Farm Business
27 September 2022
Transferring the Family Farm Clinics
To help you prepare for succession planning Teagasc is hosting six clinics across the country. These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process of and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm.
27 September 2022
CellCheck On-Farm Events
Animal Health Ireland in partnership with Teagasc and in conjunction with the dairy processors and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine are running a series of on-farm events in October.
26 September 2022
Improving biodiversity on your farm
Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, tells you how you can improve biodiversity on your farm.
26 September 2022
Teagasc College Open Days 2022
Teagasc are holding series of events for prospective applicants to its full-time Level 5 agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry courses. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the courses available and be given a guided tour of the facilities.
24 September 2022
Is Organics for you?
The targets set out in the Programme for Government is for farming 330,000 ha organically. With the next tranche of the organic scheme expected to open in early October many farmers are questioning if an organics system is for them?
23 September 2022
Tillage Farmers in a unique position
Michael Hennessy, Head of Teagasc Crops Knowledge Transfer Department, tells us how tillage farmers are in a unique position with the lowest greenhouse gas output per hectare.
23 September 2022
The Dairy Edge Reaches Half a Million Listens – highlights from some of its most popular episodes
Since The Dairy Edge launched in January 2018 as Ireland’s first dairy-focused podcast, there have been 245 episodes released weekly as well as additional bonus content from the Let’s Talk Dairy webinars presented by Stuart Childs.
22 September 2022
The Financial Risks for the Year Ahead
The Crops Forum was held recently with an excellent line up and a very interesting discussion from a panel of experts across the country. And on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, you’ll hear from moderator Andy Doyle discussing the financial risks of the year ahead with guests.
22 September 2022
Using genetics to reduce methane output from cattle systems
Stuart Kirwan, David Kenny and Sinead Waters, Teagasc Grange, take us through the genetic selection of low methane emitting animals which has long been advocated as mitigation strategy for the ruminant livestock industry.
21 September 2022
Organic Farming - is it an option?
Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist, talks us through the considerations when making the transition to organic farming.
21 September 2022
Autumn Grazing Management
Grass growth in Ireland is highly seasonal with little growth from November to February. Michael Egan and Deirdre Hennessy take us through some of the key points with regard to autumn grazing management.
21 September 2022
Calving heifers at two years of age
Beef Specialist Martina Harrington gives advice on producing beef sustainably.
21 September 2022
The Key Steps to Consider in Conversion to Organic
Teagasc organic specialist, Elaine Leavy, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into the new organic scheme opening in October, the key steps to consider in conversion as well as details on the upcoming National Organic Open Day.
21 September 2022
White Clover and reducing chemical fertiliser usage
Researcher Michael Egan tells us why clover has an important role to play in reducing chemical fertiliser usage on grassland farms in Ireland. There is also advice on establishing a white clover sward.
20 September 2022
Upcoming Open Days and farm machinery simulators for Teagasc Colleges
Teagasc Education is delighted to work with Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, T.D., and the provision of funding to Teagasc for the procurement of farm machinery simulators for use in our agricultural colleges.
20 September 2022
Reducing fertiliser N use to reduce GHG emissions and save costs
Mark Plunkett and Tom O’Dwyer tell us how Teagasc can help you to identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions on your farm.
20 September 2022
Minister Heydon launches investment in Farm Machinery Simulators
At the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska today, Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D, launched the investment of €1.2m in 18 farm machinery simulators for use in Teagasc agricultural colleges.
20 September 2022
Details on farm performance for 2021
Final results of the 2021 National Farm Survey have been released by Teagasc economists. Enterprise Factsheets providing detailed information on production costs and farm technical performance are also published. Results indicate that the average family farm income rose by 27% in Ireland in 2021
20 September 2022
Over 4,500 Farm Accidents occur annually
New data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) has revealed that that there were 4,523 accidents on Irish farms. The survey was conducted in 2021 and relates to year 2020. Over 88% of these farm accidents involved the farm operator, with a further 11% relating to family members.
19 September 2022
Do you know your legal obligations as an employer?
Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, talks us through some of the important obligations you may have as an employer.
19 September 2022
A Taste For Success - Food Works Celebrates 10 years
Ireland’s leading food and drink accelerator helps raise over €6.5m in funding for early-stage companies in last 10 years. Food Works launches recruitment drive for 2023 and calls for ambitious start-ups to apply.
