Environment
16 October 2020
Working Towards Positive Mental Health
Over the last number of months, farming has been challenging. COVID-19 has made the normal demands of farming even more difficult which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists have some advice on Positive Mental Health.
15 October 2020
How tillage crops can influence the biodiversity on an agricultural landscape
Dr. Daire O’Huallachain, an agro-ecologist in Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge Podcast to discuss biodiversity on the agricultural landscape.
12 October 2020
New Ammonia MACC – outlook to 2030 - Webinar
The fourth webinar in the Teagasc Research Insights Series focused on the new Teagasc ammonia marginal abatement cost curve. Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle and researchers on this webinar gave an insight into the analysis and cost effective pathways to meet future ammonia emission targets.
10 October 2020
Making Sense of Senescence
Why do leaves turn colour in Autumn? John Casey, Teagasc forester, explains what Senescence means and how leaf and fruit fall in autumn is important to all, whether in the garden or in the wild.
10 October 2020
Environment Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dates for your diary; hedge cutting – for hedges fit for birds and bees; message from ASSAP - Autumn management of nutrients; EIP Update - MacGillycuddy Reeks EIP in action.
09 October 2020
The Signpost Series- Semi-natural grasslands in Ireland
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Maria Long, Grassland Ecologist, National Parks and Wildlife Service to discuss semi-natural grasslands in Ireland - precious resources under threat followed by a questions and answers session.
08 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk - Work-life balance & Water quality
On Thursday October 1st the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw in County Waterford opened the gates of their farm for a virtual farm walk. The theme for the day was reducing the carbon footprint of milk production systems. Here we focus on work -life balance and water quality on the farm
07 October 2020
Farming Innovation and Sustainability on the Inishowen Peninsula
Henry O’Donnell project manager of the Inishowen Upland European Innovation Partnership joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an overview of the project and explains how it aims to improve the economic sustainability of farming High Nature Value (HNV) land in Inishowen.
06 October 2020
Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm Walk - Energy & Biodiversity
On Thursday October 1st the Fitzgerald family from Portlaw in County Waterford opened the gates of their farm for a virtual farm walk. The theme for the day was reducing the carbon footprint of milk production systems. Here we focus on the Energy Efficiency and Biodiversity themes from the day.
06 October 2020
How Soil Organic Carbon Cycling works in Irish Soils - Webinar
The third webinar in the Teagasc Research Insights Series focused on how soil organic carbon cycling works in Irish soils. Teagasc Researchers give an insight into their research and an overview of organic carbon cycling in Irish soils and its contribution to mitigating climate change.
04 October 2020
Research Insights Webinar - Teagasc ammonia marginal abatement cost curve – outlook to 2030
Our Research Insights Webinars continue on Wednesday, October 7th. The fourth webinar in the Series will discuss the new Teagasc ammonia marginal abatement cost curve – outlook to 2030.
03 October 2020
Getting Hedgerows Fit for Birds and Bees
Mary Roache, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Westport asks What is in a hedge? And she looks for the answers in getting hedgerows fit for bids and bees. Mary shares some key points for keeping a hedge in good shape, lists the benefits and the hedgerow management options open to derogation farmers this year
01 October 2020
The Signpost Series - Natural Capital on Irish Farmland
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc was joined by Jane Stout, Trinity College Dublin to discuss Natural Capital on Irish Farmland.
29 September 2020
The Signpost Series - Biodiversity on farmland: current status, policy impacts, farm-scale responses
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc was joined by John Finn and Daire OHuallachain, Teagasc to discuss biodiversity on farmland: current status, policy impacts, farm-scale responses.
29 September 2020
Finding farming in our placenames
Mapping historic land use is challenging where spatially explicit data are limited. Here, Jesko Zimmermann of the Department of Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis talks about a short project in which he and colleague Rob O’Hara use old Irish townland names to map historic agricultural practices
27 September 2020
Teagasc outlines steps to reduce Ammonia Emissions
A new marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) for ammonia emissions has been published by Teagasc.
26 September 2020
Taking soil samples correctly
As we are heading into the major soil sampling season it's important that soil samples are taken correctly, e.g. to the correct soil sampling depth of 10cm & a representative soil sample each time. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist outlines what's required for perfect results.
