Articles

Success for Teagasc students at Swiss landscaping competition

Two Teagasc students, Niall O’Brien, Kildalton Horticultural College, and Eoighan Mountaine-Barry, College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens, won the People’s Choice award at a recent landscaping competition in Switzerland.
28 May 2023

Actions to improve milk protein percentage in May and June

John McCabe, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Advisor, looks at the factors affecting and the steps to take to improve milk protein percentage in May and June.
28 May 2023

Watch: Missed the Newford Suckler Open Day?

Hundreds of farmers travelled west earlier this week for the Newford Suckler Open Day, where they learned of the changes and lessons learned since the project was initially set up in 2015.
28 May 2023

The story so far for the Tipperary Calf to Beef Demo Farm

The Tipperary Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm – trading as Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd. – was established by Teagasc, in conjunction with Dawn Meats and Shinagh Estates Ltd., to demonstrate the best technologies for profitable and sustainable production of beef calves from the dairy herd.
27 May 2023

Growing Wild - Marsh marigold and Ribwort plantain

Now is the time to look out for Marsh marigold & Ribwort plantain, according to Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, who takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity.
27 May 2023

Protecting wildlife habitats to increase biodiversity on farm

Wildlife habitats such as hedgerows, field margins, ponds, wetlands, and woodlands, commonly occur on Irish farms. The retention of existing habitats is vitally important, as they deliver ecological benefits.
27 May 2023

Teagasc Forestry Development Department continues its innovative outdoor classroom forestry training programme

Teagasc Forestry Development Department (FDD) continues its innovative 'outdoor classroom' forestry training programme this spring, with six busy 'marteloscope' workshops in Oak Park forest. Jonathan Spazzi tells us more.
26 May 2023

2022 Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance Report

The 2022 Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance Report is hot off the press, showing some changes in our key performance indicators for 2022.
26 May 2023

Signpost Series: Protecting farmland pollinators

On this episode of the Signpost Series, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT, was joined by Dr. Saorla Kavanagh, EIP Project Manager, to discuss Protecting Farmland Pollinators.
26 May 2023

How to stay in control of somatic cell count during the mid-lactation period

Don Crowley, Milk Quality Specialist at Teagasc, is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how to stay in control of somatic cell count (SCC) during the mid-lactation period.
26 May 2023

Apply now for the Teagasc/UCD Knowledge Transfer Masters Programme

The Teagasc/UCD Knowledge Transfer Masters Programme has been developed specifically to build the competencies for careers in agricultural advisory and education services - whether in the public or private sector.
26 May 2023

Blackgrass raising its head

As winter cereals enter the finishing straight, there have been a few reports this week of blackgrass raising its head above the canopy. Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist, tells us more.
25 May 2023

Update from Don Somers’ farm in Wexford

The poor spring weather was a key topic on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, when Michael Hennessy chatted to both Don Somers, a farmer from Wexford, who is also participating in the Signpost Programme, and John Mahon, his Tillage Signpost Advisor.
25 May 2023

Teagasc hosts symposium on Listeria monocytogenes in food

Over 100 scientists and food industry stakeholders gathered at Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown on the 24th and 25th May for the 2023 Symposium on Listeria monocytogenes in Foods: Recent Advances and Outstanding Questions.
25 May 2023

Watch: Teagasc Pig Open Day 2023

The Teagasc Pig Development Department held their Pig Open Day on May 9th and 11th over two locations, Moorepark Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, and Ballyhaise Agricultural College.
25 May 2023

Energy and Farm Diversification Show launched

The launch of the Energy and Farm Diversification Show (formerly the Energy in Agriculture Show) took place in Dublin on Tuesday, May 23rd.
25 May 2023

Assessing the biodiversity management practices of your linear habitats

Biodiversity management practices undertaken by farmers are a key element of farm sustainability. There is a need to include biodiversity management in the assessment of farm sustainability.
25 May 2023

Awards for top grassland farmers

The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition is now in its sixth year and rewards the top grassland farmers in the country who are growing and utilising more grass on their farms in a sustainable manner.
24 May 2023

Ensuring the successful transition to grass with dairy-beef calves

The busy calf rearing period is coming to an end on dairy calf to beef farms around the country. In this article, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Advisor Tommy Cox looks at how to minimise setbacks when transitioning calves from indoor to outdoor life.
24 May 2023

What will impact silage quality this year?

