Beef
26 September 2021
The role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms - Webinar
On Wednesday, 22nd September, Joe Kelleher and Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialists were joined by Thomas Moloney, DLF and Kevin O’Hanlon, Organic dairy farmer for the first in a series of Autumn Organic Webinars which focused on the role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms.
25 September 2021
Teagasc Director’s Remarks at Dublin Economics Workshop
The outgoing Director of Teagasc, Professor Gerry Boyle said on 24 September, that he profoundly regrets that his unscripted response to a question at a recent Dublin Economics Workshop has caused such considerable annoyance and offence to so many beef producers & advisory colleagues within Teagasc.
25 September 2021
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable?
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable? These questions will be addressed during a webinar on Monday, 27th September 2021 at 12:30pm via zoom, involving speakers from research, advisory services and farming across Europe; hosted by the pan-European BovINE network
25 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - The Pearl Mussel Project EIP
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 17th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Dr Patrick Crushell, Project Manager, The Pearl Mussel Project EIP to discuss the Pearl Mussel Project EIP.
24 September 2021
Tánaiste Visit to Teagasc Ashtown
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD recently visited the Teagasc Ashtown Research Centre in Dublin to view the significant investment and future development plans relating to the food and horticultural facilities there.
24 September 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter: Issue 6
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on JP Hammersley, programme participant's farm; key management tips; a review of summer slaughter performance; and Teagasc Green Acres events. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issued fortnightly.
24 September 2021
Growth Watch: Timely growth boost helps farms reach peak cover
Many farms in the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme have recorded strong growth rates over the past seven days. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses farms reaching peak cover and gets updates from farmers Martin Connolly, Co. Roscommon and JP Hammersley, Co. Tipperary.
23 September 2021
Minister Heydon views sustainability research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
Environmental sustainability is now central to all agricultural production in Ireland. Never before has there been more ask for technologies and tools for agriculture to meet the environmental challenges. These societal challenges are at the heart of research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
22 September 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk - JP Hammersley
JP Hammersley, farmer participant of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme will host a farm walk on his farm in Lattin, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, 29 September at 3:30pm. The event will be attended by Teagasc Beef Specialists, Signpost programme personnel and Teagasc Tipperary advisors
22 September 2021
Transferring the family farm - where do I start?
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan with key advice to help farm families through this process and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan.
22 September 2021
Antimicrobial resistance Teagasc Leaflet
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria and viruses) to stop an antimicrobial or antiviral drug from working against it. In this leaflet, authors Dr. Bernie Earley Grange & Aidan Murray Beef Specialist discuss AMR, how to prevent it and advise on antibiotics
22 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 21st September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; Take home messages from the Grazing Plot Demonstration at Moorepark21, details on upcoming events and dairy farmer, Paudie O’Brien's current grass update
21 September 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 13th September 2021
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives us an update on suckler scanning results, the breeding heifers, finishing cattle, feeding meal and weaning progress on the farm. He also introduces the new leading stock person at Newford farm, Jerry O'Brien
21 September 2021
Minister McConalogue presents Awards to Top Grassland Farmers
The winners of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 competition were presented with their awards by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, in Teagasc Moorepark last week.
21 September 2021
David O'Leary - Young Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk
Join us on the morning of Thursday, 23rd September at 11am for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year, David O'Leary on his farm in Castleisland, Co. Kerry.
20 September 2021
Autumn Organic Webinars: The role of multi species swards
The Teagasc Organic Specialists are hosting a series of Autumn organic webinars covering various technical aspects of organic farming. The first of these webinars takes place on Wednesday 22nd September at 7.30pm, focusing on the role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms. Register here
20 September 2021
Sustainability Discussion at Teagasc Moorepark
An industry forum on the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish dairy industry took place at the Teagasc dairy event in Moorepark. The forum was broadcast live on Wednesday evening and a recording of the discussion and debate is now published on the Teagasc YouTube channel. View it here
19 September 2021
“It’s like admitting you are a failure”: Male farmer mental health help-seeking limited by Masculinity and Identity
Irish male farmers experience some of the highest levels of adverse health outcomes relative to other occupations – particularly in relation to heart disease, cancers and mental health. Despite this, many farmers do not seek help until their illness reaches crisis point. Read a recent Irish study..
19 September 2021
The Signpost Series - Combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 10th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Philip Murphy, LAWPRO Catchment Scientist to discuss combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality.
18 September 2021
The Future of Farming starts now – Farmers can do their bit to slow Climate Change
Climate change is an issue that demands immediate attention. Glen Corbett, Teagasc B&T Drystock Adviser, discusses the Signpost Programme; reducing greenhouse gas & ammonia emissions; protected urea; grazing management; and other actions farmers can take to help slow down climate change.
18 September 2021
Taoiseach opens new National Food Innovation Hub at Teagasc Moorepark
An €8.8 million investment by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine at Teagasc Moorepark was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, Friday 17th September. The National Food Innovation Hub is a newly constructed facility adjoining Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark
17 September 2021
Moorepark21 - Watch it back online
If you couldn't attend the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, Moorepark21, you can view the welcome board and the four main boards here on Teagasc Daily
16 September 2021
Improving the beef merit of dairy calves coming from the dairy herd
It is now possible to almost eliminate low value male dairy calves by using just enough sexed semen to generate the required number of replacement dairy heifers. That’s the message to Dairy farmers visiting the final of three Teagasc Dairy Open Days in Moorepark today.
15 September 2021
BDGP female replacement strategy deadline 31st October 2021
Under the replacement strategy, you agreed to have 50% of your reference number of animals as GENOTYPED 4 or 5-stars on the Replacement Index within and/or across breed by the 31st October 2021. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist, has guidance on meeting the BDGP female replacement deadline
15 September 2021
How will the new Nitrates policy impact your farm business?
On Day 2 of Moorepark Open Day, Jack Nolan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the Dairy Edge to explain the measures proposed for the new Nitrates Derogation and challenges for farmers and industry as to how they can minimise negative environmental impacts
15 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 14th September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; building soil Potassium (K) with Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle, David O Leary's upcoming GFOY farm walk, farmer updates- David Gannon & JP Hammersley
15 September 2021
Beef management tips for the next 6-8 weeks
Teagasc Green Acres programme manager Alan Dillon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the dairy calf to beef programme as well as practical beef management tips for the coming weeks.
15 September 2021
Reducing chemical nitrogen use on dairy farms
Dairy farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, yesterday and today in Moorepark, with the final day on Thursday 16th September, will hear from Teagasc researchers and advisers about the Five key practices which can be used to reduce N fertiliser use on all farms
12 September 2021
'Developing Rural Ireland' - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services - Official Launch
Developing Rural Ireland is a history of the Irish agricultural advisory services. The book written by Dr. Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh documents the important role of the advisory services in rural Ireland from the early 1900s to the current day. Watch the official launch of the book here
11 September 2021
Gentle Reminders for the Diary
In order to stay on schedule it is important to plan ahead, particularly if you are participating in the BEEP-S scheme. Mícheál Kelly, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare, outlines the important dates you need to remember for the coming months.
11 September 2021
Today's Farm - September/October 2021
The September/October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on Teagasc Moorepark research. It also has articles on autumn weed control in cereals; succession planning; finishing cattle earlier; Connemara/ Mayo Blackface sheep; and more.
10 September 2021
Growth Watch: Mid-September grazing targets
As the middle of September approaches, a number of key grazing targets begin to come into effect at farm level. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses mid-September grazing targets and gets updates from farmers Peter Byrne, Co. Kildare and Ciaran Bartley, Co. Limerick.
10 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Ireland's Nitrates Review
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 3rd September, Pat Murphy Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer was joined by Jack Nolan, Senior Inspector, DAFM, to discuss Ireland's Draft Nitrate Action Programme and the 2nd stage consultation.
09 September 2021
Using the Autumn Rotation Planner on beef farms
Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist, discusses implementing an autumn rotation plan, which can allow farmers to plan out how much grass can be utilised each week heading into the autumn, to keep priority stock out for as long as possible, while also having enough grass cover in spring.
09 September 2021
Sexed semen lab to be established at Teagasc Moorepark
Sexing Technologies is the global leader in the production of sex-biased semen.They will establish a sexed semen laboratory at Teagasc Moorepark. This lab will provide a semen sorting service open to all companies in the Irish AI industry.
08 September 2021
Small woodlands on dairy and drystock farms: Have your say on trees
Forests account for 12% of land area in Ireland. The government target is that forests will make up 18% of the land area by 2046. Rachel Irwin, Teagasc Walsh Scholar is surveying farmers to analyse their perceptions of, attitudes towards, and willingness to plant, trees on farms. Have your say here
08 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 7th September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week; Grass10 Grazing tips; Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; update from dairy farmer Seamus Dolan in Co. Cavan on his grass situation; and information on the Teagasc Moorepark Open Day 2021.
08 September 2021
The Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme audit – everything you need to know
With over 34,000 audits taking place on Irish Beef & Sheep farms each year, Emma O’Gorman, Quality Assurance and Origin Green co-ordinator at Bord Bia joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to bust some myths around the audit.
08 September 2021
Beef Newsletter - September 2021
This month's Beef Newsletter includes information on: Planning in preparation for weaning; building grass covers; focusing on an off-grass finish; Research Update - Pasture and performance; and Health & Safety - Food for thought.
07 September 2021
Safe Slurry Handling
In the next few weeks the last of the slurry for this year will be spread on farms by many farmers and contractors before the October 15th deadline. Francis Bligh & Tom Fallon, Teagasc have important advice on staying safe around slurry, in particular when agitating slurry and emptying slurry tanks
07 September 2021
Should I feed meals to my cattle this autumn?
With our temperate climate and the ease at which we can grow grass in Ireland it is no wonder that eighty percent of Irish Agricultural area is devoted to grassland. Seán Doorley, Teagasc Advisor, discusses the factors to be considered when deciding whether or not to feed meal at grass this autumn.
06 September 2021
What is soil health and is it part of the solution to many of the challenges ahead in agriculture?
On the latest episode of The Environment Edge podcast, Dr Fiona Brennan Soil & Environmental Microbiology researcher with Teagasc based in Johnstown Castle tells us all about soil health.
05 September 2021
Suckler calf weaning guidelines
At this time of year suckler farmers are planning on weaning calves with the majority being prepared for sale. Careful consideration should be taken by the farmer to ensure weaning doesn’t cause unnecessary stress or fall back in thrive. James Concannon, Teagasc Mayo Walsh Scholar, has a plan here
04 September 2021
Rathcroghan EIP - Engaging farmers in European Innovation Partnerships
European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) are testing new forms of knowledge exchange and innovative learning. Luke Clogher, Teagasc and Monica Gorman, UCD, consider Farming Rathcroghan Project EIP-Agri, that aims to enhance farming, archaeology and agri-tourism in a unique archaeological landscape
03 September 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter September 2021
This month’s Signpost newsletter features a guide to actions that dairy farmers can take to reduce emissions. We have the usual climate actions for the month as well as a timely video on lime application. We profile 3 Signpost farms – James Skehan (beef) Sean Collery (dairy) & Don Somers (tillage)
03 September 2021
Growth Watch: Time to consider meal supplementation to calves
Ensuring animals achieve the desired levels of daily weight gain is a critical element in successful calf-to-beef systems. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses this and gets updates from farmers Peter O’Hanrahan, Co. Kilkenny, and Jarlath Ruane, Co. Mayo.
03 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Refining fertiliser recommendations for extensively managed grassland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 27th August, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Suzanne Higgins, Soil Scientist, AFBI to discuss refining fertiliser recommendations for extensively managed grassland.
02 September 2021
Developing Rural Ireland - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
A new book that documents the history of the Irish agricultural advisory services and its role in developing rural Ireland, was launched at a virtual event at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, yesterday, Wednesday 1 September.
01 September 2021
Suckler Herd Management in September
There are a number of essential jobs that should take place over the coming weeks on suckler farms. Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc outlines those that will increase output and save costs and bring benefits over the coming year, if not for years ahead.
01 September 2021
Hedgerow Cutting Season Begins
Hedges can be cut from 1 September until the end of February. The Wildlife Act, 1976 (2000) prohibits hedge cutting during the bird nesting season. Here Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist and Anthony Dineen, Teagasc Advisor simplify the rules and regulations around Hedges.
01 September 2021
BEEP-S and Dairy Beef Calf Programme - What farmers need to do Now!
The BEEP-S and the dairy calf to beef schemes are coming to the stage where farmers need to put a plan in place for meeting the requirements of both schemes. Kevin O’Hara, Education Officer, Teagasc Ballinrobe covers a list of the actions to be completed to maximise your payment.
01 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 31st August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week; Grass10 Grazing tips; updates from Clonakilty research farm on grass-only versus grass-clover treatments and Farmers-John Galvin & Seán Barry GFOTY disadvantaged land, and Autumn grazing targets for beef farms;
01 September 2021
From Farm to Fork Part 2 – the system used and advice for other farmers
In the second of a two-part series looking at a farm to fork enterprise, Jim Ryan, owner of Ryan’s Farm, who operates a premium on-farm butchers alongside is his farm in Kells, Co. Meath joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast.
31 August 2021
Weigh Safely for BEEP-S
Peter Mullan, Teagasc Advisor Manorhamilton, issues a BEEP -S reminder to farmers to ensure to weigh BOTH cows & calves BEFORE calves are weaned. Peter has excellent advice for keeping the handler and animal safe in the weighing process and when handling cattle in general. He refers to TAMS aid also
31 August 2021
Autumn Reseeding – Overcoming the extra challenges
Traditionally many dairy farmers have looked to the autumn to carry out reseeding as their workloads reduce. Reseeding in the autumn presents far more challenges than early summer reseeds. James Moyles, Teagasc Advisor, Tullamore advises on the mistakes he has encountered with autumn reseeds.
30 August 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 23rd August 2021
Drafting of beef heifers has commenced at Newford. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, has details of the 5 finished Fiston heifers. The suckler cows and calves were weighed for BEEP S - see weights here; and get the current grassland situation on-farm
29 August 2021
Rural housing density in Ireland - Map of the Month
The August Map of the Month, created by Researchers David Meredith, Rob O’Hara and Jesko Zimmermann looks at the density of rural dwellings in Ireland. It clearly shows the impact of the road network, proximity to towns and cities, and general topography on residential housing density.
29 August 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Managing Nutrient Runoff from Farmyards
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 6th August, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme was joined by Sara Vero, Assistant Lecturer, Agricultural Science, Waterford Institute of Technology to discuss managing nutrient runoff from farmyards.
27 August 2021
Growth Watch: Deadline approaches for nitrogen and phosphorous applications
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss the approaching deadline for applications of chemical nitrogen and phosphorous fertilisers. They also get updates from farmers Pat Collins, Co. Cork, and Irvine Allen, Co. Westmeath.
26 August 2021
Farm Safety Partnership launch action plan for 2021 - 2024
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC), an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), recently published its latest Action Plan for 2021-2024, which aims to reduce the level of fatalities, serious injuries and ill health in the agriculture sector.
26 August 2021
Time for Spreading Lime
The benefits of correcting a lime deficiency are numerous. Lime can be safely spread any time of the year but planning and a more proactive approach to lime application would help increase application rates. John McCarthy, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme Advisor has some advice on spreading lime.
25 August 2021
Fodder Budget – Planning for Winter 2021
Now as the silage season approaches completion, it’s a good time to take stock of the amount of fodder in the yard. This exercise will highlight the amount of fodder you have and if you have enough for the stock you plan to carry over the winter. Eddie Webb has advice on how to do a fodder budget
25 August 2021
Summer grazing - did it leave profit this year?
Summer grazing of store cattle to sell live or slaughter is one of the more widely practiced systems in Ireland. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist, discusses the profitability of summer grazing and provides budget information.
25 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 24th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; Profile of dairy farmer Padraig Callanan, Co. Laois & sheep research demonstration farm update; and details of John Galvin farm walk.
25 August 2021
From Farm to Fork with Ryan’s Farm in Kells, Co. Meath
In the first of a two part interview finding out about a farm-to-fork enterprise, on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge, Catherine Egan is joined by Jim Ryan of Ryan’s Farm.
24 August 2021
Developing Rural Ireland - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
On Wednesday September 1st the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD will launch a new book documenting the history of the agricultural advisory services in Ireland. Join online for the launch and to hear from the author Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh
24 August 2021
Liver Fluke on Farms
As autumn approaches, both dairy and beef farmers can be fairly sure of the prospect of having Liver Fluke in their stock. Teagasc advisor Niall Treanor gives information about Liver Fluke and advice on treatment options.
23 August 2021
Pollution Prevention on Farm Roadways
A well designed and well maintained farm roadway has many benefits which must include pollution control. Farm roadways are widely acknowledged as a significant run off pathway. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, Tralee, has advice here on roadway layout to avoid run off to watercourses
22 August 2021
Solar PV (Solar Panels) on the farm
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells work on the principle that energy in the sun is converted to electricity. PV cells are used to convert solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity. Barry Caslin Teagasc, Rural Economy, has advice on the requirements for setting up Solar panels on the farm here
22 August 2021
Endangered Corncrake making a welcome return
Corncrake numbers have declined in recent times, however they have increased again in 2021. Joanne Masterson, B&T Drystock Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, discusses corncrake friendly mowing and the Corncrake LIFE Project Scheme. She also sheds light on the future of this bird species.
19 August 2021
Growth Watch: Finishing at pasture commences
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss how farmers in the programe are lessening the costs associated with winter finishing by moving to finishing stock off grass prior to housing. They also get updates from farmers Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath, & Shane Cranny Co. Carlow.
18 August 2021
Are you a successful new entrant to farming or have you diversified your farm business?
The Teagasc, NEWBIE new entrant competition for 2021 is now open for entries. The competition is open to newcomers to farming, successors and farmers who have diversified their enterprise. Find out how to enter here
18 August 2021
Weaning management for optimum health of suckler beef calves
Dr. Bernie Earley & Dr. Mark McGee from the Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre discuss weaning management for optimum health of suckler beef calves. They cover weanling management and health; control of stomach worms, lungworm & fluke; prevention of pneumonia and other diseases.
18 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 17th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Autumn Grazing tips, Autumn Fertiliser Application advice and details of Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 winner Thomas Hogan's farm walk this evening
18 August 2021
Top tips for your autumn calving system
With approximately 20% of suckler herds operating an autumn calving system, Teagasc advisor Aisling Molloy has some key tips on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. She discusses why autumn calving is appealing to some farmers and the various different beef systems that autumn calving suits
18 August 2021
Multi-species swards grow more forage with less fertiliser, even under drought conditions
Six-species swards outperformed perennial ryegrass monocultures and were considerably more resistant to drought. New research from Teagasc, Johnstown Castle and Trinity College Dublin shows that multi-species mixtures out-yielded perennial ryegrass which received double the amount of fertiliser
17 August 2021
Mid-Season Management of the Suckler Herd
Tommy Cox, Teagasc Education Officer in Ballinrobe, talks about mid-season management of the suckler herd through grazing management, preparing stock for sale, and cow and calf management. He also discusses breeding and calving pattern, parasite control and the BEEP-S.
17 August 2021
Devenish Teagasc partnership to help agri industry meet climate challenge
Ireland’s food and farming sector will have a significant competitive advantage in the global market place by creating one of the world’s most sustainable food systems through a unique collaboration between animal nutrition company, Devenish, and agriculture and food development authority, Teagasc
16 August 2021
Teagasc and UCC Host International Animal Welfare Science Conference
The 8th International Conference on the Assessment of Animal Welfare at Farm and Group Level (WAFL), with over 350 delegates from 32 countries attending through its virtual platform, was officially opened today by Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc Director and Professor John O'Halloran, UCC President
16 August 2021
Why farmers should plant more trees and the schemes available
On the latest episode of The Environment Edge podcast, forestry inspector in the environment section of the Department of Agriculture, Ken Bucke, joins Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers to discuss why farmers should consider planting more trees and what schemes are available.
15 August 2021
Thomas Hogan - Suckler Beef Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk
Join us on the evening of Wednesday, 18 August at 7pm for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Suckler Beef Enterprise Category Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition, Thomas Hogan and family on their farm at Rathmartin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
14 August 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Update on ASSAP and Water Quality restoration
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 16th July, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme was joined by Noel Meehan, ASSAP Manager, Teagasc and Joe Crockett, Dairy Sustainability Ireland to give an update on ASSAP and Water Quality restoration.
13 August 2021
Growth Watch: Planning for the Last Round of Grazing Begins Now
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on planning for the last round of grazing & common problems that occur at farm level when achieving the desired rotation length. They also get updates from farmers Richard Long, Co Waterford, & Martin Connolly, Co Roscommon.
13 August 2021
Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season - Webinar
On Thursday, 5th August, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland were joined by with David Brady, Heavy Soils farmer and John Galvin, Dry soils farmer to discuss building grass for an extended grazing season.
12 August 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Recent policy developments for managing grazing livestock in New Zealand
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday 23rd July, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme was joined by Ross Monaghan, Ag Research, New Zealand to discuss recent policy developments for managing grazing livestock in New Zealand – to lessen farming impact on water quality
11 August 2021
How does your suckler cow measure up?
With greater emphasis on livestock efficiency and it's impact on climate change, Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist takes an interesting look at the effects of calving date on subsequent cow and calf performance and profitability, reinforcing the early-calving cow and compact calving benefits
11 August 2021
Building Autumn Grass
In a recent edition of the Let's Talk Dairy Series, Stuart Childs interviewed John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor, about setting up the farm for Autumn grass. Extra grazing days in the autumn are achieved by building grass cover during August. See the environmental benefits and get key tips here
11 August 2021
Sustainable Cattle Production Systems Showcased
The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston joined the IFA President Tim Cullinan for a visit to the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation centre, Grange, County Meath yesterday, Tuesday, 10 August to see the latest Teagasc research into sustainable pasture-based beef production
11 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 10th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Building Grass - last week's webinar link; Flyer for Thomas Hogan’s farm walk & profile with dairy farmers in Cork and Meath on building grass this August
11 August 2021
Beef Edge Masterclass Series with Aidan Maguire from Co. Meath
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Green Acres participant Aidan Maguire from Co. Meath discusses his beef system and gives an update on his farm.
10 August 2021
Signpost Programme Steering Group Meet
The first meeting of the Signpost Programme Steering Group was held on Wednesday 28 July, in Teagasc Oak Park. The Signpost Programme is a collaborative programme to lead climate action by Irish farmers and their transition towards more sustainable farming systems. Read on for more
10 August 2021
Vaccination programmes for calf to beef farms
Numerous challenges to calf health are encountered in the early stages of the animal’s life. Vaccines can be used to prevent disease. The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef team has published a useful Fact Sheet on Vaccination programmes for calf to beef farms. See it here
10 August 2021
When a plan comes together
There are many different kinds of plans and every farm family should have one. James McDonnell Financial specialist, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme outlines the Teagasc planning tools available to farmers to assist with financial, succession, time management or other planning options
09 August 2021
Focus turns to Building Grass for the Autumn
John Greaney, Dairy Advisor on the Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme turns his focus to Building Grass for the Autumn as he outlines Autumn grazing targets and gives advice for high and lower stocked farms. John emphasises the importance of grass measuring and having a plan. Read more here
08 August 2021
Complete a Fodder Budget now to Correct Winter Silage Deficits
James Concannon, Walsh Scholar highlights that a fodder budget is an effective tool when it comes to quantifying fodder requirements for your farm this Winter. Now is the best time to take action regarding your Winter fodder so any deficits can be addressed due to the grass still growing.
08 August 2021
National Farm Survey: Cattle Finishing Enterprise Factsheet 2020
The 2020 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on over 800 farms, representative of over 90,000 dairy, beef, sheep and tillage farms in Ireland. This factsheet covers data collected on cattle finishing enterprise.
07 August 2021
High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect
Francis Gonley and his family run an all sheep farm on the outskirts of Sligo town. The farm is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, reports the latest on sheep performance and farm plan progress.
07 August 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Reducing methane emissions from ruminants
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar which took place on Wednesday, 14th July, David Kenny, Teagasc Head of Animal & Bioscience Department was joined by Donagh Berry, Sinead Waters and Ben Lahart to discuss reducing methane emissions from ruminants.
06 August 2021
Growth Watch: Building Bank of Autumn Grass Starts Now
James Fitzgerald and Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on using the break in weather to boost on growth in August and build grass reserves on your farm. They also get updates from farmers Ciaran Bartley, Co. Limerick, and Peter Byrne, Co. Kildare.
06 August 2021
National Farm Survey: Single Suckling Enterprise Factsheet 2020
The 2020 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on over 800 farms, representative of over 90,000 dairy, beef, sheep and tillage farms in Ireland. This factsheet covers data collected on single suckling enterprise.
06 August 2021
Signpost Programme Update
Our demonstration farmers are currently engaging with the National Farm Survey (NFS) recorders. This month's research update is on the importance of getting soil pH right. Take a look at the warming stripes for Ireland from 1901 to 2020
06 August 2021
Environment Newsletter - August 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Low-input grassland; Message from Signpost - Why do farmers need to engage with climate action?; and Message from ASSAP - Tillage cover/catch crops can help water quality
05 August 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter: Issue 5
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Irvine Allen, programme participant's farm; Key Management Tips; Silage quality improvements; and Genetic merit of calves. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issues fortnightly.
04 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Neill Boland's grass situation; Grass10 Grazing Tips; Changing Focus to Autumn Grazing; David O’Leary's grazing update; Register for a webinar on Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season.
04 August 2021
Are you in the Beep Scheme? Have you started to wean your calves?