17 September 2022
How Low Can You Go – With Your Fertiliser Bill?
Joanne Masterson, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Athenry, tells us how farmers have reduced their nitrogen use in 2022 due to high fertiliser prices. Can you retain that saving in your pocket and your emissions reduction through 2023 and beyond?
16 September 2022
Signpost Series Webinar - Best practice hedge cutting and launch of Hedgerow Week 2022
Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, Teagasc was joined by guest speakers Dr. Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist, Teagasc and Francis Quigley, Teagasc Machinery Specialist to give an insight into best practice hedge cutting.
15 September 2022
OrganicBeef22 Open Day with John Purcell
In this clip, meet our Teagasc organic specialists Elaine Leavy, Joe Kelleher and Martin Bourke who outline to us what you can expect to see at the upcoming OrganicBeef22 Open Day on the farm of John Purcell in Cashel, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, 28 September 2022.
15 September 2022
Launch of Co-designed Tools to support Farm Animal Surveillance, Welfare and Biosecurity
A range of farm animal surveillance, welfare and biosecurity tools were launched at a webinar on Wednesday, 14 September, as part of a research project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
15 September 2022
National Crops Forum
The National Crops Forum was held on Thursday, 8 September, as a hybrid event, in the Killashee Hotel, Naas, county Kildare, and also as a live online webinar. The aim of the crops forum was to discuss the latest agronomy issues facing farmers, but also the increased risks for farmers in 2023.
14 September 2022
Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef Course: Learn the skills to a profitable future
Teagasc will commence a new advanced Dairy calf to beef course for new and existing dairy calf to beef farmers who wish to up skill and learn what it takes to run an economically and environmentally sustainable dairy calf to beef system. Fergal Maguire, DairyBeef 500 Advisor gives us the details.
14 September 2022
Your Renewable Energy Options Explained
Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what renewable energy options are available for beef farmers.
13 September 2022
Are you Ireland’s best new entrant farm business?
The Newbie network addresses the challenge of enabling new entrants to successfully establish sustainable farm businesses in Europe.
13 September 2022
New Teagasc Mayo Green-Cert Courses Autumn 2022
Teagasc Mayo delivers a range of courses catering for both existing farmers and young people planning to farm in the future. Courses on Farm Safety, Grassland management, Nutrient Management Planning, Phosphorus build-up & more recently AETS are delivered from the four Teagasc offices in the county
13 September 2022
Gearing up for another year in Kildalton Agricultural College
With another college year starting off, Emma Tobin from Kildalton Agricultural College joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to highlight the different full time and part time courses that are available.
12 September 2022
Maximise your BEEP-S payment in 2022
Alan Nolan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, discusses the importance of having a plan in place for meeting the requirements of the BEEP-S scheme before weanlings are sold.
10 September 2022
Farm Carbon - Hedgerow Management for Carbon & Biodiversity
Lilian O’Sullivan, Gary Lanigan, Daire Ó hUallacháin, Shiva RahimiTana, Mark Ward, Ian Kavanagh, all Teagasc Researchers at Johnstown Castle, together with Kevin Black, Forest Environment Research and Services (FERS), Navan, Co. Meath, bring us details of their Farm Carbon project on Hedgerows here
10 September 2022
Today's Farm - September/October 2022
The September/October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. In this edition find out why Beef farmers are embracing clover. It also has articles on Organic sheep earn their keep; Soil sampling is key to cutting fertiliser costs; Transferring the family farm; and more.