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Joseph Dunphy, is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss grazing management on farms at the moment and the dos and don’ts when it comes to harvesting silage.
24 May 2023

Des Powell - lambing went reasonably well this year

Des Powell, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary, operates a sheep and beef farm in conjunction with his parents George and Frieda. Here he gives us an update on his farm for May.
24 May 2023

How tree species & open spaces can improve biodiversity in forests

Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer talks about how to improve the biodiversity value of your forest. He advises on tree species, open spaces, underutilised areas and interconnectivity between habitats here.
24 May 2023

Shearing, training courses and wool challenges

With the shearing season underway, for this week’s episode we chat to shearer and Mayo native David Heraty.
23 May 2023

Watch: 100% AI and a 10-week breeding season delivering for Newford

Some may be fazed by the thoughts of using 100% artificial insemination (AI) on a fragmented suckler farm. However, this was certainly not the case and in fact the direct opposite for Newford based on the breeding performance of the herd.
23 May 2023

An overview of Newford and the financial performance being achieved

Newford welcomed visitors today, where the changes that have occurred since the farm was established were discussed at detail. Padraig French and Paul Crosson, Teagasc, along with Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats, provided an overview and discussed the levels of profitability being achieved.
23 May 2023

Watch: Optimising animal performance to achieve a younger age of slaughter at Newford

Attendees at today's open day at Newford heard how a focus on grassland management, genetics and optimising animal performance is resulting in a reduction in slaughter age.
23 May 2023

Earlier finishing reduces GHG Emissions in Newford beef herd

Farmers attending a successful Newford Suckler beef demonstration farm open day in Athenry today, Tuesday, 23 May learned of the changes and lessons learned since the project was initially set up in 2015.
23 May 2023

Planning towards sustainable timber production at Talking Timber

Talking Timber, Teagasc’s popular conifer timber marketing event, is taking place today, Tuesday, 23 May in Athlone.
23 May 2023

Blowfly strike prevention in sheep

Wesley Power, Elanco, discusses the causes of blowfly strike on farm and the preventative steps farmers can take to prevent a strike occurring.
23 May 2023

Meet the finalists as Grassland Farmer of the Year to be crowned this week

The winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition will be crowned tomorrow, May 24, in Teagasc Moorepark.
23 May 2023

Agritourism 2023 - 'agritourism for sustainable agriculture'

Teagasc Rural Development together with the Irish Self Catering Federation hosted an Agritourism conference at Teagasc, Ashtown today, Monday, 22 May to highlight opportunities for farm families in developing an on-farm tourism business.
22 May 2023

Angus calf five-point sustainable production plan - from Croke Park to the Ploughing

In the quest for more sustainable beef production, four students from the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan, Westmeath have developed a five-point sustainable farm plan in combination with rearing Angus animals.
22 May 2023

A win for grazing and a win for winter feed

Looking back to two weeks ago, conditions were closer to winter than they were summer. But the past week of sunshine has brought a well needed break from the thundery showers and heavy rainfall experienced across the country during March and April.
22 May 2023

Improving the biodiversity value of your forest

Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer talks about how to improve the biodiversity value of your forest. He advises on how to keep browsing animals out, create/leave deadwood and more.
22 May 2023

Proinnsias Creedon Future Beef Farm Update

Proinnsias farms with his wife Máire and sons Ciarán, Aodhán and Diarmuid. The farm is located in Barrathanaknock, Clondrohid, Macroom, Co. Cork. Here Aisling Molloy, Future Beef Programme Advisor, gives us an update on his farm.
22 May 2023

First 'Growing Organics' farm walk set for Laois

The first in a series of 'Growing Organics' farm walks takes place on the farm of Jason Stanley, Errill, Co. Laois, on the 2nd of June 2023. Marianne Mulhall, Specialised Organic Advisor, previews Jason's farming system and the upcoming open day in this article.
22 May 2023

Improving biodiversity on farm

Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, tells you how you can improve biodiversity on your farm.
21 May 2023

Building winter feed reserves with Future Beef farmers Eamon and Donnchadh McCarthy

Eamon McCarthy and his son Donnchadh are farming in Carrigeen, Glendine, Youghal, Co. Waterford. Both work part-time on the farm. Here Aisling Molloy, Future Beef Programme Advisor, gives us an update on nutrition and performance on their farm.
21 May 2023

Cobalt supplementation - effect on ewe and lamb performance

The productivity of Irish lowland flocks is low at approximately 1.3 lambs reared per ewe joined, and has remained relatively static for the last 40 years. In this article, Dr. Tim Keady, Teagasc Athenry, looks at the effect of cobalt supplementation on ewe and lamb performance.
21 May 2023

The factors affecting bull fertility

David Kenny, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath, reports on some of the factors affecting the fertility of bulls.
21 May 2023

How can we help bees?