26 September 2020
Reducing the carbon footprint of milk production: Virtual Farm Walk and Webinar from Portlaw, Co Waterford.
Shane Fitzgerald, who farms 92 hectares with his father near Portlaw, County Waterford, will host this virtual event, supported by Teagasc, Glanbia Ireland, the European Milk Forum and the National Dairy Council. He will highlight how they are reducing the carbon footprint of their milk production
25 September 2020
Blackstairs Farming Futures (BFF)
The Blackstairs Farming Futures (BFF) is an upland European Innovation Partnership project. The Operational Group includes members from Teagasc, GMIT and NPWS. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Owen Carton, Tomas McCarthy, Thomas Gorman & Martin Shannon, BFF provide more information.
25 September 2020
MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership Project
The MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership Project is an upland European Innovation Partnership project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Mary Toomey & Patricia Deane, Macgillycuddy Reeks EIP provide more information.
25 September 2020
Inishowen Upland Farmers Project
The objective of the Inishowen Upland Farmers project is to have a whole farm approach to landscape management and develop innovative measures to increase farm profitability. Teagasc environment specilaist Catherine Keena and Henry O'Donnell of the Inishowen Upland Farmers Project give information.
25 September 2020
North Connemara Locally Led Agri-Environment Scheme (NCLLAES)
The North Connemara Locally Led Agri-Environment Scheme (NCLLAES) is an upland European Innovation Partnership project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Joe Mannion & Cathy Connelly, NCLLAES, Forum Connemara have more information.
25 September 2020
SUAS (Sustainable Uplands Agri-Environment Scheme)
SUAS (Sustainable Uplands Agri-Environment Scheme) is an upland European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Declan Byrne, SUAS Project; Monica Gorman and Helen Sheridan, UCD provide more information.
25 September 2020
Sustainable upland management
Catherine Keena,Teagasc and Jim Kinsella, UCD discuss farming in upland areas, the challenges, the policies impacting on upland farming, and the sustainable management of uplands to achieve ‘Favourable Conservation Status’.
25 September 2020
Emissions on sheep farms – greenhouse gases and ammonia
Dominika Krol and Aude Mancia, Teagasc Research staff, look at the main emissions, including nitrous oxide, from sheep production. They discuss their promising initial results, as well as ways to further reduce these emissions.
22 September 2020
Measuring methane from sheep systems
To date methane emissions have never been measured from Irish sheep production systems. Teagasc and UCD researchers together aim to develop methods of measuring methane production from sheep and to investigate if sheep can be bred to produce lower methane emissions.
20 September 2020
How Soil Organic Carbon Cycling works in Irish Soils?
Our Research Insights Webinars continue on Wednesday September 23rd. The third in the series will focus on - How Soil Organic Carbon Cycling works in Irish Soils? Join our researchers to find out more and gain a better understanding of organic carbon cycling in Irish soils.
18 September 2020
The Signpost Series - Biodiversity - Supporting Pollinators through Agri Environmental Interventions
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Lorna Cole, SRUC to discuss supporting pollinators through Agri Environmental interventions.
17 September 2020
Why we need healthy soils - webinar
Teagasc researchers on this webinar gave an insight into their research, the health of Irish soils and what we need to do to make them healthier.
15 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Tuesday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Tuesday, 22 September is Genetics and Breeding. The webinar will focus on increasing productivity and efficiency through breeding and genetics. Follow Tuesday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels
14 September 2020
The Signpost Series - Biodiversity - Nature of Irish Hedgerows
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc to discuss the nature of Irish hedgerows.
14 September 2020
Time to think about wildlife on farms
Enda O'Hart, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Castlerea outlines why he believes that now is the time to think about creating space for wildlife on farms. He looks at how farming has affected biodiversity and ways farmers might improve it going forward
14 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Monday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Monday, 21 September is Grassland Management. The webinar will focus on current grassland research for sheep and grazing management strategies that can be applied at farm level. Follow Monday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels.
12 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Commonage/ Rough Grazing
One of the new measures to be implemented this year as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4 relates to commonage and rough grazing. This new measure will affect about 500+ farmers. Teagasc Advisor in the Galway/Clare region has some information.
10 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 – Training Course Requirement
A 3 day training course requirement is a key part of the new derogation measures introduced this year. This training, to improve knowledge transfer, must be completed in 2020 or 2021, by farmers who are in derogation.
