Dairy
Teagasc at BTYSTE: In the clover
Teagasc is at the virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2022. Teagasc Researchers Catriona Boyle and Deirdre Hennessy bring us this article on Clover research in Teagasc as part of the event this week. Find out about the Teagasc prize awarded and visit the Teagasc stand here
10 January 2022
Getting the Best Out of Slurry
Maximise the opportunity to reduce chemical fertiliser inputs in the year ahead. If you'd like to find out more you won't want to miss the Teagasc Getting the Best Out of Slurry Webinar on Wednesday, 12th January 2022 at 11am with Francis Quigley and Mark Plunkett. Register here
09 January 2022
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 9
The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter, this January, focuses on preparing for the arrival of calves on farm with a farmer update from Jarlath Ruane, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. It includes key management tips, advice on calf rearing, vaccination of dairy-beef calves and calf housing
07 January 2022
Ask for your Nutrient Management Plan
NMP online produces a fertiliser plan for your farm including a liming plan, where to apply your slurry/FYM and what fields to target with specific fertiliser based on soil test results. Teagasc environment specialists Padraig Foley and Tim Hyde give more information.
07 January 2022
Diversified Farmers' Guide to Social Media
Diversified businesses looking to bring in new customers need to create a social media strategy that is narrowly focused on their target audience to avoid wasting time and money. Many businesses are now aware of the need have an online presence. Follow the guidelines given here
05 January 2022
Capturing More N from Cattle Slurry
With fertilizer prices at all-time highs cattle slurry will be a key resource on farm to reduce the impact of high N, P & K prices. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford and Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist, Kildalton College explain how to achieve this
04 January 2022
Mineral supplementation for dry cows
Inadequate mineral supplementation during the dry period can cause problems with new-born calf health, as well as a greater risk of problems with cow health. James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has recommendations and details on pre-calving mineral requirements here
03 January 2022
Once a Day Milking Conference 2022
Once a Day Milking is currently only practiced on around 200 Irish dairy farms. But the interest in the practice of once a day milking continues to grow. Teagasc will address the topic through a webinar on Thursday 6 January starting at 10.00am.
03 January 2022
TResearch Autumn/Winter 2021
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Autumn/Winter 2021 issue of TResearch magazine brings a new look. We’ve put the people who carry out our cutting-edge research front and centre.
31 December 2021
Unearthing a medieval town
For the final Map of the Month of the year 2021, we take a closer look the abandoned town of Newtown near Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny, which according to local legend is the resting place of St. Nicholas. This map by Daniel O'Mahony, Walsh Scholar looks at how technology revolutionised archaeology.
29 December 2021
Milking Parlour Location
As we move in to the quiet time of the year you may be planning on updating or constructing a new milking parlour. A milking parlour is a significant investment on any farm and takes careful consideration. Teagasc dairy specialist Patrick Gowing gives advice on planning the location of your parlour.
27 December 2021
The complicated story of fluke - Part 2
Work in Animal Health Ireland has shown that fluke could be costing €70 per finished steer in lost performance if not treated correctly. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist in the second of a two part series discusses liver fluke. Martina explains the treatment of fluke and ensuring it works
22 December 2021
The complicated story of fluke - Part 1
Work in Animal Health Ireland has shown that fluke could be costing €70 per finished steer in lost performance if not treated correctly. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist in the first of a two part series this week discusses liver fluke. Here she explains the stages of fluke in the animal
21 December 2021
Mastitis in early lactation
Mastitis in early lactation costs money but careful management in the last couple of weeks before calving can prevent many cases from occurring. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist shares his experience and advice here
20 December 2021
Meeting December Climate Actions
In December Climate Actions: Order protected urea for 2022 - how to value it versus other N, Organise soil sampling, Weigh finishing animals in winter to ensure they are on target for slaughter next Spring, Identify suitable heifers for breeding at 15 months and importing organic manure for tillage
19 December 2021
Reducing Phosphorus Loss to Water
There has been at lot of focus on Nitrogen in media coverage in recent times, but it is another nutrient, Phosphorus, that in causing issues in many watercourses draining heavy soils. Ivan Kelly, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor provides some advice on reducing Phosphorous loss to water.