If you are in the BEEP Scheme and have started to wean your calves you need to familiarise yourself with the scheme terms and conditions. This is to ensure you safeguard all your payments. Beef specialist Martina Harrington has information and advice
04 August 2021
Preparation for Weaning Part 2: How to reduce stress at weaning
In the second of a two-part series on planning in preparation for weaning, Teagasc Specialist, Aidan Murray, advises how to reduce stress at weaning.
04 August 2021
Five reasons for farmers to engage with climate actions
Climate change is perhaps the greatest environmental challenge facing the world right now. Climate change is already happening with increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels. Irish Agriculture contributes to 35% of the greenhouse gases produced in Ireland.
04 August 2021
Beef Newsletter - August 2021
This month's Beef Newsletter includes information on: Early-maturing animal finishing options; Research Update - Dairy calf-to-beef performance; Climate actions for August; and Health & Safety - Beware of moving machinery.
03 August 2021
Work Safely with Cattle
Well designed and maintained handling facilities are essential for the safe handling of cattle and prevention of injury to handlers. Under TAMS both permanent and temporary cattle handling facilities can be applied for.
02 August 2021
Climate Actions for August
August is a good month to sort out deficits in grazing infrastructure to optimise days at grass, if your capital expenditure budgets allow. Helpful solutions include spur roadways, multiple access points to paddocks and back fencing. Get the current advice from the Signpost Programme for August here
02 August 2021
What the Carbon Removal amendment means for Irish agriculture
On the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast, Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny John Paul Phelan joins Deirdre Glynn & Cathal Somers to discuss the new Carbon removal amendment to the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development bill.
01 August 2021
Why farm soils cause greenhouse gas emissions - and how to fix it
Hands up who is interested in soil? Anyone? Anyone at all? Tumbleweeds might roll past unless you are addressing a room full of avid gardeners and land managers. This article by Rosie O'Neill, Teagasc Walsh Scholar first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm.
01 August 2021
Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season Webinar
August is a critical time for grazing management, many farmers believe it is the beginning of the grass year. Find out why by joining the Grass10 Team & Michael O'Leary, PastureBase on Thursday 5th August at 7pm. Hear the experiences of David Brady, Heavy Soils farmer & John Galvin, Dry soils farmer
31 July 2021
The Changing Model for Agricultural Schemes
Results-based payment schemes are likely to be the future of agri-environmental schemes going forward for Irish farmers. Martina Donnelly, Teagasc Galway/Clare Advisor, compares the previous REPS and GLAS schemes to the new REAP scheme here.
31 July 2021
Reseeding: The final piece of the jigsaw in Co. Carlow
Shane Cranny operates a calf to beef system in Myshall, Co. Carlow, where 70 autumn-born Holstein calves are purchased annually. Here Seán Cummins, Teagasc Green Acres Advisor shares some insight into Shane's farm and we get in-depth reseeding information from Shane himself in a short video
30 July 2021
Child Safety on Farms
With the on-going easing of restrictions, children may be attending summer camps & meeting friends. However, children will still be spending more time on farms during their holiday time and Jacinta O' Neill, Teagasc Advisor Westport, reminds us that the farmyard is not a playground here
30 July 2021
Growth Watch: Rain to give much needed respite, but challenges persist
The extended dry spell has posed many challenges to the farmers in the Teagasc Green Acres Programme. James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on dealing with cattle in different weather conditions. They also get farm updates from JP Hammersley & Irvine Allen.
29 July 2021
Signpost Farmers: Tim Leader & Aidan Maguire
Meet two of our Signpost Farmers - Tim Leader and Aidan Maguire. Tim Leader farms a Dairy, Dairy Replacements and Calf to Store/Beef enterprise in Kilcorney, Rathcoole, Co Cork while Aidan Maguire farms a calf to beef enterprise in Antylstown, Navan, Co. Meath. Read all about the farmers here
29 July 2021
Positive farm price developments signal boost to farm incomes in 2021
Improving farm output prices are likely to provide an increase in farm incomes in 2021, in spite of rising input prices, according to the Mid Year Outlook for 2021 produced by Teagasc economists.
29 July 2021
Nitrogen Loss to Water in Agricultural Catchments
Every four years the Nitrates Directive is reviewed and changes are made to the regulations. 2021 is such a year. In Teagasc, the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) studies water quality in 6 contrasting catchments across the country. Edward Burgess ACP, discusses some ACP study results here
28 July 2021
Fertiliser advice under prolonged dry soil conditions
Over the last 6 to 7 weeks soil moisture deficits (SMD) have continued to increase due to low rainfall in many parts of the country. At SMD above 50 mm growth becomes restricted. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist discusses Fertiliser N Application decisions in dry conditions
28 July 2021
Winner of the Teagasc / FBD Student of the Year Award Announced
The 2020 national winner of the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year award is Deirdre McMahon, Leagh North, Kinvara, County Galway. Deirdre was also the dairy category winner. Congratulations Deirdre! Find out about all the winners and finalists here and watch back on the Awards ceremony
28 July 2021
Planning in preparation for weaning- how to prevent pneumonia?
With spring calving herds weaning calves in September-October, now is the time to plan your vaccination programme. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist, highlights that the number one cause of mortality in weanlings in 2020 was pneumonia and she has advice to prevent it on your farm here
28 July 2021
Preparation for Weaning Part 1: How to prevent pneumonia
In the first of a two part series on planning in preparation for weaning, vet Charles Chavasse, Area Veterinary Manager with Zoetis, joins Catherine Egan on the latest episode of The Beef Edge to discuss how to prevent pneumonia.
28 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 27th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Ed Payne's grass situation; Grass10 Grazing Tips; Caroline Walsh's grazing update; Aidan Lawless, Johnstown Castle on grass/clover & multispecies trials and the team want your feedback here
27 July 2021
Male Farmer Diets associated with Poor Health
Being overweight/obese is an increasing public health issue in Ireland and internationally. An Irish study of male farmers’ diets and weight management showed that 62% of farmers were overweight/obese. The study revealed a number of other concerns regarding the poor health of male farmers.
27 July 2021
TResearch Summer 2021
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Summer Edition of TResearch has a special feature on the living soil; Invisible lines; Circular protein; and Competitive without quotas.
26 July 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 4
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Shane Cranny's farm; Key management tips; Calf mortality - a cost to the system and Antibiotic usage. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issues fortnightly. See it here
26 July 2021
Sun Smart Tips for Dairy Farmers
Barbara McGrogan from the Irish Cancer Society joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on how to be Sun Smart and protect ourselves against skin cancers.
26 July 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Setting up your Fertiliser Spreader
In this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday 15th July, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by guest speaker Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist at Kildalton College, Teagasc, and they discussed setting up your fertiliser spreader.
25 July 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 12th July 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, sums up the Breeding season on Newford Farm for 2021. He has an update on recent weights of the 16 month steers and 2021 calves, the arrival of the 2021-born replacement calves and the current grassland situation on-farm
24 July 2021
Growth Watch: Complete heavier machinery work while ground conditions allow
The advice from the GreenAcres Advisors, Seán Cummins and James Fitzgerald, this week is to complete heavier machinery work, like spreading lime, while ground conditions allow. They bring us the Green Acres Growth Watch from the farms of Jarlath Ruane, Co. Mayo and Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath
23 July 2021
Safety around livestock
As farm safety week draws to a close today Peter Mullan, Teagasc Advisor issues a reminder to farmers to mind your health by staying safe around livestock and gives tips on
23 July 2021
Farmers Have Hearts - Your Cardiovascular Health
The theme of the final day of Farm Safety Week is Your Health. So it is timely today to look at the Farmers Have Hearts Cardiovascular Health Programme. Dr. Noel Richardson (IT Carlow) offers some good advice on diet and food nutrition to improve the health of farmers in a must-watch video here
23 July 2021
Farmer Health and Wellbeing
John McNamara, Teagasc Farm Safety Specialist looks at stress and Well-being in this video, along with Carlow IT Staff. Springtime can be a particularly stressful time of year. It's important to manage stress. So now this summer take the opportunity to rest, recover and make some time for relaxation
23 July 2021
Manage your Health - It's Essential for Lifestyle and to Farm Effectively
Health is essential for your lifestyle and to farm effectively. Poor health is associated with increased farm injuries and lowered farm income due to being less able to farm effectively. This is why Teagasc promotes the ‘Total Worker Health' model in its Statement of Strategy.
22 July 2021
Keeping the elderly safe on farm
Protecting the public is today's theme in Farm Safety week so Áine Butler, Teagasc Advisor takes a look at Keeping the elderly safe on farm. Teagasc Farm Safety Specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have important safety tips also
22 July 2021
Protecting yourself from Infectious diseases
All farm animals naturally carry a number of organisms which can be transferred to humans and cause ill health. As part of Farm Safety Week Seán Doorley, Teagasc Advisor Castlerea, highlights ways to improve good farm hygiene to try to prevent the spread of disease from animals to humans.
22 July 2021
The Importance of a Tidy Farmyard
Having a well kept farmyard is beneficial to both work efficiency and safety. Over the past 10 years the HSA reported 29 farm deaths due to collapses and falls. The major areas associated were slips & trips, bales falling and falling from a height. Penny Gavin Teagasc Walsh Scholar has tidy tips
22 July 2021
Taking Care in the Countryside
Irish farmers work very hard each day, managing their animals & crops. This is done while also maintaining habitats, protecting watercourses & supporting their communities. Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists John McNamara & Francis Bligh have advice for farmers on how to keep the countryside safe.
22 July 2021
Opportunity to Clear the Decks
You'd have to look back to 2013 to see beef prices similar to what we have today which is great to see even if it is not as frequent as we might like. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist says tight cattle supplies at home and internationally plus positive global demand all point to a good back end
21 July 2021
Quad Safety on farm
As part of Farm Safety Week, David McLaughlin, a hill sheep farmer in Co. Donegal talks about safety when using his quad while farming. David advises to keep your eye on the ground, not on the sheep. Watch as David demonstrates in this short video
21 July 2021
Heat Stress in Cattle
Compared to other animals cattle cannot dissipate their heat load very well. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool down. Dr. Bernadette Earley, Teagasc Grange Researcher has produced a timely fact sheet to help farmers manage cattle on these hot days. Read it here
21 July 2021
Farm Safety Tips from Beef Farmer, Tommy Holmes
As part of Farm Safety Week, beef farmer Tommy Holmes from Co. Mayo, discusses farm safety on his farm along with his Teagasc advisor Tom Kelly, Teagasc Ballina on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
21 July 2021
Winners Announced from the ‘Farm Safely with Jessy’ Competition
Teagasc have announced the winners of their ‘Farm Safely with Jessy’ competition, which took place as part of #FarmSafetyWeek. The competition received hundreds of entries from children across the country and there were five winners chosen along with three runners up.
21 July 2021
Know your blind spots
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Athenry talks about blind spots around tractors and has top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
21 July 2021
Farm Safety may not cost the earth but not doing it may cost your life
When we think of the wide range of tasks a farmer does each day it's easy to see that managing a farm and doing it safely is a challenge. Farmers must develop many skills to carry out these jobs competently. John McNamara & Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists have low cost suggestions
21 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 20th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Grass10 Grazing Tips; James Humphrey’s on lowering fertiliser N; Taking care of reseeds; grass supply update from James Hoey, and grazing update from Pat Collins - Cattle GFOTY
20 July 2021
Farming Safely with Farm Machinery
Nearly half of farm accidents are caused by tractors, farm vehicles and machinery. Inexperienced operators, lack of concentration, human error, time pressure and unguarded parts like PTO shaft are the main causes of accidents. Teagasc Machinery Specialist, Francis Quigley has more here
20 July 2021
Staying safe around livestock on your farm
Did you know?... Over the last 10 years 18% of fatalities on farms have been associated with livestock - cows and heifers making up 50% of this. Francis Bligh, Health and Safety Specialist with Teagasc raises awareness and has key suggestions for staying safe around livestock on your farm here
20 July 2021
Tiredness Kills
Farmers are constantly surrounded by livestock and machinery and the hazards they pose. Additionally, many other hazards occur on farms such as working at heights or emptying slurry tanks. Penny Gavin, Teagasc / H.S.A./ UCD Walsh Scholar on Farm Safety advises on staying alert by avoiding tiredness
20 July 2021
Status Orange: High Forest Fire Risk Warning
Teagasc is urging all involved in outdoor activity to exercise extreme caution and to heed the high level warning for fires in place for the coming week. In current dry weather and high temperature, a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where dead grass, heather and gorse exist
19 July 2021
National Farm Survey shows increase in 2020 average farm income
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, incomes across the various farm systems in Ireland either held, or improved in 2020, the Teagasc annual review of farm incomes has concluded. The results are published in the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2020 and are representative of over 93,000 farms in Ireland.
19 July 2021
9th Farm Safety Week Encourages Farm Families to Rethink Safety
Today (Mon) marks the ninth annual Farm Safety Week in Ireland and the UK, an initiative led by the Irish Farmers Association here and by Yellow Wellies UK. The message for this year is: Rethink Safety, which aims to encourage a deeper awareness of everyday risks on farms
18 July 2021
On-farm Steps to Benefit the Environment
Climate change and the Environment are real and urgent topics which will be with us for a long time to come. In this short video Peter Comer, Mayo ASSAP Advisor looks at a few of the "heavy hitters" that farmers can adopt right now which will have a significant positive impact on the environment
17 July 2021
Reviewing Dairy Calf Purchases
There is an increasing interest in calf rearing systems recently. Positive research results on profitability, new farmers trying to get a start and people working more from home is likely the main driver of this interest. Drystock Advisor Colm Kelly advises to reflect on this springs purchases.
16 July 2021
Growth Watch: Focus turns to second-cut silage
Excellent quality silage plays a crucial role in the nutrition of both weanling & finishing stock on calf to beef farms. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor has some advice on second-cut silage. Seán also caught up with Peter O’Hanrahan & Richard Long to get an update on their grass situation.
16 July 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar- Farmer Focus: "Protecting dung beetles while managing parasites, a positive feedback loop."
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 9th July, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme were joined by Bruce Thompson, dairy farmer to discuss "Protecting dung beetles while managing parasites, a positive feedback
15 July 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College Drystock Unit Farm Update - July 2021
David Hallisey, College Lecturer at Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College gives an update from the drystock unit for June and July. In the suckler herd, breeding began on the 11th of May, operating an eight week breeding season this year. In the sheep flock, lambs are being weighed weekly.
14 July 2021
REAP Margins fencing date approaches
Aoife Leader, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, highlights how farmers can maintain and enhance field margins for farmland biodiversity bearing in mind that farmers availing of the REAP scheme may choose to fence these margins from livestock. For REAP this fencing must be in place by 15th July 2021. See more
14 July 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College Open Day
Clonakilty Agricultural College wishes to welcome you to their 2021 Covid-19 compliant Open Day taking place Thursday 15th July. The Guided Tours will run from 11am to 3pm and your place on the tour must be booked in advance. See more details here
14 July 2021
Best practice management of dairy calves in their first season at grass
Trials at Teagasc Johnstown Castle show performance of young dairy-bred beef calves in the first summer at grass can have a big impact on their subsequent lifetime performance. It is essential then that they meet their target daily gains during the summer. Martina Harrington Beef Specialist has more
14 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 13th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Eugene & Eoin Lawler grass supply update, Grass10 grazing tips, Grazing Update from GFOTY Heavy Soils winner - Sean Barry and William Burchill on becoming more efficient with Nitrogen
14 July 2021
When is the right time to control weeds?
Chris Maughan, Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, and Teagasc Beef specialist, Alan Dillon, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss weed control on farm.
13 July 2021
Breaking the Pathway of Phosphorus and Sediment entering Waterways
When farmers are applying fertilisers, cultivating, grazing or draining land close to watercourses, careful, site specific land management can minimise the risk of Phosphorus and sediment loss and help improve water quality. Ivan Kelly, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare has good advice here
12 July 2021
-Thumbnail.jpg)
Peter Doyle is Walsh Scholar of the Year 2021
Peter Doyle is the Teagasc Walsh Scholar Gold Medal winner for 2021. Peter was awarded the medal by Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Research at Teagasc, at a special online ceremony which took place on Friday, 9th July, hosted by broadcaster Jonathan McCrea.
12 July 2021
Grassland and Cattle Management in July
July is an important month for getting second cut silage crops harvested and getting quality back in the sward and setting the farm up for a plentiful supply of quality grass in the autumn. John Galvin, B&T Drystock Adviser with Teagasc Galway/Clare tells us more
12 July 2021
Managing stomach and lungworm in calves
Stomach worms and Lungworms or Hoose are the two main parasites that will affect calves at grass. Both are favoured by warm humid conditions. Patricia Lynch, Teagasc Westport emphasises the need to have a worm control plan in place, describes lungworm symptoms to watch out for and more here
12 July 2021
Climate Actions for July
For the latest current and up to date farm advice from the Signpost Programme and for details of the Climate Actions that you should adopt for the month of July on your farm see here
11 July 2021
Managing existing clover swards
Best practice grazing management is similar for grass-white clover swards and grass-only swards. Deirdre Hennessy, Teagasc Researcher talks here in a short video about Managing existing clover swards, mid-season fertiliser requirements, preventing bloat and more
11 July 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 3
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Aidan Maguire's farm; Key management tips; focus on weight targets and tracking thrive over previous years on the Green Acres farms. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issues fortnightly. See it here
11 July 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar- High Nature Value Farmland in Ireland
On this episode of The Signpost Series on 2nd July, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Padraig Foley, Teagasc were joined by Dr James Moran, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) to discuss High Nature Value Farmland in Ireland.
10 July 2021
TAMS II Grant Aid still Open for Applications
With high beef and lamb prices this year some farmers may consider buying equipment or developing their farmyard in 2021. TAMS II is there to help. Farmers who qualify for TAMS II grant get 40% of the item cost excl. VAT (60% for young qualifying farmers). Vincent Ronayne Teagasc Advisor has details
10 July 2021
Growth Watch: Remember to replace what you take off
This week's GreenAcres Growthwatch comes from the farms of Pat Collins, Co. Cork and Martin Connolly, Co. Roscommon. James Fitzgerald & Seán Cummins, Green Acres Advisors provide advice on replacing what you take off. A typical bale of silage contains 10 units of N, 1.6 units of P and 10 units of K
09 July 2021
If you go down the woods today...…you shouldn’t see deer every time
The continuous deer population growth that has occurred in Ireland in the last 20 years has led to a situation where deer numbers may now be 200,000+ approximately. John Casey, Forestry Development Officer, Mallow takes a look at the impact of deer on forestry and at the SMARTDEER project and more
09 July 2021
Teagasc Student Maintenance Grants 2021/2022
The 2021/2022 Teagasc Student Maintenance Grant Scheme is now open. Teagasc student maintenance grants are paid through Teagasc and the grant scheme is managed by Teagasc. The closing date for applications is Friday 1st October, 2021. See more details on how to apply here
09 July 2021
Today's Farm - July/August 2021
The July/August edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on how beetles help battle AMR. It also has articles on when you should end the dairy breeding season; fight against blight; flower power of low-input grassland; Health & Safety, and more.
08 July 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter July 2021
This issue of the Teagasc Signpost e-newsletter features timely climate actions for July as well as a glossary of commonly used climate change terms. We meet Signpost Farmers Aidan Maguire and Tim Leader. Get useful tips on managing clover swards, minimising nitrates loss to water & research updates
08 July 2021
Maintaining cattle performance from mid-season to housing
A minimum of three weight recordings should be carried out on beef farms and preferably more. Alan Dillon Teagasc Beef Specialist, has advice here around rectifying sward quality to ensure good animal performance off grass and he has 3 sound tips for best practice cattle weighing
07 July 2021
Teagasc Appointment: Jane Kavanagh, Head of Research Development and Walsh Scholarships
Jane Kavanagh has been appointed as Head of Research Development and Walsh Scholarships in Teagasc. In this role, Jane will provide strategic leadership at a senior level in the operation and development of the Teagasc research programme, and ensure Teagasc has effective systems and processes
07 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Athenry Clover update, grazing tips & updates and Grazing Update from GFOTY- Sheep Category Winner Peter McGuinness, Co. Meath as he prepares for his farm walk this Wednesday 7th July
07 July 2021
What should I be dosing beef animals for now?
Orla Keane, Senior Researcher at Teagasc Grange, has some timely advice in relation to updating your herd health plan and parasite control on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
07 July 2021
Beef Newsletter - July 2021
This month's Beef Newsletter includes information on: Sustainable parasite control; Five July jobs; Climate actions for July; Marketing early-maturing steers off grass; Research Update - Reducing methane emissions; and Health & Safety - Farm Safety Week.
06 July 2021
BETTER Sheep Farming signposts the way in Kerry
Tomas O’ Leary's 40 hectare farm in Kerry is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Currently Protected Urea is applied every 3 weeks and lamb performance is up almost 10%. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep, Teagasc, has the latest from the mid-season ewe flock & contract rearing enterprise
06 July 2021
June - Red sky at night, shepherd's delight: Weather and agriculture
Continuing the theme from last month, the June map takes a look historical weather data, for rainfall and temperatures. Generally Ireland's climate is mild with relatively little year to year variation. Extreme winters and summers are exceptional. Irelands “Emerald Isle” synonym is well-deserved.
06 July 2021
Record 3 (Movement of Slurry/FYM ) goes online
Farmers exceeding a stocking rate of 170kgs of organic N (Nitrogen from livestock), who do not avail of a Nitrates Derogation must export slurry / FYM off the farm to avoid penalties and notify DAFM. Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor Teagasc Castlerea explains that this Record 3 process is now online only
05 July 2021
Tommy the Vet on water quality - the sometimes forgotten nutrient
Kerry man Tommy Heffernan, also known as Tommy the Vet, is a veterinary consultant based in Wicklow and he joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to talk about water quality, the sometimes forgotten nutrient.
03 July 2021
DkIT and Teagasc launch new part-time Agriculture qualifications
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are delighted to announce the launch of a suite of part-time programmes in Agriculture, in association with Teagasc Agricultural College at Ballyhaise, which will commence in September 2021. More details here
03 July 2021
ASSAP Service: A typical Farm Assessment
The ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory programme) is a free advisory service aimed at improving water quality. There are 10 PAA’s (Prioritized areas for action) in West Cork. Lane Giles, ASSAP Advisor, Clonakilty explains what the service provides for the farmer in West Cork
02 July 2021
Growth Watch: Controlling weeds in May reseeds
The timing of reseeding plays a crucial role in the ability to control problematic weeds going forward. Where reseeding was completed earlier this year, there’s an opportunity to tackle problem weeds, like docks and chickweed, now. James Fitzgerald & Seán Cummins, Green Acres Advisors provide advice
02 July 2021
Delivery of Public Good Farm Practice through CAP
Cross Compliance rules were first introduced in 2000 and revised in 2015. The aim is implement public good practices on farm to protect human, animal, plant and environmental health. Anne O’Malley, Farm Food Business and Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballina explains Statutory Management Requirements
01 July 2021
Farmers encouraged to view new SunSmart video
Working outdoors for long period’s means farmers are one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist encourages farmers to watch the new SunSmart video here and has details on Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps that farmers can take to be SunSmart.
30 June 2021
When should breeding season end?
On Spring calving suckler farms the stock bull will need to be removed by the 15th July 2021 to ensure no calves are born in May next year. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist discusses the implications of late calving cows and advises on the next steps to take now to get it right for next year
30 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Grazing updates from Michael Carey; Teagasc Grange Dairy Calf to Beef and Noel Hurley Merit GFOTY, Grass10 and Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality
30 June 2021
Martin Connolly’s Beef Edge Masterclass on his Friesian bull beef system
Teagasc Green Acres dairy calf to beef participant, Martin Connolly, from Co. Roscommon gives a Beef Edge Masterclass on this week’s podcast episode.
29 June 2021
Tom & Peter McGuinness - 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmers of the Year - Farm Walk
Join us at 7pm on the evening of Wednesday, 7 July for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmer of the Year, Peter & Tom McGuinness on their sheep farm outside Trim, Co. Meath. Peter talks about their sheep farm in a short video here
29 June 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 2
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Peter & Thomas O’Hanrahan's farm; Key management tips; targets for 3rd season cattle; and slaughter performance on the Green Acres farms. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter will issue fortnightly.
28 June 2021
Show Jessy your Farm Safety ideas and win!
Calling 7-12 year olds! Jessy the Sheep Dog, our Teagasc Farm Safety mascot, loves to help keep everyone safe on the farm and to celebrate the end of school term she wants to give 5 lucky winners a €50 Smyths Toys voucher. Closing date for entries is 14 July. Get more details here on how to apply
27 June 2021
Signpost Series Webinar - A farmer's perspective on Biodiversity, Emissions and Water Quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held Friday, 11th June, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme were joined by Thomas Duffy, dairy farmer & past President of Macra Na Feirme for a farmer's perspective on Biodiversity, Emissions & Water Quality
26 June 2021
BDGP Bull reminder
A penalty of 60 - 100% will apply if you miss the deadline (June 30) for the bull or AI requirement of the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP 1). Teagasc Beef Specialists issue a reminder to farmers here.
26 June 2021
Best Practice when using Pesticides
It is important that all users take care and follow best practice procedure when using pesticides. Deirdre Glynn, ASSAP Advisor and Mark Trimble, Tillage Advisor, Kilkenny discuss safe storage and handling of chemicals, good sprayer maintenance and best practice when using pesticides on farm.
