficiency, and breeding strategies, tackling climate change and methane emissions. Dr Brian McCarthy and Prof Frank Buckley tell us about the next phase.
25 March 2025
Schemes and grants available in forestry and agroforestry
Teagasc Forestry Specialist, Frances McHugh, joins us to chat about the financial supports which encourage people to develop and manage sustainable forests - and you don't have to be a farmer to apply.
25 March 2025
With current fertiliser prices organic manures are more valuable than ever!
Now is the time to plan for grazing and silage while making the most of nutrients on-farm. Smart slurry use boosts soil fertility, saves costs, and protects the environment. Plan wisely for a productive season! Anne O’ Malley, Business & Technology Advisor, tells us more.
25 March 2025
Irish Dairy Breeding with the ICBF’s Sean Coughlan
Sean Coughlan, CEO of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss Irish dairy, dairy beef breeding and everything in between.
24 March 2025
Maximising Beef without Compromising on Calving
Beef from the dairy herd makes up nearly 66% of the national kill in Ireland. This proportion will likely increase in the future. Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, and Dan O’Riordan, ICBF, explain how farmers can balance easy calving with strong beef traits, getting the best of both worlds.
24 March 2025
Rooting innovation: shaping Ireland’s apple future
A research initiative at Teagasc Oak Park aims to boost apple production in Ireland, exploring innovative training systems and rootstocks. The project focuses on improving yield efficiency and enhancing fruit quality, offering Irish growers strategies tailored to the local climate.
24 March 2025
Advancements to maximise the value of nutrients in slurry for cereal crops
John Mahon, Teagasc Signpost Tillage Advisor, tells us about how advancements in machinery technology have improved management of slurry application to cereal crops allowing optimisation of nutrient recovery and lower chemical fertiliser costs.
24 March 2025
Planning to build?
Farmers and farm building contractors are invited to attend one of a series of Farm Buildings Seminars this April.
24 March 2025
Industrial Hemp Conference Demonstrates Ireland’s Potential in Sustainable Agriculture and Industry
The Industrial Hemp Conference, hosted by Teagasc and Textile Composites International, brought together a diverse group of experts, farmers, policymakers, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of industrial hemp in Ireland’s agriculture and industry. Barry Caslin, tells us more.
23 March 2025
Farm Update with Cathal Irwin, Future Beef Farmer
Grass growth is the big challenge this year on Cathal Irwin's beef farm, he is focusing on soil fertility, slurry management, and feed quality to maximise productivity and keep his herd thriving.
23 March 2025
Dairy breeding tips for the coming season
Have you selected your AI bull team for the 2025 breeding season? Niamh Lynch, a Dairy Advisor based in Teagasc Longford, has some key tips to make this task easier.
23 March 2025
Adhering to buffer zones
When farmers are applying fertilisers and pesticides, they need to be aware that they are required to utilise riparian buffer zones to minimise any potential losses to water, Teagasc Soils and Environment Advisor in Castlerea, Kieran Kenny reminds us of the key buffers.
22 March 2025
March Grass, Opportunities and Challenges
Michael Donoghue, Dairy Adviser, shares key insights on making the most of Irish farmer’s greatest advantage in livestock production, grazed grass. A solid spring grazing plan ensures better performance, reduced costs, and strong regrowth.
22 March 2025
Phosphorus has an important role in grass growth
Colm Kelly, Climate Action & Sustainability Adviser, explores the crucial role of phosphorus in grassland management, how to optimize phosphorus use for both grass growth and water quality, and how balanced phosphorus application can boost farm profitability and sustainability.
22 March 2025
Reducing stress on your farm in 2025
Planning your workload is key to reduce stress and make life easier during busy periods on your farm. Marion Fox, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, shares five areas farmers should focus on to help reduce stress over 2025.
22 March 2025
Launch of the new NeighbourWood Scheme
The new NeighbourWood Scheme, launched by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, offers funding to enhance local woodlands for public recreation. Tom Houlihan highlights its role in boosting biodiversity and recreational use.
21 March 2025
Eating more - it’s easier said than done!
Michael Mc Keon highlights the importance of maximising sow feed intake. It boosts milk yield, weaning weights, and fertility. But how do we make it happen? We all agree that good feed intake is crucial. But how do we achieve it?
21 March 2025
Research update: National beef cattle performance
Paul Smith, Mark McGee, Bernadette Earley, Edward O’Riordan, Paul Crosson and David Kenny of Teagasc Grange, and Alan Kelly, UCD, report on national beef cattle performance in 2024.
21 March 2025
Every lamb saved is an extra lamb that is available for sale
Infections and starvation/exposure are the biggest factors causing lamb mortality on Irish sheep farms.
21 March 2025
Why LESS gives more
Low emissions slurry spreading (LESS) is a precision technology that reduces nitrogen losses to the air and allows for greater nitrogen use efficiency, Eamonn Dempsey, Advisor in Teagasc Tralee, tells us more.
