Crops
29 October 2020
Complete drilling as soon as possible
For most areas drilling of winter cereal crops has progressed quite well with some growers completed at this stage. In the areas where drilling is not complete the question is when to stop drilling? Crops specilaist Shay Phelan has some advice and guidance on this also BYDV and a recent workshop.
29 October 2020
Improving water quality in tillage areas with ASSAP
Decreased water quality issues are widespread across Ireland regardless of area or farming system in that area and ASSAP, the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme, is tasked with working with farmers to help improve water quality.
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
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.
25 October 2020
BYDV Management in Winter Barley
Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus or BYDV, is a virus that is transmitted by aphids and affects various cereal crops, in particular Winter Barley. BYDV is introduced into the crop by aphids flying into the crop & their offspring spread BYDV. Shane Kennedy & John Brophy, Teagasc Louth have more information.
22 October 2020
Tillage Update - 22nd October
Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist reports from a number of tillage fields with Martin Bourke, Tillage Advisor, Wicklow. A lot of progress has been made over the last number of days & weeks with the planting and establishment of winter cereal crops
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.
15 October 2020
How tillage crops can influence the biodiversity on an agricultural landscape
Dr. Daire O’Huallachain, an agro-ecologist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge Podcast to discuss biodiversity on the agricultural landscape.
15 October 2020
Tillage Update - 15th October
Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist, advises on increasing seed rates from now on for later sowing of winter cereals and sets out targets for establishment. He outlines pre-emergence weed control options where grass weeds are a problem in particular.
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.
08 October 2020
Tillage Update - 8th October
Michael Hennessy, Tillage Specialist says there is still plenty of time to plant winter cereals. He looks at post emergence weed control in winter crops. He warns that all farmers with black grass should be ultra cautious and do everything in their power to eliminate that weed from their farms.
08 October 2020
Advice for weed control at this time of year
Dr Stephen Kildea, a plant pathologist in Teagasc and Ciaran Collins, a crops specialist in Teagasc joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss weed control at this time of year.
08 October 2020
Tillage Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Crops team in this month's newsletter. It includes: winter cereal varieties for 2020; oilseed rape; aphids; Autumn weed control; Grass weed survey and health & safety - Check lighting and electrical switches.
02 October 2020
National Potato Day 2020
Teagasc supports National Potato Day as the only potato breeder of new varieties in Ireland. Did you know the Potato is the world’s third most important food crop with global acreage rising faster than that of any other crop due to its high yield potential and excellent nutritional characteristics?
01 October 2020
Tillage Update - 1st October
Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist discusses the importance of seedbed conditions when establishing winter cereals and meeting the crops nutrient early requirements in the first 3 to 6 weeks of establishment.
01 October 2020
TillageEdge - Episode 26
Dr. Michael Gaffney, a Research Entomologist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss aphid control and BYDV.
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
24 September 2020
Tillage Update - 24th September
Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist, highlights how the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices this autumn can contribute to more profitable winter cereals. Ciaran advises on winter barley seeding rates and the application of Phosphorus and Potassium to winter cereals
24 September 2020
Weed control in winter cereals
Weed control in winter cereals is the topic covered on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, with Martin Bourke and Jimmy Staples joining Michael Hennessy to discuss in more detail.
18 September 2020
Take advantage of weather to spread lime
Now is an ideal time for grassland and tillage farmers to apply Ground Limestone based on soil test results, as weather and soil conditions are good. Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist outlines the facts.
17 September 2020
National Crops Forum - Part Two
This year due to Covid19 restrictions the annual National Crops Forum will take place virtually over two evenings. Part Two of the Forum took place on September 17th and focused on how the Green Deal and Farm to Fork policies may affect the tillage industry.
17 September 2020
Tillage Update - 17th September
With the harvest of 2020 virtually complete attention will quickly turn to drilling for the 2021 harvest. Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist gives some advice on having a cropping plan. Find out what to expect at Part Two of the National Crops Forum and listen to the latest Tillage Edge Podcast.
17 September 2020
Managing your farm finances
James McDonnell a Financial Specialist in Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how best to manage your farm finances.
17 September 2020
National Crops Forum 2020 - Part Two
This year due to Covid19 restrictions the annual National Crops Forum will take place virtually over two evenings. Part Two of the Forum takes place this evening, Thursday, 17th September at 6:30pm focusing on how the Green Deal and Farm to Fork policies may affect the tillage industry.
15 September 2020
National Crops Forum - Part One
This year due to Covid19 restrictions the annual National Crops Forum will take place virtually over two evenings. Part One of the Forum took place on Thursday, 10th September and focused on varieties and agronomy.