25 June 2021
Using NUDGE theory to improve Farm Safety
A leading USA expert will outline the potential of Nudge theory to improve Farm Safety at a Teagasc Webinar on Thursday, 1 July at 3pm. Dr Julie Sorensen, Director, New York Centre for Agricultural Medicine & Health (NYCAMH) will provide a seminar on research that applies Nudge Theory to farm safety
25 June 2021
Green Acres GrowthWatch in Kildare & Tipperary
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Peter Byrne and JP Hammersley.
24 June 2021
Horizon 2020 Fairshare Project
Teresa Hooks project manager of the Horizon 2020 fair share project aims to support advisors to use the digital tools in order to encourage a more sustainable agriculture. Horizon 2020 (H2020) is a €7 million EU funded project. Teresa explains some of the challenges experienced by advisors & farmers
24 June 2021
Fertiliser Guidelines for 2nd Cut Silage
Second cut silage is planned on many farms to replenish silage reserves for the coming winter. This crop tends to be lower yielding compared to first cut silage. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition and John Conroy, Teagasc Westport outline fertiliser guidelines for making 2nd cut silage
24 June 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 14th June 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, gives a detailed update for June on how breeding season is progressing on farm. Up to mid-June, all 81 cows were inseminated once. Breeding will finish on 6th July. Recent heifer weights and silage details also included
23 June 2021
Deadline Looming for Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM)
For Beef farmers the 30th of June signifies a significant deadline. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist discusses the Beef Exceptional Aid Measure (BEAM) deadline for complying with the 5% reduction of Total Organic N figure from bovines, if you hadn't chosen to defer the end date.
23 June 2021
Maintaining Quality in the Grass Sward
Alan Nolan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe has excellent practical advice on maintaining quality in the grass sward. The key message is to take some simple steps now to maintain grass quality and Alan lists these here. Walking the farm every week to monitor grass supply and quality is key
23 June 2021
John Maher’s tips for maintaining grass quality
With an increase in grass growth in the past few weeks the challenge now on farms is to maintain quality in the sward. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality.
23 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; Oisín Gallen's current grass situation; Moorepark Grass-Clover Research update; Grass10 grazing tips; John Douglas video on managing a new reseed; John Maher's top tips on managing grass quality and JP Hammersley, GFOTY Sustainable Grassland update
22 June 2021
Teagasc Opening Statement on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine - June 22 2021
Today, Tuesday June 22, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle and Mary Ryan, Teagasc Researcher gave a briefing on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The full statement includes publications, on-line, advisory, education & research support for organics
22 June 2021
Online farm discussion groups help support students learning
Students of Mountbellew Agricultural College & GMIT participated in a study in Spring 2021. It examined the effectiveness of online peer-learning in supporting students in grassland management and practice change at farm level. Lecturer, Martin Mulkerrins presented the results at ESEE2021 Conference
22 June 2021
Apply for Teagasc full-time Level 5 Agricultural courses now
The deadline for submitting applications for Teagasc college Level 5 full-time agricultural courses is Wednesday, 30 June 2021. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications immediately.
22 June 2021
Making quality silage - Factsheet
High-quality silage of 72-74 DMD (dry matter digestibility) is central to the success and profitability of all calf to beef systems. It can deliver the levels of animal performance needed without excessive meal feeding. Get the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef 'Making Quality Silage' Fact sheet here
21 June 2021
Thinking of becoming a Dairy farmer?
"Converting to dairy involves a major commitment and sizeable capital outlay...therefore you need to be sure you are making the right decisions." In September the Teagasc Dairy Start-up course commences for farmers interested in converting their farm to milk production. Find out more here
21 June 2021
The Future of Farm Tech – from AI to alternative fuel and autonomous machinery
On the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast, Gary Abbott machinery correspondent with the Irish Farmers Journal joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to talk about agricultural technology of the future and what we can look forward to.
20 June 2021
Health for Sustainable Farming
Research by Teagasc along with National Centre for Men’s Health, IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology indicates that farmers adopt health practices, as they get older. However, health issues can progress gradually, so the sooner health adoption takes place the better!
19 June 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter June 2021
Welcome to the first e-newsletter for the Signpost Programme. The Signpost e-newsletter will be published monthly. It will provide you with news from the Signpost Programme, technical articles, policy and research updates as well as profiling Signpost Farmers from across the country.
18 June 2021
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Taking an opportunity to apply the ‘forgotten fertiliser’
Historically, Irish farmers applied lime on a little and often basis. Now only 50% of the national lime requirement is applied. Lime corrects soil pH, grows more grass and improves how the soil uses Nitrogen & Phosphorus fertilisers. Seán Cummins GreenAcres Advisor encourages Lime application now
18 June 2021
Machinery Co-operatives in Ireland
Ireland’s first farm machinery sharing co-operative was formed by members of Kilnamartyra dairy discussion group in West Cork. The machinery co-op provides a sound business structure for the sharing of machinery between farmers and can be applicable to farmers in any enterprise, especially tillage
17 June 2021
Kildalton College Open Days
Kildalton College are hosting Open Days for anyone interested in courses in Agriculture, Horticulture or Equine Studies. Monday, 21st June at 11am is when the first of four open days throughout the summer kicks off. Booking in advance is essential. Read more here on reserving your place on the tour
17 June 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Newsletter: Issue 1 - June 2021
The first issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Pat Collin's farm, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork; Best Practice in Dosing; Key management tasks; Calf purchases and purchase price. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter will issue fortnightly.
16 June 2021
Identifying Practical ‘On Farm’ Innovations
Identifying Practical ‘On Farm’ Innovations that meet the needs of European Beef Farmers - that’s the mission of the EU funded BovINE Network. BovINE partners share updates on the latest round of Research Innovations and Good Practices under the project’s spotlight online on Tuesday 22nd June 2021
16 June 2021
Stay safe with Cattle this summer
With cattle out grazing and breeding season at full steam on many farms it is important to keep a focus on safety with livestock. Interactions with cattle are necessary so each interaction must be planned and managed carefully to avoid risk. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist advises
16 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; John OGorman's current grass situation after another week of high growth rates; Grass10 grazing tips; video link for N planner use on Pasturebase; link to your nearest weather station for weather data & reports; David Brady, Merit GFOTY update and more
16 June 2021
The school competition that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months
This week’s Beef Edge podcast finds out about the Certified Irish Angus Schools competition that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project, and which is organised in partnership with ABP Ireland and Kepak Group.
15 June 2021
Weaning Autumn born Suckler Calves
Many autumn born suckler calves are now being weaned. It is important to try to reduce stress as much as possible during weaning. Áine O'Riordan, Teagasc Advisor, Cork West and Aidan Murray Teagasc Beef Specialist discuss meal feeding as part of the BEEP-S weaning option here
14 June 2021
Promoting Farmers Health - Men’s Health Week (Monday 14 - Sunday 20 June)
It's time to Stay Fit for Farming! Dr John McNamara, Health and Safety Specialist, Teagasc is mindful of Men’s Health Week running from today, Monday 14th to Sunday 20th June (Father's Day). He reminds farmers that ‘Your Health is your Wealth’ and he discusses studies that looked at farmer health.
13 June 2021
Teagasc Supports Men’s Health Week
Teagasc, through its research, advisory, education, training, and media programmes, supports Men’s Health Week. Men's Health Week usually commences on the Monday prior to Father's Day and finishes on Father's Day itself. This year, it will run from Monday, 14th until Sunday, 20th June.
12 June 2021
Risk Assessing Your Farm
Don't ignore safety issues on your farm! Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Galway/Clare issues a reminder about completing the Risk Assessment Document. She focuses on 3 main areas where the highest number of accidents and fatalities occur; namely - Tractors, Machinery and Livestock.
11 June 2021
Signpost Series Webinar - Celebrating our biodiversity and motivating farmers to address the climate & biodiversity emergency
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 21st May, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Dr. Brendan Dunford, Manager of The Burren Programme to discuss celebrating our biodiversity and motivating farmers to address the climate and biodiversity emergency.
11 June 2021
Environment Newsletter - June 2021
This month's Teagasc Environment newsletter has information and advice on: REAP the benefits; Measures to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters from January 1, 2021; and Message from ASSAP - Protect our bathing waters.
10 June 2021
Target Grazing Covers on Beef Farms
What are your targets when it comes to good grassland management for suckler cows, weanlings and beef cattle? Is it that they have enough grass in front of them so that they do not run tight on grass? This is not enough explains Pearse Kelly, Head Drystock Knowledge Transfer
10 June 2021
Agriculture is facing a momentous decision on carbon budgets
Over the next few months a decision on the future of Irish agriculture will be taken that may prove to be as momentous as the 1984 introduction of milk quota or our 1973 entry to the EU. Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc refers to the publication of sectoral carbon budgets from 2021 onwards
09 June 2021
Green Acres Calf to Beef - Midlands GrowthWatch June 2021
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Aidan Maguire and Irvine Allen
09 June 2021
Grazing heavy covers on beef farms
Some farmers are now dealing with heavier covers than usual on farm, whether from an increase in growth rate or a late turnout to grass. Once pre-grazing yields go over 1600kgDM/Ha, grass quality drops and reduced liveweight gain in cattle. Mícheál Kelly, Teagasc Athenry Advisor has grazing advice
09 June 2021
Insights from Sligo Contract Rearer, Kieran Kielty
Contract rearer Kieran Kielty from Co.Sligo joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how he operates a contract heifer rearing system.
09 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th June 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. Includes another week of high growth rates expected, fertilising for 2nd cut silage, incorporating clover, Grass10 grazing tips, grass situation in south Galway & grazing update from suckler GFOTY Thomas Hogan, Tipperary
09 June 2021
Beef Newsletter - June 2021
This month's Teagasc Beef newsletter has information on: BDGP warning; Fertilising second-cut grass silage; Green Acres – calf data; Research update - Grass-fed suckler beef; and Health & Safety - Keep yourself and children safe.
08 June 2021
Fine tuning dairy bull beef in Co. Roscommon
Martin Connolly farms part-time near Castleplunket, Co. Roscommon and runs a calf-to-beef system taking dairy-bred male calves, through to slaughter as bulls at 20-24 months of age. The farm is in the Teagasc Green Acres calf to beef programme since 2019. James Fitzgerald, Programme Advisor has more
08 June 2021
Running a contract rearing operation alongside your flock
John O'Connell is a BETTER farm sheep programme participant and farms on the outskirts of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. He runs a sheep and contract grazing system. Ciaran Lynch Teagasc Sheep specialist & Tom Coll Teagasc Advisor, discuss the resulting changes and grassland management improvements here
07 June 2021
Multi Species Swards – a farmer’s perspective
Kevin O’Hanlon farm manager on a busy dairy farm in county Wexford joins to Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to discuss his experience with multi species swards.
06 June 2021
Silage Season Safety Check
We're now in one of the busiest times on farms as silage is being harvested. It's also one of the most high risk times due to increased movement of machinery and people on our roads and farms. Jacinta O'Neill, Teagasc Advisor, Westport, has a useful safety checklist to consider for silage season
06 June 2021
Jessy's Smart Kids - Summer 2021
Jessy's Smart Kids is a fun easily downloadable kids farm safety newsletter. This edition of Jessy's Smart Kids includes: Farm Family Safety; Blind Spots; First Aid Kit and Farmer Wellbeing.
05 June 2021
Water Protection measures since 1st January 2021 – do they affect my farm?
Many farmers have asked about water protection measures that have been in place since the start of 2021 and if these apply to their farms. These measures were introduced to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters to improve water quality. Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist has the answers here
05 June 2021
Ger McSweeney - Innovative Farm Programme
Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Advisor, Kanturk and Suckler to beef farmer Ger McSweeney outline how he is improving the technical efficiencies on his farm resulting in reduced Carbon footprint for every Kg of beef he produces. He is achieving this through the Innovative Farm Programme: Life Beef Carbon
05 June 2021
Getting Silage Quality Right in 2021
Silage makes up 25-40% of the annual diet on beef and dairy farms depending on the length of the winter across the county. Decisions made at farm level, over the coming weeks will have a huge impact on the quality of silage fed next winter. Drystock Specialist Catherine Egan gives some advice.
04 June 2021
Building forage reserves
Joe Patton, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, & Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Regional Manager recommend that farms build a rolling silage reserve of 2 bales/head or about 1 month’s feeding for a mature cow, into their silage plans, to offset against future shortfalls in fodder due to non-seasonal weather.
04 June 2021
Farming with Nature
John Oates is farming just north of Sligo Town. Whitethorn hedgerows provide field boundaries and shelter and shade for livestock. Environment and Technology Advisor Peter Mullan gives more information on how John is farming with the natural environment
04 June 2021
Farm Business Options - BIA Innovator Campus – Transforming Food Entrepreneurship
On this Farm Business Options webinar, which was held on Tuesday, 25 May, host Barry Caslin Teagasc was joined by Elaine Donohue, BIA Innovator Campus General Manager and Colm Foley, Teagasc Food Technologist, Bia Innovator Campus CLG to discuss the facilities at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry
03 June 2021
Teagasc Green Acres – Reducing number of sources for Dairy Bred calves
The profitability of the dairy beef enterprise depends largely on the quality of calf that is purchased. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises purchasing from reliable suppliers, and ensuring to purchase calves that are good weight for age, as this is crucial to limiting calf mortality.
03 June 2021
Getting the Spread Right
Fertiliser is one of the most expensive inputs on the farm so you need to ensure that it is applied correctly, not only for your wallet but also for the environment. Here, Francis Quigley Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist, talks about safety, checking the spreader, machine settings and calibration
02 June 2021
Get the Facts on Applying Lime
Isn't it about time you applied lime? Don't rely on hearsay - stick to the facts. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle highlights 10 facts every farmer should know about applying lime. When is the ideal time to apply lime? What about lime and slurry? Can I apply lime and urea? Get answers here
02 June 2021
Teagasc plans for new Apprenticeships
On Tuesday 25th May Teagasc gave a briefing note on it's Education and Training for the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Teagasc, as primary provider of accredited further education and training (FET) for the agricultural sector, details new apprenticeship pathway plans here
02 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st June 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. As paddocks are cut for 1st cut silage & surplus bales, now is a perfect time to consult soil sample results and apply lime to these paddocks. Read more on this, on applying P& K, GFOTY young farmer grazing update & more
02 June 2021
Contract rearing – an alternative income opportunity?
With many drystock farmers looking for possible alternative income opportunities for their farms, contract heifer rearing has increasingly become an option and Teagasc advisor Tom Coll and specialist Gordon Peppard join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what’s involved.
02 June 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Increasing the welfare of farm animals
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar held Wednesday 26th May, Paul Crossan Beef Enterprise Leader was joined by Muireann Conneely, Bernadette Earley and Laura Boyle, Teagasc Researchers, to discuss the most recent Teagasc research on improving the welfare of dairy cows, beef cattle and pigs
31 May 2021
Sustainable Grassland Management Course
Research shows that good grassland management and grazing high quality grass substantially reduces the emissions of gasses: methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Tom Murphy, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Athenry discusses the mandatory Grassland Management Course for derogation farmers here
30 May 2021
Greenhouse Gases – Innovative Farm Programme
The Innovative Farm Programme project aims to promote innovative livestock farming systems and associated practices to ensure the technical, economic, environmental and social sustainability of beef farms. Graham Waters, Naas Advisor and Ricky Milligan discuss the benefits of it on Ricky' s farm
28 May 2021
How to deal with late calving cows?
Are you worried about your Suckler cows calving too late in the Spring or even into early Summer? Achieving a 12 weeks calving season is a realistic target for most suckler farms, with 80% cows calved within 8 weeks. Niamh Lynch, Teagasc Advisor, Ballyhaise has tips to achieve these targets
27 May 2021
Agriculture and Water
Paula Browne, ASSAP Adviser, Teagasc Clare looks at ways to minimise losses of nutrients, sediment and pesticides to water from farming. A number of key considerations should be central to minimising any pollution potential to our watercourses and these are outlined here.
27 May 2021
Teagasc appoint Dr David Wall as Enterprise leader at Johnstown Castle
Dr David Wall has been appointed as the new enterprise leader at the Teagasc campus in Johnstown Castle. The enterprise leader role is to lead the management of the farms and estate in Teagasc Environment Research Centre to deliver the research programme, as part of the team led by Dr Karl Richards
27 May 2021
Could your Farm benefit from Alternative Fodder Crops?
In the next few months we will see farmers saving their winter feed. Grass growth last week from Pasturebase Ireland was 57kgDM/ha similar to the same week last year at 60kg DM/ha. Improvement is expected, however Keith Fahy, Athenry Advisor, looks at alternatives for farmers as a winter feed source
26 May 2021
Reviewing slaughter performance in Co. Kilkenny
Drafting cattle for slaughter when they are actually fit to kill is a key management component of successful calf-to-beef systems. At a fat score of 3+, the carcass weight potential of Holstein Friesian steers is maximised. Sean Cummins Teagasc Green Acres Advisor has detailed advice here
26 May 2021
Gearing up for grazing 2021
Weeks of poor grass growth leading to shortfall in grass supply versus demand has been difficult. As grass is now at or near heading stage, quality needs managing. Improving grazing infrastructure on farm allows better control of grass. Catherine Egan Beef Specialist explains exactly how to do this
26 May 2021
An update on the breeding season from the Derrypatrick herd
Derrypatrick herd Manager, Michael McManus, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the breeding season.
26 May 2021
Managing Margins with Nature in Mind
Thinking "outside the field" and managing the margins with nature in mind can contribute to the improvement of biodiversity on Irish farms. Aoife Leader, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, highlights some key actions that farmers can take to retain, maintain and enhance field margins for farmland biodiversity
25 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week for dairy, beef & sheep farms; updates on Grassland Farmer of the Year sheep and heavy soils farms; difficult grazing conditions & grass/clover trial update from Teagasc Clonakilty
25 May 2021
Slurry Storage, Have you enough?
The impact of dairy farming systems on the environment is of critical importance in gaining access to premium dairy markets that will return a good milk price to the farmer. Tom Curran, Regional Manager, Cork West and Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist, Teagasc discuss slurry storage as a key factor
25 May 2021
Improving your Financial Fitness can help manage tight margins
Having a good feel for the farm finances and what is happening on a farm or farm household is critical. This applies whether a farmer is expanding or just wants to ensure that they are in a good position to deal with whatever arises. Kevin Connolly, Teagasc Financial Management Specialist has advice
25 May 2021
Getting clover into the system – consider over-sowing?
Incorporating clover into a sward has multiple benefits in livestock systems and to discuss this in more detail on this week’s OviCast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by Dr Philip Creighton.
24 May 2021
Teagasc appoints new Organic Specialist
Teagasc has appointed Joe Kelleher as Organic Farming Specialist and he commences the new role today, Monday, 24 May 2021. He previously worked as a dairy advisor in the Limerick/Kerry advisory region. He joins Elaine Leavy as part of the national organic farming team in Teagasc
24 May 2021
Contract rearing male calves
Establishing a relationship based on trust and a good contract will benefit both owner and calf rearer. This is the advice of Gordon Peppard, Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist speaking about Contract rearing male calves.
23 May 2021
Results of Teagasc Protected Urea trial finds no residues
A new scientific paper was published in the past week with results from a trial on using protected Urea on the Teagasc farm at its Environment research centre, Johnstown castle. Irish farmers are being encouraged to switch from using CAN fertiliser to protected Urea, as part of reducing emissions
23 May 2021
Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Milk Production at Solohead Research Farm
Following rapid expansion there is an immense challenge to lower the environmental impact of dairy farming. At Solohead Research Farm we have designed and tested systems for lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of milk production. James Humphreys, Researcher has details in a short video here
23 May 2021
Opinions wanted from farmers and vets
Farmers and vets working in the dairy, pig, beef and sheep sectors on the island of Ireland are being asked to complete a survey to provide their views on how antibiotics are used in agriculture.
22 May 2021
Improvements in animal health, welfare and product quality
Join Teagasc researchers on three Research Insights Webinars where they will discuss strategies to improve animal welfare, reduce the use of antibiotics and anthelmintics and improve milk quality.
22 May 2021
Unlocking Silage Potential
Silage quality ranges from 58% - 78% dry matter digestibility (DMD) nationally, but the average is poor at 65% DMD. Having silage of high quality (70% DMD+) will ensure good daily liveweight gains and cuts down on meal costs. Gabriel Trayers Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Tuam advises on high DMD silage
22 May 2021
Farmers are part of the solution - Biodiversity Day 2021
Saturday May 22nd 2021 is International Biodiversity Day. The theme for this year is: 'We're part of the solution'. We’re all part of nature, so we must be part of the solution for biodiversity loss and climate change. What actions can farmers take?
21 May 2021
Demonstrating profitable calf-to-beef pathways
Phase 2 of the Teagasc Green Acres Programme was launched to demonstrate best practice in calf to beef systems in order to maximise profitability. Now in year 3 with 12 commercially-operated farms enrolled, the changes implemented at farm level bear fruit. Sean Cummins, Green Acres Advisor outlines
21 May 2021
Growing Maize Silage Considerations
Eighty percent of maize in Ireland is grown specifically for the production of maize silage and can be used as a winter feed in both dairy and beef production systems. While grass is the most popular winter feed, Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor outlines why maize silage might be worth considering
20 May 2021
"Bee kind" farming
Today is #WorldBeeDay and Teagasc encourages farmers to adopt "Bee kind" farming, to look at ways of improving habitats and enhance biodiversity to support wild bees on Irish farmland. In Ireland there are 77 solitary bee species, 21 bumble bee species and 1 honey bee species.
20 May 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Water Quality: the challenge of understanding and valuing it
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 14th May, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Bernie O’Flaherty, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to discuss water quality: the challenge of understanding and valuing it.
19 May 2021
Recap on BDGP, BEAM, BEEP S and Dairy Calf Beef Scheme
Even though we are in between CAP programmes, farmers in the interim will continue to be supported with a rollover for BDGP 1 and BEEP-S, as well as a new Dairy Beef calf scheme. Aidan Murray Beef Specialist has a reminder of some of the key requirements for the various beef programmes here.
19 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & grazing tips for the week; managing mid-season grass; grazing updates from farmers; William Burchill discusses mid-season nitrogen application & Pat Collins social media takeover on Wed 19 May
19 May 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 10th May 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, gives a detailed update on how the breeding season is progressing on farm. So far 93% of breeding cows have been inseminated in the first 3 weeks of breeding. Tail painting is used and Michael outlines sire criteria here
19 May 2021
BDGP, BEAM, BEEP-S Update
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the various beef schemes.
19 May 2021
3rd European Beef Carbon Farmers’ Network - Webinar
The 3rd European farmers’ network webinar took place on Tuesday, 4th May 2021. Innovative grass-based Irish beef producers gave an insight into how they're improving beef carbon footprint.
18 May 2021
Launch of The Signpost Programme
The Signpost Programme was launched on Tuesday, 18 May. Hosted by RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground presenter Helen Carroll, the online webinar demonstrated how the new Teagasc led collaborative programme will support Irish farmers in reducing emissions from agriculture. Catch up on all the highlights here
18 May 2021
Social Media Takeover with Pat Collins
Join Pat Collins, Cattle (Non-Suckling) Grassland Farmer Of The Year 2020, on our social media accounts on Wednesday 19th May as he takes us through a day in the life on his farm.
18 May 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Agri-food Strategy 2030 - The Environmental Ambition
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 7th May, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Tom Arnold, Chair of the 2030 Agri Food Strategy Committee to discuss the 2030 Agri Food Strategy: The Environmental Ambition.
17 May 2021
Meet the Teagasc Signpost Team
The new Signpost Programme – Farmers for Climate Action, will be launched tomorrow Tuesday, 18 May. Today we meet the Signpost Programme team who will work with farmers, and the partner organisations to prompt climate action by all Irish farmers.
17 May 2021
Quantifying the impact of recent growth rates on 1st cut silage crops
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, dairy specialist James Dunne joins Emma-Louise Coffey to quantify the impact of recent growth rates on 1st cut silage crops.
17 May 2021
How to harvest quality silage
With the silage season upon us, on the latest episode of the Environment Edge, Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn chat to Teagasc dairy advisor in Kilkenny Pat Moylan about the cold dry spring and tips on how to harvest quality silage.
16 May 2021
Heat Detection by Tail Painting
Heat detection is key to achieve your herd targets this breeding season. Most cows display signs of heat between the hours of 9pm and 7am so relying on observation alone to identify cows in heat could easily result in cows being missed. Tara Heaney, KT Walsh Scholar explains how tail painting helps
16 May 2021
The Teagasc Signpost Programme Launch
The official launch of The Teagasc Signpost Programme, a collaborative programme to lead climate action by Irish farmers and their transition towards more sustainable farming systems.
16 May 2021
Farm Business Options - Farm Diversification in Germany’s Black Forest Region
Hannelore Green, an Agricultural Advisor from the Landratsamt Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald joined Barry Caslin, Teagasc on a recent Farm Business Options webinar to discuss farm diversification and tourism in Germany's Black Forest Region.
