Teagasc Daily
27 May 2020
Second cut silage – What are the options for beef farmers?
Rain did fall in many parts of the country last week yet soil moisture deficits have not improved for most parts of the country
26 May 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - 26th May
Grass10 update this week has information on: PastureBase Ireland current performance; Areas that have received rain/heavy soils; Growth has reduced due to Soil Moisture Deficit; Options to hold rotation and match growth & demand; Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) report.
26 May 2020
Effective Footbath Sheep Facilities
We are joined by Sheep Specialist Damian Costello on the latest episode of OviCast who starts by discussing the role of good footbath facilities in a lameness control programme and why batch footbaths are preferable.
26 May 2020
Teagasc BETTER Sheep Farms - Lamb performance from birth to 7 weeks old
Weighing Lambs at 7 weeks is crucial to assessing the ewe flock and it also gives a picture as to how the lambs are performing. BETTER Sheep Farmer, Shane Moore from Co. Roscommon gives an update from his farm.
26 May 2020
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Soil pH - What is it and how do we measure it?
Soil pH is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) activity in the soil solution. Maintaining the soil pH at the optimum level increases the microbiological activity of the soil and results in better soil nutrient recycling/availability
26 May 2020
The INZAC Flock - Update May 2020
The Ireland New Zealand across breed animal comparison study (INZAC flock) aims to validate the Irish maternal (Replacement) genetic sheep index and to compare Irish versus New Zealand genetically elite animals. Fiona McGovern and Henry Walsh give an update on the flock.
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.
25 May 2020
Calculating the Breakeven Milk Price
A simple tool that can be used by farmers to assess the impact of low milk prices on their farm is to calculate the breakeven point. Patrick Gowing has advice and information on how to do this calculation.
25 May 2020
Young Farmer of the Year Liam Hanrahan and achieving top performance on a heavy farm
Young Farmer of the Year Liam Hanrahan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give an insight into his farming career, his research findings and future plans.
25 May 2020
Top 5 tips to reduce parasite issues with dairy calves
Moving calves from a milk based diet indoors to a grass based diet outdoors can be create pproblems. Martina Gormley, Niamh Field & Donal Patton have some top tips to cope with the situation
24 May 2020
Timing of the Final Fungicide in Oats
Final fungicide in winter oats is critical to prevent diseases such as mildew and crown rust from infecting the panicle which will affect grain quality and yield.
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
Teagasc Oak Park Crops Update
In this video we get a quick look at some of the commercial crops in Oak Park in the 3rd week of May with John Hogan & Dermot Forristal outlining some of the crop management strategies to date.
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.
23 May 2020
What is in Farm Roadway Runoff?
Roadway Runoff contents within 100 m of the farmyard or where roadway configuration or quality impedes cow movement along the network are not dissimilar to dilute slurry or dairy soiled water.
22 May 2020
Use of Protected Urea - Webinar
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Training Webinar with David Wall and Patrick Forrestal who focused on the Use of Protected Urea.
22 May 2020
Teagasc celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity
Friday 22 May is the United Nations International Day for biological Diversity. Farming in a sustainable manner is essential to maintain biodiversity in farmed habitats
22 May 2020
Safety at Silage Appeal
The months of May, June, July and August coincide with peak harvesting and transporting of silage on Irish farms. There is extra machinery on our roads and farms so extra caution is needed by all parties
22 May 2020
Rewarding forestry and farming working together
Successfully integrating forestry and farming can have rich sustainability dividends. The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises farmers who are leading the way.
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.
21 May 2020
Tillage Update - 21st May
This week there are updates on the impact on crops of below average rainfall; common nutrient deficiencies in crops; watch videos on chocolate spot control in beans and weed control in fodder beet; listen to the latest podcast on grass weeds.
21 May 2020
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Do we need to call on the lessons learned in the summer of 2018?
There is rain expected in the west and northwest over the next few days. This will help alleviate the current Soil Moisture Deficit somewhat. The east coast is expected to see very little rain.
