Dairy
Concrete versus rubber covered slats
Concern for the welfare of finishing cattle, particularly in relation to housing conditions (floor type & space allocation), has been expressed at national and EU level. Teagasc Grange Researchers give insight into their research into Concrete versus rubber covered slats. Find out more at Beef 2022
29 June 2022
Meet Michael & Alex McCarthy, Signpost dairy farmers
We are farming in a partnership milking 170 cows on a grass based system. We farm 104 hectares. A major challenge we see coming at us over the next couple of years are the environmental challenges. As Signpost farmers we want to increase biodiversity on our farm. Read our June update here
28 June 2022
Successful Kildalton 50th Open Day
The Teagasc Kildalton Agriculture, Horticulture and Equine College in Piltown county Kilkenny opened its doors and its gates to thousands of visitors on Saturday, 25 June to celebrate its 50th year as an education college.
27 June 2022
Silage effluent, storing silage & water quality
Silage effluent is highly pollutant to waterbodies and must be stored and collected according to best practice. An accidental discharge can have serious effects on a rivers ecology including fish kills for long distances downstream. Kieran Kenny, Teagasc ASSAP advisor, Roscommon has practical advice
27 June 2022
Using Protected Urea
Using protected urea in grassland results in lower nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions than CAN and lower ammonia losses than urea. This makes it the most sustainable fertiliser N source for meeting both greenhouse gas and ammonia loss emission commitments, as Sandra Hayes, Teagasc advisor reminds us here
26 June 2022
Francis Nolan's Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk
Join us on Wednesday, 29th June at 11am on the farm of Francis Nolan, Knockalane, Muckalee, Co. Kilkenny, R93 A3W0 for a Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk. The walk topics will cover the farm, farmyard and labour - topics not to be missed. Book your ticket here
24 June 2022
Multi species swards: grazing trial at Johnstown Castle
Despite lower fertiliser nitrogen, dairy cattle on multi-species swards performed similarly to a herd on grass-clover, a Teagasc grazing trial shows. Aidan Lawless (Johnstown Castle), Mike Dineen (Moorepark), David Wall (Johnstown Castle) and John Finn (Johnstown Castle) discuss this research here
24 June 2022
Minister McConalogue launches DairyBeef500 Campaign
DairyBeef500, a new programme focused on dairy beef production has been launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. Dairy calf to beef demonstration farms have been selected throughout the country to illustrate key technologies. Read more details here
23 June 2022
Safety net: food security in Ireland
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a global increase in food costs, worsening food security problems in some countries, and introducing it to others. Here, Teagasc’s Head of Rural Economy Development Programme Kevin Hanrahan examines food security in Ireland, and rising food prices
23 June 2022
Linear Biodiversity Habitats
Hedges, watercourses and field margins are important linear features that define the Irish farming landscape and provide food, shelter and movement corridors for our native wildlife. Linear Biodiversity Habitats featured in the June edition of the Teagasc Signpost e-newsletter. Find out more here
22 June 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 21st June 2022
A week ago marked the 200th Edition of the Grass10 newsletter. The Grass10 newsletter has evolved significantly since the 1st edition and there is nothing else like it for farmers involved in grassland management. The Grass10 team look at the 2022 Grass Growth Curve to date, and more this week
22 June 2022
Summer Mastitis – Risk increasing
Summer mastitis is normally associated with dry cows and heifers in the summer months (late June-mid September). Up to now temperatures have been cool but in the last week conditions became more humid, fly numbers are on the rise, so risk has increased. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises
22 June 2022
Meet the Farmer - Peadar O'Driscoll
Peadar O’Driscoll from Churchcross outside Skibbereen is a monitor farm in the Teagasc Carbery Joint Programme as well as being a SignPost farmer in the national SignPost programme. David Purcell, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Skibbereen, West Cork, has an update from Peadar's farm
22 June 2022
Incorporating clover at Ballyhaise
In 2021 a new 5-year systems trial began looking at transitioning from high levels of Nitrogen (N) usage to low levels of imported N in Ballyhaise College. Donal Patton, Teagasc Ballyhaise gives an insight into this new research which looks at persistency of clover incorporated in grass swards
21 June 2022
Dairy farm employment arrangements for Spring 2023
With the average dairy herd at 90 cows many farmers comment that finding part-time help is an issue. Furthermore, some will say they can only justify paying for help in spring and that for the rest of the year they do not need help. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has helpful suggestions
20 June 2022
Show Jessy your Farm Safety ideas and win!