08 September 2020
Autumn N – Let it Grow – not Flow
Grass growth reduces from September onwards, the capacity to take up nitrogen (N) reduces steadily. All farmers are advised not to delay spreading the remainder of their slurry this autumn.
08 September 2020
Research Insights Webinar - Why we need healthy soils?
Soils are essential for life on earth, providing food, clean water and habitats for biodiversity, contributing to climate resilience and supporting our cultural heritage and landscapes. Join us for Webinar 2 in the series
07 September 2020
How to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit
Researcher James Humphreys joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge Podcast with practical steps to reduce emissions while maintaining milk output and profit.
06 September 2020
Steps to Organic Conversion
Organic farming is an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural resources, and the application of high welfare standards.
04 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is an on-going concern and farmers are required to implement a biodiversity measure on derogation farms. This year 2020 has seen the implementation of new measures as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4. One of these measures is to improve farm biodiversity.
03 September 2020
The Signpost Series - Energy Webinar
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson was joined by John Upton and Barry Caslin, Teagasc to discuss Energy efficiency and generation & the role of energy efficient and renewable technologies in decarbonising agriculture.
03 September 2020
Clover Swards on Derogation Farms
Have you really considered the benefits of clover? Increasing the clover content in grassland can result in increased production and quality with less nitrogen fertiliser thus improving farm sustainability. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information.
02 September 2020
The Signpost Series- Carbon Sequestration in Grassland Webinar
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc was joined by Donal O'Brien, Teagasc Researcher to discuss Carbon Sequestration in Grassland.
02 September 2020
What you can do to help improve your water quality
Noel Meehan, Manager of the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme (ASSAP) joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast to discuss the progress of the Programme and what you can do to help improve water quality.
01 September 2020
Training on Grassland Management & Recording of Grass Production on Derogation Farms
Grazed grass is the cheapest animal feed available to Irish farmers, in order to manage it successfully, to underpin profitability, it needs to be measured. The potential reward of utilising more grass in livestock production is huge. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information
30 August 2020
Reduction in the Crude Protein content of Concentrates fed to Grazing Dairy cows/Livestock
All Nitrate Derogation farmers should now be aware that there are reduced levels of crude protein permissible in concentrates fed to grazing livestock from 1st April to the 15th September, 2020. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
30 August 2020
A new mission to improve soil health - Webinar
Teagasc researchers Dr. Karl Richards and Dr. David Wall were joined by Minister of State Martin Heydon TD and Dr Jean-Francois Soussana, Vice-President International Research Policy, INRAE to discuss EU's new mission to improve soil health.
29 August 2020
Organic Horticulture
Organic fruit and vegetables are the main consumer entry point for purchasing organic produce, and they continue to be the area of shortest supply in the organic sector, with most produce imported. Dan Clavin, Teagasc Farm Management and Rural Development Department provides more information.
29 August 2020
Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment
Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for 99% of ammonia losses in Ireland, while slurry and farmyard manure spreading is thought to be responsible for 30% of those losses. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Today's Farm September - October
The September - October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on getting into dairy farming. Recent entrants to dairy farming are profiled. Find out more about the Dairy Start-up Course.
28 August 2020
Farm Scale Liming Programme
All derogation farmers must now adopt a farm scale liming programme based on a current Nutrient Management Plan and associated soil analysis results. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
27 August 2020
Attention Derogation Farmers: Closing time is approaching!
We are less than 3 weeks away from the start of the closed period for chemical fertilisers (14th Sept is the last day N & P fertiliser can be spread). Right now is a good time to check back with your fertiliser plan and see how you are progressing.
27 August 2020
Woodlands for Water - Webinar
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Kevin Collins, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to discuss how we can use forests to enhance and protect water quality.
25 August 2020
The Signpost Series- Climate Adoption Policy Webinar
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Mark Gibson was joined by Damien Wyse, Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine & Michael O'Donovan, Teagasc to discuss adapting to the Impacts of Climate change in the Agriculture sector.
24 August 2020
Are you a new entrant to farming?