09 September 2022
5 new protein sources you may not have come across before
Analysis: from seaweed to duckweed, here are 5 sustainably sourced alternative proteins to investigate. This article by Laura Healy, Teagasc PhD student and Walsh Scholar in Food Chemistry and Technology at TU Dublin, first published on RTÉ Brainstorm recently
09 September 2022
Forestry Knowledge Transfer Groups (KTGs) re-commence
Field trips are so beneficial and it’s great to see forest owners learn about Basal Area, taking top height and calculating stems/hectare among many other skills, all relatable to their own crop. John Casey, Teagasc forestry development officer talks about the benefits of being in a discussion group
08 September 2022
‘VALPRO Path’ project to deliver opportunities for plant protein production
The VALPRO Path project, a Horizon Europe Innovation Action, co-ordinated by Dr. Ewen Mullins, Teagasc, has secured co-funding of €9.7 million. The ambitious objectives of this research project will be achieved over 4 years through the involvement of up to 25 leading academic and industry teams
06 September 2022
Winter Finishing Mart Event
Join us on Tuesday, 13th September at 7:30pm (sharp) in Kilkenny Mart, Cillin Hill, Dublin Road, Kilkenny, R95 A4VP, for a Winter Finishing Mart Event. This is a must-attend event for all beef farmers. Terry Carroll, Teagasc beef advisor, Kilkenny has all the details here
06 September 2022
Details of National Organic Beef Open Day Announced
A National Organic Beef Open Day on the farm of John Purcell, Ross, Golden, Cashel, Co Tipperary will take place on Wednesday, 28th September from 10am to 3pm. The open day is jointly organised by Teagasc, Bord Bia and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)
05 September 2022
Options for culling cows this autumn
In late lactation, we’re often asked about the economics of milking cows on to the end of lactation or considering earlier culling. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist looks at three different options in this regard. He advises assessing current winter fodder stocks first and plan if short
05 September 2022
Should you cull empty cows early or milk them until December?
Dairy specialist, George Ramsbottom, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to consider whether to cull empty cows early or milk them until December.
05 September 2022
Sm@RT transnational workshop in France
Sm@RT (Small Ruminant Technologies) is an EU Horizon 2020 thematic network that aims to share knowledge and improve farmers’ uptake of digital technologies, to help increase the efficiency and sustainability of small ruminant farming systems in Europe and beyond.
04 September 2022
Teagasc Crop Forum 2022
After being delivered virtually for the past two years, the annual Teagasc Crop Forum will return this year as a hybrid event with an option to attend in person or tune in online. It will take place from 2-5 pm on Thursday 8th September at the Killashee House Hotel, Naas. Register to attend here
04 September 2022
New UCD Teagasc Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development
University College Dublin (UCD) is delighted to announce the launch of a new Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development designed and developed in association with Teagasc specifically for Post-Doctoral Fellows employed by Teagasc. Find out the details here
04 September 2022
EuroSheep visits Greece
The fourth EuroSheep Transnational WorkShop took place from 22nd - 23rd June 2022 in Thessaloniki, Greece. A total of 75 participants attended from the 8 partner countries namely Ireland, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Turkey & UK. Dr. Brid McClearn & Tim Keady, Teagasc, Athenry have details
03 September 2022
New Fulbright-Teagasc Scholar and Professional Award launched
Postgraduate students across Ireland are being encouraged to apply for a Teagasc sponsored Fulbright-Irish Award following a call for applications on 31 August 2022. Get more details of how to apply and of an upcoming information webinar on the awards, here
03 September 2022
Going organic in Ireland
The EU’s Farm to Fork strategy aims to increase organic food production; knowing why consumers purchase organic foods will be essential if it is to be successful.
01 September 2022
Energy-Saving Technologies on Pig Farms
Bioenergy specialist, Barry Caslin, joins Ciarán Carroll on the latest episode of the Pig Edge podcast to discuss energy-saving technologies that are available for use on pig farms.
31 August 2022
How DairyBeef 500 farmer, Richard Long, is reducing age at slaughter on his farm
Dairy Beef 500 farmer, Richard Long, from Co. Waterford and his advisor, Sean Cummins, join Catherin Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast.
31 August 2022
Farm Zero Carbon (FZC) Focus at Shinagh Dairy Farm Open Day
Can we achieve a climate neutral and profitable dairy farm? Join us at the Shinagh Open Day on Friday, 2 September at 11am and find out why we think so. John McNamara, Padraig French, Teagasc & Kevin Ahern, Manager, tell us more about Shinagh dairy farm and it's environmental & sustainability focus
29 August 2022
Invest wisely this Autumn
With milk price in a place that no one could have forecast at the beginning of the year, the returns on dairy farms will be equally as good as 2021. This is in spite of a rise in costs. Dairy Specialist Stuart Childs has advice on best value investments
29 August 2022
ACRES Hedge Actions - Hedgerow Week 2022
There are three hedge actions in the new agri environment scheme ACRES: coppicing, laying & planting hedges. It is important to understand what is involved in each action and the ongoing work required during the next five years. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist has details
28 August 2022
Building a brand in the west
To improve returns, farmers need to gain ‘market power’ by creating brands which reflect the true value of what they produce. Ólas Hill Farms is a great example, as John Noonan, Teagasc Westport advisor demonstrates
27 August 2022
TResearch Autumn 2022
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. Clearing the air - Reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the agriculture sector is a priority for our researchers
26 August 2022
Johnstown Castle Open Day - Technologies for Today & Tomorrow
Join us in Johnstown Castle, the home of agricultural research in Co. Wexford for their open day on Tuesday next August 30th. On the day the Teagasc team will present farming technologies for today and tomorrow. Gates open at 10am.