15 May 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Role of grass breeding & evaluation to increase the sustainability of pasture-based systems
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar held Wednesday 12th May, Michael O'Donovan, Head of Grassland Science, was joined by Patrick Conaghan, Stephen Byrne & Tomas Tubritt, Teagasc Researchers to discuss the role of grass breeding & evaluation to increase sustainability of pasture systems
15 May 2021
Farming Tips for May
Emma Sherlock, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, Clonakilty Advisory picks out a few key management actions farmers should be taking on during the month of May. These include care of the replacement heifer & breeding targets, farm safety at silage making, grass & fertiliser update and flock health
14 May 2021
Plan a Safe Silage Season in 2021
The weather has been cold of late and that has delayed the silage season but as the season gets into ‘full swing’ attention to safety is critical at silage making. Plan a safe silage season is a key message from John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists here
13 May 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk with Jarlath and Austin Ruane
On Thursday 13th May, Jarlath and Austin Ruane, farmer participants of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme hosted a virtual event from their farm in Claremorris, Co. Mayo through the use of social media and video. You can watch back the footage here to gain an insight into their farm
12 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 11th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & grazing tips for the week; grazing updates from GFOTY category winners, the Galvins - new entrants to dairy and from Philip Creighton, Athenry sheep research farm; plus reseeding & clover info
12 May 2021
Why all the fuss about sulphur?
Sulphur (S) is an important nutrient for grassland production, and is closely associated with nitrogen uptake and efficiency. If there is a sulphur deficiency present it will decrease the nitrogen use efficiency and reduce yield. Martina Harrington Beef Specialist outlines the importance of Sulphur
12 May 2021
Top Tips for Making Quality Silage
Teagasc drystock advisor Terry Carroll and beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the importance of harvesting silage and the ensiling process in making top quality silage.
12 May 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Austria
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar which took place on Tuesday, 4th May, Barry Caslin was joined by a local farm advisor and two diversified agri-tourism farmers to get an insight into their journey and supports available for such enterprises in Austria.
10 May 2021
Slurry storage capacity and TAMS
Tom Fallon, Teagasc Farm Buildings & Infrastructure Specialist has tips for applying for TAMS grant aid for slurry storage here. He advises when building new facilities to look beyond meeting the minimum storage requirements as many farms require extra storage. He features a TAMS grant farm example
10 May 2021
The Benefits of Using Low Emission Slurry Spreading on Drystock Farms this Summer
Low Emissions Slurry Spreading technology (LESS) has become a common sight on Galway farms in recent years. Umbilical pipes, dribble bars, trailing shoes and injection systems are replacing the traditional splash plate. Bryan Donnelly, Advisor Teagasc Galway highlights the benefits of LESS
09 May 2021
Will it ever Grow?
Mícheál Kelly, Advisor, Teagasc Galway is somewhat frustrated with the weather effect on grass growth currently but takes hope from Grass Growth Predictions for the week ahead. He stresses the importance of getting fertiliser out now, getting good grass utilisation and planning for silage making
09 May 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Using white clover to reduce chemical nitrogen application and increase animal performance
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar which took place on Wednesday, 28th April, Padraig French, Head of Livestock Systems Department and Dairy Enterprise Leader was joined by panellists to discuss using white clover to reduce chemical nitrogen application and increase animal performance.
08 May 2021
Farmyards and Water Quality
Farmyards can impact on water quality where wastes & effluents gain access to water directly, as point source pollution or indirectly, by diffuse pollution. With good farmyard management & design these impacts to water, where they occur, can be eliminated as Kevin O’Sullivan ASSAP Advisor outlines
07 May 2021
New Anaerobic Digestion (AD) project commences
Teagasc recently held the first online meeting of the technical working group for a new Anaerobic Digestion (AD) project called FLEET. Teagasc economist Dr Fiona Thorne is the principal investigator on the FLEET project, supported by the SEAI Research and development fund. Read more here
07 May 2021
Dealing with Stress in Farming
Stress is normal and part and parcel of our daily lives. A certain amount of stress is a positive thing – it can help to make us more focused and more productive in our work and in caring for our families. Ciara O’Shea, Teagasc advisor Macroom, has good advice on Dealing with Stress in Farming here
07 May 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk - Jarlath and Austin Ruane
'Making a Success in the West' is what Jarlath & Austin Ruane, farmer participants of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme are demonstrating in a virtual farm walk taking place on their Claremorris farm on Thursday, 13 May. Here they run calf to beef and lowland sheep enterprises part-time
07 May 2021
The Signpost Series - Water quality – national problems, local solutions
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 30th April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Jenny Deakin, EPA to discuss water quality – national problems, local solutions.
05 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 4th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Grass supply & reseeding update from Michael Carroll, Limerick; Nitrogen Planning with PBI; Grazing update from JP Hammersley GFOTY Sustainable Winner; Webinar & booklet on White Clover
05 May 2021
Heavy Soils Programme Social Media Takeover with Danny Bermingham
Join Danny Bermingham on our social media accounts on Thursday 6th May as he takes us through a day in the life on his heavy soils dairy farm
05 May 2021
REAP - The Facts
Teagasc has produced a Factsheet and a video on the new Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP). Find out more here and listen to what Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist has to say about REAP. Expressions of Interest must be lodged with DAFM by Monday May 10th
05 May 2021
Short of grass in May? What are the options?
We have had an unusual spring in terms of growth. Weather has been much harsher and colder than usual. Recent lower than normal growth rates may result in low grass covers and shortages on farm. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist has four useful suggestions to help and advises taking action now
05 May 2021
An Update on REAP
Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist Catherine Keena joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge podcast with an update on the new Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Programme, also known as REAP.
05 May 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Collaborative Farming Options
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar which took place on Tuesday, 27th April, Barry Caslin was joined by Gordon Peppard, Teagasc Farm Structures Specialist to discuss the various collaborative agreements on offer.
05 May 2021
Beef Newsletter - May 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Silage quality to the forefront; Research Update - Is your bull fertile?; Planning for early silage; and Health & Safety - Silage safety.
04 May 2021
Let's Talk Sheep - Silage Making on Sheep Farms
On Thursday, 6th May at 8pm the Teagasc Let’s Talk Sheep Webinar will cover the topic of silage production on sheep farms for one hour. Dr. Tim Keady, Teagasc researcher will discuss the key factors involved in making high feed value silage. You won't want to miss it.
04 May 2021
Reseeding & Clover Management with PastureBase Ireland
On Wednesday 5th May at 7pm join John Douglas, Micheal O'Leary and Joseph Dunphy from Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase along with Michael Egan, Grassland Researcher, and dairy farmer James Barber as they go through reseeding and clover management using PastureBase Ireland.
04 May 2021
3rd European Beef Carbon Farmers’ Network
The 3rd European farmers’ network webinar takes place today at 5pm. In this webinar hear from innovative grass-based Irish beef producers about how they're improving beef carbon footprint. LIFE BEEF CARBON is an initiative combating climate impact of beef production in Ireland, France, Italy & Spain
04 May 2021
The Signpost Series - The BRIDE Project
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 23rd April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Donal Sheehan, Manager of the BRIDE Project to give an overview of the Project, results-based payments and how farmers can be rewarded for environmental improvement.
03 May 2021
Best Practice for Pesticides & Alternative Methods for Weed Control
Kieran Kenny, Teagasc ASSAP advisor and member of the National Pesticide & Drinking Water Action Group joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast.
03 May 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Establishing grass-white clover swards
In this episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs is joined by Dr. Deirdre Hennessy to give an overview of the establishment of grass-white clover into our swards.
02 May 2021
Today's Farm - May/June 2021
The May/June edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on slurry storage, covering topics such as storage and usage; completing a storage assessment; & storage capacity and TAMS. It also has articles on blackgrass; contract rearing & more.
01 May 2021
Reseeding for Greener Pastures
Reseeding is a considerable investment at €200-300/acre, so assess first as it may be a change of management that is required instead. It’s worth making sure that reseeding is done right. Niall Treanor, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway advises on this and discusses the benefits of reseeding here
30 April 2021
Can you REAP the rewards?
The deadline for farmers to apply for the Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP), a new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Pilot programme, is fast approaching. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist urges eligible farmers to apply before May 10th
30 April 2021
Make Personal Health and Wellbeing a Priority
While, Farming as a lifestyle is mainly very positive for wellbeing, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists, Francis Bligh & John McNamara realise that it's not always a "bed of bluebells". So today, Friday April 30, on National Workplace Wellbeing Day farmers are reminded that this day is for them too
30 April 2021
The Signpost Series - Context, Measurement & mitigation of methane emissions in Irish dairy systems
On this episode of The Signpost Series webinar, which took place on Friday, 16th April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by guest speakers Laurence Shalloo, Ben Lahart & Katie Starsmore, Teagasc to discuss context, measurement & mitigation of methane emissions in Irish dairy systems.
29 April 2021
Let's Talk Cattle - Breeding Efficiency into the Irish Suckler Herd
In the latest episode of the Let's Talk Cattle webinar series, Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist is joined by Andrew Cromie from ICBF to give an overview of the Beef, Data & Genomics Programme (BDGP).
28 April 2021
Taking care of the Farmer and farm problems
Catherine Egan Teagasc Beef Specialist has some very important advice here about taking care of typical problems on the farm. She points out all the ways your Teagasc Advisor can help. After a difficult Spring the Number 1 priority should be to take care of the farmer now. Make that phone call today
28 April 2021
Caroline Walsh Virtual Farm Walk
On April 21st, Caroline Walsh, overall and dairy category winner of the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition hosted a virtual event from her farm through the medium of video, social media and live webinar
28 April 2021
April - Wildfires in Ireland
The April Map of the month shows the number of current active wildfires (as of the 25th) detected by NASA Fire detection service. There are a surprising number across the country. Each month the Teagasc spatial analysis unit use data from a number of sources and share it as a map to assist farming
28 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 27th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Grass10 tips; grazing updates from Alan Duggan, new entrant Mayo Dairy farmer & GFOTY Winner Caroline Walsh; new clover booklet and Joe Patton, Dairy Specialist on suspected P deficiency
28 April 2021
Weaning Tips from the Green Acres Farms
With calves being weaned on dairy calf to beef farms across the country, Teagasc Green Acres programme advisors Sean Cummins & James Fitzgerald join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with top tips on weaning, advice for the year ahead and an update on the farms.
27 April 2021
Are you Sun Smart? Webinar
A webinar to raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer and UV exposure in the farming community was held on Wednesday, 21st April. HSE and the Irish Cancer Society Representatives advised what you can do to protect yourself against the risks of skin cancer and UV exposure on your farm
26 April 2021
Major Focus on Clover establishment and Management in 2021
A clover booklet ‘Management and establishment of grass-white clover swards’ for 2021 is being launched by Teagasc today, Monday, 26 April. Agriculture in Ireland is under ever increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen fertiliser use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase nitrogen use efficiency
26 April 2021
The Importance of Wetlands
A combination of geology and abundant rain has endowed Ireland with an extraordinary array of wetlands covering some 20% of the country. While most wetlands occur naturally they may also be artificially created. Mary Roache Mayo ASSAP Advisor has examples of a variety of wetlands that occur on farms
26 April 2021
How to maintain grass growth at lower levels of chemical Nitrogen
Deirdre Hennessy joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to give tips and advice on maintaining grass production whilst spreading lower levels of chemical Nitrogen.
26 April 2021
Thinking of becoming an Organic Farmer?
With the reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme in March many farmers are wondering is organics an option for them. As the scheme closes on Friday 30th April 2021 the window of time to make the decision to join and complete the necessary paperwork is tight. Enda O’Hart, Teagasc Advisor has advice
26 April 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Sexed Semen and Synchronisation Protocols
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on 15th April, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist gives advice on cows that are suitable for sexed semen and appropriate synchronisation protocols for both cows and heifers. Stuart gives an overview of the factors to consider here
25 April 2021
Offaly dairy farmers using short videos to keep in touch during Covid Lock Down
Three dairy discussion groups across south county Offaly have found a novel way of ‘virtually’ visiting each other’s farms during the current lock down restrictions. Jim Moyles, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Tullamore explains how this came about and how it is working out for the groups he facilitates
24 April 2021
Quality vs Quantity- How do I maximise silage yield per hectare?
Every winter the importance of good quality silage is emphasised. There are multiple benefits such as reduced concentrate input and increased weigh gain at lower costs. Teagasc Specialist Catherine Egan and Drystock Advisor Joe Hand have information and advice.
24 April 2021
Outlook 2021 - Brexit trade deal avoids large drop in farm income
The latest Outlook 2021 report by TEAGASC economists forecasts that the average family farm income in Ireland will increase by 3 % in 2021. Overall, some price inflation for farm inputs will be more than offset by higher prices for some farm outputs
24 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Organic Farming – Steps to Conversion and Opportunities
On this episode of the Farm Business Options Webinar series which took place on Tuesday, 13th April, Barry Caslin was joined by Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist and Clive Bright, Organic grass only farmer, Sligo to discuss organic farming - steps to conversion and opportunities.
23 April 2021
Tree and hedge management in Ballyhaise College
Steven Meyen, Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc talks from experience about how trees can add so much to farm hedges. Benefits include shelter, biodiversity, improvement in microclimate, carbon sequestration and landscape value. We also get a glimpse of tree and hedge management at Ballyhaise
23 April 2021
Annual Teagasc/SCSI Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2021
This joint publication is the 8th annual report reviewing economic activity in the farming sector and activity in associated agricultural land sales and rental markets. It provides an outlook for 2021, and a special feature on how the planning system and rural housing affects land values.
23 April 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Climate Mitigation Options through Afforestation
In this episode of The Signpost Series webinars, held Friday, 9th April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by guest speakers Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist & Dr. Kevin Black, Forestry, Environmental Research & Services (FERS) to discuss Climate Mitigation Options via Afforestation
22 April 2021
Teagasc marks Earth Day 2021
Teagasc marks Earth Day today. We reflect on ways in which we contribute to improving the Earth through our integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture & food industry and rural communities. Learn more here about Teagasc & the Environment, and A day in the life of research
21 April 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 12th April 2021
Calving on Newford Farm is now complete for 2021 in just 10 weeks. The results are summarised here. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, now turns his attention to breeding starting on 21st April. He gives details on sires selected and maiden heifer breeding
21 April 2021
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves?
Like cryptosporidia, coccidiosis is caused by protozoa but rather than present as a problem in calves shortly after birth, coccidiosis will tend to show in calves that are slightly older. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has more information on the signs, treatment and prevention of coccidiosis
21 April 2021
8th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion
The 8th INFOGEST webinar on food digestion, co-hosted by Dr Andre Brodkorb of the Teagasc Food Research Centre and others, took place on Wednesday, 7th April at 2PM. The theme of this webinar was “in vitro Digestion Models” from Working Group 1 of the INFOGEST network.
21 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 20th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; grazing updates from various GFOTY winners; Starting 2nd rotation Sheep Update - Philip Creighton, Teagasc, Athenry PLUS Caroline Walsh Overall GFOTY 2020 social media takeover and more
21 April 2021
Quality vs Quantity - how do I maximise silage yield per hectare?
Teagasc Drystock advisor Joe Hand joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to maximise silage yield this year on your farm.
20 April 2021
Caroline Walsh Grassland Farmer of the Year - Social Media Takeover & Live Interview
Join Caroline Walsh, 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year, on the Teagasc social media accounts as she takes us through "A day in the life...." on her dairy farm in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork
20 April 2021
Fertilising for a Crop of Quality Silage
On many farms producing average to poor quality silage is somewhat the norm. Cattle or sheep fed this silage will have reduced growth rates and below optimal levels of reproductive performance in breeding females. Austin Callaghan, Teagasc Advisor, Claremorris outlines how to improve silage quality
20 April 2021
Submit Your 2021 Basic Payment Application On-Time
The most important task for farmers in any year is to complete their Basic Payment application online. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the 2021 Basic Payment application and associated forms are completed on time by Monday 17th May. Brian Hughes, Teagasc Claremorris has more advice
20 April 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Multi-species Swards
In this episode of The Signpost Series webinar, which took place on Thursday, 1st April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by guest speakers Dr. Helen Sheridan and Prof. Tommy Boland, UCD to discuss multi-species swards - sward and animal performance under reduced nitrogen fertiliser inputs.
19 April 2021
Sexing Technologies to open sorting lab in Ireland
NAVASOTA, Texas — Irish dairy producers will get their long-desired semen sorting lab when global sexed-semen technology leader and innovator Sexing Technologies opens its first facility in Ireland at Teagasc Moorepark, in November.
19 April 2021
Farmland Birds and the role of farmers in their survival
Niall Hatch from Bird Watch Ireland joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to talk about farmland birds and the important role of farmers in helping to improve habitats.
19 April 2021
Tips and advice on best practice for reseeding
Tomás Tubritt joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on best practice for reseeding.
19 April 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar + podcast - Bull Selection Targets
On this episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist talks to us about bull selection targets.
17 April 2021
Are you Sun Smart? Webinar
A webinar to raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer and UV exposure in the farming community. Join Teagasc on Wednesday, 21 April from 11.30am -1pm along with the HSE & the Irish Cancer Society who will advise what you can do to protect yourself against the risks of skin cancer & UV exposure
17 April 2021
70 years of grassland research in Ireland
TEAGASC grassland research has enabled the transformation of Irish agriculture since the 1950s. The importance of grassland to Irish Agriculture is indicated by over 70% of agricultural output (monetary terms) coming from grassland as cattle, milk, & sheep products, Teagasc researchers reminisce
16 April 2021
Steps to Take when Considering Converting to Organic Farming
The Organic Farming Scheme is open. Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist gave a presentation recently at the IFA Information Meeting on the Organic Farming Scheme which was held virtually on Thursday, 4th March 2021. Elaine's presentation and Teagasc guide to organic conversion can be found here
16 April 2021
The Forestry Sector in Ireland: some facts and figures
Teagasc welcomes Ciara! Teagasc's new virtual forestry adviser Ciara, provides some basic facts and figures on the forestry sector in Ireland. She discusses forest cover, ownership, species composition, carbon sequestration, wood utilisation, age distribution, wood processing, exports and employment
16 April 2021
Bull Safety
The breeding season has started on many farms and that brings increased risks associated with close contact with animals. HSA figures show bulls were involved in over 18% of livestock related deaths on Irish farms in 2011-2020. John McNamara & Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialists report here
16 April 2021
Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning
Teagasc urges all involved in outdoor activity to exercise extreme caution, and heed the high level warning for fires which is in place this week. The current high pressure dominated weather patterns has resulted in a high fire risk in all areas where fuel such as dead grasses, heather & gorse exist
16 April 2021
Hitting Grazing Targets in 2021 with PastureBase Ireland Webinar
Are you looking to make better grazing decisions on your farm in April? On this webinar which took place on Wednesday, 7th April, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through how you can use PastureBase Ireland to plan your spring grazing.
15 April 2021
How Does Grass Grow?
Perennial ryegrass (PRG) is the most commonly sown grass species in Ireland. As a perennial plant it's characterised by having the growing point close to the ground and it regrows after each grazing & cutting, without the need for frequent reseeding. Patricia Lynch, Teagasc Advisor Westport has more
14 April 2021
Winners of the 2021 Agriculture and Horticulture Colleges Challenges Event
The National College of Amenity Horticulture are the winners of the Agricultural Colleges Challenges Event 2021. The Agricultural Colleges Challenges is a longstanding inter college, skills challenge competition, supported by Macra na Feirme, fostering keen college rivalry in it's 40 year history
14 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 13th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Seamus Sweeney, Wexford on 2nd rotation; Caroline Walsh 2020 GFOTY social media takeover; Grazing Updates from Thomas Hogan, GFOTY Cattle-Suckling, & Grange dairy-beef research herd
14 April 2021
Preparing for Breeding
As the calving season is coming to an end and the breeding season is about to start, it is timely that we should be looking at ways to maximise fertility on farms. Teagasc Beef Specialists outline the four key areas for most suckler farmers to consider here, and finish up with a Herd health reminder
14 April 2021
Grassland Management Tips for the Coming Weeks
Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with top tips in relation to grassland management.
14 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Diversification in Donegal
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar held on Tuesday, 6th April 2021, Seamus Campbell, Teagasc Donegal was joined by Noreen & James Cunningham, Donegal Farmhouse Cheese; John Graham, Ballyholey Farm Shop and Andrew Ward, Inishowen Development Partnership to discuss diversification in Donegal
12 April 2021
Teagasc Virtual College Open Days 2021
During March, Teagasc courses were promoted through virtual open days at it's four agricultural and horticultural colleges and two of the private colleges. One open day remains to be held at Salesian Agricultural College on 15th April. Now is your chance to catch up with any you may have missed here
11 April 2021
What is a GPS Fertiliser Spreader?
With the grant on GPS fertiliser spreaders now available to all TAMS applicants there is a lot of interest from farmers in making an investment in the new equipment. Francis Quigley, Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist explains that a GPS controlled spreader is more than just a guidance system
11 April 2021
Target to make 75% DMD Silage this summer
Shane Devaney, Beef Advisor, Teagasc Longford, sets a target for all farmers to make 75% DMD Silage this summer. He has advice for those farming on heavy soils and he lists the benefits of making good quality silage here.
11 April 2021
Extreme Weather Newsletter
Variation in grass growth and feed supply due to weather conditions is inevitable in our ruminant farming systems. It is important that farms plan ahead for the adverse weather events. Teagasc has identified steps to be taken at farm and industry level in this regard.
10 April 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Increasing the value of beef from the dairy herd
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar held Wednesday, 31 March, Donagh Berry, Teagasc Researcher & Director of VistaMilk SFI Research Centre was joined by Alan Twomey, Nicky Byrne & Padraig French to discuss breeding & management strategies to maximise the value of beef from the dairy herd
10 April 2021
Environment Newsletter - April 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dates for your diary; Mandatory derogation requirements from January 1, 2021; and Message from ASSAP: Is your silage storage fit for purpose?.
09 April 2021
Getting Cattle out to grass
While some farmers like those shown here managed to achieve a late February or early March turnout, many do not. This year due to the poor weather and challenging grazing conditions many farmer have still to turn out young stock. Here are some tips from Longford Teagasc Advisor, Donal McCabe
09 April 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Working with farmers to improve water quality
In this episode of The Signpost Series webinar, held as part of Water Quality Week, on Friday, 26 March, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Noel Meehan, ASSAP Programme Manager and Edward Burgess, ACP Specialist Advisor, Teagasc to discuss working with farmers to improve water quality
08 April 2021
Let's Talk Sheep - Nematodirus / Coccidia in Lambs
Join us tonight at 8pm for an hour-long Let's Talk Sheep webinar to learn more about nematodirus and coccidiosis in lambs. This is very timely as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have just issued their Nematodirus forecast indicating peak larval hatching this week. Register here
08 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Driving Diversification Through Social Media
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 30th March 2021, Barry Caslin was joined by Lisa Dunphy from Green Acre Marketing to discuss social media business options.
07 April 2021
Selecting AI bulls for suckler herds
Levels of AI usage in suckler herds is low nationally with an estimated 20% of cows bred to AI sires year on year. Usage amongst maiden heifers is higher often due to the presence of one stock bull on small suckler herds. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist has advice on selecting AI bulls
07 April 2021
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: ASSAP and Farmers Impact on Water Quality
In this Let's Talk Dairy Bonus podcast episode, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Noel Meehan and Eimear Connery about the on-farm assessment carried out by ASSAP advisors to assess farmers’ impact on water quality.
07 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Niall Callanan (dairy) & Aidan Maguire (beef) discuss grazing plans; Grazing tips to hold Average Farm Cover in this colder week; A video explaining “Band Method” grass measuring & more
07 April 2021
The 3 'T's to making Good Quality Silage
Austin Flavin Teagasc Advisor, meets beef farmer, Billy Glasheen who farms in Passage East in Co. Waterford as he plans to follow the 3 'T's which are key to making best Quality Silage. Test the slurry, test the soil and test the silage.
07 April 2021
The Beef Edge Masterclass with Martin Shaughnessy
With only 20% of beef farmers using AI, suckler & sheep farmer Martin Shaughnessy from Co. Mayo joins Catherine Egan on this week’s podcast for a Beef Edge Masterclass to discuss his beef system & how he uses AI on his farm.
07 April 2021
Beef Newsletter - April 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: BEEP-S; Basic Payment Scheme; Dairy beef calf programme; Making good quality silage; Research Update; and Health & Safety.
06 April 2021
It’s getting hot in here
Keith Lambkin, senior climatologist with Met Eireann joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to discuss global warming.
06 April 2021
The key practices to achieve a 90% three-week submission rate
Stephen Moore joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to identify the key practices to achieve a 90% three-week submission rate to maximise the 6 week calving rate during the spring of 2022.
06 April 2021
New Lime Factsheet - The Facts on Applying Lime
Lime is most definitely the forgotten fertiliser on Irish farms. We are currently only applying 50% of our national lime requirements. In addition 80 to 85% of our soils are testing sub-optimal for major nutrients such as soil pH, P & K. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle has more information.
06 April 2021
Have multi species swards a role on Irish farms?
Multi species swards have the ability to grow 11Ton of dry matter with no chemical nitrogen, but have they a role on Irish farms? Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Advisor, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick addresses this question here and discusses what is known so far about Multi species swards
03 April 2021
TResearch Spring 2021
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Spring Edition of TResearch has a special feature on grass roots - 70 years of grassland research; milk fractions for pigs; kelp; BREXIT & farm income.
02 April 2021
Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobials are drugs used to treat infections in humans & animals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when micro-organisms that cause infections adapt & prevent an antimicrobial from working against it. Zerlina Pratt, as part of Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware has more information
01 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 30 March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. It includes: Weekly PastureBase data; Michael Lally, Meath discusses his plan for grazing; Spring grazing update from Winter Milk herd at Johnstown Castle; Spring Grazing Update from GFOTY Sheep Winner Peter McGuinness.
31 March 2021
Research Insights Webinar - New Reproductive Technologies to Increase the Sustainability of Milk and Beef Production
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar which took place on Thursday, 18 March, panellists on this webinar discussed the development of new reproductive technologies in relation to heat detection, sexed semen, IVF and male fertility.