14 September 2020
Time to think about wildlife on farms
Enda O'Hart, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Castlerea outlines why he believes that now is the time to think about creating space for wildlife on farms. He looks at how farming has affected biodiversity and ways farmers might improve it going forward
10 September 2020
Tillage Update - 10th September
Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops KT Teagasc gives an update on the harvest; planting oilseed rape; benefit of including organic manures into the farming system and gives an insight into this year's National Crops Forum. Listen to the latest Tillage Edge focusing on Markets and forward grain prices.
10 September 2020
The cereal harvest around the world and what that means for Irish tillage producers
James Nolan, a grain trader from R&H Hall, joined Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the cereal harvest around the world and what that means for Irish tillage producers.
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.
05 September 2020
Tillage Newsletter - September 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Crops team. In this month's edition: National Crops Forum; Autumn planting Grass weeds; BYDV; Time for soil sampling; Cereal crop P and K requirements; Soil structure assessment.
03 September 2020
National Crops Forum 2020
This year due to Covid19 restrictions the annual National Crops Forum will take place virtually. The Forum will take place over two evenings on September 10th and 17th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm each evening.
03 September 2020
Tillage Update - 3rd September
Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops KT Teagasc gives an update on the harvest; outlines the importance of sowing cover crops and oilseed rape soon and gives an insight into this year's National Crops Forum. Listen to the latest episode of the Tillage Edge focusing on soil fertility and soil sampling.
03 September 2020
The Importance of Soil Fertility and Soil Sampling
Dr Veronica Nyham from Teagasc, Portlaoise joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge Podcast to discuss important aspects of soil fertility and soil sampling.
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
A major report on the strategic plan for the Irish Crops sector was launched
The Teagasc Tillage Stakeholder Consultative Group and Minister Heydon launched a key report for the Irish Tillage sector entitled Crops 2030 – A strategic plan to deliver environmental and economic sustainability for the Irish Crops Sector.
27 August 2020
Harvest Update from the Midlands and South
On this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy finds out about the harvest so far from the midlands and the south of the country.
27 August 2020
Tillage Update - 27th August
Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist gives an update on the harvest; tips to help avoid soil damage, particularly after bad weather; advice on how to increase harvest output & crop planning for 2021. Listen to the latest The Tillage Edge Podcast for an update on the harvest in the Midlands & South.
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
23 August 2020
Planning for Autumn Reseeds - 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality
Many of you are planning to carry out reseeding this Autumn. Reseeding needs to carried out correctly in order to have no negative impact on the streams and rivers in your area. Claire Mooney, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Nenagh outlines a 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality.
22 August 2020
Safety at Harvest Time
Tillage farms are busy places at present. With current challenging weather making things more difficult it is very important to maintain a focus on managing Health and Safety on the farm. Francis Bligh and John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists have some information and advice.
22 August 2020
How catch crops can reduce nitrate leaching
Almost 30,000 ha of cover crops are grown in Ireland ever year. Fiona Doolan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor highlights the important environmental role early sown catch crops have in preventing nitrate leaching.
20 August 2020
A harvest update and strategies for dessicating potato crops
Desiccating potato crops is the focus of this week’s The Tillage Edge Podcast. Ciaran Collins was joined by Shay Phelan, Teagasc Potato Specialist to discuss it in more detail.
20 August 2020
Tillage Update - 20th August
Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist gives an update on the harvest, particularly in areas affected by rain and drought and an overview of winter oilseed rape & selecting varieties from the DAFM's recommended list. Listen to this week's The Tillage Edge focusing on desiccating potato crops.
13 August 2020
Is winter oilseed rape an option for your farm?
Ciaran Collins joins Shay Phelan on this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast to discuss winter oilseed rape as an option for tillage farmers.
13 August 2020
Tillage Update August 13th
In this week's Tillage Update, Shay Phelan gives an update on spring barley and winter wheat harvest. Shay also gives advice on stubble management, an area of increasing interest on tillage farms. Finally, Shay gives advice on cover crops and their benefits to tillage farmers.
13 August 2020
Tillage Newsletter - August 2020
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Crops team. In this month's edition: Harvest management; Catch crops; Winter oilseed rape; National Crops Forum and Post-harvest stubble management.
09 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Cereals Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on close to 900 farms. This factsheet summarises the results for the major cereal enterprises (winter wheat and spring barley) on farms within the survey and is based on the data of 80 farms
06 August 2020
Tillage Update August 6th
In this week's Tillage Update, Eoin Lyons highlights the ongoing impact of the unsettled weather on harvesting & yields. Eoin analyses the performance of oil seed rape & identifies it as a popular cropping choice this autumn. Finally, Eoin looks forwards at the winter wheat & spring barley harvest.
06 August 2020
Harvest 2020 Update
On this week's Tillage Edge podcast Eoin Lyons gets an update on Harvest 2020 from around the country with tillage advisors Ciaran Hickey and Conor O’Callaghan.
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.
