Dairy
24 January 2021
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Improving your nutrient use efficiency
In this Bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy Webinar Series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, gives tips and advice to improve nutrient use efficiency on Irish dairy farms.
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)
24 January 2021
Once a Day Milking Conference 2021
Once a Day Milking Conference 2021 took place virtually on Thursday, 14 January. The theme of this year’s online conference centred on the latest research on the impact of once a day milking on milk production and how to manage this effect. Speakers at this conference included Emer Kennedy, Teagasc
23 January 2021
Goalposts Changing for Dairy Farmers
Dairy farmers are facing up to new challenges in 2021- trying to improve the sustainability on their farms. Whether farmers like it or not, the Irish dairy industry is entering a new era with greater focus on the environment. John Greaney, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Dairy Advisor has more
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
Consumer perception of salted butter produced from different feed systems
Prof Kieran Kilcawley, Teagasc Moorepark, led a study on salted butter produced from three different feed systems (outdoor grass, grass/clover and indoor concentrate). These were evaluated by consumers from Ireland, Germany and United States. Analysis was used to identify key aromatic differences
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!
18 January 2021
James Hoey - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
James Hoey is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. James farms dairy & tillage with his father Jim, near Dunleer, Co. Louth. In 2020 the farm grew over 16.3 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
18 January 2021
How to maximise the health of the newborn calf in the early days
As part of AHI and Teagasc CalfCare Virtual Week, Michelle McGrath, Muireann Conneely and Niamh Field join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the care of the newborn calf to maximise health in the early days.
18 January 2021
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Using a Yearly Planner to Organise Yourself
In this Bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy Webinar Series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc was joined by Nollaig Heffernan, to offer some insight and practical tips around using a year planner guide to organise your year in an effective and efficient way to make better farm management decisions
18 January 2021
Sean Barry - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Sean Barry is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Sean farms alongside his father Pat in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. In 2020 the farm grew over 13 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
17 January 2021
Graham Swanton - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Graham Swanton is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Graham is farm manager at Miletree Farm outside Clonmel and milks 510 cows. Graham's farm grew 17T 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!
17 January 2021
Noel Hurley - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Noel Hurley is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Noel milks close to 200 cows in Kildorrery, Co. Cork. Noel's farm grew 15.7 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!
17 January 2021
John O'Connell - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
John O'Connell is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. John milks 200 cows on 72ha in Rathduff, Co. Cork. In 2020, John’s farm grew 14 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
17 January 2021
Getting geared up for calving 2021 on spring calving dairy herds
With over 1 million calves arriving on dairy farms in the first quarter of 2021 Niall Kerins, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Listowel, Co. Kerry has a keen focus on calving. Compact calving and dairy herd expansion means doing the sums now on calf accommodation and looking at the available options
16 January 2021
Niall Callanan - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Niall Callanan is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming outside Craughwell, Co. Galway, Niall plans to milk 240 cows this year. Niall grew 13T 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!
16 January 2021
David O'Leary - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
David O'Leary is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, David is a new entrant to farming and dairying. David grew 14.3T 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!
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
16 January 2021
Caroline Walsh - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Caroline Walsh is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. She farms in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork milking about 70 cows. Caroline grew 14.2 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!
16 January 2021
Kevin Murphy - Glanbia Future Farm 2020 Performance Overview
The Open Source Future Farm Programme is a joint Teagasc / Glanbia Ireland knowledge transfer programme. It supports farmers like Kevin Murphy, demo farmer, to make the necessary changes for a profitable sustainable future. See Kevin Murphy's 2020 Performance Overview below.
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
Organic Dairy Farming - Batt Sheehan
Organic Dairy farmer Batt Sheehan farms in Ballynoe, Co. Cork. Batt gives an insight into organic dairy farming and outlines the main challenges he finds with organic farming.
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
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Using a Yearly Planner to Organise Yourself
On the final Let's Talk Dairy Time and People Management Series Webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Nollaig Heffernan, Independent Management Consultant to offer some insight and practical tips around using a year planner guide to organise your year and decision making
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
12 January 2021
Once A Day Milking Conference 2021
Teagasc will address the practice of once a day (OAD) milking with a webinar on Thursday 14th January starting at 10.00am. While currently practised on an estimated 200 Irish dairy farms, interest in OAD milking continues to grow. Emer Kennedy Teagasc Moorepark is one of 3 speakers on the day.
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
Dairy Newsletter - January 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Keeping dry cows and in-calf heifers clean; Special feature - Setting up the farm for spring: supplies; Virtual CalfCare week and Early nitrogen application.
11 January 2021
The steps to achieving a successful OAD milking system
Once-a-day dairy advisor Brian Hilliard joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to outline the steps needed to achieving a successful OAD milking system.
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
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.