31 March 2021
Beef Production Systems
Join John O'Connor and Jamie Cahill of Kildalton College in this Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware on beef production systems. Kildalton has two different systems a suckler to beef and dairy calf to beef.
31 March 2021
Important advice if you’re thinking of buying a new stock bull
With breeding season around the corner on many farms, Teagasc drystock advisor David Argue, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast. With over 80% of beef farmers using stock bulls, David discusses some top tips when selecting a new stock bull.
31 March 2021
Top tips in advance of breeding season 2021
As the calving season on many farms nears an end the thought of the breeding season is just around the corner. Calving season 2022 depends on when breeding season 2021 starts. Now is the time, in advance of the breeding season, to plan out calving season 2022, advises Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist
28 March 2021
Farmer Safety Health and Wellness Webinar Series: John McNamara
Carbery Group, Cork recently held a Webinar on Farm Safety, Health and Wellness for farmer suppliers in advance of a busy spring. The Event is shown as a series of Webinars for 3 Sundays in March. Last up is John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist on managing farm safety and health on farm
27 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Co. Laois
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 16th March 2021, host Peter Doolan, Teagasc Laois was joined by three local farmers to discuss farm diversification into soft food produce, angling and organic dairying in Co. Laois. A Q&A session also took place
27 March 2021
ASSAP Factsheets on Farming for Water Quality
The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) have produced a series of five factsheets to help farmers maintain and improve the quality of water bodies in Ireland. They provide practical tips for farmers to implement which will benefit watercourses on their farms.
27 March 2021
Planning a Successful Breeding Season with Francis Nolan
On Thursday, 25 March a Breeding Webinar took place with Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer Francis Nolan, Co. Kilkenny. Francis was joined by Richie O'Brien & George Ramsbottom, Teagasc and Joris Somers, Glanbia to discuss the steps Francis is taking to plan for a successful breeding season on his farm
26 March 2021
ASSAP As Gaeilge
Ar mhaithe le sláinte an phobail i gcoitinne, is den riachtanas é, go bhfuil ard-chaighdéan uisce againn. Chun é seo a chinntiú, tá feirmeoirí fud fad na tíre, i gcomhairle le ASSAP, ag comhoibriú chun an t-uisce agus an timpeallacht a chaomhnú.
26 March 2021
Silage Storage & Water Quality
Silage effluent is a highly polluting liquid and can cause fish kills in watercourses/rivers and contaminate wells if not collected, stored and land spread properly. It is important to examine and repair silage pits and collection channels when pits are empty to ensure safe storage.
26 March 2021
Farmer testimonial on the ASSAP service
John Landers has a dairy farm beside the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford. The river Colligan runs through John's land, it is one of 190 priority areas for action (PAA’s) where water quality needs some improvement.
26 March 2021
Managing Farm Yards to Reduce Soiled Water Losses
Soiled water is defined in the Nitrates Directive as water from concentrated areas, hard standing areas, holding areas for livestock and other farmyard areas where the water is contaminated by livestock faeces/ urine, silage effluent, chemical fertilisers, dairy or vegetable washings. Read more here
26 March 2021
Housing of Livestock
Livestock housed over the winter period need facilities that are fit for purpose and have adequate storage capacity for the statutory number of weeks. Claire Mooney, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, has some important guidelines here on the management of winter housing to prevent nutrient losses
26 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 23rd March 2021
Get the latest Grass10 update: PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model, cold weather forecast; Eddie ODonnell, Tipperary on his 2nd rotation grazing plan; Spring Grazing updates from Donal Patton & Barry Reilly, Ballyhaise Research Farm and John Galvin Sustainable GFOTY
25 March 2021
Wetlands and Water
A combination of geology and abundant rain has endowed Ireland with an extraordinary array of wetlands covering some 20% of the country. Functional wetlands are among our most productive environments providing a vast array of eco-system services. ASSAP advisor Mary Roache has more information
25 March 2021
Water Quality and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a large filter-feeding bivalve. European freshwater pearl mussel populations have declined by 90 % over the past century. Mary McAndrew, Catchment Officer Pearl Mussel Project gives information on this long lived creature.
25 March 2021
The importance of trees in Ireland
Ireland's waterways evolved in tandem with our native woodlands. Of the 16,000 townlands in Ireland 14,000 have names related to trees, forests and water. Farm forests are known to reduce the leaching of nutrients from agricultural soils
25 March 2021
MCPA and rushes
In 2020 MCPA commonly used to control rushes was responsible for 46 out of 91 detected pesticide breeches. MCPA is water soluble, it does not bind to soil particles and therefore more prone to leaching and run-off to nearby waterbodies. Mary Roache, ASSAP Advisor Mayo, talks about Rush Spraying here
25 March 2021
Best Practice use of pesticides
Monitoring of drinking water in Ireland continues to detect exceedances above the standard for certain herbicides. The chemicals causing greatest problems are MCPA (Agritox, Mortone, etc) and 2,4-D (Bandock EW, Mortox 50 etc). They are highly soluble in water. Kieran Kenny ASSAP Advisor has more
25 March 2021
Pesticides and losses to water
What happens to pesticides after application? TEAGASC researchers have monitored the concentrations of commonly used herbicides in two agricultural river catchments as a part of the EU Horizon 2020-funded WaterProtect. Per-Erik Mellander, Catchment Scientist, has details of this on-going monitoring
24 March 2021
SMARTER_BufferZ
Riparian buffer zones are patches of land adjacent to rivers, streams and drains, removed from intensive production. When designed correctly, they play a significant role in the reduction of diffuse inputs from agriculture entering our waterbodies.
24 March 2021
The Caha Project
The Caha Project is a project where nine farmers have come together to protect a section of their local river. This length of river is particularity important as it has been identified as having a High Status Objective and is a Priority Area for Action under the Water Frameworks Directive
24 March 2021
Drainage Maintenance to protect Water Quality
Ireland lies in a temperate zone where the main role of drainage is the removal of excess water in the root zone of crops from surplus rainfall, improving land trafficability and increasing productivity. Meabh O'Hagan, ASSAP Advisor and Niall McLoughlin, Lakeland Dairies has some advice.
24 March 2021
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
A recent analysis conducted by the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development programme indicates that approximately 6% of the country (420,000 Ha) is made up of cultivated peats across a wide range of farming intensities. Fiona Doolan, ASSAP Advisor Kildare/Laois, discusses Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
24 March 2021
Managing farm roads to protect water quality
Farm roadways are an essential piece of infrastructure on most livestock farms and in particular dairy farms. Under new Nitrates rules there shall be no direct runoff of soiled water from farm roadways to waters from 1st January 2021. Padraig Fitzgerald, Teagasc Advisor lists the key points involved
24 March 2021
Beep S and Dairy Beef Calf Programmes 2021
DAFM has announced the opening of a new €5m dairy beef calf programme for 2021.This new funding is in addition to the funding made available to the BEEP S programme. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has details of the tasks involved, for farmers applying for either or both programmes here
24 March 2021
What is a Riparian Margin & what can it do for Water Quality?
A Riparian Margin is the land that runs alongside our rivers and streams. Here, Fiona Doolan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, Co. Laois, talks about a variety of riparian margins. She explains the benefits of a riparian margin on water quality and the role it plays in protecting rivers and streams
24 March 2021
Managing Soil Phosphorous for Water Quality
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient particularly when it comes to crop establishment. Eddie Burgess, Catchment Specialist with the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme speaks more about managing soil phosphorus for water quality.
24 March 2021
What impact can weed control & drainage work have on water quality?
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme advisors Mary Roache & Meabh O’Hagan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast as part of Water Quality Week to highlight correct weed control management & tips on carrying out drainage work to reduce impact on water quality.
23 March 2021
ASSAP - Working with farmers to improve water quality
The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme - ASSAP is in existence since 2018. Advisors are working with farmers in Priority areas for action (PAA) across the country to improve water quality. ASSAP advisors Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers give information about the programme
23 March 2021
Why LESS is more
Slurry application on Irish farms was often seen as a chore, done to relieve pressure on slurry storage systems in late winter / early spring, traditionally spread by splashplate. Today this is changing fast with the use of low emission slurry spreaders (LESS), as Eamonn Lynch Dairy Advisor,explains
23 March 2021
Clover - Why Now?
Ever thought of increasing the diversity in your swards? This can be simply and profitably done across the whole farm over 3 years adding to the health of the soil, animals and consumers as well as reducing losses to water and emissions to the atmosphere. Lane Giles, ASSAP Advisor tells us more.
23 March 2021
Why You Should Use Protected Urea
Protected urea allows farmers to spread urea based nitrogen during the growing season without the worry of nitrogen (N) being lost from the field through ammonia emissions. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching when compared to CAN Cathal Somers gives more information
23 March 2021
Nitrogen Use Efficiency = Cleaner Water
Deirdre Glynn, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Dr. David Wall, Teagasc Researcher both define Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) here. They discuss losses of Nitrogen and how we can avoid this going forward through soil testing, nutrient planning, responsible fertiliser and slurry spreading and more
23 March 2021
How Nitrate leaching occurs
Nitrate leaching can occur during times of heavy or prolonged rainfall. Free draining soils are particularly susceptible to nitrate loss as it's very mobile in soil and readily leaches groundwater. The highest risk is in winter and early spring, as Prof Owen Fenton, Teagasc Researcher explains
22 March 2021
ASSAP- Farming for Water Quality
ASSAP – Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme works with farmers in a free and confidential advisory service to help improve water quality. Priority areas for action (PAA) are being targeted across the country to improve water quality.
22 March 2021
Farming for Water Quality in a Priority Area for Action - Farmer Testimonial
The Glenaboy river in county Waterford is currently at Moderate ecological status. The river catchment is in a Priority Area for Action (PAA) for the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). Find out how farmers and ASSAP advisors work together to improve water quality
22 March 2021
Water Quality in your area & accessing catchments.ie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operate a number of water quality monitoring programmes to assess the condition of waters in Ireland. The outcome these monitoring programmes is available to see on the EPA interactive map.The map can be accessed on the website catchments.ie
22 March 2021
Water Quality Indicators - Chemical Sampling
It is important to understand what causes damage to our waters and work together to protect them. As part of Water Quality Week and World Water Day today, LAWPRO Scientists demonstrate here what the chemical indicators of water quality are and how this sampling is carried out
22 March 2021
Using kick sampling to determine the quality of water in a river?
Macro-invertebrates are small aquatic animals such as insect larva, snails, worms, beetles etc and are excellent indicators of water quality. Where rivers are unpolluted these are in abundance. Scientists examine these macroinvertebrates by kick sampling, as LAWPRO catchment scientists demonstrate
22 March 2021
How to Maintain & Improve Water Quality
Eimear Connery and Noel Meehan join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with an insight into the role of the Teagasc ASSAP programme and the efforts to maintain and improve water quality in Ireland.
22 March 2021
Why is water quality important?
We need safe and secure waters to supply agriculture, industry and our drinking water needs. It is important that we understand what causes damage to our waters and work together to protect them. As part of Water Quality Week and World Water Day today, LAWPRO Scientist Ruth Hennessy has more here
22 March 2021
The past, present & future of water quality in Ireland
In this bonus episode of the Environment Edge podcast, Jenny Deakin EPA catchment unit manager joins Teagasc’s Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to discuss the past, present & future of water quality in Ireland and how climate change will challenge us all.
21 March 2021
EU's green deal - Essential role of legumes
This webinar is a Legume innovation and networking workshop which is hosted by Mark Gibson and brought to you by Teagasc. The legumes innovation workshop aims to identify transition paths enabling home grown legumes in a more sustainable food and feed value chain.
21 March 2021
Farmer Safety Health and Wellness Webinar Series: Rena Buckley
Carbery Group, Cork recently held a Webinar on Farm Safety, Health and Wellness for farmer suppliers in advance of a busy spring. The Event will now be shown as a series of Webinars for 3 Sundays. The second is Rena Buckley, giving pointers on Gaining Health through, Exercise and Diet
20 March 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Munster Bovine health screening
In this episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs is joined by Dennis Howard who is a Veterinary Surgeon with Munster Bovine. The topic discussed in this webinar is bulk milk health screening and its commonality in certain regions in Ireland with special emphasis in Munster.
20 March 2021
Teagasc forest establishment workshops very well received
During February and March, landowners were able to participate in three one-hour online workshops “Planting a new forest - Getting started”, organised by Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department. Close to 600 people registered for these workshops and each session had well over 300 participants
20 March 2021
Recording Fertiliser with PastureBase
Reducing chemical fertiliser usage on farms is a challenge we could face in the near future. Growing 14 T DM Grass per ha whilst reducing chemical fertiliser is possible. This will reduce farm costs and be better for the environment. PastureBase Ireland can facilitate fertiliser recording. See here.
19 March 2021
Water Quality Week
Teagasc Water Quality Week runs next week Monday, 22nd March to Friday, 26th March. Water quality week is organised in collaboration with the dairy processing co-ops and the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO). Noel Meehan, Programme Manager ASSAP has details of the plans for the week here
19 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Agri-Tourism and Poultry in Cavan
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 9th March 2021, host, Bernard Doorley, Teagasc Offaly was joined by three local farmers to discuss agri-tourism and poultry in Cavan.
19 March 2021
Save time by altering your milk feeding strategy this spring
If carried out correctly, Once A Day milk-feeding is a practice that can greatly reduce the labour required during the rearing period. James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, states that numerous Teagasc research trials show a 25% - 36% reduction in labour input required versus twice a day feeding
18 March 2021
Teagasc Daily – One year on
Today is the 1st Anniversary of the introduction of Teagasc Daily, a new digital communication channel providing information to Teagasc audiences. It was set up in response to the first Covid related lockdown last March, as a digital tool to maintain knowledge transfer to Teagasc audiences.
18 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 16th March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: weekly PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; grass growth set to double this week; Tomas O Brien, Mitchelstown on his grazing plan; Teagasc Grange Dairy calf to beef trial update & Pat Collins, Cattle GFOTY update
18 March 2021
Using both dairy and beef AI
Teagasc in conjunction with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is running a dairy breeding week this week. The focus of today's videos is on Using both dairy and beef AI, from the start of the breeding season. Siobhan Ring, ICBF, and Hugh Egan, Dairy Farmer, Co. Offaly outline why here
17 March 2021
Keeping on the Right Side of the Wire
Although the weather last week slowed down grazing on many farms, some farmers flew through area over the past 2-3 weeks. Make sure you don’t run out of grass and stay on track, to keep grass in the diet & set up the farm for the 2nd rotation. This is the advice from the Pasturebase and Grass10 team
17 March 2021
An Update on the Dairy Beef Index
As part of the Teagasc & ICBF breeding week, Teagasc researchers Nicky Byrne & Alan Twomey join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and an insight into its impact in the future.
17 March 2021
Saint Patrick in Ireland: Names and Places
Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona dhaoibh! For Saint Patrick’ Day we have a special map, dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint. The static map provides an overview of the townlands and settlements deriving their names from Saint Patrick, including a short summary of the mythology. Read on for more details
17 March 2021
Beef Newsletter - March 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Grass10 - getting out to grass; Schemes update; Teagasc Green Acres slaughter performance 2020; Research Update - Importance of milk yield in suckler cows; and Health & Safety.
14 March 2021
Using LESS Gives More from Slurry
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. Nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in a similar ammonia form to N in urea & is easily lost to the atmosphere. Teagasc Advisor Mark O'Sullivan has valuable information on the benefit of using trailing hose or trailing shoe to apply slurry
14 March 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus - John & Margaret Murphy
John & Margaret Murphy, Co. Cork are GLAS participants who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs to an old stone outbuilding on the farm. Eimear Connery, Teagasc Advisor has more details. For the past four days Teagasc Daily focused on Co Cork participants of this scheme
14 March 2021
Farmer Safety Health and Wellness Webinar Series: Steve Redmond
Carbery Group, Cork recently held a Webinar on Farm Safety, Health and Wellness for farmer suppliers in advance of a busy spring. The Event will now be shown as a series of Webinars from today for 3 Sundays. The first is Steve Redmond, first person to complete the ‘Seven Ocean’s Challenge
13 March 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus - Tom O'Neill
Tom O'Neill, Co. Cork is a GLAS participant who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs to an old 1740s tower building. Eimear Connery, Teagasc Advisor has more details. For one more day, of a four day focus, Teagasc Daily will focus on Co Cork participants of this scheme
13 March 2021
Achieving high performance from grass this spring
Given the weather conditions we've encountered this Spring, it can be hard to contemplate letting cattle out of their comfortable shed to grass. It is something that we must give serious consideration to. Donal McCabe, Drystock Advisor, Longford has some advice on getting cattle out to grass.
12 March 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus - Kevin Wood
Kevin Wood, Co. Cork is a GLAS participant who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs mainly to a lofted grain store dating back to 1888. Eimear Connery, Teagasc Advisor has more details. For two more days Teagasc Daily will focus on Co Cork participants of this scheme
12 March 2021
New farm forests are backing biodiversity
Ireland’s new forests are working to reverse the decline in our national biodiversity and strengthen environmental sustainability. Teagasc Forestry advisor, Noel Kennedy, explains how biodiversity protection and enhancement are at the heart of today’s young forests.
11 March 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus - Siobhan Madden
Siobhan Madden, Co. Cork is a GLAS 3 participant who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs to adjoining 200 year old buildings. Enda Maloney, Teagasc Advisor has more details. For the next three days Teagasc Daily will focus on Co Cork participants of this scheme
11 March 2021
The Signpost Series - Impact of climate change on smallholder food production in the tropics
In this episode of The Signpost Series, Mark Gibson is joined by Paul Wagstaff, Senior Agricultural Advisor with Self Help Africa who speaks about the impact of climate change on smallholder food production in the tropics and the interventions that can be used to reduce the impacts of climate change
10 March 2021
Planning for purchasing Dairy beef calves
We are now at the point of the year where peak dairy calf numbers are starting to appear in marts and on farm for sale. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef specialist, discusses the factors farmers need to consider before calf purchase.
10 March 2021
Castration - Best Practice
The castration of male cattle intended for beef production is a common practice. Castration is considered to cause a degree of pain and stress and has been shown to elicit other reactions and behaviours. Dr. Bernadette Earley, Teagasc Grange Researcher details best practice Castration here
10 March 2021
Planning your Spring Grazing with PastureBase Ireland
Are you looking to graze more in March? On this webinar which took place on Wednesday, 3rd March, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through how you can use PastureBase Ireland to plan your spring grazing.
10 March 2021
Making Quality Silage Part 1: Graze, Fertilise & Close
On this week’s Beef Edge podcast Teagasc Drystock advisor Terry Carroll and Kilkenny beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan in a two part series on making quality silage. On this first episode John and Terry highlight all the top tips relating to grazing, fertilising and closing silage ground
10 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 9 March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team including: Weekly PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grazing and Fertiliser tips from the Grass10 team; Brian McCarthy, Teagasc Clonakilty on Spring grazing on Grass/clover trials, & Sean Barry, GFOTY Heavy Soils
08 March 2021
Timoleague Agricultural Catchment Programme Update
Teagasc’s Agricultural Catchments Programme has been monitoring water quality in 6 locations across Ireland to investigate the impact of agriculture on water quality in these catchments. Oisín Coakley, ACP Advisor, provides an update on the 8km square Timoleague catchment here
08 March 2021
Today's Farm - March/April 2021
The March/April edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. One of the main articles in this edition is a Q& A with the new Teagasc Head of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor. It also has articles on fertiliser, Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), how birds use hedges, and more.
07 March 2021
Water trough Location and Water Quality
Correct Water trough location is vital to ensure livestock have good access to plenty of drinking water while also ensuring there is no negative impact on water quality. Fiona Doolan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, Co. Laois discusses correct siting of water troughs on farm to meet these requirements
07 March 2021
Replacement Management
Replacement heifer management, is, on the majority of suckler farms a key area where there is scope to reduce costs, increase sales and streamline management. Here Drystock Adviser, Colm Kelly, addresses some of the messages and issues coming back at farm level
06 March 2021
Farm Planning – Don’t leave it to the last minute
Andy Ryder, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport focuses on applications for and changes to, Herd Numbers. He identifies how this impacts on Basic Payment Scheme, ANC, GLAS and Forestry schemes. Andy emphasizes the importance of planning in advance and not leaving Herd No changes until the last minute
06 March 2021
Disbudding Factsheet
By definition, disbudding is the removal of an area of skin including the horn bud in a young calf prior to solid attachment of the horn bud to the skull. Disbudding is performed for economic and practical reasons: to prevent bullying and injury to other animals and human safety during handling
05 March 2021
Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm - Early Turnout of Yearling Heifers to Grass
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician on the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives an update on the Newford yearling heifers and how they performed over the winter period. He also gives an insight into how they expect the heifers to perform during the year from this early turnout to grass.
05 March 2021
Signpost Series Webinar - The Signpost Farm Programme: Teagasc campaign for climate action
On a recent episode of The Signpost Series webinars, which took place on Friday, 19 February, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme to discuss The Signpost Programme - Leading climate action by Irish farmers.
04 March 2021
Steps to a Successful Calving Season
Tommy Cox, Education Officer, Teagasc Ballinrobe lists the six steps that he sees as being important to ensuring to a Successful Calving Season for the suckler farmer.
04 March 2021
Teagasc SRUC Digital Solutions Conference 2021
The role of digital in securing a green rural economy was the focus of a joint virtual conference, held by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Teagasc, which took place on Tuesday, 9th February. The virtual conference was the third in a series of annual events.
03 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Social Farming
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 2nd March 2021, host Barry Caslin, Teagasc was joined by Helen Doherty, Social Farming Ireland and two social dairy farmers, to outline what anyone considering running a Social Farm enterprise needs to know.
03 March 2021
Six Steps to Good Navel Care in Calves
On most farms shed space is at a premium at calving time and getting some of the first calved cows out to grass is key to relieving the pressure on sheds, unfortunately the wet conditions have not allowed this. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist, warns that this can increase navel ill cases
03 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; A return to dry and settled conditions; Grazing and Fertiliser advice for March; William Burchill update; Grazing Management Tips on Irish Sheep farms
03 March 2021
What can I apply for under TAMS?
Teagasc specialist Tim Hyde joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, also known as TAMS which in January, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine announced it was extending.
02 March 2021
The Role of Legumes in Reducing Fertilizer N Usage Webinar
Legumes can replace fertilizer N on grassland and arable farms, lowering greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions and improving water quality. The third Legume Innovation and Networking Workshop takes place online as an interactive webinar on Wednesday 3rd March at 9.30am. Register here
02 March 2021
Soil sampling - Money well spent
Now is the ideal time of the year to take soil samples on your farm if you have not done so in the recent past as it will provide vital information on the soil fertility status of your farm. Ciaran Beatty, Teagasc Advisor, Castlerea, advises not to delay in having soil samples taken
01 March 2021
The Importance of Hedgerows
The Environment Edge is Teagasc’s environment podcast focusing on challenges and opportunities in agriculture. In this episode, Dr Catherine Kenna, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, joins presenters Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to discuss the importance of hedgerows as wildlife corridors
01 March 2021
Early Management of the Dairy Beef Calf
With the main dairy calving season underway and dairy calves moving onto beef farms, having good practices in the early stages of dairy beef calf rearing will minimise problems later on. Vincent Ronayne, Teagasc Mayo, advises on a number of core principles which should be followed on every farm
28 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Award-winning potato, cheese and pet farm enterprises in Co. Cork
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar held Tuesday, 23 February, host Aisling Molloy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Kanturk was joined by Norma Dinneen, Bó Rua Farm; Ned English, Castlecor Potatoes and Teresa Leahy, Leahy’s Open Farm to discuss Award-winning potato, cheese and pet farm enterprises
28 February 2021
Teagasc Insights Webinar Series - Advancements in animal breeding
Join Teagasc researchers on three webinars where they will discuss modern-day strategies to identifying genetically elite farm animals. The first webinar in this mini series will take place at 9:30am on Wednesday, 3rd March at 9:30am, followed by Thursday, 18th March and Wednesday, 31st March.
27 February 2021
Additional resources to meet demand for Green Cert Courses | Teagasc Virtual College Open Days
Teagasc welcomes the recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., giving approval for the recruitment of 20 fixed term education staff to meet exceptional demand for Teagasc Green Cert courses.
27 February 2021
The Calf Show - Full series
'The Calf Show', a Teagasc Green Acres Calf To Beef Programme series took place from Monday 22, to Thursday 25 February at 7:30pm each evening, in conjunction with AgriLand. All four episodes in 'The Calf Show' series can be viewed here now
26 February 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 15th February 2021
Calving is now at halfway mark at Newford Farm. Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry, gives an update on progress, details of calving scores, calf sires used, housing and feed management and cow foot-bathing details. Catch up here on the latest from Newford
26 February 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Protected Urea: A Research Update
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series webinars, which took place on Friday, 12 February, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by guest speaker Patrick Forrestal, Teagasc Johnstown Castle to discuss Protected Urea: A Research Update.
24 February 2021
What do I need to feed from now until turnout?
With current weather conditions getting out to grass is challenging on most farms at the moment. However, where land is dry and free draining there is a great opportunity to start grazing to take advantage of spring grass early. Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist has advice for various cattle groups
24 February 2021
Are you interested in coming to a Teagasc College?
Interested in pursuing a career in the land and agri-food sector? Have you considered applying for a course at a Teagasc college? Teagasc colleges offer a wide array of full-time and part-time courses in agriculture, horticulture, equine, forestry and more. Sign up & Join our March Virtual Open Days
24 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 23rd February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Continue to walk your farm & monitor ground conditions; Research project on ability of on-off grazing to extend grazing & more
24 February 2021
What do I need to know about my Basic Payment Application 2021?