Could you be Ireland’s best new entrant farmer? This competition invites entries from people who have recently taken up farming or have diversified their farming business
23 August 2020
Planning for Autumn Reseeds - 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality
Many of you are planning to carry out reseeding this Autumn. Reseeding needs to carried out correctly in order to have no negative impact on the streams and rivers in your area. Claire Mooney, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Nenagh outlines a 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality.
22 August 2020
How catch crops can reduce nitrate leaching
Almost 30,000 ha of cover crops are grown in Ireland ever year. Fiona Doolan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor highlights the important environmental role early sown catch crops have in preventing nitrate leaching.
18 August 2020
Farming for Nature - Locally Led Agri-Environmental Schemes popular with Farmers
A number of Locally Led Agri Environmental Schemes have launched in the past number of years. These schemes are funded by Ireland’s Rural Development Plan (2014-2020). Joanne Masterson Drystock Advisor in Athenry gives information on two schemes in the West of Ireland.
18 August 2020
The Importance of Soil Fertility
The maintenance and improvement of soil fertility is essential to maximise grass growth on your farm. The pH status of a soil plays a hugely important role as nutrients may only become available to the grass plant at certain pH levels. Ronan Mulligan, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, Claremorris tells us more
15 August 2020
Soil Organic Matter- enhancing soil health and soil nutrient supply
Soil organic matter is a vital component of soil health. Researchers at Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Sorcha Kelly, Fiona Brennan and David Wall are investigating the role of soil organic matter in enhancing soil functioning and in soil nutrient supply.
05 August 2020
The Signpost Series- Met Eireann webinar
In this edition of the Signpost series of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars aimed at Irish Agri Professionals, host Mark Gibson is joined by Keith Lambkin, Senior Climatologist at Met Eireann as they discussed Ireland's changing climate
31 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Multi-functionality and Management
In the final part of a four part series on soil health researcher Lilian O’ Sullivan takes a look at some principle soil profile development processes in Irish soils that drive some of the characteristics and present an integrated approach for soil management.
30 July 2020
SMARTER_BufferZ- Right measure:Right Place
Riparian Buffer Zones (RBZ) are patches of land adjacent to rivers, streams and drains, removed from intensive production and containing permanent vegetation. Daire Ó hUallacháin explains how RBZ can provide a variety of environmental and ecological services
30 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Chemical Quality Indicators
Soil health emphasises the soil biological community as a key driver of soils capacity to deliver multiple functions. Researcher Karen Daly tells us about chemical indicators that can be used to assess the health of our soils.
28 July 2020
ASSAP - Farming for Water Quality Webinar
In this edition of the Signpost series of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars aimed at Irish Agri Professionals, host Mark Gibson is joined by a panel to discuss ASSAP – Farming for Water Quality.
27 July 2020
Research Impact Highlight - Results-based Payments
Results-based payments provide farmers with performance-related payments for delivering agreed environmental objectives. For example, higher payments are made for protection of indicator species, for improved habitat quality, soil health and water quality. Researcher John Finn tells more
25 July 2020
Soil Health Series: The living soil - the engine of soil processes
Our soils are teeming with life. This life underpins the majority of processes within soil and is critical for delivering a whole range of vital ecosystem functions. Researcher Fiona Brennan, Johnstown Castle, talks about the organisms living within soil and how we assess soil biological health.
24 July 2020
Farm Safely with Tractors, Farm Vehicles and Machinery
Summer is a busy time on farms. Farmers are making the most of the long days and dry conditions to harvest grass and crops, get slurry spread and carry out work around the farmyard. Working safely must be at the core of each and every job.
23 July 2020
Do organic and recycled nutrient sources stack up in arable cropping?
There is a growing interest in the potential long-term soil health benefits of including nutrients such as organic or recycling derived fertilisers to meet crop requirements. Researchers Patrick Forrestal and S.M. Ashekuzzaman have some information and advice
22 July 2020
Adapting to climate change on livestock farms.
Animal agriculture is particularly vulnerable to more extreme weather, as seen during the recent droughts in the south and east of the Island. Farming practices focusing on adaptation may not be the same as measures designed to mitigate emissions. Researcher Donal O'Brien gives some information.
22 July 2020
Child Safety on Farms
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved.