05 January 2021
New Joint programme between Teagasc and North Cork Creameries
A new Joint Dairy Programme has been agreed between Teagasc, North Cork Creameries (NCC) and Milk Suppliers. The Joint Programme will focus on improving farm profitability through better grassland management, improved nutrient management planning, breeding and nutrition.
04 January 2021
Dairy Farm Energy
Farm businesses are under increasing pressure to become more energy efficient. Milk cooling, water heating & vacuum pumps account for the biggest proportion of energy use on dairy farms. It is these areas that offer scope for the greatest savings. John Upton & Barry Caslin have more information
04 January 2021
Planning for the calving season: Cheap solutions to common issues
Currently dairy farmers all over the country will be starting or preparing for a busy calving season. Nicholas McKenna, Teagasc Dairy Specialist outlines solutions to two problems which may occur during calving - not enough space to calve cows and not enough accommodation for calves.
04 January 2021
How to minimise workload and reduce stress during the busy spring period
Waterford farmer, Steven Fitzgerald, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the how he manages labour to minimise workload and reduce stress during the busy spring period.
04 January 2021
Dairy Research Webinar - What beef bulls are suitable sires for the dairy herd?
On the November edition of the Dairy Research Webinar Series, which took place on Wednesday 11th November host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Dr Padraig French, Teagasc Moorepark to discuss what beef bulls are suitable sires for the dairy herd.
03 January 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Managing your time to maximum effect
On a recent Let's Talk Dairy Time and People Management Webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Marian Beecher, Teagasc Research Officer and Nollaig Heffernan, Independent Management Consultant to discuss good time management tips and techniques in dairy farming.
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
Let’s Talk Dairy Webinar - Grazing infrastructure and reseeding plans
On a recent episode of the Let's Talk Dairy Special Series - Thinking about Dairy Farming, get the basics right which took place on Monday, 30 November, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist and Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Expansion Specialist focused on grazing infrastructure & reseeding plans.
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
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
The Dairy Year in Review Part 2
Continuing the second in the two-part dairy year in review, on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge Podcast, Emma-Louise Coffey is joined by Teagasc Dairy Advisors Jim Moyles, Ciara O’Shea and Seamie Nolan.
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
28 December 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Webinar - Farmyard infrastructure design and building a capital budget
On the final episode of the Let's Talk Dairy Special Series - Thinking about Dairy Farming, get the basics right webinar, Stuart Childs and Patrick Gowing, Teagasc focused on areas around designing a suitable farmyard infrastructure to suit your enterprise and building a capital budget.
26 December 2020
Decisions around ending the breeding season
The primary reason for shortening the breeding season is to tighten up the following calving season. This is to increase profitability and simplify work load during the coming year. Herds with a very spread out calving pattern generally can’t afford not to milk over the coming winter.
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
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
21 December 2020
Planning for calving: peak calf numbers and accommodation
As we move towards 2021 dairy farmers begin to turn their attention from drying off cows to calving them. An aspect of the calving season that may get overlooked is ensuring that you have enough calf space and accommodation to meet peak demand. Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist has the advice
21 December 2020
The Dairy Year in Review Part 1
Teagasc dairy advisors Jim Moyles, Ciara O’Shea and Seamie Nolan join Emma-Louise Coffey for the first of a two-part review of the dairy farming year.
21 December 2020
Dairy Newsletter - December 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dusting cubicle beds; Feed lighter weanling heifers to catch up to target; Special feature - Setting up the farm for spring: facilities and practices & Hygiene, hygiene, hygiene!
20 December 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Ag-Climatise report and ammonia emissions
On the December episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar, Stuart Childs outlines some findings from the Ag-Climatise report and some possible resolutions which can be achieved around ammonia emissions that we have to try to achieve in the coming years.
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
15 December 2020
Teagasc Dairy breeding policy for 2021 breeding season
The Irish dairy industry has benefited enormously from the increase in the Irish dairy herd EBI, since its establishment in 2001. However, significant benefits can still be obtained by further increasing the EBI of the national herd. See the Teagasc Dairy breeding policy for 2021 breeding season
14 December 2020
Aurivo Teagasc Joint programme 2021-2023
The Aurivo/Teagasc joint programme was launched this week by Raymond Barlow Chairman of Aurivo Co-op and Tom Kellegher, Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager. The Joint Programme aims to improve farm profitability and environmental practices while ensuring that dairy farming is socially sustainable.
14 December 2020
The technical performance of the dairy herd at Kildalton
Dairy teachers at Kildalton College, Zerlina Pratt and Aidan Nugent, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the technical performance of the dairy herd at Kildalton.
