Dairy
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland publish ASSAP interim report
The second Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report was published recently. The ASSAP programme is a key part of a wider government and community effort to improve water quality in 190 selected priority areas for action (PAA’s) around the country.
11 October 2021
The Signpost Series - 'What's the Story with our Bogs?' and the European Carbon Farming Initiative
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 1 October, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Dr Douglas McMillan, Chair of the Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) Cooperative to discuss what’s the story with our Bogs?
10 October 2021
Environment Newsletter - October 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Key management dates; Shop windows; Have that conversation; Know your derogation commitments; and EIP Update - Comeragh upland communities.
09 October 2021
How big is your carbon footprint?
Regardless of your enterprise mix, carbon footprint is becoming a key indicator of farm efficiency. In this article first published in Today's Farm Siobhán Kavanagh & Gráinne Hurley, Teagasc and Eleanor Murphy, Bord Bia explain what climate change is about and discuss the carbon footprint of farms
06 October 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Programme returns to live action
The first on-farm live open day of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme took place on September 29 on the farm of JP Hammersley in Lattin, Co. Tipperary. Alan Dillon and Seán Cummins, Teagasc Green Acres report here on the detail of the day's success.
04 October 2021
Managing Body Condition Score in Late Lactation
Getting cows to the correct body condition score (BCS) at calving is one of the most important tasks for dairy farmers. Trouble-free calving, good conception rates, reduced culling and better milk solids production are all linked to this simple measure. James Dunne, Dairy Specialist has advice here.
04 October 2021
Irvine Allen - Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk
Irvine Allen is a participant in the second phase of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme and runs a dairy calf-to-beef operation on his 58ha farm in Co. Westmeath. Irvine will host a farm walk on 5th October at 2pm and invites you to come see the improvements he has made in the enterprise
03 October 2021
Commuting before the pandemic
As some of us return to the work and college after 18 months of working from home, the September Map of the Month looks at pre-pandemic commuting patterns – highlighting how important regional towns are. It is interesting to think how the next survey of commuting will differ.
01 October 2021
Improving animal performance from grazed pasture
A pre-requisite to exploiting improvements in the nutritive value of pasture is the optimisation of pasture management practices. Researchers Michael Dineen and Micheal O’Leary discuss the methods of improving animal performance from grazed pasture.
30 September 2021
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions?
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions this month? If not there is still time for taking action to book a milk recording, spread lime on low pH soils, Apply potassium to low K Index soils, weigh replacement heifers, implement dosing & vaccination of young stock while focusing on grazing
29 September 2021
Transferring family farm - Where do I start?
Transferring the family farm is so much more than just a simple business transaction; there are a number of complex issues to be addressed. Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist, discusses how to handle family farm transfers, with insight from Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell.
29 September 2021
Is SCC rising in your herd?
Gráinne Hurley PhD, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Program Advisor asks the question: Is Somatic Cell Count (SCC) rising in your herd? She has seen a noticeable increase in SCC across some herds within discussion groups recently. She gives reasons why SCC and mastitis cases increase in herds and more here
28 September 2021
Teagasc advisors first in Europe to achieve new European Certificate
Two Teagasc advisors are the first in Europe to be awarded the European CECRA certificate. Marie Flynn, Dairy Advisor based in Moorepark advisory office and Cian Condon, Drystock & Goat advisor based in Teagasc Manorhamilton were presented with their certificates by Teagasc KT Director Dr Stan Lalor
28 September 2021
Cathal Moran's Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk
Join us on Friday, 1 October at 11am on the farm of Cathal Moran, Skeoughvasteen, Co. Kilkenny, R95 NY89 for a Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk. Pre-registration is essential as numbers are limited. Book your ticket here
27 September 2021
Apply now for Pilot Soil Sampling Programme
Today, Monday 27th September sees the opening of a pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. This is a farm level soil sampling & analysis initiative which will provide farmers and their advisors with comprehensive details about the soil health and condition on their farms. Read how to apply here
27 September 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter: Issue 6
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on JP Hammersley, programme participant's farm; key management tips; a review of summer slaughter performance; and Teagasc Green Acres events. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issued fortnightly.