In recent days farmers have been receiving a BPS information pack in the post containing maps and land details. On this week’s Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan to discuss all you need to know about your basic payment application online form
23 February 2021
Brexit Trade Deal prevents Predicted Drop in Farm Income
A new report by economists at Teagasc published today, 23 February estimates that the average family farm income (FFI) in Ireland may increase by 3 per cent in 2021. Overall, some price inflation for farm inputs will be more than offset by higher prices for some farm outputs. Read more here
23 February 2021
New water protection measures
Under the Nitrates Action Plan and since 1st January 2021 further measures for the protection of water are required. Here, Eamonn Grace, ASSAP Advisor, discusses two important measures worth noting; Exclusion of bovines from watercourses and Location of water troughs away from watercourses
22 February 2021
Nitrogen Use Efficiency
The Environment Edge is Teagasc’s environment podcast focusing on challenges and opportunities in agriculture. In the first episode of The EnvironmentEdge, presenters Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn speak to Dr. David Wall, Teagasc researcher in Johnstown Castle on improving nitrogen use efficiency
22 February 2021
The Calf Show - Preparing your farm and choosing calves
'The Calf Show' is a Teagasc Green Acres Calf To Beef Programme series taking place from Monday, 22 to Thursday, 25 February at 7:30pm each evening, in conjunction with AgriLand. The first episode in 'The Calf Show' series (tonight) focuses on preparing your farm and choosing calves.
22 February 2021
February Grass - Opportunities and Challenges
Grazing grass represents the Irish farmer’s greatest advantage in livestock production. It costs 3 to 4 times less than either silage or meal, stock performance is better and labour input is drastically reduced. Michael Donoghue, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Galway sets out a good spring grazing plan
21 February 2021
Safety Tips when Handling Fertiliser
Fertiliser spreading season is upon us and so health and safety must always be a priority. Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, Francis Bligh, looks at the actions that can be taken to prevent injury when handling fertiliser.
20 February 2021
Safety at calving time
As we enter a busy period on many farms with calving occurring we should always take account of safety. A quarter of Irish farm accidents and one fifth of farm deaths are livestock related. Attacks by recently calved cows are a common cause of such accidents. Enda Geoghegan, Teagasc Advisor has more
19 February 2021
The Signpost Series - Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions – New Zealand’s story
Recently on the Signpost Series Mark Gibson was joined by Dr Sinead Leahy, Deputy Director and Senior Science Advisor with New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre (NZAGRC) to discuss how the farming community in New Zealand are responding to challenges presented by climate change
17 February 2021
Two important Breeding Key Performance Indicators
In recent weeks herds participating in BDGP and in ICBF’s Herdplus have been issued with a 5 Year Trend Report. The report tracks the performance of an individual’s herd on 6 Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) over the last five years. Aidan Murray Teagasc Beef Specialist, examines two of these here
17 February 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 8th February 2021
Calving is over a third of the way through at Newford Farm. Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry, gives an update on progress, details of calving scores, calf weights and sires used. Slurry spreading (LESS) continues while Urea will depend on soil temperature
17 February 2021
How to reduce your fertiliser costs in 2021
If you want to reduce fertiliser bills on your farm, listen to this week’s Beef Edge podcast with Teagasc specialist Mark Plunkett joining Catherine Egan for top tips and advice.
17 February 2021
Let's Talk Cattle Webinar - Early Spring Grassland Management
Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist was joined by John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 on this episode of Let's Talk Cattle which took place on Thursday, 11th February to discuss Early Spring Grassland Management.
16 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 16 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Dairy On - Off grazing; 1,2,3 for Spring N; Protected Urea use at Johnstown Castle; Beef benefits of Spring grazing and webinar details
16 February 2021
Teagasc Mayo Webinar - Farming for a Sustainable Future
Teagasc Mayo is hosting a series of online events consisting of relevant and practical advice for farmers in the Region. This first webinar, on Wednesday 17 February at 8pm, moderated by Brendan Garry, Teagasc will focus on farming for a sustainable future. More details here on speakers and topics
15 February 2021
Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
Are you looking to begin your journey measuring grass with PastureBase Ireland? On this webinar which took place on Thursday, 4th February, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through a step-by-step process of using PastureBase Ireland
13 February 2021
Calving the cow and caring for the newborn calf
Calving the cow and caring for the newborn calf are important tasks on every spring suckler herd in the coming weeks. It is important to manage calvings to reduce problems as much as possible. Vet Tommy Heffernan discussed these important topics on the Beef Edge podcast with Catherine Egan recently
13 February 2021
Environment Newsletter - February 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dates for your diary; Think before you plant a new hedge; Message from ASSAP - Don’t lose any fertiliser you spread; & Message from Signpost Programme - Now is the time for climate action.
12 February 2021
Forestry Workshops: A new forest – getting started
Connect with your local Teagasc forestry advisor by registering for three informal online workshops to learn about starting a new forest. From Monday 15 February through March, landowners can join their local one-hour online workshops with Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department to find out more
12 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Value added food production in the Kerry/Limerick Region
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar, which took place on Tuesday, 2 February, host, Padraig Fitzgerald, Teagasc Kerry/Limerick was joined by Nick Cotter, Cotter Organic Lamb; Kate Carmody, Beal Organic Cheese & John Hassett, Ballyhoura Development CLG to discuss value added food production
10 February 2021
Be Winter-Ready
Although Spring is here we are still experiencing wintry weather with snow and hazardous conditions forecast for the coming days. It is with this in mind that Teagasc advises farmers to be 'winter-ready' and provides some useful tips for farming during severe weather conditions and advance planning
10 February 2021
Breeding performance on the up on Beef Farms
Isn’t it great to see a positive story coming from the suckler herd. In the last six years things have really improved in suckler breeding. On average across all suckler herds calves/cow/year increased, calving interval decreased and more. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist outlines what it's worth
10 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 9 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Images from farmers beginning spring grazing, details of a new Clover Research Programme, sheep farm spring grazing tips & more
10 February 2021
Let's Talk Cattle 2021 February
The second Let's Talk Cattle webinar of 2021 commences on Thursday the 11th of February at 8pm and will focus on Early Spring Grassland Management. John Douglas from the Grass10 team will chat with Alan Dillon on how to ensure earlier turnout, maximise grass use, fertiliser and closing for silage
10 February 2021
The Beef Edge Masterclass with James Madigan
James Madigan, a suckler farmer from Co. Kilkenny, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast for the latest in the show’s Masterclass series.
10 February 2021
Beef Newsletter - February 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Early spring nitrogen; BEAM -5%; Spring rotation planner; Grazing courses 2021; Research update - More space for more weight; & Health & Safety - Review your risk assessment.
09 February 2021
The Signpost Series - Reduction of Methane gas emissions in agriculture
Recently on a Signpost Series webinar from 29 January, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc were joined by Sinéad Waters, Principal Research Officer, Animal & Bio-science Research Department Teagasc, to discuss reducing methane emissions from agriculture
08 February 2021
New Regulations on Farm Roadways & Waters
Mark Treacy, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Clonakilty advises on the New Regulations on Farm Roadways & Waters which have come into effect since 1st January 2021. The new measures aim to further reduce Irish farming’s environmental footprint, with particular regard to water, climate and air quality
06 February 2021
Creating a farm plan that secures your future in farming
Sometimes in order to be successful, a business must reset – Bob McNair. Farmers are a resilient breed - they have faced many challenges over the last few years. Farmers who hope to improve their business must plan. Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell has some advice and guidance
05 February 2021
Virtual Farmyard Tours
Due to COVID lock down restrictions,for farmers currently in the planning stages of building a new milking parlour one of the challenges is not being able to go and visit other farms. In the absence of farm visits Teagasc has started building a library of virtual farm tours on its website. See below
05 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Irish Farmers Connecting to the Grid
On the Farm Business Options Webinar, on Tuesday 26 January, host, Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Teagasc was joined by Grainne Blount, Natural Forces; Tom Marren, Astatine and Rory Mullan, MullanGrid Consulting to discuss the options for Irish farmers connecting to the Grid
04 February 2021
What Milk and Concentrates Should be in the Diet of the Calf?
During Animal Health Ireland & Teagasc Calf Care Virtual Week held recently, Pauline O’Driscoll, Dairy advisor Skibbereen, asked Teagasc Researcher Dr Emer Kennedy & Dr Joe Patton Teagasc Nutritionist to discuss the guidelines for feeding milk and concentrates in the diet of the calf.
04 February 2021
Why not sign up to PastureBase Ireland?
PastureBase Ireland is the number one tool to help Irish dairy, beef, and sheep farmers manage their grass production and utilisation. Additional features are continuously being added to improve the user experience and quality of the information available to the farmer.
03 February 2021
Spring Nitrogen, How much and where?
For a small country we have huge variation in conditions, from Wexford to Donegal, from south to north Wexford and even within our own farms. Therefore we cannot have a one fits all recommendation on fertiliser or grazing for the spring. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist advises on Spring Nitrogen
03 February 2021
The Importance of Knowing the Nutritional Value of Silage
Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Kerry, highlights the importance of knowing the nutritional value of silage and discusses analysis by visual & lab assessment, while Gerard Cregg, Teagasc Roscommon, focuses on the differences in silage quality from grass cut at different times and locations
03 February 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 25th January 2021
Calving has commenced at Newford Farm. Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry, gives an update on progress, highlights the hygiene & disinfection practices on the farm and labour-saving calving tips. Yearling performance is also profiled and LESS was practiced
03 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 2 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Using “On - Off grazing” this February to maximise days at grass; Using a Grass Budget to map out grazing and more
03 February 2021
The key tips for caring for the newborn calf
Calving the suckler cow and caring for the new born calf are important tasks on every spring suckler herd in the coming weeks and for the second in a two-part interview, vet Tommy Heffernan joins Catherine Egan to discuss the key tips for caring for the newborn calf.
02 February 2021
Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
Are you looking to begin your journey measuring grass with PastureBase Ireland? This is the theme of this Grass10 and Pasturebase webinar on Thursday 4th February at 7pm. Join the Grass10 & PastureBase team on a step-by-step process of using PastureBase Ireland. Follow the link to register below.
02 February 2021
Let's Talk Sheep 2021
The Teagasc Drystock Specialists invite you to join them in a new series of Sheep and Cattle webinars for 2021. These are live monthly interactive webinars. The first Let's Talk Sheep is on Thursday 4th February at 8 pm focusing on Reducing Mortality at Lambing Time. Registration details below
01 February 2021
Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm - Pre-Calving 2021
Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager and Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician to the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm give an insight into how the farm is preparing for the 2021 calving season. There are 92 cows to calve down this year on the farm and are all in-calf to 5 star terminal bulls.
31 January 2021
2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards Ceremony Webinar
On Tuesday, 19 January, the Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards Ceremony took place as a live webinar. During this live webinar, the 15 finalists were profiled and winners of each category along with the overall winner were announced.
30 January 2021
Teagasc re-introduce COVID-19 telephone helpline for farmers
Teagasc have confirmed today Friday, 29 January that the telephone helpline to assist with queries in relation to COVID-19 issues is re-opening for all farmers. The helpline 076 1113533 is open to all farmers Monday to Friday.
29 January 2021
Teagasc Online Slurry Spreader Calibration Calculator
Many farmers will use Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) methods such as a dribble bar, for the first time in place of the traditional splash plate. When using a new application method it's important to apply the slurry accurately as Francis Quigley, Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist explains
28 January 2021
Calving time is here- prepare your farm
Feeding pregnant heifers and cows the majority of their daily ration as late as possible in the evening has been shown to minimise the number of animals calving at night and is increasingly becoming common practice in many suckler herds. Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist has more calving tips.
28 January 2021
Lessons learned from BEEP-S
Having made the effort to weigh the cow and her calf for BEEP-S it’s now time to study and analyse the results. Which cows and sires are giving the best performance for your farming system? Tom Coll, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Donegal, looks at how future breeding decisions can improve profitability
27 January 2021
Care of the Purchased Dairy Beef Calf - Webinar
Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist was joined by Suzanne Naughton, a vet with MSD on this episode of Let's Talk Cattle which took place on Thursday, 14th January to focus on the care of the purchased dairy beef calf.
27 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 26 January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; completing a Spring rotation planner; upcoming webinar “Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland" & Spring Nitrogen Action Plan
27 January 2021
Top Tips from Tommy the Vet on Calving the Suckler Cow
Calving the suckler cow and caring for the new born calf are important tasks on every spring suckler herd in the coming weeks. Vet Tommy Heffernan joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast for a two-part interview to discuss these important topics in detail.
26 January 2021
Farming for Water Quality
The prohibited period when slurry, FYM and fertiliser spreading is not allowed to be spread will come to an end after the 31st January for all farms. Zone C: Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan & Monaghan, have the longest closed period. Ivan Kelly, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc, Galway/Clare talks on water quality
25 January 2021
CALFCARE VIRTUAL WEEK Day 4
In the past week Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc ran their joint annual series of CalfCare events. This time, going virtual and covering a wider range of topics relating to calf health. The events included a combination of webinars, videos and podcasts as outlined here (Day 4 below)
24 January 2021
CALFCARE VIRTUAL WEEK Day 3
In the past week Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc ran their joint annual series of CalfCare events. This time, going virtual and covering a wider range of topics relating to calf health. The events included a combination of webinars, videos and podcasts as outlined here (Day 3 below)
23 January 2021
CALFCARE VIRTUAL WEEK Day 2
In the past week Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc ran their joint annual series of CalfCare events. This time, going virtual and covering a wider range of topics relating to calf health. The events included a combination of webinars, videos and podcasts as outlined here (Day 2 below)
22 January 2021
CALFCARE VIRTUAL WEEK Day 1
For the past four days Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc ran their joint annual series of CalfCare events. This time, going virtual and covering a wider range of topics relating to calf health. The events included a combination of webinars, videos and podcasts as outlined here (Day 1 below)
21 January 2021
Teagasc highlight Farm Diversification Opportunities
Farm Diversification is the establishment of a new enterprise on farm. It usually refers to a non-agricultural or novel enterprise. Many farmers and rural dwellers are interested in diversifying their farm enterprise. Teagasc has a suite of 79 Farm Diversification Factsheets and videos to help
21 January 2021
What milk and concentrates should be in the diet of the calf?
As part of the Animal Health Ireland & Teagasc Calf Care Virtual Week Teagasc researcher Emer Kennedy & Joe Patton Teagasc nutritionist join Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the guidelines for feeding milk and concentrates in the diet of the calf. The detail is outlined below.
20 January 2021
Grass10 Report 2017 - 2020 published
In 2017, Teagasc launched a multi-year Grass10 campaign (four years, 2017-2020) to promote sustainable grassland excellence on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep). The Grass10 Report 2017 - 2020 now published sums up the objectives of Grass10 and the progress made in developments to date
20 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 19th January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Winner Caroline Walsh, and all the other category winners; details of upcoming webinar on "Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland" and catch up on January's "Win-win" webinar
20 January 2021
What milk and concentrates should be in the diet of the calf?
As part of the Animal Health Ireland & Teagasc Calf Care Virtual Week, Teagasc researcher Emer Kennedy & Joe Patton, Teagasc nutritionist, join Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss the guidelines for feeding milk and concentrates in the diet of the calf.
19 January 2021
Caroline Walsh - Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Caroline Walsh is Overall Winner and Dairy Award Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 competition. Caroline farms in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork milking about 70 cows on a 20 ha milking platform. The awards reward the country's top grassland farmers by category, enterprise and merit awards
19 January 2021
Creating a Win-Win for Farmer and Environment using PastureBase - Webinar
On this webinar, which took place on Wednesday, 13th January, the PastureBase Ireland and Teagasc Grass10 team were joined by Teagasc Soil Researcher David Wall, to discuss increased nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and special guest dairy farmer Kevin Moran, on recording soil fertility on PastureBase
19 January 2021
Today's Farm - January/February 2021
The January/February edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on grass, covering topics such as getting ready for grass; Newford Herd makes gains on grass; why paddocks = profit and more.
18 January 2021
David Brady - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
David Brady is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. David milks 100 cows on his farm near Stradone, Co. Cavan. In 2020 the farm grew 13 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
16 January 2021
CALFCARE VIRTUAL WEEK - 18th to 21st January 2021
Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc are working together to run their annual series of CalfCare events. This time, going virtual and covering a wider range of topics relating to calf health. CalfCare Virtual Week runs from Monday, 18th until Thursday, 21st January 2021
15 January 2021
John Galvin - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
John Galvin is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. John Galvin farms near Dunmanway, Co. Cork and milks just over 100 cows. John’s farm grew 14.7 T DM/Ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
15 January 2021
Pat Collins - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Pat Collins is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Pat runs a dairy calf to beef enterprise as well as tillage on the farm. In 2020, Pat’s farm grew over 15 T DM/ha.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
15 January 2021
Shane Kinsella - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Shane Kinsella is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming near Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, Shane milks 88 cows. Shane grew 16.9 T DM/ha in 2020.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
Peter McGuinness - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition, Peter McGuinness is a tillage and sheep farmer from Trim, Co. Meath. Peter is a member of the Grass10 Meath Drystock Grass Course. In 2020 he grew 13.7 T DM/ha. Join the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, January 19th at 2pm to see the winner!
14 January 2021
JP Hammersley - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
JP Hammersley is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. JP runs a dairy calf to beef farm near Lattin, Co. Tipperary. In 2020, JP’s farm grew 10 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
Thomas Hogan - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Thomas Hogan is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Thomas runs a 60-cow suckler-to-store operation outside Nenagh in Co. Tipperary. Thomas grew 12.5 T DM/ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
The importance of taking a proper soil sample
The principle of soil analysis is to determine the average nutrient status of an area and to show the available nutrients in the soil. Once known you can then apply nutrients to bring your soils to optimum fertility. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises on proper soil sampling below
14 January 2021
Body Condition Scoring and Minerals Vital Pre-Calving
Keith Fahy, Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare outlines and recommends body condition scoring of suckler cows in the run up to calving. As minerals in silage can vary, Keith also stresses the importance of feeding minerals 4 to 6 weeks prior to calving to benefit both cow and calf health.
13 January 2021
Let's Talk Cattle 2021
The Teagasc Drystock Specialists invite you to join them in a new series of Cattle and Sheep webinars for 2021. These are live monthly interactive webinars. The first is Let's Talk Cattle on Thursday 14th January at 8 pm focusing on Care of the Purchased Dairy Beef Calf. Registration details below
13 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 12th January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Aine Murray, Teagasc Moorepark details the results of her trial work comparing Protected UREA to CAN & UREA; Key factors to consider when aiming to get a high response to early Spring nitrogen; & upcoming events
13 January 2021
Next Few Months Critical to Spring Fertility
Getting management of the suckler cow right in the January to April period will be critical in determining the success of the 2021 breeding season. Most Spring calving suckler cows are either just freshly calved or will calve in the next 8-12 weeks. Aidan Murray Beef Specialist has all the advice
13 January 2021
What does the Brexit deal mean for the Irish Beef Sector?
After years of uncertainty since the Brexit referendum in 2016, a deal on the future relations between the European Union and the UK has finally been sealed. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy & Development, Teagasc, outlines what this means
13 January 2021
Beef Newsletter - January 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: 15 steps to prepare for calving season; Has your winter housing dose worked?; BDGP extended for one year; Research update - High prevalence of liver fluke in 2020; Health & Safety and more.
12 January 2021
BDGP closing date looms
Friday 15th January is the closing date for suckler farmers to sign up to an extra year in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP). Brendan Garry, Teagasc Advisor Mayo, summarises the main points and reminds farmers not to delay in applying for 2021 via Agfood or by responding to the DAFM text
11 January 2021
Using PastureBase to Benefit the Farmer & the Environment
Creating a Win–Win Scenario for the Farmer & the Environment using PastureBase Ireland by reducing fertiliser costs and increasing nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This is the theme of this Grass10 and Pasturebase webinar on Wednesday 13th January at 7pm. Follow the link to register below.
11 January 2021
Preventing Deaths with Slurry
The Slurry Spreading season commences in many parts of the Country after the 12th January. With 10% of deaths being slurry-related in the 10 year period to 2020, John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists discuss the dangers and prevention of deaths with slurry
11 January 2021
Complete the Profit Monitor now
Early January is a great time to reflect on the year gone by and prepare a Profit Monitor. The Profit Monitor will look at the financial performance of your business in detail. Specialist George Ramsbottom outlines the benefits and process.
10 January 2021
Getting farm safety culture right
In 2020 19 farm workplace deaths took place on Irish farms.This compares with an annual average of about 20 per year over the last decade. Farm workplace injuries are particularly associated with tractors and machinery, livestock, falls from heights and objects falling as John McNamara points out.
10 January 2021
Farmers are rapidly upskilling in Information Technology
Charlie Devaney Teagasc Advisor Roscommon, encourages all farmers not to be afraid of change, to embrace technology and discover the benefits of accessing information and meetings online. Farmers and advisors alike are adapting to IT which has been accelerated through the Covid-19 lock-downs.
10 January 2021
Hemp for a Sustainable Future – Teagasc award at BTYSTE 2021 announced
Cian Walsh, a transition year student at St. Brogan's College, Kilbrogan, Bandon, Co. Cork, is the winner of the Teagasc award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2021 (BTYSTE). Cian’s project looked at the social, economic and environmental benefits and drawbacks of growing hemp
09 January 2021
TResearch Winter 2020
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Winter edition of TResearch has a special feature on Walsh Scholars 2020; Potato Blight; Acoustic sensors for monitoring dairy processes and more.
08 January 2021
5 Steps to taking a soil sample
Here in just five easy steps Edward Egan & Tara Heaney, Teagasc Meath Advisors, take us through the process of taking a soil sample correctly in order to get a reliable soil result.
07 January 2021
Teagasc at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE 2021)
Visit the Teagasc virtual stand in the ‘World of Science and Technology’ at BTYSTE 2021, taking place each day from 6th - 8th January at 9 am - 5.30pm. Find out more about the Teagasc prize that is awarded each year to an agricultural or food related project.
06 January 2021
Stay positive in January and get work done
Happy New year to you all. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist, encourages a positive outlook for January and focuses on 10 jobs to be undertaken now to get ahead on the beef farm, from vaccinations to calving preparations, farm repairs to profit monitors, weighing, soil sampling and more.
06 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 5th January 2021
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: William Burchill from the Teagasc/Dairygold joint programme looks at the cost effectiveness of LESS; Typical nitrogen values for slurry; Information on upcoming virtual events taking place in January.
06 January 2021
How did the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm cattle perform at finishing in 2020?
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician on the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge podcast with a review of the farm in 2020.
02 January 2021
Aim for Zero Farm Accidents in 2021
Aim for Zero farm accidents every day in 2021. An accident causes tragedy and leads to tragedy, pain and suffering, and possibly lifelong disability. It is in everyone’s best interests to put time and effort into preventing accidents.This is the message from John McNamara Health & Safety Specialist
01 January 2021
Have you listened to the Beef Edge Podcast?
Podcasts are free audio shows that anyone with an iPhone, Android or computer can listen to. The Beef Edge podcast is celebrating its 1st Anniversary. Presented by Teagasc Beef Specialist Catherine Egan, the podcast covers the latest news, information and advice to improve your beef farm performance
31 December 2020
Throwback to Virtual Beef Week 2020
In this special Christmas review of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week 2020, you can now catch up on all of the highlights of the 5 days in July. It covers the latest research and advice on suckler beef, dairy calf to beef, sustainable beef production, grassland management and the beef sector challenges.
30 December 2020
What is the best practice vaccination protocols for suckler cows pre-calving?
Calf diarrhoea and calf pneumonia are the leading causes of death in Irish calves pre-weaning. Vet Doreen Corridan joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to explain why vaccinations should be used.
29 December 2020
Outlook 2021 Conference (Webinar)
Outlook 2021 Conference took place virtually this year on Tuesday, 1st December. This webinar included details on farm financials across all the major farming systems in Ireland, including output and input prices and agricultural income.
28 December 2020
New Nitrogen report published at Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference
A new report: ‘Review of the Influence of Nitrogen Application Rate, Soil Type and Agroclimate Location on Grass Production, Feed Budget, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Farm Profitability’ was published by Teagasc at this year’s Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference in November. See it here again below
26 December 2020
Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021 Webinar
The PastureBase and Grass10 team hosted an online webinar on Wednesday, 9 December to discuss achieving grazing excellence in 2021. The panel were also joined by Tipperary dairy farmer and Grass10 Carrick-on-Suir course member Jim White who outlined his PastureBase data for this year.
25 December 2020
Gaining Wellness around Christmas Time
The year gone by has been like no other in terms of the challenge of keeping COVID-19 at bay. The holiday period at Christmas time presents a time to relax and gain ‘Wellness’ so ‘batteries can be recharged’ for the year ahead. John McNAmara Health & Safety Specialist has Wellness pointers for all
23 December 2020
What does the extension of GLAS 1, GLAS 2 & BDGP 1 mean for me?
Teagasc Beef Specialist Alan Dillon & Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist Catherine Keena join Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge Podcast to explain more about the GLAS 1, GLAS 2 & BDGP 1 schemes.