14 December 2020
Body Condition Scoring Dairy Cows Ahead of Drying off
Why carry out body condition scoring? In this article Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist reviews a recent Let's Talk Dairy webinar and summarises the main points around why and how dairy cows should be body condition scored prior to calving. He recommends carrying this out at least 3 times a year
14 December 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Managing Your Time to Maximum Effect
In this Bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy Webinar Series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc was joined by Marion Beecher, Teagasc and Nollaig Heffernan, Consultant, to discuss time management tips & techniques in dairy farm management, and managing one's own individual time in the farming day
11 December 2020
New hedge on a dairy farm
Planting new hedges ties in very well with what is expected of dairy farmers in relation to environmental and profitable sustainable farming. Profitable dairying can work very well, hand in hand in fact with hedges.Catherine Keena, Teagasc Specialist and Tom Murphy, Dairy advisor
10 December 2020
Hedge cutting advice
Our hedges are like our shop window - to have our farm aesthetically pleasing is important The consumer is looking for biodiversity and sustainability. Tony thinks that’s the way we’ll have to manage our hedges in future. Catherine Keena, Francis Quigley & Padraig McCormack Teagasc give advice
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
07 December 2020
How to achieve target performance through simple, proven technologies
Dairy farmer Dara Killeen and specialist Patrick Gowing joined Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss the targets set out in the Teagasc Dairy Roadmap and consider the targets achievable at farm level.
07 December 2020
How does liquid contract affect % autumn calving?
Two compact blocks of calving for 10-12 weeks, starting in early February & early October, is an ideal structure to match winter supply and contracts for most liquid milk farms. However, James Dunne advises the relative proportion of the herd calving in each block depends on level of liquid contract
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
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Body Condition
In this Bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs is joined by Joe Patton, John McCabe and John Paul Murphy from Moorepark farm to discuss body condition and how to deal with and manage with cows on low side of body condition.
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
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.
01 December 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Body Condition
Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by Joe Patton, Dairy Specialist, John McCabe Dairy Advisor and John Paul Murphy, Moorepark Farm Manager, to discuss body condition and how to deal with and manage cows on the low side of body condition
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
30 November 2020
How to establish white clover in grazing swards
Recorded live from the 2020 Virtual National Dairy Conference, this week’s Dairy Edge podcast features dairy farmer John MacNamara and grassland researcher Mike Egan to discuss how to establish white clover in grazing swards.
30 November 2020
Incorporating clover in grassland, Reducing chemical fertiliser and increasing milk solids.
Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist reports from the recent Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2020, to highlight some of the main points made by John McNamara, Grassland farmer of the year 2018 and Michael Egan Grassland researcher, including the establishment of white clover in the grass sward
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
Johnstown Castle Winter Milk Trials - November update
At Teagasc Johnstown Castle dairy unit in Wexford, the main focus is on investigating winter milk systems. Aidan Lawless, Farm Manager and Joe Patton, Dairy Specialist give a November update on the two Autumn herds.
27 November 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Working Efficiently
Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Marion Beecher, Teagasc and Aidan Aherne, dairy farmer for the second webinar in the Let's Talk Dairy Time and People Management Series which took place on Thursday, 19 November.
26 November 2020
2020 Virtual Dairy Conference - Overall Summary
On Tuesday 24th & Wednesday 25th November, the Teagasc 2020 Virtual Dairy Conference took place. This was in the form of a webinar each morning at 10am followed by “The Dairy Edge Podcast” live at 7pm each evening. Access all the latest dairy research and best technical advice from both days here
26 November 2020
A Waterford Farmer testimonial on the ASSAP service
In this week two of the Sustainability Series, Cathal Somers reports on the Agricultural Sustainability Support & Advisory Programme (ASSAP), working in Priority areas for action across the country to improve water quality. We learn about the focus of a Waterford dairy farmer and about Kick Sampling
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
Dara Killeen - Virtual Dairy Conference 2020
Dara Killeen from East Galway is a new entrant to dairy farming in 2019. Dara discusses the importance of stock and grass productivity to his system. Dara outlines the investment during the conversion including stock, grazing infrastructure and maximising the use of existing sheds and facilities.
25 November 2020
Teagasc 2027 Dairy Roadmap published at Virtual Dairy Conference
A new Teagasc Dairy Roadmap for 2027 was published during the Teagasc Dairy Conference on 25 November. It includes Market and policy issues; Potential shape and size of sector in 2027; Environmental and land use implications; along with research, advisory and education actions.
25 November 2020
Brian Rushe - Virtual Dairy Conference 2020
In this short clip Brian Rushe, Kildare dairy farmer details the practices that he has adopted to improve the efficiency of his dairy farming enterprise. Brian converted to dairying in 2013 from a suckler to beef and tillage farm. He shares his focus on breeding for fertility and on soil fertility
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.
24 November 2020
Grassland Farmer of the Year 2018 - John MacNamara - Virtual Dairy Conference 2020
John MacNamara won the 2018 Overall & Dairy Grassland Farmer of the Year. Here he discusses the benefits of Pasture Base for his farm as well as the improvements he has made on farm since he took over the farm from his father
24 November 2020
Improving Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) will save you money
So what exactly is NUE? NUE is a calculation, explains William Burchill, Teagasc that measures how efficiently nitrogen in slurry, feed & fertiliser converts to milk and meat. Nitrogen Use Efficiency will leave more money in your pocket as well as all of the environmental benefits that go with it.
