Environment
External parasite control in hill sheep
In this video Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer Programme with Teagasc discusses with Teagasc BETTER Sheep and Signpost farmer John Joe Fitzgerald about the importance of dipping sheep for the control of external parasites.
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
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
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
Comeragh Hill Sheep Farmers secures Biodiversity Funding
The Teagasc Comeragh Hill Sheep Discussion Group was awarded €118,720 for a one-year project. The group comprises 14 farmer members whose sheep graze over 4,000 hectares of the Comeragh mountains. The award was made in June by DAFM using the EIP model; it's focus is on promoting biodiversity
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
Creating an amenity hedge near a rural house
Paddy Smith, Lecturer, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, has advice here on creating an amenity hedge near a rural house as bareroot season approaches and hedgerow planting takes place.
26 September 2021
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable?
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable? These questions will be addressed during a webinar on Monday, 27th September 2021 at 12:30pm via zoom, involving speakers from research, advisory services and farming across Europe; hosted by the pan-European BovINE network
25 September 2021
What’s on our Nature table? A lesson in integrating biodiversity
Integrating biodiversity into every landscape type is important for many reasons; creating & protecting habitats, supporting pollinator efforts, capturing carbon, and so on. Frances McHugh, Forestry Adviser, reminisces about the primary school ‘Nature Table’ & discusses improving local biodiversity.
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
The dark mysteries of the soil beneath our feet
Soil is a complex matrix and its chemical composition often depends on the location in the landscape, the parent material underneath, and the influence of the management above. This article by Senior Research Officer, Dr Karen Daly, Teagasc Johnstown Castle first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm last week
23 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
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
Reducing chemical nitrogen use on dairy farms
Dairy farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, yesterday and today in Moorepark, with the final day on Thursday 16th September, will hear from Teagasc researchers and advisers about the Five key practices which can be used to reduce N fertiliser use on all farms
15 September 2021
Increasing biodiversity on intensive farms
Wildlife habitats such as hedgerows, field margins, ponds, wetlands, and woodlands, commonly occur on Irish farms. The retention of existing habitats is vitally important, as they typically deliver greater ecological benefits compared with newly created habitats.
14 September 2021
Gentle Reminders for the Diary
In order to stay on schedule it is important to plan ahead, particularly if you are participating in the BEEP-S scheme. Mícheál Kelly, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare, outlines the important dates you need to remember for the coming months.
11 September 2021
Small woodlands on dairy and drystock farms: Have your say on trees
Forests account for 12% of land area in Ireland. The government target is that forests will make up 18% of the land area by 2046. Rachel Irwin, Teagasc Walsh Scholar is surveying farmers to analyse their perceptions of, attitudes towards, and willingness to plant, trees on farms. Have your say here
08 September 2021
Safe Slurry Handling
In the next few weeks the last of the slurry for this year will be spread on farms by many farmers and contractors before the October 15th deadline. Francis Bligh & Tom Fallon, Teagasc have important advice on staying safe around slurry, in particular when agitating slurry and emptying slurry tanks
07 September 2021
Registration opens for Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Open Day
Registration has opened for farmers to attend the Teagasc Moorepark Dairy Event, which will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 14th, 15th & 16th September 2021. The Open Day will be repeated over the 3 days, so farmers can select which day they wish to attend. More details here
07 September 2021
What is soil health and is it part of the solution to many of the challenges ahead in agriculture?
On the latest episode of The Environment Edge podcast, Dr Fiona Brennan Soil & Environmental Microbiology researcher with Teagasc based in Johnstown Castle tells us all about soil health.
06 September 2021
Rathcroghan EIP - Engaging farmers in European Innovation Partnerships
European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) are testing new forms of knowledge exchange and innovative learning. Luke Clogher, Teagasc and Monica Gorman, UCD, consider Farming Rathcroghan Project EIP-Agri, that aims to enhance farming, archaeology and agri-tourism in a unique archaeological landscape
04 September 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter September 2021
This month’s Signpost newsletter features a guide to actions that dairy farmers can take to reduce emissions. We have the usual climate actions for the month as well as a timely video on lime application. We profile 3 Signpost farms – James Skehan (beef) Sean Collery (dairy) & Don Somers (tillage)
03 September 2021
Developing Rural Ireland - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
A new book that documents the history of the Irish agricultural advisory services and its role in developing rural Ireland, was launched at a virtual event at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, yesterday, Wednesday 1 September.
02 September 2021
Hedgerow Cutting Season Begins
Hedges can be cut from 1 September until the end of February. The Wildlife Act, 1976 (2000) prohibits hedge cutting during the bird nesting season. Here Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist and Anthony Dineen, Teagasc Advisor simplify the rules and regulations around Hedges.
01 September 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
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
Cross Compliance Nitrates – Keeping up to date
Every year a number of farmers as part of their cross compliance inspection are required to submit nitrate records. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, Tralee, gives information here on the nitrate inspection process, breaches of nitrate regulations, and the relevant deadlines for farmers.
23 August 2021