21 May 2020
Feeding in summer drought conditions
Although there is rain forecast parts of the country may get little or no rain. Teagasc specialist Joe Patton has advice regarding grass and feeding in drought conditions
21 May 2020
Dealing with tillage grass weeds including wild oats and blackgrass
Tillage grass weeds including wild oats and blackgrass were the topic for discussion on this week’s Tillage Edge and Michael Hennessy was joined by Jimmy Staples, manager of the Enable Conservation Agriculture project in Teagasc.
20 May 2020
Why are sugar and nitrate levels in your silage important?
To ensure good silage fermentation the target sugar content is 3% or higher and this is measured in Teagasc offices using a refractometer. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist tells us more.
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.
20 May 2020
Pat Collins, Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme participant gives an update on his progress
The second phase of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme was launched in April 2019. Pat Collins programme participant joins Catherine Egan on the latest episode of the Beef Edge Podcast to give an update on his progress.
20 May 2020
Teagasc ask farmers to be ‘bee friendly’
Bees need flowers and on World Bee Day, Teagasc reminds farmers to allow space for common wildflowers to grow and flower on farms. A diversity of common flowering plants is needed in hedgerows, field margins, field corners, along farm roadways and around farmyards.
20 May 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - 19th May
Grass10 update this week has information on: Current PastureBase performance; Predicted Growth Model; Heavy soils & farms that received rain; Farms where growth is declining due to SMD; Soil moisture deficit data.
20 May 2020
Why monitor water quality so often?
The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) has been monitoring water quality in the river outlets of six catchments every 10 minutes for over 10 years. Per-Erik Mellander and the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) team tell us more.
19 May 2020
Shearing season underway
In this episode of OviCast we catch up with George Graham Campion sheep shearer. George starts by outlining how the current restrictions are changing the way shearers are operating this season.
19 May 2020
Weather Impacts on the Agricultural Catchments Programme
We are all well aware that our weather and climate have a major influence on agricultural production. The Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) have been studying the influence of agriculture on water quality for over ten years in six small intensively farmed areas.
19 May 2020
Chlorates - Chlorine-free cleaning of milking equipment
Chlorine will no longer be used in milking equipment cleaning products or protocols by the end of 2020. David Gleeson, Milk Quality Research Officer tells us more.
19 May 2020
Research update - Alternative forages finishing hill and store lambs
Progress is underway on an experiment investigating the options for finishing hill and store lambs on forage based diets. In this video Frank Campion, Teagasc Sheep gives us an insight into the project.
19 May 2020
Blowfly Control in Sheep Flocks
Flystrike is a production limiting, costly and sometimes fatal condition in sheep. When it comes to Blowfly strike the aim should really be to prevent it from happening in the first place. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc tells us more.
18 May 2020
Newford Farm Beef Yearlings & Suckler Calves Update
Michael Fagan, technician to the Newford Farm gives an update on the Newford suckler calves and the Newford yearling bullocks and heifers
18 May 2020
Five steps to managing cash flow through 2020
Every dairy farmer should evaluate their business to ensure the effect of the current uncertainty in markets is minimised
18 May 2020
Nutrition for peak milk production
Dairy specialist Joe Patton joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge to discuss the nutrition requirements of dairy cows at peak milk production.
18 May 2020
Three weeks into the breeding season
On average nationally only 71% of cows and 78% of heifers are bred in the first three weeks and on the average farm a low 6-week calving rate is costing €200/cow. What can you do at this stage in the breeding season?
18 May 2020
Bonus Ep: Winter Wheat Virtual Crop Walk
On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on winter wheat.
17 May 2020
Wild Bird Cover providing a giant bird-table
The purpose of growing wild bird cover crops is to provide seed for birds during the winter when demand is highest. Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc tells us more.
17 May 2020
Reducing Slurry Emissions Webinar
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Training Webinar with Mark Plunkett and David Wall who focused on Reducing Slurry Emissions.
17 May 2020
The Birch and Alder Improvement Programme
The development of birch as a commercial forestry tree species supports government policy in the desire to increase diversity in Irish forestry. Oliver Sheridan, Forestry Researcher with Teagasc Ashtown, discusses the commercial development of Birch in Ireland on a recent episode of The Research Field Podcast.
16 May 2020
Winter Wheat T2 Disease Control
The T2 fungicide applied at flag leaf in winter wheat is hugely important. Steven Kildea, plant pathologist at Oak park explains how to weave your way through this minefield of choice to select the most effective programme.