24 November 2020
Reducing chemical N fertiliser usage - Jack Nolan - Virtual Dairy Conference
Can you reduce Nitrogen fertiliser use in 2021 by a half bag of Urea or 1 bag of CAN? This is the challenge being put to farmers by Jack Nolan, Senior Inspector Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine (DAFM) Water Quality and Biodiversity department.
24 November 2020
Make a small change that will make a BIG difference
Climate change and its associated policies has seen increasing pressure on agriculture worldwide to reduce its Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.The same is true in Ireland. Agriculture is classed as a significant contributor to GHG emissions in Ireland. Áine Murray, Teagasc PhD student has a solution
23 November 2020
The Surveillance and Early Detection of Disease in Ireland’s National Herd
Vet Michael Horan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast, to discuss the role the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine plays in ensuring a high level of surveillance and early detection of disease in the animal population in Ireland.
23 November 2020
Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2020
On this Tuesday 24th November and Wednesday 25th November, Teagasc will bring you the latest dairy research and the best technical advice for dairy farmers through its National Dairy Conference which will be held as an online webinar. Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist has all of the details below
23 November 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Special Series - Understanding EBI and Sourcing the right stock
In this episode of Let's Talk Dairy Special Series - Thinking of Dairy Farming? Get the Basics Right webinar, Stuart Childs and Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialists are joined by Ashleigh Fennell and Evan Kelly to discuss understanding EBI and sourcing the right stock
22 November 2020
‘Farming for a New Decade’ – New Kerry Agribusiness / Teagasc Joint programme
Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc launched their new phase of the dairy joint programme on zoom on Tuesday, 17 November. ‘Farming for a new decade’ is the ninth chapter of the Teagasc / Kerry Agribusiness knowledge transfer programme that began in 1994.
21 November 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar: GHG Emissions
In this episode of Let's Talk Dairy Webinar which took place on 12 November, host Stuart Childs talks to Laurence Shalloo, Katie Starsmore and Ben Lahart who are working on greenhouse gas emissions at Teagasc Moorepark. Also available as a bonus podcast 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
Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference
This year’s Teagasc National Dairy Conference moves online with a series of four virtual events to take place across two days, on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November at 10am and 7pm each day. The focus will be on the efficient use of fertiliser nitrogen and on improving sustainability.
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
A Checklist of Important Tasks for the Coming Months
Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist has summarised a checklist of the important tasks to be undertaken on the dairy farm in the coming months. These include soil and silage testing, feeding minerals, drying off and paperwork. He also highlights the importance of taking time off from the farm work.
16 November 2020
Hygiene of the utmost importance when cows are indoors
Mastitis in cows is almost always caused by bacteria that have gained access to the udder through the teat canal. During the dry period, bacteria can only enter the udder from the environment. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist tells us more about the importance of clean housing indoors.
16 November 2020
Sustainable Dairy Farming and the Challenges Ahead
Tom O’Dwyer Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to detail the challenges that dairy farmers have overcome in the last fifty years.
16 November 2020
Selective Dry Cow Therapy – It’s time to bite the bullet!!!
Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor simplifies the process of Selective Dry Cow Therapy and gives some insight into Antimicrobial resistance.
15 November 2020
Thinking about Dairying? - Let's Talk Dairy Webinar
In this special episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar, Stuart Childs runs through what to expect if you are signed up for the Dairy New Entrant Course or thinking of signing up. He was joined by Patrick Gowing, who spoke about a case study on Peter Hamm about a low cost conversion to dairying.
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.
13 November 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Making Dairy Farms an Attractive Place to Work
In this Bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs is joined by labour researcher, Marion Beecher, and management consultant, Nollaig Heffernan, to give insights into making dairy farms an attractive place to work.
11 November 2020
From Farm to Fork, how grass can be made into milk and cheese.
Teagasc Staff; Marion Beecher, Emer Kennedy, Eimear Ferguson and Margie Egan, are together addressing the questions you have about cows for Science Week. Why grass is green or how grass grows? Why cows can eat grass but humans cannot? How much does a cow eat and drink in a day? Find out 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.
10 November 2020
Smarter milking to increase efficiency and reduce repetitive strain injuries
Padraig O’Connor, Teagasc Milking Technician, recently gave a presentation on Smarter Milking in order to reduce repetitive strain injuries and how to improve milking efficiency. Here Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist focuses on the objectives of a good milking routine in order to Milk Smarter
09 November 2020
International Whey Conference (IWC2020) - A Better Whey of Life
The IWC is a unique forum uniting the whey business and scientific community worldwide for an interactive dialogue on the most relevant aspects of whey production, processing and applications. This year, it's online for the first time with three webinars on markets, nutrition and technology.