23 December 2020
BDGP Extended - what you need to know
The BDGP scheme has been extended for one year – what do you need to know? It is an extension to the previous scheme, therefore you must have been a participant in BDGP1 to apply. Two requirements are necessary to avail of extension by closing date on 15th of January. Martina Harrington has details
22 December 2020
Keep safe during the Christmas break
Francis Bligh Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, has some important advice for farmers in keeping safe during the Christmas break. Read about farmyard safety, creating a safe place on the farm for children, dealing with the cold weather, frozen pipes, lighting, farm animals, machinery and more here
19 December 2020
Environment Newsletter - December 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Hedges – rules and regulations; Know your derogation commitments & Message from ASSAP - How hedges protect water quality.
17 December 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15 December 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including:Time to assess your soil fertility over December/early January; Make Protected Urea your fertiliser of choice in 2021; “Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021” webinar summary and Joining a Grass10 Grazing course
16 December 2020
2027 Sectoral Road Map: Beef
A new Teagasc 2027 Sectoral Road Map for Beef was published on Tuesday, 8 December 2020. It includes: Market and policy issues; Potential shape and size of sector in 2027; Environmental & land use implications; Technical performance indicators and Research & technology transfer actions.
16 December 2020
What do I need to feed my suckler cows in the coming weeks?
Every year at calving there is high risk of health problems. These include low calcium status, dystocia, retained placenta, low milk performance and delayed cyclicity. Catherine Egan and Joe Patton Teagasc how to manage your suckler cow’s nutrition in the crucial week’s pre calving.
16 December 2020
What do I need to feed my suckler cows in the coming weeks?
Do you have a spring calving suckler herd? Then you need to hear what Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton has to say in advance of spring calving season 2021 to find out how to manage your suckler cows' nutrition in the crucial weeks pre and post-calving.
16 December 2020
Beef Newsletter - December 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Lice management of housed cattle; Research update - Growth in focus; Calf weights 2020 & The Beef Edge Podcast.
15 December 2020
BEAM Scheme Scenarios
Introduced in 2019 to provide compensation to beef farmers for market price cuts, the BEAM scheme offered a payment in return for a 5% reduction in cattle organic nitrogen over 12 months. Colm Kelly, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare presents some BEAM scenarios he has encountered to date
09 December 2020
TB in cattle and what you need to know
Just over 3% of herds in Ireland will go down with TB in any given year and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by Philip Breslin, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine to discuss all things related to bovine TB
08 December 2020
Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021 Webinar
Do you understand and capitalise on your PastureBase farm reports? In this online webinar, the PastureBase and Grass10 team will be joined by dairy farmer & Grass10 course member Jim White to review and analyse Jim’s reports. Essential for any farmer wanting to achieve grazing excellence in 2021
06 December 2020
Virtual Beef Conference 2020 - Day 3: Irish grass fed beef
Exploiting the full potential of Irish grass fed beef is the theme of Day 3 of the Virtual Beef Conference 2020, held at 8pm Thursday 3rd December. The last of three nights of webinars featured presentations by Dr. Edward O’Riordan & Dr. Aidan Moloney, Teagasc, Grange and Padraig Brennan, Bord Bia
05 December 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Chemical Quality Indicators
Soil health emphasises the soil biological community as a key driver of soils capacity to deliver multiple functions. Researcher Karen Daly tells us about chemical indicators that can be used to assess the health of our soils.
05 December 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Physical Quality Indicators
Soil health is described as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals & humans. Researchers investigated different types of soil physical indicators. Teagasc Researchers Owen Fenton, Dermot Forristal & Giulia Bondi give more information.
05 December 2020
World Soil Day
World Soil Day is marked on 5 December each year as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to promote sustainable soil management. Find out more about World Soil Day and the work being carried out within the Soil Programme in Teagasc.
04 December 2020
Virtual Beef Conference 2020 - Day 2: Improving beef health and welfare
Improving Beef health and welfare is the theme of Day 2 of the Virtual Beef Conference 2020, held at 8pm Wednesday 2nd December. The second of three nights of webinars featured presentations by Dr. Bernadette Earley from Teagasc Grange and Dr. Doreen Corridan from Munster Bovine
04 December 2020
Newford Farm Winter finishing of Beef Bullocks and Sales 2020
Iarlaith Collins, farm manager & Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry give us a brief update on the beef bullocks sales on which 3 of them were finished off grass with no meal, and a further 8 were finished off grass with meal.
03 December 2020
Virtual Beef Conference 2020 - Day 1 Achieving target performance
Achieving target performance for weanlings during their first winter is theme of Day 1 of the Virtual Beef Conference 2020, held at 8pm Tuesday 1st December. The first of three nights of webinars featured presentations by Mark McGee, Teagasc Grange and Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist
03 December 2020
New rules for farm roadways in 2021
New requirements on farmers to prevent direct runoff of soiled water from farm roadways from 1st January 2021 are published. Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor has more information as part of the Teagasc Waterford/Kilkenny Sustainability Series.
03 December 2020
Winter finishing gets underway in Co. Westmeath
Irvine Allen farms just outside Moate, Co. Westmeath, and has been a participant in the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme since the spring of 2019. The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef team; James Fitzgerald and Sean Cummins outline Irvine's winter finishing plans
03 December 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1 December 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; walk your farm this week and establish closing Average Farm Cover; and an update on the current grass - clover trials taking place on the Clonakilty Research Farm.
02 December 2020
Body Condition Score of Spring calving suckler herds- Time to assess!
In the next 8 weeks a large number of spring calving suckler cows will be coming close to start of calving. In most cases, as seen from national data, calving spread of suckler herds is spread out over many months. Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist, plans to ensure body condition score (BCS) is on target
02 December 2020
Newford Notes - Week of 23rd November 2020
Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry, gives an update on Autumn Farm Sales 2020 as nine more beef cattle were slaughtered. He has a summary of the feed and management of the various animal groups on farm. All cattle were clipped and plastic was recycled.
02 December 2020
How to manage winter fodder crops on your farm
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by suckler farmer Michael Flynn from county Waterford to discuss his beef farm system and to find out how he is managing winter fodder crops on his farm at this time of year.
01 December 2020
Feed the animal not the Parasites!
During Housing is an ideal time to free the animals from liver fluke, stomach & lung worms. Animals can only pick up infection from grazing pastures and the infective stage cannot survive on hay or silage. Michael Conroy Teagasc Advisor Roscommon gives insight into these internal parasites and lice
30 November 2020
TB Forgotten but not gone!
TB is a chronic, highly infectious disease of cattle caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis which also can infect and cause disease in many other mammals including humans, deer, goats, pigs, cats and dogs. Ciaran Beatty Teagasc Drystock Advisor, Castlerea advises on preventing TB on farm
30 November 2020
The FarmDemo Training Kit has been updated
A unique collaboration between three European H2020 projects, AgriDemo-F2F, PLAID and NEFERTITI, resulted in the development of the FarmDemo Training kit for the organization of farm demonstration events. John Moriarty Advisor on the NEFERTITI and NEWBIE EU H2020 projects has the information
29 November 2020
Visual assessment of silage quality
Pay Moylan, Teagasc Kilkenny outlines three simple ways in which farmers can analyse silage visually at the silage pit phase. These are looking at the colour & smell; how you assess dry matter and most importantly dry matter digestibility (DMD).
28 November 2020
Sustainable Beef Farming in Europe – Policy and Practice
Beef industry stakeholders all over Europe are invited to attend the first trans-national meeting of BovINE – the first and only EU-funded Beef Innovation Network – to focus on improving sustainability across the sector. BovINE’s online meeting takes place on Tuesday 1st December
27 November 2020
Teagasc National Beef Conference goes virtual
This year’s Teagasc National Beef Conference moves online with a series of three virtual events to take place across three days, on Tuesday 1st, Wednesday 2nd, and Thursday 3rd December at 8pm each day. The focus is on winter nutrition, animal health and beef markets while improving sustainability.
26 November 2020
Outlook 2021 Virtual Conference
Outlook 2021 Conference takes place virtually this year on Tuesday, 1st December at 9:30am. This webinar is relevant to farm representative organisations, food businesses and representative bodies, financial institutions, academics, policy makers and farmers.
25 November 2020
What does your local regional veterinary laboratory do?
The 2020 Animal Health Awareness Week organised by DAFM is taking place this week from 23rd-28th November. On this week’s Beef Edge Podcast, Mícheál Casey, Head of DAFM Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVL) gives an insight into the many services they provide to farmers.
25 November 2020
Respiratory Diseases- Better to prevent than to cure
Respiratory diseases without doubt cause more deaths in young growing cattle in this country than any other disease. The most common respiratory diseases in housed cattle are the different forms of pneumonia. Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock, details why prevention is better than cure
25 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 24 November 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Walk your farm & measure grass this week; interpreting your PastureBase reports for 2020 & a research update from Philip Creighton in the Sheep Demonstration Farm in Athenry.
23 November 2020
Improving Performance on Beef & Sheep Farms this Winter
Teagasc Mayo Advisors invite you to join this Interactive Webinar series “Improving Performance on Beef & Sheep Farms this Winter.” The Beef webinar takes place tonight (Monday 23rd Nov) at 8pm and the Sheep webinar on Wednesday night at 8pm. Webinar details and how to join are outlined below
20 November 2020
Transferring the Family Farm Online Event
Transferring the family farm is a business transaction with complex issues to address. An online seminar on farm succession with Teagasc Farm Management Specialists was held to help farm families with this process. It covered all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan
19 November 2020
Housing Requirements for Suckler, Finisher & Weanlings
When you're housing cattle make sure you get the basics. This will maximise health & performance. There are a number of factors that have to work well together. David Argue, Teagasc Meath has more information.
18 November 2020
Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Awards 2019 - We have a winner!
Enda Farrell of Co. Longford, is the 2019 Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year. The announcement was made at an online virtual awards ceremony on Monday. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, congratulated Enda Farrell and all finalists, wishing them well in their careers
18 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 17 November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Grazing coming to an end on most farms for 2020; Interpreting your PastureBase reports for 2020 and an update on the Winter milk trials in Johnstown Castle.
18 November 2020
The Embrace Farm Accident Support Network and how it can help
From 2010 - 2019, 214 farmers lost their lives through a farming accident. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, founding member of Embrace FARM (Farm Accident Support Network) Norma Rohan outlines the services it offers.
17 November 2020
Green Acres Factsheet -Silage quality and concentrate supplementation
Grass silage is an important winter feed in calf-to-beef systems. Balancing this forage with the correct quantity/quality of concentrate is key to achieving desired winter weight gains. The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef team has published a Fact Sheet on the silage quality and concentrates topic
16 November 2020
Newford Notes - Week of 9th November 2020
The suckler cows at Newford had an extended month at grass in 2020 compared to previous years. Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry, gives an update on Autumn Farm Sales 2020 and a summary of the feed and management of the various animal groups on farm.
14 November 2020
Transferring the Family Farm Online Event
Join us on Tuesday, 17 November at 7:30pm for a short seminar on farm succession, led by Teagasc Farm Management Specialists followed by an opportunity to submit your questions to them privately and have them answered on a one to one basis.
14 November 2020
Today's Farm - October/November 2020
The November/December edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on the environment, covering topics such as the Teagasc Biodiversity Management Practice Index (BMPI); How to reduce energy consumption on your dairy farm; farm roadways and more.
12 November 2020
Suckling or Calf to Beef: Which system is more profitable?
Tom Coll, Drystock Advisor, poses the question 'Suckling or Calf to Beef which system is more profitable?'. When comparing calf to beef and suckling to beef systems it is true to say that there are probably bigger differences in profitability within the same farming system than between systems.
11 November 2020
Winter finishing- weight targets and fat covers
The winter period is a time where expenses rise dramatically and returns can be variable at best. In most cases, stores will be housed at this stage with the target of slaughtering in 70-120 days depending on the category of stock to be slaughtered. Alan Dillon, Cattle Specialist tells us more.
11 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 10 November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Closing paddocks on time as we look forward to spring grazing; Grass quality results from the clover trial in Clonakilty; Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme update & more.
11 November 2020
The Farm Systems and Courses on Offer at Gurteen College
Gurteen College Beef Lecturer, Peter Grogan, and Drystock Farm Manager, Gerard Carey, give an overview of Gurteen College, the farm systems operated and what it has to offer students on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast with Catherine Egan Teagasc Beef Specialist.
10 November 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Last grazing
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland targets as the grazing season comes to a close. They share the last grazing plans of two of the programmes farmers; Michael Culhane and Ciaran Bartley
08 November 2020
Winter Management of dairy beef cattle groups
Vincent Ronayne, Drystock Advisor, discusses the winter management of the two primary types of stock on the dairy-beef finishing farm: the young stock from 2020 and the stock facing their finishing winter period. He outlines the separate and different treatments required for housing and feeding
08 November 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report 2019 Webinar
The Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report 2019 Webinar took place on Tuesday, 3 November 2020. It provided an overview of the latest Sustainability Assessment for Irish Agriculture, including outcomes for 2019.
07 November 2020
Festival of Farming and Food – SFI Science Week at Teagasc 2020
Join Teagasc for a series of exciting virtual events for Science Week (November 8-15) as part of ‘The Festival of Farming and Food – SFI Science Week at Teagasc’. The theme for Science Week 2020 is ‘Choosing our Future’; focusing on how science can improve our lives in the future and in the present.
06 November 2020
Newford Notes - Week of 2nd November 2020
All the beef animals at Newford Farm have now been housed. Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives the latest update of heifer slaughter details together with feeding programmes and recent weights of the remaining beef bullocks, heifers and weanlings.
06 November 2020
The Signpost Series - Animal breeding a cumulative & permanent strategy to environmental stewardship
In this episode of The Signpost Series of Sustainable Agricultural Webinars, Donagh Berry, Centre Director of VistaMilk, Teagasc speaks about using animal breeding as a cumulative and permanent strategy to environmental stewardship
04 November 2020
Beef Newsletter - November 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Closing up paddocks until spring; drafting dairy-bred steers off grass; The Beef Edge podcast; Research Update - Performance evaluation; and controlling fluke effectively.
04 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week, advice on Average Farm Cover and managing grass availability now for Spring grazing, the benefits of liming now, details of Aidan Maguire's Autumn Rotation Planner and LESS application in Spring
04 November 2020
The complicated story of fluke
Animals develop immunity to lungworms and gut worms, but do not develop immunity to fluke so they always need to be considered when housing all classes of cattle. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Cattle Specialist & Dr. Orla Keane, Teagasc Researcher have more information on fluke and how to prevent it.
04 November 2020
What ration do I need to feed?
With consistent rainfall over the past ten days, a lot of cattle have been housed around the country. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton outlines a number of factors farmers should now consider at housing.
03 November 2020
Webinars for Farmers Sligo Leitrim Donegal
Starting tonight and running over the following 6 Tuesdays, Teagasc Advisers in Sligo, Letrim and Donegal are hosting a series of one-hour zoom webinars for farmers on a range of relevant topics. Facilitated by Cian Condon, Advisor, the webinars and access details are outlined below
03 November 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Grazing Wind-down
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on wet weather grazing and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Pat Collins and Irvine Allen
02 November 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report - 2019 Webinar
Sustainability is at the core of Agricultural Policy both in Ireland and in the European Union. Join Teagasc researchers to learn about the Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability of Irish Agriculture, including outcomes for 2019.
02 November 2020
Newford Farm Beef Heifers Update
There were 59 beef heifers on Newford farm to be slaughtered this year and all of these heifers were sired by 5 star terminal bulls. The first 2 heifers were sold off grass with no meals fed, on the 16th of July at 17 months of age. Michael Fagan gives an update on the heifers in the herd.
02 November 2020
The Three Priorities of Autumn Grazing
Micheál O’Leary joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give targeted advice based on the level of grass on farm as we approach the housed period. Micheál emphasises the three priorities of autumn grazing: feed the cow, hit grazing residuals and avoid doing damage
02 November 2020
Reducing nutrient losses and fertiliser use
TEAGASC researchers have spent many years looking at alternative nutrient sources to reduce chemical fertiliser demand on farms. Researchers David Wall and Patrick Forrestal give information on this research and what it could mean for farmers.
31 October 2020
On the path to biodiversity recovery
The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 has proposed a number of challenging targets that will inform policy, practice and research for the coming decades. Researchers John Finn and Daire Ó hUallacháin go through some that are relevant to agriculture
30 October 2020
Dairy calf to beef systems research update Teagasc Grange
The current research focus is to compare the performance of three DAIRY-BEEF genetic groups. These groups consist of male Holstein Friesian (HF) and two Angus (AAX) groups. Researcher Nicky Byrne gives an update on the herd and some recent performance figures.
30 October 2020
EU Green Deal for a climate- neutral Europe
The EU Green Deal is the big initiative of the recently installed EU Commission. Led by Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen it has the overall aim of making Europe a climate-neutral continent by 2050. Articles on the main aspects of the Green Deal will be published here on Teagasc Daily.
29 October 2020
Combating anthelmintic resistance on calf-to-beef farms
Stomach worms and lungworm are two of the main internal parasites that affect calf-to-beef animals during their first grazing season and have the potential to significantly reduce thrive. The Teagasc Green Acres team have produced an excellent factsheet on Combating anthelmintic resistance.
28 October 2020
Understanding the Silage Test Results
Silage will form the staple diet of cattle for up to 6 months. It is important to know its’ exact feed quality. Visual assessment is not adequate when it comes to determining the quality of your silage - get it analysed. Teagasc advisor Sinead Devaney has advice on understanding silage testing.
28 October 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter October 27th
The Grass10 team give a number of grass related updates including: PastureBase data for the week. There' sinformation on autumn closing targets, wet weather grazing tips and pottasium (K) offtakes. Researcher Nicky Byrne gives an uipdate on the dairy calf-to-beef trial in Teagasc Grange.
28 October 2020
The Beef Edge Masterclass Series: JP Hammersley’s Dairy Calf to Steer System
In this second of a regular monthly 'Beef Edge Masterclass’ series from expert farmers on the Beef Edge podcast, Catherine Egan is joined by JP Hammersley a farmer in Lattin, Co. Tipperary.
27 October 2020
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders ( MSDs) among Farmers in Ireland - Webinar
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious cause for concern for farmers. Research found that 57% of farmers lost full time workdays, with over 22% losing 15 days or more. Join the webinar on Thursday, 29th October to get advice and information on prevention of MSDs
26 October 2020
GrowthWatch - Green Acres Calf to Beef
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on wet weather grazing management and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the participant farmers; Peter Byrne and JP Hammersley
25 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar: Steps towards an on farm diversification
The second webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 20 October. Host Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist was joined by Allen McAdam, CEO, MCA Consulting to discuss the steps towards an on farm diversification.
24 October 2020
Don’t be Nice to Lice this Winter
When controlling parasites at housing one that should not be overlooked is lice! This is the advice from Aidan Murray, Beef Specialist. Once cattle come into sheds the conditions for both biting and sucking lice to flourish, improve.
23 October 2020
Pre-Housing Review and Silage Testing
Mícheál Kelly, B&T Drystock Advisor carries out a pre-housing review of the cattle shed including feed barriers, water troughs, slats and ventilation. Checking these now can prevent a costly mistake later. He also recommends silage testing now; another task which will save money in the long run.
22 October 2020
Newford Notes - Week of 12th October 2020
Michael Fagan,Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives a detailed update. The weight, grading and performance of the batch of finished beef heifers is discussed,remaining heifers and weanlings are at grass, bullocks housed and plans for the week ahead are outlined
22 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 20 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week; tips on grazing during wet weather; grazing when silage in the diet; monitoring autumn rotation plan; Autumn closing plan – Sean & Pat Barry, heavy soils update & Moorepark clover trial update.
21 October 2020
Cattle Budgets 2020 - Too many Unknowns gives Cause for Concern
Teagasc annually produces a set of beef budgets dealing with a number of finishing scenarios. No two farms are the same in terms of input costs, management, stocking rates or fixed costs. With that in mind Aidan Murray, Beef Specialist says each individual should really do their own specific budgets
21 October 2020
How is your Autumn Rotation Planner progressing?
As we near the end of October, we want to check in with our Autumn Rotation Planner. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist goes through the targets & reasons why hitting these targets are so important. If you haven’t a plan made already, it may not be too late but you need to act now.
21 October 2020
Building Up Your Mental Resilience in These Times
In light of the Covid-19 restrictions, Dr. Noel Richardson, Director of the National Centre for Men’s Health, IT Carlow, has some tips on mental and physical well-being on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast.
21 October 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Aidan Maguire and Richard Long
19 October 2020
Identifying Irish beef farmers’ challenges and sharing solutions from across Europe
BovINE will hold its first Irish National Beef Event at 8pm tomorrow, 20 October. BovINE network links farmers, advisors, researchers, & all other relevant stakeholders, across 9 EU member states, to stimulate exchange of knowledge & ideas to address solutions to the challenges faced by the sector.
19 October 2020
Making Life Easier on the Farm
Andy Ryder, drystock advisor, says handling facilities are often overlooked as farms are developed. Labour on most farms is limited to the farmer and help from family members. Therefore, handling of animals requires good facilities that enables one person to complete the necessary routine tasks
18 October 2020
BDGP – Female Replacement Strategy – Deadline 31st October 2020
Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist, reminds suckler farmers in BDGP that they have only a fortnight left to the deadline to meet the 50% female replacement strategy. Under this measure farmers who signed up to the BDGP scheme almost 6 years ago have to have 50% of their reference number by Oct 31st
16 October 2020
Working Towards Positive Mental Health
Over the last number of months, farming has been challenging. COVID-19 has made the normal demands of farming even more difficult which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists have some advice on Positive Mental Health.
14 October 2020
How to make the most out of weighing
Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist, focuses on the importance of weighing to ensure replacement heifers are on target for weight at mating and calving down at 24 months. She takes a look at the many benefits of weighing, and knowing cow weights, for the suckler farmer.
14 October 2020
Dairy Beef WebEx Event 2 - 15th October 2020
The second joint CAFRE/Teagasc dairy calf to beef WebEx event takes place on Thursday, 15th October at 7:30pm. It will focus on the CAFRE dairy beef KT project winter feeding regime & there will be an opportunity to hear about the research carried out by Teagasc in relation to dairy beef production.
14 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 13 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips on the paddocks to close throughout October; holding onto AFC; Autumn checklist for farmers; Autumn closing plan for John O’Connell, Sheep GFOY Winner and more.
14 October 2020
Effective Parasite Control at Housing
Martina Harrington joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of parasite control at housing.
13 October 2020
Management of Weanlings over the Winter
Donal McCabe, Drystock advisor focuses on the factors which should be considered this winter to achieve a margin from weanlings. These include concentrates, ventilation and the supply of clean water.
11 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar Series
A new weekly Teagasc webinar called ‘Farm Business Options’ will feature news, views and interviews on current topics relevant to farm business diversification in Irish Agriculture. Farm Business Options will be broadcast live from 11am to 12noon every Tuesday from October 13th 2020.
11 October 2020
Newford Notes
All weaning is now completed on the Newford farm. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives a detailed update. Weanling weights and performance is discussed, silage results are available and he outlines the plans for the weeks ahead.
09 October 2020
Stress free weaning sucklers on Newford Farm
Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager on the Newford Suckler demonstration farm in Athenry Co Galway gives us a brief update on the pre weaning process and explains how they aim to reduce stress during the weaning process on both the cow and calf.
08 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Tips on the paddocks to close throughout October, Autumn checklist for farmers, closing plan for dairy calf to beef farmer Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath and Autumn grazing research study Teagasc Moorepark
07 October 2020
Dairy Beef WebEx Event 1 - 8th October 2020
Invitation to attend the first of two joint CAFRE/Teagasc dairy calf to beef WebEx events. Event one provides an overview of current Teagasc dairy calf to beef research and a review of CAFREs dairy calf to beef technology project including James Hendersons dairy calf to beef enterprise.
07 October 2020
Winter weanling weight targets- Where is the ground lost?
Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist insists that silage testing is a must on farms to determine if more or less meal feeding is required. Not many farmers achieve the weanling winter target gain of 0.6kg per day. This is mainly due to feeding poor quality silage without adequate meal supplementation.
07 October 2020
Farming Innovation and Sustainability on the Inishowen Peninsula
Henry O’Donnell project manager of the Inishowen Upland European Innovation Partnership joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of the project and explains how it aims to improve the economic sustainability of farming High Nature Value (HNV) land in Inishowen.
07 October 2020
Beef Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: tidying up BEEP–S tasks; reducing the risk to weanlings; benefits of silage quality improvement; Research Update - Increasing space allowance and health & safety advice.
02 October 2020
October Farm Management Tips
Sinéad Devaney, Teagasc drystock advisor outlines some farm tasks that can be attended to this month. This includes checking the farm and farmyard is a safe place to work in for the winter ahead. She has tips for managing grassland and animals now, and scheme requirements for the month of October.
02 October 2020
Autumn Weanling Management
Katie O’Toole, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc Galway/Clare outlines some easy achievable targets to aim for when weaning spring-born calves this autumn.
30 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, grazing tips for closing paddocks, applying remaining slurry using LESS methods, Kevin Moran's closing plan and grass budget as well as a clover update from Clonakilty research farm.
30 September 2020
The latest from the Derrypatrick demonstration farm
Michael McManus, Manager of the Derrypatrick demonstration farm at Teagasc Grange joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to give an update on the farm.
30 September 2020
Act now to save money this winter
Soon suckler calves will be weaned, castrated, sold, bought, and housed.These are all stressors on animals which weakens their immune system, and viruses already present could take hold. The main viruses of concern are respiratory - IBR, RSV and PI3. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist has the facts
29 September 2020
SmartCow H2020 project
SmartCow is a Research Infrastructures (RIs) project which aims to integrate key European cattle research infrastructures to promote their coordinated use and development and thereby help the European cattle sector face the challenge of sustainable production.
