Dairy
The importance of Spring Grazing for Winter Milk Herds
Winter milk herds require a spring grazing plan that will increase grazing days and pasture quality, is flexible to implement, and is tailored to the particular demands of that farm. James Dunne, Dairy Systems Specialist, Teagasc Ballyhaise, has important grazing management advice for this Spring
26 January 2021
Spring Grass on the Dairy Farm-The Sustainable & Profitable Way
An extra profit of €250 or more per cow together with benefits for water and air quality is achievable on average Irish Dairy farms when a sensible spring fertiliser and grazing plan is followed. Tom Murphy, Dairy Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare advises how by making best use of spring grass
25 January 2021
Early lactation Once-A-Day milking
As we approach the busiest, most labour intensive, time of year for dairy farmers it's a good idea to consider ways of reducing workload and labour demand. A great way to reduce workload is to implement Once-A-Day (OAD) milking for the first 4 weeks of calving, says Nicholas McKenna Dairy Specialist
25 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
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.
21 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
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.
16 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
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
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.
12 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
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.
11 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
10 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.
08 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.
07 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.
05 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
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
02 January 2021
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
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
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
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.
19 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.
18 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
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