Today is World Bee Day! The purpose of the international day is to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem.
20 May 2023

Come see what is new at Newford suckler farm

The Newford suckler farm is a suckler calf-to-beef demonstration unit located in Athenry, Co. Galway. The farm was established by Teagasc and Dawn Meats, with the support of the Irish Farmers Journal and McDonald’s in 2015.
20 May 2023

Milking efficiency of rotary and herringbone parlours

Milking efficiency is often defined as the number of cows milked per hour, or cows milked per operator per hour. In order to achieve optimum milking efficiency, there must be successful engagement between factors that can have most impact on the milking process such as cows, equipment, and people.
20 May 2023

How farmers can support biodiversity

National Biodiversity Week Ireland 2023 takes place 19th – 28th May. National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting people with nature and communicating the importance of biodiversity.
19 May 2023

Forests and human health and well-being

Paul Butler, Teagasc Forestry Specialist, tells us about the importance of non-timber values of forests.
19 May 2023

Improving gestation housing for sows benefits piglets

Martyna Lagoda presented her research on gestation housing for sows at the recent Teagasc Pig Open Day. Here she tells us more about practical forms of sow enrichment, with knock-on benefits for piglet health.
19 May 2023

Signpost Series: Gaseous emissions and soil science update from the Agricultural Catchments Programme

On this episode of the Signpost Series, Andy Boland, Teagasc Environment Specialist, was joined by Dr. Bridget Lynch and Dr. Ognjen Zurovec to discuss Agricultural Catchments Programme - gaseous emissions and soil science.
19 May 2023

Controlling docks with Future Beef farmer Michael McGuigan

Michael McGuigan has worked hard to control docks on his farm. Docks are the major weed of intensively-managed grassland. Despite the best efforts of many farmers to control them, their persistence is stubborn and unyielding.
19 May 2023

Ticking the beef breeding boxes down Wicklow way

Located just outside Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, John Pringle operates a mixed suckler and sheep farm on 62.48ha of grassland. The suckler herd consists of 45 mainly Simmental-sired cows, while a lowland flock of 225 ewes are also carried.
19 May 2023

Spring cereal weed control and preventing resistance on your farm

Weed control is as important as ever in spring cereals and Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage specialists in Teagasc, along with Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher in Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the best strategies for weed control in spring cereals.
18 May 2023

Watch: Using VESS for the visual examination of soils

Visual Soil Examination and Evaluation (VSEE) techniques are procedures for visually and tactilely evaluating soil structure.
18 May 2023

Tillage advice: Challenging choices for some as growth kicks into gear

Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer, gives an update on crop performance and looks at some of the difficult decisions facing farmers who have planting outstanding.
18 May 2023

Reminder: Deadline for SCEP applications approaching

Applications to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) will close early next week.
18 May 2023

Improving cow flow for efficient milking

Labour studies undertaken by Teagasc have shown that milking represents up to one third of a dairy farmer’s daily workload.
18 May 2023

Grass10: Time to act as growth passes demand

Growth rates on both dairy and beef farms have passed demand this week.
17 May 2023

Newford Farm update and preview of the open day

Donall Fahy of Newford Farm joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to provide an update on the Newford Farm and to preview the upcoming open day on Tuesday, 23rd May from 2-6pm.
17 May 2023

Mid-season dosing for dairy-bred calves

Dairy-bred calves may have been at grass for 5-6 weeks. Despite the poor weather, lungworm and gut worm exposure may result in the requirement for treatment for these animals at this stage of the year, Alan Dillon, DairyBeef 500 Campaign Co-Ordinator tells us more.
17 May 2023

Safety during silage season

Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists, highlight what you should keep in mind this silage season to ensure safety on farm
17 May 2023

Spring barley update

Spring barley fits into three distinct sowing categories this year: early (February/early March); normal (early April); and, the largest category, late-sown crops (mid to late April).
17 May 2023

Examining the collaborative farming options

Collaborative farming options are attractive arrangements for young farmers to enter a farming business. Alternatively, there are also farmers who have no identified successor and are ready to step back or retire.
16 May 2023