26 August 2022
Is solar electricity a good option for tillage farmers?
Solar electricity from Photo Voltaic (PV) panels can be suitable for tillage farmers who are using a lot of energy. On this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast, Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist discusses how PV can be useful to tillage farmers.
26 August 2022
Grassland Farmer of the Year Drystock - Aidan Maguire Farm Walk
Join the Teagasc Grass10 team along with the Teagasc DairyBeef500 team on the evening of 31 August at 6.30pm on the farm of Aidan Maguire, Navan, Co. Meath. Aidan is the 2021 Grassland Farmer of the Year in the Drystock Enterprise Category.
26 August 2022
PDD Research Using Shotgun Analysis with ZnO and antibiotics in pigs
Postweaning diarrhea (PWD) is a relevant problem associated with early weaning on pig farms. In-feed antibiotics and therapeutic zinc oxide(ZnO), widely used to prevent PWD in piglets is now being banned by the EU. The Teagasc Pig Dept and colleagues published a recent paper on Shotgun Sequencing
24 August 2022
Enter the 2022 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition!
There is still time to enter this year’s Grassland Farmer of the Year competition, which recognises and acknowledges those dairy, beef and sheep farmers who are achieving high levels of grass utilisation in a sustainable manner. There is a new organic category in 2022. Closing date: 16 September.
22 August 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Farmer and Respiratory Health
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 28th July, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Dr John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist to discuss general farmer health and respiratory health.
21 August 2022
Contract Rearing of Replacement Heifers
What is contract rearing? What makes contract rearing attractive to dairy farmers? What makes contract rearing attractive to rearers? What information is available? Get all the answers here and at our upcoming open days starting on 1st September at 11am in Golden Co. Tipperary
16 August 2022
Considering Organic Conversion on Drystock farms
Colm Kelly, Teagasc Advisor, Ballinasloe, answers the questions commonly asked by drystock farmers considering converting to organic farming. Questions like ... "Is treating animals for health issues banned?" and ... "Where can I sell animals?" Get the facts here
15 August 2022
Lessons in attracting and retaining dairy farm workers
Flexible hours and good working conditions are key to attracting and retaining staff says Martina Gormley Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Athenry. Martina takes a look outside of agriculture to see what other businesses are doing to meet this challenge. Eugene and Dymphna Sharkey, share their tips here
15 August 2022
Teagasc Equine at the Dublin Horse Show
The 2022 Dublin Horse Show takes place from August 17 – 21 in the RDS and is a celebration of Ireland's affinity with the horse. From the best show horses to international competitors there is something for everyone. Make sure you visit Teagasc’s Equine Department there at Stand C 7 in the main hall
13 August 2022
The Production of Ice Cream
Since the turn of the century and the development of the ice cream cone, the worldwide growth in consumption has been phenomenal, with over 12 billion litres of ice cream consumed each year in the USA and China alone. The Teagasc Food Industry Development Department has more information
12 August 2022
Forest fires – we can all help
As Forestry Advisor Steven Meyen writes this, Europe burns. Huge fires are destroying thousands of hectares of forests across Europe during this latest and not last heatwave. Mediterranean countries are worst affected but central & western European countries including Ireland are also suffering.
12 August 2022
Rural Diversification
Many farmers and rural dwellers are interested in enterprise diversification. While diversification may not be practicable for every farmer, well planned and seasoned projects can create new sources of income for farmers. Seámus Lordan, Teagasc Advisor, Macroom has interesting advice.
10 August 2022
Respect the power of the Sun
In current hot weather it is very important to take lots of drinks, stay indoors during periods of high temperatures and avoid exposure to the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. Farmers are one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. Find some advice here.