16 May 2020
Instagram Live with Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase Ireland
John Douglas Grass10, and Micheal O’Leary PastureBase Ireland, were on hand on the Teagasc Instagram account to answer questions which farmers had in relation to grazing management and using PastureBase at this time of year.
16 May 2020
Suckler Breeding Targets Webinar
The first webinar in the 'Let's Talk Cattle & Sheep' series. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Cattle Specialist gave a presentation on 'Suckler Breeding Targets'
16 May 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Protected Urea & Weaning Calves
On this first webinar, Stuart Childs spoke to Patrick Forrestal about protected urea and Emer Kennedy about weaning calves.
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
Early Season Disease Control in Spring Barley
In this video Eoin Lyons, Teagasc Crops explains when the timing is right to apply the first fungicide.
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.
15 May 2020
Bonus Ep: Spring Barley Virtual Crop Walk
On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on spring barley.
15 May 2020
Sustainable Use of Grassland Herbicides
It is essential for farmers to take great care and follow best practice procedures when using pesticides, in particular applying grassland herbicides. Kieran Kenny, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor tells us more.
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.
14 May 2020
"Enjoyable and Easier Dairy Farming"
Six dairy farmers who are focused on making their farm more enjoyable and easier and have been sharing their experiences of their farm practices weekly for the last three months.
14 May 2020
Tillage Update - 14th May
Get the latest advice on winter and spring crops. Watch recordings from the recent Virtual Crop Walk in Teagasc Oak Park and watch a video on the best strategies for wild oat control in cereals. Fill out a grass weeds survey.
14 May 2020
Advisory service to work with farmers to help improve water quality
In Ireland all water policy and management is led by the Water Framework Directive. Under this directive Ireland has been set a target of achieving ‘good status’ for all waters in Ireland. Noel Meehan gives information on an advisory service for farmers.
14 May 2020
Prospects for Crops for the Year Ahead
John Spink, Head of the Crops Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the difficulties of getting trials into the ground this year and the prospects for crops for the year ahead.
13 May 2020
Dairy Beef Index (DBI)
The Dairy Beef Index (DBI) is a breeding tool developed by Teagasc and ICBF which was launched in 2019. Brendan Garry and John Conroy, Teagasc Mayo give an overview of the DBI and outline the benefits to dairy farmers and beef farmers.
13 May 2020
The key information farmers need to be aware of for the final year of BDGP
As we approach the final year of the Beef Data Genomics Programme 1 with over 22,500 participants, Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on this weeks's episode of the Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the key dates farmers need to be aware of this year.
13 May 2020
Bonus Ep: Winter Barley Virtual Crop Walk
On this bonus episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, we're bringing you our virtual crop walk from Oak Park focusing on winter barley.
12 May 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - 12th May
Grass10 update this week has information on: Current PastureBase performance; Predicted Growth Model; Grass quality rewarding farmers; Upcoming Calf to Beef & Sheep Social Media Takeovers & Dealing with a soil moisture deficit.
12 May 2020
Blowfly Control in Sheep
As we approach the high risk period for blowfly, we are joined by Teagasc Advisor, Tom Coll on this week's episode of OviCast Teagasc Sheep Podcast who discusses the topic in more detail.
12 May 2020
Blowfly Control
In this video, Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep, Teagasc explains that there's a number of different options in terms of the control, treatment and prevention of blowfly strike in sheep.
12 May 2020
Sustainable Dairy: The role of white clover
Teagasc Moorepark has quantified the potential of white clover to improve the sustainability of milk production. It poses a promising environmental impact mitigation measure for pasture-based dairy systems.
12 May 2020
10 steps to making better quality silage
Silage makes up a least a quarter of the annual diet on most beef and dairy farms. Quality ranges from 58% to 78% dry matter digestibility (DMD) nationally, but average quality remains poor at around 65% DMD. What can be done to improve average quality?
11 May 2020
Newford Breeding 2020
Iarlaith Collins farm manager on Newford Suckler demonstration farm in Athenry gives a brief update the breeding season so far on this earlier maturing herd
11 May 2020
Minimising the spread of mastitis in mid-lactation
Milk quality specialist Don Crowley joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge Podcast to discuss how to minimise the spread of mastitis in mid-lactation.