Establishing and managing companion forages in a sheep sward

For this week’s OviCast, we chat to post-graduate student Lisa McGrane about some of the factors influencing the establishment and persistency of companion herb and legume forages in sheep swards.
16 May 2023

Nutrient management of white clover swards

The benefits of white clover tend to occur from May onwards, as sward white clover content increases.
16 May 2023

Have your say in the Teagasc Horticulture Grower IPM survey

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach used to manage pests in crop production; it considers the whole crop system and is based on a broad range of agronomic, monitoring, physical and biological techniques.
16 May 2023

Making quality silage to offset the rising meal price

It is difficult to predict next winter’s concentrate prices. Beef farmers who have been growing or finishing cattle will need to offset the rising meal price by improving the quality of silage they make, which will allow them to feed less meal per head, while still achieving target growth rates.
16 May 2023

Delaying silage cutting date will have a negative effect on quality and quantity

James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, outlines the reasons why you should avoid delaying silage harvesting and looks at the quality of silage needed on dairy farms this year.
15 May 2023

Best Practice in Milking Courses start this week

The first of a number of Best Practice in Milking Courses gets underway this week. Developed in conjunction with Teagasc, Animal Health Ireland, and FRS Network, participants will develop their skills as a milker to ensure all cows are milked effectively and efficiently.
15 May 2023

How seaweed can be used as a medicine to fight infection

Scientists are discovering the incredible health properties of Irish seaweeds to make medicines to combat dangerous superbugs
15 May 2023

The soil is alive and willing to help

Farming has come a long way in the last 50 years, with huge improvements in how we grow our crops and rear our animals. Cathal Somers, ASSAP Advisor, Waterford, tells us more on the importance of soil health.
15 May 2023

Grass growth and lamb performance on the BETTER sheep farms

Frank Campion of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway reports on grass growth and lamb performance on the BETTER sheep farms.
15 May 2023

Top five tips for May and the correct paddock size

Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Teagasc, gives his top five tips for May and offers advice on moving to 24-hour grazing blocks.
14 May 2023

Short Food Supply Chains: EU project gathers consumer insights

A resurgence of interest in Short Food Supply Chains (SFSCs) comes at a time when Europe is seeking to provide more sustainable and healthier diets for its population.
14 May 2023

Have you applied for the multispecies sward measure?

Multispecies swards are swards that have a variety of plants including grasses, clovers, brassicas and herbs, explains Ivan Kelly, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare.
14 May 2023

Breeding management and fertility - the main factors to consider

A key aspect of running an efficient suckler system is good breeding management and herd fertility. Cow nutrition, bull fertility, the incidence of calving difficulty and herd health are some of the main factors that affect fertility in the herd.
13 May 2023

Let's Talk Dairy - achieving grazing success through the Heavy Soils Programme

On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, host James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Pat Tuohy, Teagasc, to give an insight into the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme - Achieving Grazing Success.
13 May 2023

Watch: Selection, establishment and nutrient management of clover swards

To help promote and establish more clover on farms, the Teagasc Grass10 Campaign and Clover 150 Programme held a series of farm walks over the month of April.
13 May 2023

International Day of Plant Health

To celebrate International Day of Plant Health 2023, the National Botanic Gardens hosted an event, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture to raise awareness on how each one of us can play our part to protect plant health.
12 May 2023

Over 170 pig producers and industry stakeholders attended Teagasc Pig Open Day

The Teagasc Pig Development Department held their Pig Open Day this week over two locations, Moorepark Research and Innovation Centre, Fermoy, and Ballyhaise Agricultural College.
12 May 2023

Talking Timber 2023: Networking to maximise timber sales outcomes

Selling timber can be both a rewarding and challenging experience for forest owners. Information and preparation are key to achieving the best outcomes. Noel Kennedy explains how Teagasc’s Talking Timber event in Athlone on May 23rd can help forest owners to successfully sell their conifer timber.
12 May 2023

Improving pig welfare - EFSA findings on the welfare of weaner and grower pigs

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published the new Scientific Opinion on the Welfare of Pigs on Farm in August 2022. In this article, Laura Boyle discusses some of the implications of the findings for the welfare of weaners and rearing pigs.
12 May 2023

Diary date: Major open day at Newford

Teagasc and Dawn Meats, in collaboration with the Irish Farmers Journal and McDonalds, are delighted to welcome all farmers and stakeholders in the beef sector to the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm Open Day on Tuesday, 23rd May in Athenry, Co. Galway from 2pm-6pm.
12 May 2023