Calling 4-12 year olds! Jessy the Sheep Dog, our Teagasc Farm Safety mascot, loves to help keep everyone safe on the farm so she wants to give 4 lucky winners a prize. Find out about the ‘Stay Safe with Jessy' art competition, how to enter and what you can win. Closing date for entries is 22 July
19 June 2022
New Teagasc Regional Reviews Published
Teagasc has published Reviews for each of the 12 Teagasc Advisory Regions. The reviews give an overview of the range of the agricultural and farming sectors in each region. The supporting advisory activities and education courses provided by Teagasc are also highlighted and available in the reviews.
19 June 2022
It’s Time for Lime!
Weather conditions can be a major obstacle for spreading lime, especially during the latter half of the grazing season. Unfavourable weather conditions experienced in autumn hampers ability to get lime spread on the farm. Teagasc Kilrush, Advisor Niall Kerins gives advice on spreading lime earlier
18 June 2022
Grass10 200th Newsletter
The 200th edition of the Teagasc Grass10 newsletter was published yesterday, Tuesday, 14th June. The Grass10 newsletter has been published every Tuesday since 2018, using the grass measurements taken by grassland farmers around the country, and data obtained from PastureBase Ireland.
15 June 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 14th June 2022
Tuesday 14th June marked the 200th Edition of the Grass10 newsletter. The Grass10 newsletter has evolved significantly since the 1st edition in 2018. Watch the 200th Edition Video to get farmer reaction. This week get the regular updates, weekly checklist Featured farmer, Clover reporter & more
15 June 2022
Contract Heifer Rearing – Farm Walks 2022
In June 2022, Teagasc will run two Contract Heifer Rearing Farm Walks. The first walk takes place on Tuesday 21st June 2022 at 11am on the farm of Laurence McEvoy, Co. Kilkenny while the second walk is on Thursday 30th June 2022 at 7pm on Kieran & Caroline Henry's farm in Co. Sligo. Get details here
15 June 2022
Breeding better beef from the dairy herd
With most dairy herds finished breeding dairy replacements at this stage, farmers are typically breeding the remaining cows to beef AI or beef stock bulls. A considerable data bank is available from the Angus cross Friesian cattle finished at Grange since 2019. George Ramsbottom, Specialist outlines
13 June 2022
Forestry – farm planning and integrating trees on the farm
Setting clear objectives and timely planning are essential for new farm forest enterprises. A range of planting options can be considered to meet financial, social & environmental enhancement objectives. Comprehensive supports are available from Teagasc as Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist explains
13 June 2022
Climate Actions for June
As we approach mid June it's time to check in with the Climate Actions for June, advised by the Teagasc Signpost team, and compare how we getting on with meeting the five actions set out for this month. The actions include; grassland fertiliser rates, grass clover swards, slurry and breeding advice
13 June 2022
Heart health – changes are needed
Farmers aged 17 to 64 are seven times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than salaried employees. Simple steps can reduce your risk. John McNamara Teagasc Health and Safety specialist & Diana van Doorn Teagasc Walsh Scholar discuss this recent major study on improving cardiovascular health
12 June 2022
Environment Newsletter - June 2022
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Dates for your diary; Biodiversity on farmland - Messages from the Teagasc biodiversity stand at Bloom; EIP update - MacGillycuddy Reeks EIP and Message from ASSAP - Controlling rushes
12 June 2022
Heavy Soils Farm Walk - John Leahy
Attendees at this Heavy Soils Farm Walk taking place on Wednesday, 22nd June at 11am on the farm of John Leahy, Athea, Co. Limerick, V94 H7Y7 will gain an insight into the lessons learned on a commercial research farm over 10 years as part of the Heavy Soils Programme (HSP). Get more details here
11 June 2022
Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management graduation - 2021 Graduates
The 2021 Graduates of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course were presented with their diplomas at an awards ceremony at Teagasc Moorepark, recently.
09 June 2022
The importance of having a nutrient plan on your farm in 2022
Now more than ever the efficient use of all organic and chemical fertilisers is vital to supply fertiliser requirements and control costs on farm. Tom Deane, Teagasc Advisor, Enniscorthy looks at importing slurry to minimise fertiliser cost but advises on completing a Nutrient Management Plan first
09 June 2022
Milk Quality Farm Walk with The McCarthys
A farm walk will take place on the McCarthy Family Farm, Kilmurry, Feenagh, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick on Wednesday 15th June at 1.30pm. The McCarthy Family are the 2021 National Winners of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Get more details about the walk here
09 June 2022