11 May 2020
Water quality: the role of sediment
Excessive sediment can significantly impact the condition of freshwater habitats, resulting in a deterioration of water quality. It can have a greater impact than more standard pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen
10 May 2020
Calf Rearing Update - Teagasc Moorepark
Emer Kennedy and JP Murphy give an update on the progress to date of the 2020 born calves in the dairy research farm at Teagasc Moorepark. Emer also gives an overview of the research projects which are taking place on the farm.
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.
10 May 2020
Controlling Docks
Docks have the capability of producing over 60,000 seeds per mature plant. Docks need to be controlled as they will reduce grass production; they are unpalatable and will reduce silage quality.
10 May 2020
Maintaining the Derogation - Webinar
Guest speaker Jack Nolan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) discussed maintaining the Derogation – the changes we need to see for a credible case.
09 May 2020
Lameness treatment - Footbathing
Tom Coll, Teagasc outlines why you should footbath your sheep and also gives an overview of the steps you should take in the preparation of creating your footbath.
09 May 2020
Soils - the multifunctional resource
Soil is no longer considered only the media for food production. It is also a resource for a range of ecosystem services including nutrient cycling; carbon sequestration and climate regulation; water purification; and a habitat for biodiversity. Giulia Bondi and Lilian OSullivan tells us more
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.
09 May 2020
Let's Talk Dairy - Webinar
On this weeks Let's Talk Dairy Webinar, host Stuart Childs spoke to Patrick Forrestal on fitting protected urea into your fertiliser programme and to Emer Kennedy on calf weaning tips
08 May 2020
Looking up in woods - some blue sky thinking
This video asks you to consider the benefits of trees and how we can each play our part in increasing the level of forest cover in Ireland.
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.
07 May 2020
Disease Control in Spring Barley
On the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast this week, Michael Hennessy was joined by Deirdre Doyle, Technologist in Oak Park, Carlow who chatted about disease control in spring barley.
07 May 2020
Tillage Update May 7th
Get the latest advice on disease control in cereals and weed control in maize, potatoes and beet. Videos are on timing the final fungicide on winter barley, ramularia control and best practice for weed control in potatoes.
07 May 2020
Tillage Newsletter - May 2020
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Crops team. In this month's edition topics include: Winter wheat; beans; Spring barley disease control; Winter oats; products being prohibited in 2020 & Winter barley.
06 May 2020
Monitoring the Young Bull
Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine highlights the importance of monitoring the young bull throughout the breeding season. It is very easy to miss cows in heat so it is important to use a monitoring device such as a chin ball, scratch pads or scanning.
06 May 2020
Agricultural nitrous oxide emissions: How animal excreta and fertiliser management fit together
Agriculture produces 90% of N2O in Ireland, mainly through synthetic fertilisers, animal excreta and slurry. All these materials contain nitrogen (N), and part of this N is lost to the atmosphere as a result of agricultural activities. Dominika Krol, Teagasc Johnstown Castle tells us more.
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.
06 May 2020
Keeping Dairy Beef Calves Thriving at Grass
It is essential that the calves are well prepared for being let out to grass. They should be put out to grass when they are strong enough and the weather is mild.
06 May 2020
Beef Newsletter - May 2020
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition, topics include: BEEP-S; Easing dairy-beef calves to grass; Making quality silage and Improve your six-week calving rate
06 May 2020
The importance of silage quality on beef farms and the steps farmers can take to improve it
As the silage season fast approaches, Joe Patton joins Catherine Egan on the latest episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the importance of silage quality on beef farms.
05 May 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - 5th May
Grass10 update this week has information on: Current PastureBase performance; Predicted Growth Model; Walk the farm– keep the right grass ahead of livestock; slurry and fertiliser messages & more.
05 May 2020
Making high DMD silage
In this week's episode of OviCast, Teagasc Sheep Podcast, we are joined by Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist who discusses some of the key steps in producing high DMD silage.