How to minimise nitrate loss in farming to help improve water quality

On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, Edward Burgess, Agricultural Catchments Specialist, talks about minimising nitrate loss in farming to help improve water quality.
12 May 2023

Readjusting the silage plan with Future Beef farmers Michael and Niall Biggins

Changeable weather during the months of March and April delayed the closing of silage ground on most drystock farms, which may result in a later cutting date.
12 May 2023

Salesian Agricultural College launch organic conversion plan for drystock enterprise

The Salesian Agricultural College’s proposed conversion of their beef and sheep unit to organic was officially launched at Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick today, Thursday, 11 May 2023.
11 May 2023

Nitrogen uptake by catch crops and catch crop uptake by farmers

Catch crops, also known as cover crops or green manure, are a valuable tool for protecting soil health and water quality, explains Dr. Bridget Lynch, Senior Researcher Officer in the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme.
11 May 2023

How to prepare for your BISS application consultation

With a substantial amount of BISS applications still to be submitted, there is growing pressure on all advisors to ensure farmer consultations are efficient so that all applications can be completed on time.
11 May 2023

Using satellite data to monitor soil moisture on the Agricultural Catchments Programme

In Ireland, we are more familiar with soil moisture deficit (SMD) rather than volumetric soil moisture content (VSMC), but both are measuring the amount of water in the soil using different concepts.
11 May 2023

Monitor spring crops for trace element deficiencies

Weather conditions over the past 10 days have really provided the ingredients for rapid spring crop growth.
11 May 2023

What you can expect from and the requirements for a Bord Bia audit

With 95% of beef Quality Assured at point of slaughter and 54,000 audits taking place on Irish beef and sheep farms, Damien Murray, Operations Co-ordinator Origin Green with the Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme, busts some myths around the audit on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
10 May 2023

Optimising carbon storage of peat key focus of workshop

Sixty participants attended the first day of the ‘Grassland Peat Agriculture Workshop’, which was hosted by the new Teagasc Climate Centre and the ReWet (Teagasc and University of Galway) project at Gurteen College in Tipperary today, Wednesday, May 10th.
10 May 2023

Water quality trends and manure management central topics of upcoming open day

The Agricultural Catchments Programme will host a major open day in Timoleague, Co. Cork, on Friday, May 12th.
10 May 2023

Ellen Vaughan is the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year for 2022

The Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Awards were presented by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD at an awards ceremony yesterday evening, Tuesday, 9th May.
10 May 2023

Water quality investigates - the sub-catchment approach

Traditionally research into stream water quality has be carried out on large scales, such as at regional scales.
10 May 2023

Grass silage feed value – a key factor influencing flock profitability

Grass silage feed value is the third most important factor influencing the efficiency of prime lamb production. Dr. Tim Keady, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc, Athenry, Co. Galway, explains why in this article.
09 May 2023

Farmer Focus: Aidan and Eddie Connell, Co. Offaly

This week on OviCast, Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, sat down with father and son Eddie and Aidan Connell, who farm at Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly, and will host this year’s Irish Grassland sheep event.
09 May 2023

Newford Farm Update

On Friday, 5th May the IDA announced that Dexcom, Inc., a global leader in continuous glucose monitoring for people with diabetes, plans to build its newest global manufacturing facility in Athenry, Galway.
09 May 2023

The seasonality of nitrate loss to rivers throughout the year

Recent changes to regulations under the Nitrates Action Plan have reduced the amount of chemical nitrogen (N) allowed on grassland, and 'banding' of dairy cows has reduced stocking rates allowed on many farms.
09 May 2023

Signpost Series - water quality trends from the Agricultural Catchments Programme

On this episode of the Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 5 May, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Dr Per-Erik Mellander and Jason Galloway, Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP), to discuss water quality trends.
09 May 2023

Taking the opportunity to reseed on Teagasc/Tirlán Future farms

Sandra Hayes, co-ordinator of the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farm Programme, outlines the progress farmers are making with grazing and reseeding in the most recent Teagasc/Tirlan Future Farm Update.
09 May 2023

Early intervention key with problem cows

Submitting cows for service is an important aspect of the breeding season, with a target of 90% submitted in the first three weeks. In this article, Teagasc Dairy Specialist Stuart Childs explains why now is the time for managing problem cows on your farm to maximise this target.
08 May 2023

4th Catchment Science Conference launched

Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are delighted to launch Catchment Science 2023, an international conference taking place later this year.
08 May 2023