21 July 2020
Farm Safety for Older Farmers
In 2019 twelve farmers over 65 years lost their lives due to farm accidents. This represents 66% of the total number of fatalities. Getting older impacts on a person’s ability to undertake farm related tasks. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have some relevant advice
20 July 2020
Working Safely with Livestock on Farms
Working with livestock is responsible for 39 farm workplace deaths on Irish farms in the last 10 years. During this period 7 deaths were caused by an attack by a bull, 22 by cows and heifers and 5 were associated with cattle. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John McNamara have some advice
19 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Physical Quality Indicators
Soil health is described as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals & humans. Researchers investigated different types of soil physical indicators. Teagasc Researchers Owen Fenton, Dermot Forristal & Giulia Bondi give more information.
18 July 2020
NMP Online Software for a hard job
Do you work with your advisor on a Nutrient Management Plan for your farm? The online software to assist in this process is NMP Online. What is NMP Online and what advantage is it to farmers. Environment Specialist Tim Hyde gives some information.
17 July 2020
The Water Cycle - where does all the water go? Sediment impact on water quality Webinar
Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Owen Fenton and Daire OHuallichain, Teagasc to discuss The Water Cycle - where does all the water go? and sediment impact on water quality. The presentations were followed by a Questions and Answers session with the panel.
15 July 2020
Soil Health is our Wealth
Our soils are precious resources and underpin sustainable food production and many other important ecosystem services for society.
11 July 2020
The Water Cycle – where do all the water and nutrients go
The water cycle is a series of flows and storage components from rain to evaporation. The soil type on a farm determines the path the water takes from when it hits the ground until it evaporates. Researcher Owen Fenton gives information on where the water and nutrients go.
10 July 2020
Nutrient Recovery Cycle - Infographic
This infographic outlines the nutrient recovery cycle which can improve the efficient use of resources in pig production. By using pig manure as a fertiliser to grow crops which will in turn be used in making pig feed, a circular economy is created.
10 July 2020
Farmers Help to Improve Water Quality
By Ivan Kelly, ASSAP Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare Farmers throughout Ireland are successfully working with Advisors to achieve positive water quality results according to The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report, which was recently published.
10 July 2020
Laying the foundation for Ireland’s methane mitigation strategies
Ruminant livestock directly contribute an estimated 60% of Irish agriculture’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the production of methane.
09 July 2020
Want 50kg more winter weight gain for no extra cost? Cut silage in May instead of June
Research conducted at Teagasc Grange has shown that cattle fed high quality 75% dry matter digestibility (DMD) silage gained almost 50kg additional live-weight over a 5 month winter compared to similar cattle fed 65% DMD silage. Joe Patton explains the results of this research.
09 July 2020
How to grow and utilise more grass on my farm?
Underpinning good grass production and utilisation is having adequate soil fertility, unimpeded drainage, targeted application of fertiliser and good grazing infrastructure, coupled with appropriate grazing management practices. Specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have some advice.
08 July 2020
Farming Influence on Water Quality- Findings of the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP)
A better environment and supporting the production of high-quality food are the twin aims of the ACP. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, staff have been working with 300 farmers across six catchments in Ireland for over ten years to achieve these goals.
08 July 2020
Methane Production: How can we reduce it?
Methane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) in terms of global warming. It is 28 times more potent to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2). Agriculture accounts for 34% of Irish GHGs emissions, with CH4 responsible for nearly 60% of agri emissions.
08 July 2020
Methane Production: How can we reduce it?
Methane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas (GHG) in terms of global warming. It is 28 times more potent to the environment than carbon dioxide (CO2). Agriculture accounts for 34% of Irish GHGs emissions, with CH4 responsible for nearly 60% of agri emissions.
08 July 2020
Biodiversity Management Practices on Linear Habitats
Engaging in good biodiversity management practices on linear habitats has many positive benefits for farmers, farming and the environment. Here we have advice for farmers interested in improving biodiversity management practices and there is also an assessment sheet to assess current practices.
08 July 2020
Conservation of Farmland Habitats
Conservation and protection of farmland wildlife and habitats is an important dimension of environmental sustainability. Aim to retain existing habitats, enhance degraded habitats then consider habitat creation.
08 July 2020
Protecting soil carbon stocks and enhancing Carbon Sequestration
Soil organic matter is the biggest store of carbon on land. It is greater than the carbon in the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas which is a greenhouse gas. Researchers David Wall & Gary Lanigan have information on why maintaining soil organic matter levels is important?