05 May 2020
Removing surplus - Keeping grass supply on track
We have seen a big change in the grass situation on most sheep farms around the country in recent weeks. There has been an increase in growth rate and as a result we now see a surplus on farms.
05 May 2020
The Dairy sector response to COVID-19
Teagasc’s Chief Economist Kevin Hanrahan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss how Covid-19 is impacting on the Irish Dairy Sector.
05 May 2020
Why less is more when it comes to grass management
Target to complete 6 rotations between early to mid-April and mid-August. This can be achieved by sticking to a 20 day rotation. the best way to manage grass is to walk the farm weekly and enter the figures on Pasturebase Ireland
05 May 2020
Sheep Newsletter - May 2020
In this months edition get information and advice on: Grassland management, flock health, EuroSheep, BETTER Farm Update, Time for a drenching, Research Update, Lambing finished, grass growth improved
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.
04 May 2020
Setting the targets for spring breeding
Abstract Nationally only 65% of cows and heifers calve during the first six weeks of the calving season, ideally this should be at 90%
03 May 2020
Increasing the value of your 2021 calf crop using the Dairy Beef Index
In the fourth of our series of online breeding seminars, Dr. Siobhan Ring, ICBF outlined how the Dairy Beef index is constructed. Dr. Noirin McHugh, Teagasc Moorepark discussed the Active Bull List for Beef AI sires.
04 May 2020
Dairy Adivsory Newsletter - May 2020
Topics include: Feeding for fertility; Breeding under #COVID19; 1,400 is the magic number; Monitoring SCCs & Health & Safety: Your silage safety checks.
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
02 May 2020
Selecting your Bull Team - Webinar
In the third of our series of online breeding seminars, Professor Donagh Berry, Teagasc Moorepark outlined the rationale behind selecting a team of bulls for the coming breeding season.
02 May 2020
Ramularia Control in Winter Barley
In this video, Steven Kildea, Teagasc Crops discusses when it is time to apply the final spray and also highlights how to protect those leaves that are going to contribute to yield.
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
Planning ahead is key to safe silage management
Silage making goes-on throughout the summer period. This article highlights key areas needing attention to avoid injuries at these times.
01 May 2020
Teagasc announce ‘Let’s Talk Dairy’ Weekly Webinar Series
Teagasc are commencing a series of weekly dairy webinars, ‘Let’s Talk Dairy’, every Thursday morning at 10.30 am.
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.
30 April 2020
Using sprayers efficiently
Your sprayer, whether it’s a large new trailed sprayer or a second-hand unit, has the task of applying the product evenly. Dermot Forristal, Teagasc Crops has some advice on using it efficiently.
30 April 2020
Weed Control Strategies in Spring Barley
Eoin Lyons, Teagasc/Boortmalt Joint Programme Advisor joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast to discuss weed control strategies in spring barley.
29 April 2020
Tillage Update April 29th
Get the latest advice on weed control in spring cereals, using sprayers efficiently and bean weevil control in spring beans. Our latest videos are on wild oat control in cereals, bean weevil in spring beans and using sprayers efficiently.
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
Grass10 Weekly Update - 28 April
Grass10 update this week has information on: PastureBase performance; rain is forecast - walk the farm and monitor growth; fertiliser and slurry message & more.
29 April 2020
Training the Young Bull
BEEF: Doreen Corridan, Munster Bovine gives an overview of the steps you should take when training a new bull for mating and highlights the importance of having the bull fertility tested.
29 April 2020
An update on the Teagasc Grange dairy calf-to-beef system trial
Nicky Byrne, Researcher in Teagasc Grange joins Catherine Egan on this week’s The Beef Edge to give an update on the latest results from the dairy calf-to-beef system trial.
29 April 2020
What happens to your soil sample when it comes into a lab?
Soil is a major source of nutrients needed by plants for growth. How is the soil sample sent into a lab tested for the three main nutrients NP & K.
28 April 2020
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sheep sector
Dr. Kevin Hanrahan, Teagasc joins Ciaran Lynch on this week's Ovicast to discuss how the global recession will impact the Agri-sector with a particular focus on the sheep industry. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc highlights key areas where costs can be reduced and where the easy gains can be made.
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.