27 September 2020
Tractor Safety
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Teagasc Education Officer Athenry talks through some top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
26 September 2020
Beef Eating Quality Index
The world’s first national multi-breed genomic evaluation for sensory-based meat eating quality has been launched at the Meat Technology Ireland Centre, Ashtown, Dublin. One of the main objectives of its research was to generate a database of genetically diverse animals for meat eating quality.
23 September 2020
Choosing a Concentrate Type for Finishing
Aidan Murray, Beef Specialist asks "Is there a difference between concentrate types i.e. standard beef mixes, “specials” and home-mixed concentrates?" He emphasises that energy is the most limiting nutrient for finishing, and he says farmers should always ask for the energy content of the ration.
23 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips for building or holding AFC if you are behind; Sean Barry, heavy soils farmer on his closing plan; clover update from Athenry research centre. Social media links to podcasts & webinars also
23 September 2020
Beef Edge Episode 35
Beef Edge Masterclass: Niall O’Meara explains his autumn calving suckling to weanling system
20 September 2020
What’s your Suckler Cow Replacement Strategy?
All sucker farmers should have a heifer replacement strategy. On farm there are many strategies, some good, some poor and others are non-existent, according to Austin Callaghan, Drystock Advisor. He stresses the need to replace a minimum of 15% of your herd each year.
18 September 2020
Implementing a control plan for liver fluke now
Niall Treanor, drystock advisor, warns farmers of the risk of liver fluke in their herds at this time of year. He asks why we still see a high percentage of livers in meat processing factories, from housed cattle, showing live adult liver fluke in them and advises having a fluke control programme.
16 September 2020
Focus on weaning at Newford
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager of Newford Suckler Demonstration Herd joins Catherine Egan to give an update on the farm
16 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; clean graze outs and grazing some of the more challenging areas of the farm; tips for building grass covers if you are running behind the autumn grazing targets and information on upcoming events.
16 September 2020
Beep-S Action 3 Faecal Sampling - What you need to know
Anthelmintics are convenient and reasonably priced but misuse can lead to development of resistance making them ineffective in the future. Monitoring parasites by faecal sampling can help minimise anthelmintics use and assist the effective timing of treatment Catherine Egan Beef Specialist explains
12 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Commonage/ Rough Grazing
One of the new measures to be implemented this year as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4 relates to commonage and rough grazing. This new measure will affect about 500+ farmers. Teagasc Advisor in the Galway/Clare region has some information.
11 September 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk Roscommon
Martin Connolly brought us onto his farm on Thursday September 10th for a virtual farm walk. Martin is a participant in the Teagasc Green Acres programme and he gave an excellent insight regarding his animal and grassland management practices.
10 September 2020
Planning for the end of the grazing season
Beef Specialist Alan Dillon outlines how to manage Autumn grazing and fertilsation of grassland on the beef farm under different scenarios based on whether land is wet or dry. Plan to have a supply of grass into the autumn while also preparing for next spring grazing.
10 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 – Training Course Requirement
A 3 day training course requirement is a key part of the new derogation measures introduced this year. This training, to improve knowledge transfer, must be completed in 2020 or 2021, by farmers who are in derogation.
09 September 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk Roscommon
You will be taken on a virtual farm walk on Martin Connolly's farm where you can interact with Martin and the Teagasc Green Acres advisors on the Teagasc social media platforms. Read on for more information and details.
09 September 2020
Grassland management tips to deal with the current weather conditions
John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Campaign Manager, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on grassland management tips to deal with current weather conditions.
09 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; Tips to reduce demand and build grass supply as farmers struggle to hit Autumn grazing targets; Flyer for John Trant social media takeover day on Wednesday 16th September.
07 September 2020
Beef Finishing Payment and BDGP Requirements
2020 seems to be the year that keeps on giving - for the wrong reasons unfortunately. It is not all doom & gloom, eligible beef farmers can now apply for the new Beef Finishing Payment Scheme and fodder supplies seem to be significant on farm at present. Teagasc Advisor Keith Fahy tells us more.
06 September 2020
Steps to Organic Conversion
Organic farming is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, and the application of high welfare standards.
04 September 2020
Managing your weanlings this autumn to comply with BEEP-S
As autumn approaches, the performance of spring born calves must be a priority. With weather conditions deteriorating, some farmers may already be thinking about weaning. However, this year BEEP-S scheme participants must remember they have new measures to consider before weaning takes place.
04 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is an on-going concern and farmers are required to implement a biodiversity measure on derogation farms. This year 2020 has seen the implementation of new measures as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4. One of these measures is to improve farm biodiversity.
04 September 2020
Beef Newsletter - September 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: Beef Finisher Payment deadline; Build grass covers; Teagasc Green Acres virtual farm walk; Lime - the double dividend; Research Update - Grange calf-to-beef system and Health & Safety - Get winter ready.
03 September 2020
Clover Swards on Derogation Farms
Have you really considered the benefits of clover? Increasing the clover content in grassland can result in increased production and quality with less nitrogen fertiliser thus improving farm sustainability. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information.
02 September 2020
What you can do to help improve your water quality
Noel Meehan, Manager of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the progress of the Programme and what you can do to help improve water quality.
02 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; switch focus back from wet weather management to the autumn grazing targets; sward quality at Clonakilty and the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
02 September 2020
Four Important Deadlines in September
Beef farmers need to be aware of four important deadlines in September. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist has some information and advice on the upcoming deadlines for the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme (BFP), BDGP and the deadline for the application of chemical Nitrogen & Phosphorous.
01 September 2020
Training on Grassland Management & Recording of Grass Production on Derogation Farms
Grazed grass is the cheapest animal feed available to Irish farmers, in order to manage it successfully, to underpin profitability, it needs to be measured. The potential reward of utilising more grass in livestock production is huge. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information
31 August 2020
Closing date extended for Grassland Farmer of the Year
The closing date for applications for the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year has been extended. Applications will now close on Friday September 11th 2020.
31 August 2020
Does the benefits of pregnancy scanning cows far exceed the cost?
Scanning offers so many advantages and is a vital tool used on well managed herds around the country. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist gives some information.
30 August 2020
Reduction in the Crude Protein content of Concentrates fed to Grazing Dairy cows/Livestock
All Nitrate Derogation farmers should now be aware that there are reduced levels of crude protein permissible in concentrates fed to grazing livestock from 1st April to the 15th September, 2020. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment
Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for 99% of ammonia losses in Ireland, while slurry and farmyard manure spreading is thought to be responsible for 30% of those losses. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Today's Farm September - October
The September - October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on getting into dairy farming. Recent entrants to dairy farming are profiled. Find out more about the Dairy Start-up Course.
28 August 2020
Farm Scale Liming Programme
All derogation farmers must now adopt a farm scale liming programme based on a current Nutrient Management Plan and associated soil analysis results. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
27 August 2020
Attention Derogation Farmers: Closing time is approaching!
We are less than 3 weeks away from the start of the closed period for chemical fertilisers (14th Sept is the last day N & P fertiliser can be spread). Right now is a good time to check back with your fertiliser plan and see how you are progressing.
26 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips during this sustained spell of wet weather for keeping grass in the diet and testimonials from the four category winners in the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
26 August 2020
The importance of pregnancy scanning cows
The importance of pregnancy scanning cows is the topic on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast and Catherine Egan is joined by Teagasc Researcher Professor David Kenny and Teagasc Advisor Sinead Devaney.
26 August 2020
The Power of Fresh Clean Air
The three main factors influencing performance at housing are Nutrition, Health and Environment. Good ventilation plays a key role in two of these pillars: health and environment. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist has some information and advice.
24 August 2020
Are you a new entrant to farming?
Could you be Ireland’s best new entrant farmer? This competition invites entries from people who have recently taken up farming or have diversified their farming business
20 August 2020
High rainfall making grazing conditions challenging
High rainfall across parts of the country has left grazing conditions extremely difficult. Paudie O'Brien, Heavy Soils Farmer in Kerry gives an update on how he is managing grazing during the wet weather. Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor gives some advice on managing grazing.
19 August 2020
Beef Finisher Payment - Applications Now Open
The Beef Finisher Payment (BFP) scheme is a one off, exchequer funded grant aid scheme which aims to support beef finishers in Ireland who have been severely impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist gives an overview of the scheme along with the eligibility criteria.
19 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Autumn Grazing targets and information on the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
19 August 2020
How to apply for the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the Beef Finishers Payment Scheme (BFP).
19 August 2020
Health is your wealth!
September brings a change of season & shift in focus. A housed animal is the most expensive animal on the farm eating silage & concentrates in a costly shed. We need to do everything to ensure that there's nothing hampering their performance. Martina Harrington Teagasc Beef Specialist tells us more.
17 August 2020
Redstart – Managing a Forage Crop this Autumn
Beef farmers are constantly looking for solutions to remain viable. Eddie Webb, Drystock Adviser in Tuam met up with a farmer who opted to sow the forage crop redstart to shorten the winter housing period.
14 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Single Suckling Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on 825 farms representative of over 90,000 farms nationally. In total data was recorded on over 250 single suckling farms. The performance of the single suckling enterprise in 2019 is summarised here
12 August 2020
What do I need to know about the Beef Data and Genomics Programme?
Over 24,000 suckler herds across the country are participating in the Beef Data & Genomics Programme 1 & 2. Following the latest BDGP genomic evaluation, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Catherine Egan highlights the key dates that you need to be aware of to ensure that you comply with the programme.
12 August 2020
All You Need to Know about the BDGP
Chris Daly from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of The Beef Edge Podcast to discuss all you need to know about the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP).
10 August 2020
InstaLive with Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase Ireland
John Douglas from Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland joined us on an Instagram live on Wednesday, 5 August to answer your questions on Autumn Grazing Management.
09 August 2020
Maximising Days at Grass this Autumn Using the Pasturebase Grass Budget
As we enter August, our focus turns to autumn grass management on farms. Join Micheal O'Leary, Pasturebase Ireland and Donal Patton, Teagasc Specialist on Wednesday, 12 August at 8pm for a live interactive discussion on how to best use the Pasturebase Autumn Grazing Budget to maximise days at grass.
09 August 2020
Beef Newsletter August 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: Castration dos and don’ts; Catch up on all things Virtual Beef Week; Faecal sampling for BEEP–S; Research Update - Breeding more sustainable beef cattle.
07 August 2020
Teagasc Fodder Survey July 2020 - National picture secure but 10% of farms have deficits
Over the last number of weeks, Teagasc advisors have completed almost 700 winter fodder budgets for drystock and dairy farmers nationwide. This was carried out as part of a new initiative to promote better feed security planning on livestock farms.
07 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Cattle Finishing Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data close to 900 farms. The performance of the cattle finishing enterprise in 2019 is summarised in this factsheet and is based on data for 103 farms.
06 August 2020
Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 launched
The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, T.D at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin this week.
05 August 2020
Are you interested in converting to dairy?
Teagasc Dairy specialist Patrick Gowing joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Teagasc Dairy Start-Up course.
05 August 2020
Dealing with wet conditions on beef farms
The spring and early summer months brought near drought conditions for much of the country. Since mid-June there has been a significant amount of rain especially in some southern, northern and western areas. Drystock specialist Alan Dillon has some advice if your farm is impacted
05 August 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter 4th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on current and predicted grass growth, targets and tips for managing grass as we move into August and white clover update from Teagasc Moorepark.
05 August 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on farm incomes in 2020 now likely to be more limited
At present, fears of a sharp COVID-19 related drop in Irish farm incomes in 2020, seem to have been averted following a gradual recovery in commodity prices and the provision of additional supports to the sector, according to Mid Year Outlook for 2020 produced by Teagasc economists.
31 July 2020
Newford Suckler Herd Performance and the BEEP-s Scheme
An update on the performance of this year’s suckler calves at grass on the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry and how they are meeting the requirements of the BEEP scheme
29 July 2020
The Importance of Lime on Your Beef Farm
Soil pH plays a key role in soil fertility and it is also critical for maximising the availability of nutrients (N, P & K) applied in organic and chemical fertilisers.On this episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Shane Devaney Advisor joins Catherine Egan to discuss the importance of lime on beef farms.
24 July 2020
Pregnancy scanning benefits, timing & facilities
There are many benefits to pregnancy scanning suckler cows. Teagasc Advisor David Argue outlines the benefits of pregnancy scanning and also outlines the importance of getting the timing right & the need for good facilities for human & animal safety.
24 July 2020
Farm Safely with Tractors, Farm Vehicles and Machinery
Summer is a busy time on farms. Farmers are making the most of the long days and dry conditions to harvest grass and crops, get slurry spread and carry out work around the farmyard. Working safely must be at the core of each and every job.
22 July 2020
Adapting to climate change on livestock farms.
Animal agriculture is particularly vulnerable to more extreme weather, as seen during the recent droughts in the south and east of the Island. Farming practices focusing on adaptation may not be the same as measures designed to mitigate emissions. Researcher Donal O'Brien gives some information.
22 July 2020
Child Safety on Farms
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved.
22 July 2020
A unique grazing system that works
If you don’t measure grass you can’t manage it. On this episode of the Beef Edge podcast, suckler farmer Thomas O’Connor from Co. Kildare joins Catherine Egan to give an insight of his farming system.
22 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter July 21st
Grass growth exceeding demand. The focus this week is on: Grass quality during the last round of summer grazing, grazing management and applying K. Walk your farm every 5 days during the next few weeks so you can react to the high growth rates at present.
21 July 2020
Farm Safety for Older Farmers
In 2019 twelve farmers over 65 years lost their lives due to farm accidents. This represents 66% of the total number of fatalities. Getting older impacts on a person’s ability to undertake farm related tasks. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have some relevant advice
20 July 2020
Working Safely with Livestock on Farms
Working with livestock is responsible for 39 farm workplace deaths on Irish farms in the last 10 years. During this period 7 deaths were caused by an attack by a bull, 22 by cows and heifers and 5 were associated with cattle. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John McNamara have some advice
15 July 2020
Tips & Advice for Staying Safe on Farm
Accidents on farms are a continuing cause of concern and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Health & Safety specialist John McNamara, joins Catherine Egan with some tips for farmers in advance of Farm Safety Week.
15 July 2020
Beef Newsletter July 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team. In this month's edition: BEAM 5% reduction requirements begin; Teagasc Virtual Beef Week; Research update - Heat synchronisation and timed AI; and Health & Safety - Work at heights is dangerous.
15 July 2020
Tips & Advice for Staying Safe on Farm
Accidents on farms are a continuing cause of concern and on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Health & Safety specialist John McNamara, joins Catherine Egan with some tips for farmers in advance of Farm Safety Week.
10 July 2020
BEAM Scheme Requirements - Don’t get penalised!!
Patricia Lynch, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport Close to €80 million was paid to just under 33,000 Irish beef farmers in 2019 under the BEAM scheme. This aid was paid to help compensate farmers for the drop off in beef prices during the period September 2018 to May 2019.
10 July 2020
Understanding the genetic basis of fertility and semen quality in bulls
In seasonal production systems, demand for semen from young genetically elite bulls often exceeds supply.
10 July 2020
Newford Demonstration Farm - Grass Update
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician for Newford Farm gives an update on the grass situation on the farm. Newford Farm consists of 71 Ha, which is made up of 4 farms and 2 of these are located 12km away from the home farm.
10 July 2020
Genomic selection for compensatory growth in beef cattle
In beef production systems, feed accounts for up to 80% of the total direct costs incurred by farmers. There is an opportunity to genomically select cattle with an enhanced compensatory growth potential.
10 July 2020
Developing more sustainable beef finishing strategies through improved nutrition and growth of animals
Economic sustainability of beef farming needs to be improved, while simultaneously its environmental footprint needs to be reduced.
10 July 2020
BovINE
BovINE (Beef Innovation Network Europe) has been established across 10 EU member states to focus solely on the needs of the 255,000 farmers that constitute the EU bovine meat sector.
10 July 2020
Nutritional composition and human health implications of grass-fed beef
Ireland’s climate has encouraged the development of “grass-fed” as a point of difference for Irish beef in high-value markets in Europe and beyond. Project lead Aidan Moloney tells us more.
10 July 2020
Laying the foundation for Ireland’s methane mitigation strategies
Ruminant livestock directly contribute an estimated 60% of Irish agriculture’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the production of methane.
10 July 2020
The impact of housing characteristics on welfare and performance of beef cattle
The critical issues pertaining to welfare of housed beef cattle identified by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission include, space allowance and flooring.
10 July 2020
Grass-forage and concentrate beef: production and quality attributes
Grass-based production systems offer an economic advantage for Irish beef farms. There is renewed interest in 100 % grass-fed beef, which is perceived as being more ‘sustainable’ by consumers.
09 July 2020
Parasite control in growing cattle at pasture
Internal parasites are one of the main threats that need to be considered for animals at grass. Researcher Orla Keane has some information and advice on Lungworm and Gut worm.
09 July 2020
Want 50kg more winter weight gain for no extra cost? Cut silage in May instead of June
Research conducted at Teagasc Grange has shown that cattle fed high quality 75% dry matter digestibility (DMD) silage gained almost 50kg additional live-weight over a 5 month winter compared to similar cattle fed 65% DMD silage. Joe Patton explains the results of this research.
09 July 2020
Winter Finishing: Grass-based systems
Even high-quality grass silage is incapable of sustaining adequate growth rates to exploit the growth potential of most cattle so concentrate supplementation is required. Mark McGee and Catherine Egan, Teagasc, AGRIC give advice on efficient feed utilisation when finishing cattle.
09 July 2020
Feeding weanlings during the winter
Grange research has shown that weanling steers and heifers generally do not require protein supplementation when fed barley-based concentrates and high DMD grass silage. Researcher Mark McGee and Specialist Catherine Egan give some information and advice.
09 July 2020
How to grow and utilise more grass on my farm?
Underpinning good grass production and utilisation is having adequate soil fertility, unimpeded drainage, targeted application of fertiliser and good grazing infrastructure, coupled with appropriate grazing management practices. Specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have some advice.
09 July 2020
Finishing cattle at pasture: concentrate supplementation?
In autumn the diet of grazing cattle is generally unbalanced in terms of energy and protein as there is usually excess degradable protein in autumn grass. Researchers Edward O’Riordan and Mark McGee have some information.
09 July 2020
Resilient grass-based systems for beef cattle
In beef production systems, feed provision is the single largest direct cost incurred, accounting for approximately 75% of total costs of production. Beef specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have advice and information.
08 July 2020
The Grand Challenges Facing the Beef Sector
Recently appointed Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader at Teagasc Grange, Paul Crosson, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to address the ‘Grand Challenges’ facing the beef sector.
08 July 2020
ICBF: Breeding for more Sustainable Beef Production
ICBF uses performance, ancestry and genomic data from over 15 million beef cattle. The goal is to identify the superior animals within the breeding program for key traits such as maternal milk, female fertility, cost of calving, cost of feed & carcas growth rate.
08 July 2020
Methane Production: How can we reduce it?
Methane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) in terms of global warming. It is 28 times more potent to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2). Agriculture accounts for 34% of Irish GHGs emissions, with CH4 responsible for nearly 60% of agri emissions.
08 July 2020
Protected Urea - Cost Efficient N
Protected urea (ProUrea) is urea which is treated with a urease inhibitor. The urease inhibitor can be either a) coated onto the outside of the fertiliser granule or b) incorporated into the urea granule melt during manufacture.
08 July 2020
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. The nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in the ammonia form similar to N in urea fertilisers and as such can be easily lost to the atmosphere.
08 July 2020
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP)
The ASSAP is a new government / industry collaborative initiative running from 2018 - 2021. The programme offers a free support and advisory service (20 Teagasc and 10 Dairy Co-op advisors) and participation is voluntary. Its aim is to improve water quality through working with farmers.
07 July 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Dairy Calf to Beef Programme
The second phase of Teagasc Green Acres Calf-to-Beef Programme started in 2019. It includes 12 commercially-operated calf to beef demonstration farms located nationwide. This programme is supported by two Teagasc specialised advisors. Programme manager Alan Dillon has more information
07 July 2020
Teagasc Grange dairy calf-to-beef system study
The current research focus of the dairy beef unit at Teagasc Grange is to compare the performance of three DAIRY-BEEF genetic groups. The systems used have achieved exceptional performance. Nicky Byrne and Donall Fahy give an update on the research.
07 July 2020
Growing your potential; Grass-to-Beef
Grazed grass is the cheapest source of energy for ruminants and is capable of supporting high levels of animal performance. Nicky Byrne, Donall Fahy and Michael O’Donovan have some advice.
07 July 2020
Dairy-beef performance under three stocking rate intensities
The current research programme in Johnstown Castle is evaluating the effects of herbage allowance (by using three stocking rates) on the performance of dairy × beef crossbreed cattle. Ruth Dunne, Wayne Hayes, Richard Lynch and Padraig French have further information on the research.
07 July 2020
Prevention of common infectious & parasitic diseases affecting dairy beef calves
Dairy beef calves can be susceptible to a number of infectious & parasitic diseases. Niamh Field has advice and information on the prevention and management of coccidiosis, gutworm, lungworm and viral pneumonia.
07 July 2020
Understanding the Dairy Beef Index (DBI)
The Dairy Beef Index (DBI) is a tool to produce quality beef cattle from the dairy herd that have both desirable calving attributes for the dairy herd (i.e. easy calving and short gestation) and valuable carcass merit attributes for the finisher.
06 July 2020
Calving Beef heifers at 2 Years Old
Find out the reasons for calving your beef heifers at 2 years old; why farmers are reluctant to try it and get some key statistics to help make the decision.
06 July 2020
Castration- Best Practice
Castration is considered to cause a degree of pain and stress and has been shown to elicit physiological stress, inflammatory reactions, pain-associated behaviour, suppression of immune function and a reduction in performance.
06 July 2020
Breeding for improved resistance to bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a multifactorial disease affecting cattle of all ages. Internationally and in Ireland, it represents the most significant cause of bovine morbidity and mortality.
06 July 2020
Clinical diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is is one of the most significant causes of morbidity and mortality in cattle.
06 July 2020
Novel diagnostics for bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
At Teagasc, Grange, new technologies are being used for the identification of viral and bacterial infectious agents causing bovine respiratory disease (BRD), commonly known as pneumonia.
06 July 2020
Livestock-handling on Irish beef farms: Implications for the human-animal-relationship
Livestock production systems consistently rank as one of the most hazardous with regard to farmer safety. Between 2009 and 2018, 16% of total fatalities in the Irish agricultural and forestry industry occurred in these production systems.
05 July 2020
How to achieve high performance in a dairy calf-to-beef system
Due to the expansion of the Irish dairy herd over recent years more dairy-origin calves are available for beef production, but considerable scope exists for integration of beef and dairy farmers’ needs. Nicky Byrne & Alan Dillon have advice on achieving high performance.
04 July 2020
Lessons from the Derrypatrick herd – Q & A
Beef specialist, Aidan Murray along with researchers Paul Crosson, Bernadette Earley and Orla Keane give us some information on the lessons learned from the herd to date.
03 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Thursday
Grass Management for Sustainable Beef Production
03 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Friday
Virtual Beef Week - Day 5 - Friday July 10th
01 July 2020
How my farm grows more grass?
Sean Roddy, suckler farm manager of the Lyons Demesne farm Co. Kildare, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss grassland management on his farm.
01 July 2020
Lungworm in Cattle
Hoose or lungworm infection, can be widespread and infection this year may be more severe with the heavy rain that followed the long dry spell. Drystock Specialist Martina Harrington has advice on the identification, management and treatment of the disease.
01 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Wednesday
Virtual Beef Week - Sustainable Beef Production Day 3 of Virtual Beef Week Wednesday July 8th
30 June 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on Tuesday
Virtual Beef Week - Dairy Calf to Beef Production Day 2 - Tuesday July 7th
29 June 2020
Virtual Beef Week July 6th – 10th
Virtual Beef Week replaces the planned major Teagasc Beef 2020 Open Day, which was due to take place at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation centre, Grange, County Meath.
29 June 2020
Lower production costs and exceptional aid measures led to a modest increase in average farm income in 2019
The average family farm income rose by 2% in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report by Teagasc. A combination of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933.
27 June 2020
Gurteen College Beef Farm Update
Currently the suckler beef unit at Gurteen College has 79 sucker cows and split calving with 43 spring calving cows and 36 autumn calving cows. The unit aims to educate students on the running of a sustainable drystock business.
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to Health and Safety Authority (HAS) show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales.
19 June 2020
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland publish the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland have published the first Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report. The report focuses on the establishment and implementation of the ASSAP in 2018 and interaction with farmers up until the 31st December 2019.
17 June 2020
Finishing cattle at grass
During the next few months a considerable number of beef cattle will be slaughtered. If you are targeting to slaughter off grass Alan Dillon, Cattle Specialist has some useful advice.
17 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmer Donal Keane
Donal and Frederique Keane, Camelton Stud, Summerhill, Co Meath are organic suckler to beef and cereal farmers. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Donal.
17 June 2020
5 Minutes to get your Cash Flowing
Teagasc are highlighting the importance of Cash Flow Planning as a vital business tool that all farmers should engage in.
15 June 2020
Teagasc announce details of ‘Virtual Beef Week’
Teagasc are holding a ‘Virtual Beef Week’ from Monday 6th to Friday 10th July, to demonstrate best practice and communicate the latest research results relevant to beef farmers.‘
13 June 2020
Summer Season – Keeping up with the Grass Plant!
Maintaining adequate high quality grass mid-season is the most cost effective way of achieving good animal performance - Anne O’Malley, Drystock Advisor in Ballina has some advice.