Dairy
Autumn Reseeding – Overcoming the extra challenges
Traditionally many dairy farmers have looked to the autumn to carry out reseeding as their workloads reduce. Reseeding in the autumn presents far more challenges than early summer reseeds. James Moyles, Teagasc Advisor, Tullamore advises on the mistakes he has encountered with autumn reseeds.
31 August 2021
Rural housing density in Ireland - Map of the Month
The August Map of the Month, created by Researchers David Meredith, Rob O’Hara and Jesko Zimmermann looks at the density of rural dwellings in Ireland. It clearly shows the impact of the road network, proximity to towns and cities, and general topography on residential housing density.
29 August 2021
Growth Watch: Deadline approaches for nitrogen and phosphorous applications
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss the approaching deadline for applications of chemical nitrogen and phosphorous fertilisers. They also get updates from farmers Pat Collins, Co. Cork, and Irvine Allen, Co. Westmeath.
27 August 2021
Time for Spreading Lime
The benefits of correcting a lime deficiency are numerous. Lime can be safely spread any time of the year but planning and a more proactive approach to lime application would help increase application rates. John McCarthy, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme Advisor has some advice on spreading lime.
26 August 2021
Fodder Budget – Planning for Winter 2021
Now as the silage season approaches completion, it’s a good time to take stock of the amount of fodder in the yard. This exercise will highlight the amount of fodder you have and if you have enough for the stock you plan to carry over the winter. Eddie Webb has advice on how to do a fodder budget
25 August 2021
Pat Dillon previews the 2021 Moorepark Open Day
Teagasc’s Head of Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme, Pat Dillon, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with a preview of the 2021 Moorepark Open Day event.
23 August 2021
Pollution Prevention on Farm Roadways
A well designed and well maintained farm roadway has many benefits which must include pollution control. Farm roadways are widely acknowledged as a significant run off pathway. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, Tralee, has advice here on roadway layout to avoid run off to watercourses
23 August 2021
Endangered Corncrake making a welcome return
Corncrake numbers have declined in recent times, however they have increased again in 2021. Joanne Masterson, B&T Drystock Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, discusses corncrake friendly mowing and the Corncrake LIFE Project Scheme. She also sheds light on the future of this bird species.
22 August 2021
Goats don't like the rain!
Goats don’t like the rain. Marion Roeleveld, Killeen Farmhouse Cheese had goats out grazing, but when it rained they would run back into the shed. They were very bad grazers and very susceptible to parasites. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Rural Economy, brings us this insight into making goat's cheese
20 August 2021
Growth Watch: Finishing at pasture commences
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss how farmers in the programe are lessening the costs associated with winter finishing by moving to finishing stock off grass prior to housing. They also get updates from farmers Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath, & Shane Cranny Co. Carlow.
19 August 2021
Multi-species swards grow more forage with less fertiliser, even under drought conditions
Six-species swards outperformed perennial ryegrass monocultures and were considerably more resistant to drought. New research from Teagasc, Johnstown Castle and Trinity College Dublin shows that multi-species mixtures out-yielded perennial ryegrass which received double the amount of fertiliser
18 August 2021
Devenish Teagasc partnership to help agri industry meet climate challenge
Ireland’s food and farming sector will have a significant competitive advantage in the global market place by creating one of the world’s most sustainable food systems through a unique collaboration between animal nutrition company, Devenish, and agriculture and food development authority, Teagasc
17 August 2021
Keep your dairy calves thriving this Summer
At this stage of the year it is time to review the progress of our replacement heifers (or all dairy bred calves) as they are the future of our milking herd. Here Martin Doyle, Teagasc Advisor, Enniscorthy has advice for management at grass, to ensure calf weights stay on track in late summer
16 August 2021
Growth Watch: Planning for the Last Round of Grazing Begins Now
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on planning for the last round of grazing & common problems that occur at farm level when achieving the desired rotation length. They also get updates from farmers Richard Long, Co Waterford, & Martin Connolly, Co Roscommon.