19 December 2021
The benefits of soil sampling to farmers
It is crucial that farmers take soil samples and analyse the findings to save money in 2022. Brendan Garry and John Noonan, Teagasc Mayo provide some advice and Edward Gibbons, local farmer discusses the benefits he has seen on his farm by taking soil samples over the years.
19 December 2021
How to reduce chemical fertiliser N in 2022
Getting more from every kilo of nitrogen (N) in 2022 is the new challenge as fertiliser N prices reach record highs and legislative N limits tighten in a quest to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of agricultural emissions on climate change. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Specialist has advice
18 December 2021
The new “marteloscope” training network
Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer explains the new “marteloscope” training network: enhancing forest owners’ confidence and ability in managing diverse forests. He defines “marteloscope”, describing the plots, what the course entails and a farmer gives his experience of it here
17 December 2021
Safeguard your payments against Cross Compliance Penalties
Under cross-compliance, the beneficiary of direct payments is required to meet specified minimum criteria in the maintenance of their yard and the storage of organic manures to avoid sanctions being applied to their area-based payments. Noel Bardon, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc Westport has some advice.
17 December 2021
Environment Newsletter - December 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Think before you plant!; Planting a new hedge; and a message from Signpost Programme - How big is your carbon footprint?.
17 December 2021
Teagasc Pathway to Reducing GHG Emissions
The Climate Action Plan of 4th November clarified sectoral emission reduction targets for agriculture and land-use. Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme focuses on the steps needed for agriculture to deliver on its targets. Teagasc Director, Frank O'Mara outlined these at the Beef Conference also
16 December 2021
New Commercial Beef Value (CBV) announced by ICBF
At last week's Virtual Beef Conference ICBF announced a new Commercial Beef Value. Described as a new selection tool for farmers with non breeding herds it will have particular relevance to those herds that are purchasing animals to bring to finish. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has details
15 December 2021
Pre-calving checklist for Spring 2022
Now is the time to start thinking about Spring 2022. How can it be made easier than last Spring? Here, Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist talks about work organisation and having a checklist in place for pre-calving tasks and supplies. You can download your checklist here
13 December 2021
Start preparing now for next Spring
As things quieten down, there is an opportunity to prepare in for what is normally the busiest time of the year - calving season. John McNamara, Teagasc/Carbery Joint Programme Co-ordinator outlines some of the key areas which can be looked at in the coming weeks in advance of the calving season.
12 December 2021
Organic farming: an option now?
For those considering the change to organic farming there are many factors to take into account. Martina Donnelly, Teagasc B&T Drystock Advisor, discusses these factors, including fertiliser, meal and sprays, here.
12 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Profitability of later born calves
Today's question, the last in the series of unanswered questions from the Virtual Dairy Conference is on whether later born calves (April- May) leave a profit for the beef farmer? All this week and last, Teagasc Dairy Specialists answered these. Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Grange answers this one here
10 December 2021
Are you competent to operate a chainsaw safely?
Inevitably, some on-farm trees will have blown down following Storm Barra. Why not check out advice on operating a chainsaw safely on the Teagasc Forestry website page, before considering any clean-up activities? John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer provides chainsaw guidance here
10 December 2021
Drying off cows is in full swing
Drying off cows in batches is in full swing on most farms. However In view of good milk prices it can be tempting to milk on for some farmers. Don Crowley, Teagasc Milk Quality Specialist, advises against milking on and outlines best practice for drying off here
10 December 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 8
This latest issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter, this December, has a farmer update from Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick, key management tips, details of silage quality on Green Acres farms and information on Space requirements for weanlings. Read it here
09 December 2021