24 September 2021
Growth Watch: Timely growth boost helps farms reach peak cover
Many farms in the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme have recorded strong growth rates over the past seven days. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses farms reaching peak cover and gets updates from farmers Martin Connolly, Co. Roscommon and JP Hammersley, Co. Tipperary.
24 September 2021
Minister Heydon views sustainability research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
Environmental sustainability is now central to all agricultural production in Ireland. Never before has there been more ask for technologies and tools for agriculture to meet the environmental challenges. These societal challenges are at the heart of research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
23 September 2021
Antimicrobial resistance Teagasc Leaflet
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria and viruses) to stop an antimicrobial or antiviral drug from working against it. In this leaflet, authors Dr. Bernie Earley Grange & Aidan Murray Beef Specialist discuss AMR, how to prevent it and advise on antibiotics
22 September 2021
Autumn heifer management
September and into October, is a crucial time in the rearing cycle for replacement heifers. Grass growth starts to slow and grazing conditions tend to become more difficult. Records show heifer growth rates can also slow substantially so Martina Gormley, Dairy specialist has heifer management advice
20 September 2021
“It’s like admitting you are a failure”: Male farmer mental health help-seeking limited by Masculinity and Identity
Irish male farmers experience some of the highest levels of adverse health outcomes relative to other occupations – particularly in relation to heart disease, cancers and mental health. Despite this, many farmers do not seek help until their illness reaches crisis point. Read a recent Irish study..
19 September 2021
The Signpost Series - Combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 10th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Philip Murphy, LAWPRO Catchment Scientist to discuss combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality.
19 September 2021
The Future of Farming starts now – Farmers can do their bit to slow Climate Change
Climate change is an issue that demands immediate attention. Glen Corbett, Teagasc B&T Drystock Adviser, discusses the Signpost Programme; reducing greenhouse gas & ammonia emissions; protected urea; grazing management; and other actions farmers can take to help slow down climate change.
18 September 2021
Organic dairy production
There is currently strong market demand for organic milk. Joe Kelleher and Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Specialists, discuss how organic dairy production can be profitable. They suggest that good clover sward content and soil fertility are key to maintaining a higher stocking rate.
17 September 2021
Calf housing on commercial farms in Ireland
Dairy expansion with increased herd sizes, results in more calves being born on Irish dairy farms. Fit for purpose calf rearing facilities with appropriate ventilation and space allowance are linked to improved calf health and welfare. Alison Sinnott & Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark researched this
17 September 2021
Milk quality research focusing on chlorine related residues
The use of chlorine-based detergents are very effective in maintaining hygiene of the milking machine and bulk talk. Residues, however, could potentially impact on milk powder as an ingredient for infant formula. Bernie O’Brien & David Gleeson, Teagasc, Moorepark discuss their research in this area
17 September 2021
Improving the beef merit of dairy calves coming from the dairy herd
It is now possible to almost eliminate low value male dairy calves by using just enough sexed semen to generate the required number of replacement dairy heifers. That’s the message to Dairy farmers visiting the final of three Teagasc Dairy Open Days in Moorepark today.
16 September 2021
Teagasc Research on methane emissions in grazing dairy systems
Farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day in Moorepark will see the latest work being carried out in Teagasc on ways to reduce methane emissions. Teagasc Researchers Ben Lahart, Katie Starsmore, Jonathan Herron, Frank Buckley & Laurence Shalloo outline how the GreenFeed units work.
16 September 2021
Dairy farm infrastructure for sustainable milk production
In recent years Teagasc has invested in research programmes aimed at identifying efficient farm infrastructure systems that will promote sustainable milk production. Patrick Tuohy & John Upton Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark discuss these here
16 September 2021
How is dairy cow welfare research addressing current dairy industry challenges?
Muireann Conneely and Niamh Field, Researchers at Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, address the question - How is the dairy cow welfare research program addressing the significant challenges that are facing the dairy industry at present?
15 September 2021