13 August 2021
Building Autumn Grass
In a recent edition of the Let's Talk Dairy Series, Stuart Childs interviewed John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor, about setting up the farm for Autumn grass. Extra grazing days in the autumn are achieved by building grass cover during August. See the environmental benefits and get key tips here
11 August 2021
Signpost Programme Steering Group Meet
The first meeting of the Signpost Programme Steering Group was held on Wednesday 28 July, in Teagasc Oak Park. The Signpost Programme is a collaborative programme to lead climate action by Irish farmers and their transition towards more sustainable farming systems. Read on for more
10 August 2021
Vaccination programmes for calf to beef farms
Numerous challenges to calf health are encountered in the early stages of the animal’s life. Vaccines can be used to prevent disease. The Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef team has published a useful Fact Sheet on Vaccination programmes for calf to beef farms. See it here
10 August 2021
When a plan comes together
There are many different kinds of plans and every farm family should have one. James McDonnell Financial specialist, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme outlines the Teagasc planning tools available to farmers to assist with financial, succession, time management or other planning options
10 August 2021
Focus turns to Building Grass for the Autumn
John Greaney, Dairy Advisor on the Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme turns his focus to Building Grass for the Autumn as he outlines Autumn grazing targets and gives advice for high and lower stocked farms. John emphasises the importance of grass measuring and having a plan. Read more here
09 August 2021
Signpost Programme Farmer: Joe Carroll
Meet Joe Carroll, one of our Signpost Programme Farmers. Joe milks 84 dairy cow herd on a 25.5 hectare milking block in Ballyheigue, Co. Kerry. Joe is also a member of the Kerry Agribusiness Joint Programme.
09 August 2021
Complete a Fodder Budget now to Correct Winter Silage Deficits
James Concannon, Walsh Scholar highlights that a fodder budget is an effective tool when it comes to quantifying fodder requirements for your farm this Winter. Now is the best time to take action regarding your Winter fodder so any deficits can be addressed due to the grass still growing.
08 August 2021
High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect
Francis Gonley and his family run an all sheep farm on the outskirts of Sligo town. The farm is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, reports the latest on sheep performance and farm plan progress.
07 August 2021
Growth Watch: Building Bank of Autumn Grass Starts Now
James Fitzgerald and Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on using the break in weather to boost on growth in August and build grass reserves on your farm. They also get updates from farmers Ciaran Bartley, Co. Limerick, and Peter Byrne, Co. Kildare.
06 August 2021
Use of digital technology in making precision management decisions on-farm
Dairy farms in Ireland are currently challenged with finding implementable solutions to improve sustainability. The Farm Ambassador Programme, an initiative located in the Dingle Peninsula, aims to investigate the feasibility, application and impact of digital technology in the farming business.
06 August 2021
National Farm Survey: Single Suckling Enterprise Factsheet 2020
The 2020 Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) recorded data on over 800 farms, representative of over 90,000 dairy, beef, sheep and tillage farms in Ireland. This factsheet covers data collected on single suckling enterprise.
06 August 2021
Signpost Programme Update
Our demonstration farmers are currently engaging with the National Farm Survey (NFS) recorders. This month's research update is on the importance of getting soil pH right. Take a look at the warming stripes for Ireland from 1901 to 2020
06 August 2021
Environment Newsletter - August 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Low-input grassland; Message from Signpost - Why do farmers need to engage with climate action?; and Message from ASSAP - Tillage cover/catch crops can help water quality
06 August 2021
Five reasons for farmers to engage with climate actions
Climate change is perhaps the greatest environmental challenge facing the world right now. Climate change is already happening with increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels. Irish Agriculture contributes to 35% of the greenhouse gases produced in Ireland.
04 August 2021
Climate Actions for August
August is a good month to sort out deficits in grazing infrastructure to optimise days at grass, if your capital expenditure budgets allow. Helpful solutions include spur roadways, multiple access points to paddocks and back fencing. Get the current advice from the Signpost Programme for August here
02 August 2021
Why farm soils cause greenhouse gas emissions - and how to fix it
Hands up who is interested in soil? Anyone? Anyone at all? Tumbleweeds might roll past unless you are addressing a room full of avid gardeners and land managers. This article by Rosie O'Neill, Teagasc Walsh Scholar first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm.
01 August 2021