09 November 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar: Making the industry/your farm an attractive place to work
Stuart Childs Dairy Specialist is joined in this Let's Talk Dairy episode by Marion Beecher, Teagasc Research Officer speaking on labour efficiency and student work potential on the dairy farm; and by Nollaig Heffernon, Macra Skillnet speaking on labour selection, stress management and much more
09 November 2020
A Checklist of Important Tasks for the Coming Months
On this week's Dairy Edge podcast EmmaLouise Coffey is joined by Joe Kelleher, Dairy Advisor who has a checklist of important tasks to complete in the coming months, including assessing total annual grass production, soil testing, dry cow therapy strategy, parlour maintenance and relevant paperwork
09 November 2020
Dairy Newsletter - November 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Make spring grass your priority; Taking a selective approach to drying cows off; Special feature - Setting up the farm for spring: people; & Preparing for a successful dry cow period.
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
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
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
03 November 2020
Lets Talk Dairy Webinar - Winter Milk Production Johnstown Castle Herd
In this Let's Talk Dairy Webinar, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Aidan Lawless, farm manager in Johnstown Castle and Joe Patton, Teagasc Nutrition specialist to talk about the winter milk production specifically around the winter milk herd in Johnstown Castle
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
Choosing cows for Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT)
Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist, gives an overview of using the Milk Recording Somatic Cell Count (SCC) ICBF report to assist with choosing cows suitable for Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT). He outlines guideline criteria for farmers new to SDCT and advises on a good standard of record-keeping
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
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.
02 November 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: The performance of the winter milk herd at Johnstown Castle
With the current Covid restrictions in place, Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available afterwards as a bonus podcast episode.
01 November 2020
Thousands of kilometres of new fencing required on heavily stocked farms
On January 1st next, every farmer stocked at greater than 170kgs organic Nitrogen per hectare (NPH) is going to have to fence off all drains, streams and rivers on their farms. Teagasc advisor Joe Kelleher gives more information on what is required.
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
31 October 2020
Smarter Milking
Lighten the Load - a campaign to reduce the incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders ( MSDs) among Farmers in Ireland. Padraig O'Connor Teagasc milking technician gives advice and tips on smarter milking which will help reduce in particular repetitive sprain injuries.
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.
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.
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
27 October 2020
Teagasc Moorepark Grass - Clover Research programme - update
The grass - white clover research programme at Teagasc Moorepark is comparing herbage and milk production from three pasture-based systems, all stocked at a whole farm stocking rate of 2.74 cows/ha. Researcher Dr. Deirdre Hennessy & Ellen Fitzpatrick (PhD student) give an update on the programme.
26 October 2020
The Opportunities & Barriers to Drystock Farmers Working on Dairy Farms
Teagasc Walsh Scholar Eamonn O’Flaherty joined Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge Podcast to give an insight into the barriers to drystock farmers taking up part-time employment opportunities on dairy farms.
26 October 2020
Setting up the winter diet for freshly calved cows
Joe Patton, Dairy Specialist and Aidan Lawless, Dairy Farm Manager at Johnstown Castle, stress the importance of having a feeding plan in place for the winter milk herd, outline the 3 importance steps involved and discuss the diet of the Johnstown Castle Winter Milk Herd.
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.
22 October 2020
Lets Talk Dairy Webinar - Selecting Cows for Selective Dry Cow Therapy
On the latest Let's Talk Dairy webinar host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist runs through using ICBF reports in order to select cows to be put forward for selective dry cow therapy
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.
20 October 2020
Considering Selective Dry Cow Therapy
We have all heard about the new legislation that will be in place in January 2022. This has been brought about because of the increase in resistance to antibiotics of bacteria that cause illness in humans. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has more information on SDCT.
19 October 2020
What’s in Budget 2021 for Dairy Farmers?
With the Government announcing a large spending package in this year’s Budget 2021, Financial Specialist Kevin Connolly joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the agricultural measures for dairy farmers.
19 October 2020
Preparing for housing on dairy farms
Mairead Kirk, Dairy Advisor Teagasc Louth advises on preparing for winter housing. Starting with the cubicle shed, ensure it is cleaned, inspect all fixtures for damage or defects. Act now while sheds are empty. Are supplies in place; straw, lime, salt? Planning now will ease winter workload
16 October 2020
Ballyhaise Extended Grazing Trial
Donal Patton, Dairy research technologist, has summarised the trends emerging from the final year of a four-year trial in Ballyhaise. The trial looked at extended grazing on heavy soils in Northern regions comparing two grazing season lengths and two stocking rates.
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
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.
12 October 2020
Selective Dry Cow Therapy
New European legislation will take effect from January 28th, 2022 which will mean that we will no longer be allowed to administer dry cow tubes to all quarters of all cows in the herd (blanket dry cow therapy). Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has more information on the new legislation.