28 April 2020
Importance of quality silage for sheep
Research carried out in Teagasc Athenry has highlighted the potential to reduce amount of concentrates fed to ewes in late pregnancy when high feed value silage is available.
28 April 2020
Temporary Fencing for Sheep
SHEEP: With grass growth increasing on sheep farms now is the ideal time to think about sub dividing fields to maintain grass quality.
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
27 April 2020
Why Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are important for dairy farms
DAIRY: Teagasc Specialist Francis Quigley joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week's episode of The Dairy Edge to discuss the role of SOPs on dairy farms and their importance.
27 April 2020
Body condition score cows to identify ones for extra care
DAIRY: Body conditiono is critical to a successful breeding season. It is important to body condition score all the animals in the herd.
26 April 2020
Steps to improve land drainage capacity
ENVIRONMENT: Drainage systems need to be maintained. A maintenance plan should be put in place for both in-field and open drains, focusing on areas susceptible to blockages.
25 April 2020
Getting more from milk
Genetics can provide Ireland with the means to reduce the emissions from, and increase the productivity of, our national dairy herd.Sinead McParland, a quantitative geneticist at Teagasc Moorepark, describes how this can be achieved and incorporated into the Economic Breeding Index.
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.
24 April 2020
Sheep Research Demonstration farm Athenry - Update
SHEEP: Research to date shows that including white clover in the sward relative to perennial ryegrass alone results in lambs reaching slaughter weight faster
24 April 2020
Protected Urea – why now?
ENVIRONMENT: Teagasc research has shown that protected urea nitrogen fertiliser offers the single largest emission reduction potential to Irish farmers.
23 April 2020
Teagasc Pig Research Farm Update- 23 April 2020
PIGS: Tomas Ryan farm manager in the Teagasc Pig Research Facility gives us an update on what's been happening in the unit.
23 April 2020
Tillage Update
TILLAGE: Get the latest advice on spring & winter cereals; disease control & plant growth regulator programmes; nitrogen for feed & malting barley. Checkout our Podcast and latest videos.
22 April 2020
Start Your Second Grazing Rotation
BEEF: Growth is now outstripping demand for most farmers. Look at the regrowth on the first couple of paddocks grazed, are they ready to be grazed again?
21 April 2020
Soil Spectroscopy at Teagasc Johnstown Castle
ENVIRONMENT: Spectroscopy is an analytical technique that uses light to analyse a sample. Johnstown castle use the interaction of light with soil to give useful information
21 April 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update
GRASSLAND: Grass10 update this week has information on - PastureBase performance, Take off in growth- make the key decisions; Grass Report on PBI App & Current Fertiliser Strategy.
21 April 2020
Silage Pit and Effluent Management
ENVIRONMENT: Does your silage pit and silage effluent collection and storage facilities meet the standards required by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFM)?
20 April 2020
Reseeding
GRASSLAND: Reseeding will Increase the overall productivity of the farm - sales, farm output & silage production.
20 April 2020
Feeding for fertility during the breeding season
DAIRY: The quality of feeding in the dry period and early lactation is important in achieving good herd fertility. Joe Patton has advice on getting some key targets right.
19 April 2020
Reducing carbon footprint of agriculture
ENVIRONMENT: How can Irish agriculture reduce its carbon emissions – Donal O’Brien gives information on Improving efficiencies, low emission technology and carbon sequestration
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.
17 April 2020
Derrypatrick Herd Update at Teagasc Grange
BEEF: Michael McManus, Research Technician on the Derrypatrick herd, at Teagasc Grange gives an update on the herd, grass management and plans for the next few weeks.
17 April 2020
Lower GHG emissions from urine and dung patches than previously thought
ENVIRONMENT: A recent project measured N2O from urine and dung in spring, summer and autumn on well-drained, moderately-drained and imperfectly-drained pasture soils - Dominika Krol tells us more.
17 April 2020
Springtime in your forest
FORESTRY: Spring is a good time to assess your forest’s condition and plan for the future! Good management will help your trees to realise their full economic and environmental potential. Liam Kelly & Noel Kennedy, Forestry Development Officers.