30 July 2020
Tillage Update July 30th
In this week’s Tillage Update, Michael Hennessy gives an update on the impact of current weather conditions on harvesting and crop yields. Issues with securing straw are identified and the issue of secondary growth in spring crop is highlighted.
30 July 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.
30 July 2020
The Function and Benefits of Cover Crops
The function and benefits of cover crops on your farm is the topic on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast and Michael Hennessy was joined by Richie Hackett, Teagasc Oak Park, to find out more.
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.
23 July 2020
Do organic and recycled nutrient sources stack up in arable cropping?
There is a growing interest in the potential long-term soil health benefits of including nutrients such as organic or recycling derived fertilisers to meet crop requirements. Researchers Patrick Forrestal and S.M. Ashekuzzaman have some information and advice
23 July 2020
Tillage Update July 23rd
To date this year the harvest can be best described as mixed running from good yields of over 4 tons per acre in Cork down to as low as 2 tons per acre in the dryer ground in the south east but also in the later planted crops in the North East. There is some secondary growth in spring barley.
23 July 2020
Crops Harvest Update from Cork and Carlow
This week, the Tillage Edge podcast gets a crops harvest update from the counties of Cork and Carlow with Phelim McDonald of Teagasc, Carlow and Elaine Clifford, Teagasc, Cork joining presenter Michael Hennessy with the latest 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.
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
19 July 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.
16 July 2020
Blight Control and Potato Crops Supply in 2020
Shay Phelan, Crops & Potato Specialist, Teagasc, Oak Park joined Mark Plunkett on the Tillage Edge podcast this week. Shay discussed potato blight control, blight programmes, products available and their effective use.
16 July 2020
Mushroom Picking Technology
Mushroom growers face a constant challenge of recruiting and retaining staff to harvest their crops. Teagasc Mushroom Advisor Donal Gernon is hosting a Mushroom Picking Technology webinar featuring Axis Technology. This webinar gives mushroom growers an insight into a mushroom picking system...
16 July 2020
TResearch Summer 2020
In this issue of TResearch, we highlight some of the exciting research across Teagasc to identify control strategies against important diseases of mushrooms, barley, potato and laurel.
16 July 2020
Blight Control and Potato Crops Supply in 2020
Shay Phelan, Crops & Potato Specialist, Teagasc, Oak Park joined Mark Plunkett on the Tillage Edge podcast this week. Shay discussed potato blight control, blight programmes, products available and their effective use.
15 July 2020
Virtual Talking Timber
The Forestry Development Department in Teagasc hosted a very informative virtual webinar - 'Talking Timber' on Tuesday July 14th. The webinar covered all aspects of thinning conifers. Staff from Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) gave advice and answered questions
13 July 2020
Tillage Update- Be Harvest Ready
Harvest is the busiest time of year for tillage farmers but also poses the greatest health and safety risk. In this Tillage update, advice is given on carrying out maintenance on all machinery prior to harvesting and ensuring safe work practices are carried out on the farm.
10 July 2020
Nutrient Recovery Cycle - Infographic
This infographic outlines the nutrient recovery cycle which can improve the efficient use of resources in pig production. By using pig manure as a fertiliser to grow crops which will in turn be used in making pig feed, a circular economy is created.
09 July 2020
Expected tonnage and prices for harvest 2020
Pat Farrell, IFA Grain & Horticulture Executive joined Mark Plunkett on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with Pat giving an update on the expected tonnage for the grain harvest both locally and internationally as well as prices for 2020.
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.
05 July 2020
Webinar - Protecting Nitrogen and Phosphorus inputs on farms
The Signpost Series - ‘Pointing the way to a low emissions agriculture’
02 July 2020
Tillage Update - 2nd July
This week's update has information and advice on machinery hygiene, crop records and an update on blight control on potatoes.
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
01 July 2020
Stopping the spread of grass weeds: cleaning harvest machines
Difficult-to-control grass weeds are becoming an increasing problem on Irish tillage farms. This fact sheet outlines the basics of machine cleaning at harvest and gives guidance to growers and contractors on the actions to take.
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.
25 June 2020
Tillage Update June 25th
Now is a good time to walk your crops, assess some of the management decisions made and review what worked well and what you might change for next year. Tillage specialist Ciaran Collins has some advice.
24 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmers Ross and Amy Jackson
Ross and Amy Jackson are farming organically in Lacka, Carrig, Co Tipperary. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Ross and Amy.
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
Tillage Update - 18th June
This weeks update has information on the likely impact of the drought. There are also updates from specialist Mark Plunkett on winter crops, spring crops, spring beans, beet and maize.
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.
17 June 2020
Drought impact on Tillage farms
Teagasc estimate the output from the cereal sector in Ireland is expected to reduce by at least €100 million this year following the effects of the prolonged drought which has severely affected crops in the eastern half of the country.
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.‘