12 October 2020
Insights and experience of selective dry cow therapy from Pallaskenry
Pallaskenry Farm Manager Brendan Ryan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the use of selective dry cow therapy (DCT).
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.
09 October 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk
This week's Let's Talk Dairy webinar bonus episode features the Fitzgerald family farm virtual farm walk sharing their experiences of sustainable farming with Emma Louise Coffey
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
08 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk - Work-life balance & Water quality
On Thursday October 1st the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw in County Waterford opened the gates of their farm for a virtual farm walk. The theme for the day was reducing the carbon footprint of milk production systems. Here we focus on work -life balance and water quality on the farm
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.
06 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk - Energy & Biodiversity
On Thursday October 1st the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw in County Waterford opened the gates of their farm for a virtual farm walk. The theme for the day was reducing the carbon footprint of milk production systems. Here we focus on the Energy Efficiency and Biodiversity themes from the day.
05 October 2020
Dairy Farmer Profile - Dara & Charles Killeen
Dara and Charles Killeen from Eyrecourt, Co Galway, began dairy farming in 2019 with 95 in-calf heifers and have increased to 153 cows milking this year. Prior to this, Dara and his father were farming 500 ewes and 120 beef cattle. Martina Gormley & Patrick Gowing, Dairy Specialists have the details
05 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk Webinar
On Thursday, October 1st 2020 Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer Shane Fitzgerald participated in a live webinar from his farm. This was followed by a virtual farm walk of his farm where he gave information on the steps being taken to reduce the carbon footprint of his milk production system.
05 October 2020
Dairy Edge Episode 141
Francis Bligh, Health and Safety Specialist at Teagasc, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss health and safety on the farm workplace.
05 October 2020
Dairy Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: closing the farm up correctly; check weanling and in-calf heifer weights; getting winter ready; getting value from silage analysis & things to do for October.
04 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Virtual Farm Walk
On Thursday October 1st the Fitzgerald fanily from Portlaw in County Waterford opened the gates of their farm for a virtual farm walk. The theme for the day was reducing the carbon footprint of milk production systems. Below is an overview of the day, their farm, their cows and reducing nitrogen.
02 October 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: John Trant 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year
On this week’s show, Stuart Childs, was joined by John Trant, 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year in order to get an insight into his career path to date.
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.
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.
28 September 2020
Dairy Edge Episode 140
Dairy farmer, Shane Fitzgerald, and Masters researcher, Aoife Leader, join Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to highlight examples of farms achieving top performance in combination with high levels of biodiversity.
28 September 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: The inclusion of white clover in grazing swards
On this webinar, Stuart Childs is joined by advisor, John McCarthy, who speaks to researcher, Deirdre Hennessy, about the inclusion of white clover in grazing swards.
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
27 September 2020
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Derogation and Farm Management Points to Note
On this bonus episode of The Dairy Edge Podcast, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist outlines some derogation and farm management points that farmers need to be aware of.
26 September 2020
Reducing the carbon footprint of milk production: Virtual Farm Walk and Webinar from Portlaw, Co Waterford.
Shane Fitzgerald, who farms 92 hectares with his father near Portlaw, County Waterford, will host this virtual event, supported by Teagasc, Glanbia Ireland, the European Milk Forum and the National Dairy Council. He will highlight how they are reducing the carbon footprint of their milk production
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
21 September 2020
DairyEdge Episode 139
Dairy Grassland Farmer of the Year Mike Bermingham joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss his autumn grazing strategy
21 September 2020
Target weights for replacement heifers
Lower survival rates to third lactation and reduced milk yields are the consequences of failing to achieve the target weight for age when rearing replacement heifers. The maintenance sub index determines the appropriate target weight. Dairy Specialist George Ramsbottom outlines the calculations
18 September 2020
Social Media Takeover with John Trant GFOY
John Trant, 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year hosted a social media takeover on his farm through Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday, 16th September 2020.
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.
14 September 2020
How to balance running a 60-cow dairy farm with a full-time off farm job
On this week's Dairy Edge podcast Jeremiah Daly joins Emma Louise Coffey to explain how he finds the balance of running a 60-cow dairy farm and a full-time off farm job
13 September 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Derogation and Farm Management Points to Note
In this Let's Talk Dairy Webinar, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist outlines some derogation and farm management points that farmers need to be aware of.
12 September 2020
Social Media Takeover - John Trant
John Trant, 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year hosts a social media takeover on his farm through Twitter and Instagram all day on Wednesday 16th September 2020.
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
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Managing grass and grass supply
This week's Let's Talk Dairy Webinar focuses on managing grass and grass supply right now and features John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Programme Manager.
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.
10 September 2020
Teagasc Dairy Research Webinar - Are the next generation herd still performing?