21 March 2025
Broiler litter as a fertiliser in tillage systems
Broiler litter boosts soil fertility and structure while cutting costs for tillage farmers. Rich in key nutrients, it must be managed carefully to maximise benefits and minimise risks. Veronica Nyhan highlights its role in sustainable farming with proper application.
20 March 2025
Pig slurry in tillage - a natural boost for soil & crops
We explore the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming on the latest Tillage Edge podcast.
20 March 2025
The happenings on Gareth Peoples’ DairyBeef 500 farm in Co. Donegal
Gareth Peoples, a participant in Teagasc’s DairyBeef 500 and Signpost Programmes, fills us in on the latest happenings from his farm in Co. Donegal.
20 March 2025
The role of phosphorus in grass growth
Phosphorus plays a critical role in grass growth, but its management is essential to avoid losses to watercourses. Colm Kelly, Climate Action & Sustainability Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, offers key advice on P's importance for grassland performance and how to reduce the risk of losses.
20 March 2025
The multiple benefits of a horticultural apprenticeship
John Mulhern, Teagasc College Principal at the National Botanic Gardens, speaks to Aisling O’Connell and Martin Tully, Tully Nurseries, on the benefits of Aisling’s undertaking of the horticultural apprenticeship programme.
20 March 2025
Advancing environmental science
As part of our Teagasc Thought Leaders series, Catriona Boyle spoke with Karen Daly recently about her research priorities for driving the adoption of sustainable agriculture systems and strengthening climate resilience.
19 March 2025
Benefits of AI and the use of Synchronisation in Suckler Herds
The calving season is coming to an end on farms and the focus will soon turn to the breeding season. Currently AI usage is low on beef farms with only 20% of all calves born to suckler herds by AI sires. James Mullane tells us more.
19 March 2025
Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, on managing grass this spring
Teagasc Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, and his advisor, James Mullane, are on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the farm and how Proinnsias is managing grass this spring.
19 March 2025
Spring fertiliser plan delivering grass at Newford
A combination of making the best use of cattle slurry and applying protected urea only when the conditions were correct have formed the bedrock of Newford Farm’s spring fertiliser plan, Michael Fagan tells us more.
19 March 2025
Getting the calf rearing basics right
The increased price of restocking farms this spring may entice more farmers to look at rearing calves. For farmers contemplating such a move, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Mullingar, Stephen O’Callaghan provides a refresher on the basics of calf rearing.
19 March 2025
‘Grass grows grass’ – protecting farm cover a priority on Teagasc/Tirlán Farms
March’s improved weather has allowed a return to day and night grazing on the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farms. However, Co-ordinator of the Programme, Sandra Hayes explains why monitoring average farm cover has now become a priority for the farmers enrolled.
19 March 2025
Grass10 Update: Grazing Strategies and Fertilizer Planning
Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.
18 March 2025
Survey to explore wellbeing in Irish farm families
The FarmFaMHealth team at Dublin City University (DCU), in collaboration with Teagasc, is conducting a survey to investigate the mental wellbeing of Irish farm families.
18 March 2025
Crops and Technology Open Day planned for June
A major Crops and Technology open day is planned for Wednesday, 25th June at the Teagasc Crops Research centre in Oak Park, Carlow.
18 March 2025
5 ways viruses can help plants
Like all other types of microbes, viruses have the potential to be neutral or even beneficial to their host. As part of a recent RTÉ Brainstorm Article, Marta Niedzicka identified 5 ways viruses can help plants.
18 March 2025
The common causes of scour and when do they occur
Scour represents a significant health challenge to suckler calves. Caused by a wide array of bugs or viruses, understanding when the disease is likely to occur can aid in identifying the cause, Future Beef Programme Manager, Martina Harrington tells us more.
18 March 2025
5 things to consider when deciding on installing a robot
As labour is in short supply, interest in robotic milking has increased over recent years. Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Patrick Gowing shares 5 things you should consider when looking at robotic milking.
17 March 2025
The shamrock: More than just a symbol of Ireland
Synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the three-leaved shamrock is deeply ingrained in Irish culture, biodiversity and ecology, Biodiversity Specialist at Teagasc, Ivan Kelly tells us more.
17 March 2025
Grazing update from Dara Killeen, Co. Galway
For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, and with the great grazing conditions, Joseph Dunphy discusses reviewing grazing progress throughout March and he has a grazing update from Dara Killeen, Co. Galway.
16 March 2025
Choosing the right cows for breeding
Much time and effort is put into choosing the AI bull each year and rightly so; however, are you putting as much effort into choosing the right cows to breed from?
16 March 2025
Key management strategies for reducing respiratory disease on dairy-beef farms
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD), also known as pneumonia, is one of the most prevalent diseases of dairy-beef calves, and is caused by a range of bacteria and viruses.
15 March 2025
A teaser bull’s role in maximising breeding success
Teaser bulls can help improve heat detection, shorten calving intervals, and boost breeding efficiency.
15 March 2025