16 April 2020
Tillage Update - April 16th
TILLAGE: Tips on winter cereals; plant growth regulators & disease control advice; nitrogen for malting barley. Podcast on early season disease control in winter wheat. Watch a video on nitrogen timing for spring malting barley.
16 April 2020
Fertiliser application: Headland Spreading
CROPS: Headlands make up a large proportion of a field. Headlands often display the greatest variation in fertiliser application.Dermot Forristal outlines why is it important to spread fertiliser evenly on headands?
15 April 2020
Fertiliser Advice for Grass Establishment
GRASSLAND: Mark Plunkett specialist in soil and plant nutrition gives some timely advice on soil testing and fertiliser use for grass establishment.
15 April 2020
Spreading the benefits – Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
ENVIRONMENT: The typical value of 1,000 gallons of cattle slurry applied by low emission slurry spreading (LESS) method in springtime has an available N-P-K content equivalent to a 50 kg bag of 9-5-32.
15 April 2020
Parasite challenges in young lambs – Nematodirus & Coccidia
SHEEP: If lambs are infected by the parasites Nematodirus & Coccidia prompt treatment is necessary as they can have immediate and long lasting effects on lambs. Sheep specialist Ciaran Lynch has advice.
14 April 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - 14 April 2020
GRASSLAND: Grass 10 update this week has information on - PastureBase Performance, Predicted Growth Current Pre-Grazing and Cover/LU Targets and Increasing Demand to Maintain Grass Quality on Farms.
14 April 2020
Dairy calf-to-beef system evaluation - Teagasc Grange
BEEF: The Teagasc Grange dairy calf-to-beef system evaluation compares the physical and financial performance of three DAIRY-BEEF genetic groups. View video for the latest update
13 April 2020
Thermoduric Bacteria
DAIRY: Thermoduric Bacteria are heat resistant bacteria in milk that survive pasteurisation. The most effective way to reduce the number of thermoduric bacteria to remove them at farm level.
12 April 2020
New Hedgerow Planting on Teagasc Farms
ENVIRONMENT: The majority of Teagasc farms exceed average of approximately 7% of habitats on intensive farms in Ireland. There are opportunities to increase the quantity.
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.
11 April 2020
How to improve likelihood of success with sexed semen in 2020
DAIRY: Sexed semen provides many potential advantages to dairy farmers. The most obvious and compelling reason to use sexed semen is because of the sex bias induced in the calf crop. Stephen Butler, Teagasc, Moorepark has some advice.
10 April 2020
Crop Improvement and Speed breeding
TILLAGE: PODCAST - Dheeraj Rathore. The Crop Science department in Teagasc Oak Park is focused on developing cost effective cropping systems to support the profitability and environmental sustainability of Irish tillage farmers
09 April 2020
Buffer Strips for Fertiliser Applications - Chemical and Organic
ENVIRONMENT: Farmers must abide by good practice regulations when applying fertilisers. The farmer must also know the relevant buffer zones.A buffer zone is a no spread area which is used for the protection of water against pollution.
09 April 2020
Tillage Update - 9 April
TILLAGE: Tips on winter cereals; winter barley nitrogen and disease control advice; growth regulators and diseases; nitrogen for malting barley. VIDEO on winter barley disease control. PODCAST on nitrogen strategies rates
08 April 2020
Timely Soil Quality Tips
ENVIRONMENT: Fertiliser nutrients are routinely applied by farmers to achieve high crop yields. The management of soil structural quality is potentially more important. Lilian O’Sullivan and Giulia Bondi have some timely advice
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.
07 April 2020
Grass10 Weekly Update - April 7th
GRASSLAND: Grass10 update this week has information on - Pasturebase Ireland performance for the last 7 days; Starting the second rotation; Dealing with surplus grass on farms.
07 April 2020
Countdown to breeding season 2020
BEEF: It is important to focus on the upcoming breeding season. Set realistic breeding targets for your farm. Develop a plan to help manage your herd throughout the breeding season.
06 April 2020
Grassland re-seeding: how to establish multi-species sward
ENVIRONMENT: There is a lot of interest in multi-species swards at the moment. Guylain Grange from Johnstown Castle research centre gives information and advice for those wanting to sow them.