On the latest Teagasc Dairy Research Webinar which took place on 9th September host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Frank Buckley, Teagasc Research Officer to discuss the lessons from Teagasc’s Next Generation Herd.
09 September 2020
Chemical Fertiliser Deadline Day approaching or is it??
The image above is known as Liebigs barrel. If one lath of the barrel is low, then the barrel can only be filled to the level of that lath. Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has more information.
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
How to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit
Researcher James Humphreys joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge Podcast with practical steps to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit.
07 September 2020
Dairy Newsletter - September 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team. In this month's edition: Derogation requirements for 2020; Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020; Post-milking teat disinfection and Health & Safety - Get winter ready.
06 September 2020
Enda Keaveney - Dairy Farm Partnership
Enda from County Galway is in a dairy farm partnership in with his parents since 2015. He studied construction first and then the recession hit Ireland. They are farming 120 cows. Find out more about the Keaveney's and their experience of the New Entrant Network - Newbie.
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.
06 September 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Managing grass and grass supply right now
Stuart Childs was joined by John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Programme Manager to discuss managing grass and grass supply right now. Patrick Gowing, Dairy Expansion Service Co-Ordinator, Teagasc also joined the webinar to give an insight into the upcoming New Entrant to Dairying Course 2020.
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.
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
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.
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
Key Practices for Nitrates Derogation Farmers
Teagasc Dairy Advisor Mark O’Sullivan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge Podcast to discuss the key mandatory practices for Nitrates Derogation farms.
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
Clonakilty Agricultural College Dairy Update
The current experiment in Clonakilty Agricultural College is investigating the use of white clover and nitrogen fertiliser in intensive dairy systems. Brian Mc Carthy and Aine Murray give an update on their research to date.
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
John Galvin, Grass Focus Farmer in Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme
Grainne Hurley, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Macroom gets an insight as to how John Galvin, grass focus demonstration farmer in the Dairygold/Teagasc Joint Programme is managing his grass for the Autumn.
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.
24 August 2020
Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farm Programme
The Open Source Future Farm Programme will harness advancements in technology and farm practices to support farmers to make the necessary changes for a profitable and sustainable future.
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
24 August 2020
Making farming easier and more enjoyable through labour efficiencies
Dairy Specialist Martina Gormley joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast. She gives insights into labour measures and efficiencies on six dairy farms across the spring and summer months of 2020.
24 August 2020
Pros & cons of multi-species swards for dairy farms
Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Fergal Maguire outlines the pros and cons of using multi-species swards on Irish dairy farms, while also giving an overview of the different varieties in the seed mix and what advantages they bring to the sward.
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
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.
17 August 2020
Changes to Derogation Rules - timely reminders for dairy farmers
Approximately 7,000 farmers are derogation applicants in 2020. The vast majority are dairy farmers. Eight changes will affect you in 2020. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist tells us more.
17 August 2020
Michael Doran on his decision to convert from drystock to dairy farming
Dairy farmer Michael Doran joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss the decision to convert from drystock to dairy farming.
17 August 2020
Dairy farming proving to be an attractive career choice at 50 hours per week
The perception amongst many dairy farmers is that all dairy farmers work long hours and that there is very little time for breaks and time off the farm. Six dairy farmers have managed to keep working hours close to 50 hours per week. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist tells us more.
13 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Dairy Enterprise Factsheet
The 2019 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on close to 900 farms representative of over 90,000 farms nationally. This analysis summarises the results of dairy enterprises, excluding farms supplying mostly liquid milk and herds of 10 cows or less.
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.
10 August 2020
How to use the Lean model to make savings and increase efficiencies on your farm
The Lean business model of reducing waste & increasing efficiencies has become popular on dairy farms. On this week’s Dairy Edge, labour researcher Marion Beecher & Head of Continuous Improvement at Dairygold Co-Op, John Murphy, join Emma-Louise Coffey to discuss the role of Lean practices.
10 August 2020
Dairy Newsletter August 2020
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Dairy team. In this month's edition: Building grass covers happens in August; Do you have a grazing plan for August?; Summer mastitis; Break the cycle of late-calving cows.
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.
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
Let's Talk Dairy- Smarter Milking Webinar
In this Let's Talk Dairy Webinar, hear from Padraig O’Connor who discussed the milking routine, Caroline O’Connell from Cahir Physiotherapy Clinic who was on to discuss repetitive strain injury from poor milking technique & how to avoid same & Francis Quigley who looked at how we to improve cow flow
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
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.
04 August 2020
Are you interested in converting to dairying?
"Converting to dairy involves a major commitment and sizeable capital outlay...therefore you need to be sure you are making the right decisions"
03 August 2020
Johnstown Castle Winter and Spring Milk Herds Update
Johnstown Castle farm manager Aidan Lawless joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give an update on the performance of the winter and spring milk herds.