08 July 2020
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. The nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in the ammonia form similar to N in urea fertilisers and as such can be easily lost to the atmosphere.
08 July 2020
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP)
The ASSAP is a new government / industry collaborative initiative running from 2018 - 2021. The programme offers a free support and advisory service (20 Teagasc and 10 Dairy Co-op advisors) and participation is voluntary. Its aim is to improve water quality through working with farmers.
05 July 2020
Webinar - Protecting Nitrogen and Phosphorus inputs on farms
The Signpost Series - ‘Pointing the way to a low emissions agriculture’
04 July 2020
Ammonia Emissions in Agriculture: Sources, Importance and Mitigation
Ammonia is not a greenhouse gas, but it can indirectly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers at Teagasc Johnstown Castle have been examining ammonia (NH3), which is a gaseous form of nitrogen and an air pollutant. Researcher Dominika Krol gives more information.
01 July 2020
Virtual Beef Week - What's on - Wednesday
Virtual Beef Week - Sustainable Beef Production Day 3 of Virtual Beef Week Wednesday July 8th
30 June 2020
Good news for earthworm numbers in grazed pastures - the role of dung pats
Grazed grassland management regimes can have various positive and negative effects on soil fauna such as earthworms. Teagasc Johnstown Castle and UCD researchers Owen Fenton, Giulia Bondi and Olaf Schmidt tell us more.
29 June 2020
Lower production costs and exceptional aid measures led to a modest increase in average farm income in 2019
The average family farm income rose by 2% in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report by Teagasc. A combination of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933.
26 June 2020
Drainage Ditch Connectivity to Surface Water
Do you have a Ditch, a Gripe, a Sheough or a Marein on your farm? You must avoid contaminants such as nutrients and pesticides from entering these ditches to protect water quality in the receiving streams. Read more from researchers Karen Daly and Owen Fenton.
26 June 2020
Slurry timing & application to protect the environment
Good management of Slurry is needed to maximise grass growth, while at the same time minimise losses to our atmosphere and water bodies. ASSAP Advisor Ivan Kelly has some useful advice.
24 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmers Ross and Amy Jackson
Ross and Amy Jackson are farming organically in Lacka, Carrig, Co Tipperary. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Ross and Amy.
24 June 2020
Hot Water Heating Options for the Milking Parlour
It is projected that during 2020 Ireland will produce up to 8.8 billion litres of milk; this will require approx. 370 GWh of electricity. On farm dairy electricity related CO2 emissions may be 162,000 tonnes by the end of 2020 unless mitigation strategies are implemented.
23 June 2020
Discover the diverse world of microbes…
Join us in celebrating World Microbiome Day 2020. The day will focus on communicating the diversity of microbes, microbiome habitats, diets to feed and fuel microbiomes and diversity among microbiome researchers.
23 June 2020
Safeguarding your soil biology
There is increasing awareness of the importance of soil biology in underpinning agriculture. The life beneath our feet is critical to the sustainability, resilience and functioning of our farming systems.
21 June 2020
Liming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases grassland productivity
Research in Johnstown Castle has shown that increasing soil pH by liming resulted in significant reduction of N2O emissions and increased grassland productivity compared to the un-limed plots under the same management and fertiliser regime. Researchers Ognjen Zurovec and Karl Richards have more info
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to Health and Safety Authority (HAS) show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales.
19 June 2020
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland publish the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report
Teagasc and Dairy Sustainability Ireland have published the first Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) interim report. The report focuses on the establishment and implementation of the ASSAP in 2018 and interaction with farmers up until the 31st December 2019.
17 June 2020
5 Minutes to get your Cash Flowing
Teagasc are highlighting the importance of Cash Flow Planning as a vital business tool that all farmers should engage in.
14 June 2020
Enhancing soil carbon sequestration to contribute to carbon neutrality on Irish farms
Carbon stored in soils is often called soil organic carbon and it is good for soils. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and storing it in plant material or soil. Researchers Donal O’Brien and Gary Lanigan have more information.
06 April 2020
Grassland re-seeding: how to establish multi-species swards
Guylain Grange from Johnstown Castle research centre gives information and advice on establishing multi-species swards