06 April 2020
Tips for milking during COVID-19
DAIRY: Milking is one of the essential tasks on a dairy farm. During these extraordinary times of COVID-19, it is essential to keep yourself and your milkers safe at milking time.
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.
04 April 2020
California Mastitis Test
DAIRY: The California mastitis test is a simple procedure to help identify high SCC quarters within high cell count cows. It is impossible to identify sub clinical mastitis without this aid.
03 April 2020
Overview of Dairy Farms’ Breeding and Calf Marketing Decisions
DAIRY: Three quarters of Irish dairy farmers are willing to support the establishment of a sexed semen laboratory in Ireland to reduce the number of male dairy calves findings of a study conducted by the National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway and Teagasc.
03 April 2020
12 ways the Teagasc Forestry Development Department continues to support you
12 different ways the Teagasc Forestry Development Department continues to support you during these difficult times
02 April 2020
Teagasc Tillage Update
TILLAGE: Get some tips on spring barley; winter cereals; winter barley nitrogen advice; growth regulators and diseases. Watch videos on the fertiliser application rates required to match off takes and on fertiliser spreader calibration and set up.
01 April 2020
Sheep Management Notes - Grassland Management and Grass Tetany
SHEEP: Advice on how to manage grass supplies until growth rates exceed demand and grass starts to accumulate on your farm. Also, it is important to be aware of grass tetany, which is a common and usually fatal condition that affects lactating ewes.
31 March 2020
Planning 1st cut silage on beef farms
BEEF: Having silage of a high quality will ensure good daily weight gain on weanlings and also cut down on meal input on finishing cattle. The decisions made in the next number of weeks on farm will determine the cost of production for up to 6 months next winter.
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.
30 March 2020
Dairy Breeding Advice for Spring 2020
DAIRY: Advice on how to ensure that your breeding season in 2020 is a success. It is important to use heat detection methods, monitor the Body Condition Score (BCS) of your cows and check out any problem cows.
30 March 2020
COVID-19: Relevant financial supports for Horticultural Producers and their Employees
Teagasc Horticultural Development Department, in producing this short communication, aim to compile information available from the relevant competent authorities (mainly DBEI) regarding relevant financial business supports being made available by government.
28 March 2020
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Milking
Many dairy farmers, particularly those using relief milkers write down instructions on how tasks should be done. Farmers who don’t have staff or students might feel they don’t need any instructions. What would happen if the farmer, family member or usual relief milker got Covid-19?
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
Beef Environment Efficiency Programme-Sucklers (BEEP-S)
The Beef Environmental Efficiency Programme - Suckler is to be of one year’s duration. The Programme will be administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It will operate throughout the State in respect of eligible beef suckler herds. Participation in the Programme is voluntary.
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.
26 March 2020
Derogation Review Changes - Improving environmental outcomes
ENVIRONMENT: If you are one of the 7,000 derogation applicants in 2020 there are eight changes that affect you. You will need to discuss the changes with your Agri-Advisor and put a plan in place to meet these requirements in 2020 and beyond.
25 March 2020
Teagasc Tillage Update
TILLAGE: The weather is improving allowing sowing to take place. Get some tips on planting beans. If you are planting spring cereals. plant wheat, oats and malting barley first. Watch the winter barley update and P & K requirements for winter cereals.
24 March 2020
COVID-19: Information for Horticultural Producers
HORTICULTURE: Teagasc Horticultural Development Department has compiled a document with information available from the relevant competent authorities and some suggestions for producers to consider in the coming weeks.
24 March 2020
Update your spring rotation planner and GET FERTILISER OUT.
BEEF The wet weather of early spring 2020 has disrupted the spring rotation planner. That now needs to be adusted to reflect the circumstances. The application of fertiliser will be critical, see the options.
23 March 2020
Second grazing – when to start and how much fertiliser to apply
DAIRY: If you’re behind, use the grass on the first grazed paddocks to decide when to start the second round. On most farms, now is an ideal time to apply fertiliser to boost grass growth. Now is a great time to spread slurry, where possible, using the low emission slurry spreading equipment.
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
19 March 2020
How does your forest grow?
FORESTRY: Tree planting is a significant undertaking, the decisions taken at planting time can determine the results over many years. Questions that should be asked and answered prior to planting
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