02 August 2020
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham GFOY
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham - Teagasc Grass10 Grassland Farmer of the Year 2019 - Dairy
30 July 2020
White Clover Study Update from Teagasc Moorepark - July 2020
In this short clip, Dr. Deirdre Hennessy and PhD student Ellen Fitzpatrick give us an update on the clover study at Teagasc Moorepark.
27 July 2020
How to Save on Energy Costs on Your Dairy Farm
With the cost of energy on Irish dairy farms on average €5 per 1,000 litres, ranging from €2.50-59, this week’s guest, John Upton, Teagasc Research Officer joins Emma-Louise Coffey to give tips to save money on farm energy bills.
27 July 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Clover: A Farmer's Perspective
On the latest Let's Talk Dairy Webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Fergal Coughlan, Farm Manager in Clonakilty, Lawrence Sexton, Farmer and Mark Treacy, Teagasc Dairy Advisor and to discuss "Clover- A Farmers Perspective".
26 July 2020
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham
Mike Bermingham is the Dairy Category Winner of the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition. On Wednesday, 29 July Mike will be taking over the Teagasc Instagram and Teagasc Grass10 twitter account to give us an insight into his farm and farming system.
25 July 2020
Organic Dairy Farming - The Little Milk Company
The Little Milk Company is made up of a group of 10 family run organic farms which was established in 2008. It started out as a plan to get a better return for their milk by producing a range of organic artisan products. Their story is profiled by member John Liston.
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
Review of Ballyhaise heifer rearing unit at grass
For the last two years Ballyhaise Research Farm have been running a dedicated replacement heifer rearing unit which consists of a 10ha grazing block. This year there is 31 calves and 21 maiden heifers on this block. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist tells us more.
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
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
Is it time to pull the bull?
Just when is the appropriate time to remove the bull? On this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, advisor John McCabe joins Emma-Louise Coffey with advice and information for farmers.
20 July 2020
Dairy Newsletter - July
Read this month's dairy newsletter for all current dairy issues, including completing a fodder budget, the importance of milk recording and when to stop breeding.
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
Organic Dairy Farming
Organic dairying is a small but growing sector within the dairy sector in Ireland. Latest figures from DAFM show that there are 62 organic dairy operators with an average herd size of 79 cows (2019). Dan Clavin, Teagasc Organic Specialist gives us an insight into the organic dairy sector in Ireland
18 July 2020
Dairy Research Webinar- The alternative autumn and spring grazing practices to increase grass supply
On the recent Dairy Research Webinar, Michael Egan joined host Stuart Childs to discuss "What are the alternative autumn and spring grazing practices to increase grass supply?"
13 July 2020
Tips to improve the quality of grazing swards
Michael O’Donovan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give tips and advice to improve the quality of grazing swards.
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.
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
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
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
The Benefits of Biodiversity for Irish Dairy Farms
Dan Clavin, Teagasc Organic Specialist joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give an insight into organic dairy production systems in Ireland.
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.
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
02 July 2020
Once a Day Milking vs. Twice a Day Milking at Teagasc Moorepark
Emer Kennedy, Researcher in Teagasc Moorepark discusses the Moorepark once a day herd. This herd has been running for the last number of years. The herd is part of an on-going experiment looking at once a day vs.twice a day milking.
02 July 2020
Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer - Matthew Mullen
Matthew Mullen from County Meath is a participant in the Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Programme. In this video Matthew gives an update on what they have been doing on the farm in recent weeks.
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
NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards - Hearne Family Dairy Farm
In 2019, the Hearne family was awarded the top prize in the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.
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
John Ryan - Teagasc/ Glanbia Future Farm Participant Update
John Ryan, participant of the Teagasc/ Glanbia Future Farm Programme farms in Boulick, Gornathoe, Co. Tipperary.
24 June 2020
Hot Water Heating Options for the Milking Parlour
It is projected that during 2020 Ireland will produce up to 8.8 billion litres of milk; this will require approx. 370 GWh of electricity. On farm dairy electricity related CO2 emissions may be 162,000 tonnes by the end of 2020 unless mitigation strategies are implemented.
22 June 2020
Concentrate supplement options during a grass shortage
Many farms have been struggling with poor grass growth and quality in recent weeks. Weekend rainfall has been significant in most regions, this will help grass growth. If you are short of grass, Dairy Specialist Joe Patton has some advice.
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
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.
16 June 2020
Virtual Farm Walk on Award Winning Dairy Farm
The Hearne family, who farm at Ballinacurra, Rathgormack, Co. Waterford, were the 2019 National Winners of the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. A ‘Virtual Farm Walk’ webinar will take place on this award winning farm on Tuesday, 30 June this year.
15 June 2020
Diagnose before you Dose
Resistance to dosing products is of increasing concern. It is therefore incumbent on farmers to ensure that they are using the right product at the right rate at the right time. Dairy specialist Stuart Childs has some useful advice.
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.