09 August 2022
Sheep Newsletter - August 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team in the August newsletter including: Grassland management, Minimising lameness, Preparing rams for mating season, Take care with machinery, BETTER farm update - Grass quality challenges, Research update: Lambs thriving in good conditions
08 August 2022
On the scent: the aroma of raw milk
Pioneering research undertaken by Teagasc, in association with University College Cork, has shown how cows’ diets affect the aroma of raw milk.
08 August 2022
New Teagasc Organic Cropping and Integrated Systems Specialist
Teagasc have appointed Martin Bourke as a new Organic Cropping and Integrated Systems Specialist. He joins Elaine Leavy and Joe Kellegher as Teagasc national organic specialists who support organic farmers and advisers.
08 August 2022
Dairy Newsletter - August 2022
In this month's Dairy newsletter get details of Setting grazing up for the Autumn, Teagasc fodder survey, Lame cows - the next 6 weeks are crucial, Preparing for clean and comfortable cows next winter and Health & Safety - Take care with machinery
07 August 2022
Agricultural diversification – Have you considered horticulture?
This article by Carol Melody Lecturer of Biodiversity, Ecology and Plant Science, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture will convince you to consider horticulture, if you haven't before, as a diversification option for your farm. There is ample information too about Teagasc horticulture courses
07 August 2022
Wind Energy
Domestically, the Irish Government is now focused on securing 70% of all electricity from renewables by 2030. In 2019, wind energy provided 32.5% of our electricity. Barry Caslin, Teagasc, Rural Economy and Development Programme has more Wind Energy information here in this factsheet
06 August 2022
Energy-Saving Usage in Lighting
Good lighting is a fundamental requirement for the efficient operation of a farm. It is also an important element of farm safety during the winter months. As lighting is also costly to provide and run, now is the time to consider efficient lighting on the farm in advance of the longer nights.
05 August 2022
Farming for a Better Future -Technologies for Today & Tomorrow
A major Teagasc Open Day is planned for Tuesday, 30th August at Teagasc Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. This Open Day will demonstrate technologies and practices that can be adopted on farms to help maintain farm productivity and profitability and increase sustainability
05 August 2022
Review of Beef 2022 Open day
The Beef 2022 open day took place just a month ago on the 5th July. If you missed the open day tune into an episode of the beef edge podcast to get the key messages for your beef system. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist reviews key points from the day with a series of Beef Edge podcasts here
05 August 2022
Forestry at the Tullamore Show 2022
The Tullamore Show, on Sunday 14 August, is Ireland’s largest agricultural one-day event. With its location on an all-weather site, the show will provide a spectacular country living showcase with over 700 trade stands and displays. Make sure you visit Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department there
04 August 2022
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter August 2022
In this month’s newsletter we have an article encouraging all farmers to take just one action on their farm to reduce emissions this Autumn as well as a useful article on cover crops; 3 Signpost farmers profiled. Our climate actions focus on catch crops, liming, building Autumn grass and more here
04 August 2022
Jessy’s Farm Safety Champions announced in Farm Safety Competition
Jessy the Sheep Dog, the Teagasc Farm Safety mascot, loves to help keep everyone safe on the farm. To celebrate end of school term and highlight safety during the recent Farm Safety Week, Jessy and her friends ran an art competition in which 4 lucky winners were chosen to receive a toy shop voucher
03 August 2022
Teagasc launch new guide: Reducing lameness in Irish dairy herds
Reducing lameness on Irish dairy farms will result in a higher standard of cow welfare, which is crucial to maintain Ireland’s image as a producer of high quality sustainable dairy products; will also decrease the use of antimicrobials on dairy farms and result in many other benefits. Read more here
03 August 2022
Swards for the Future Grassland conference launched
Teagasc are organising and hosting an exciting two-day conference and workshop on Thursday, 8th & Friday, 9th of September 2022 to explore Resilient Swards for the Future. The event will take place at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork
02 August 2022
BovINE making an impact – the farmer view (An interview with John Dunne)
John Dunne runs a suckler to beef production grassland farm selling steers and heifers at under 24 months of age on approx. 120ha of good quality land in Co Laois. In this short interview with Kevin Kinsella, Irish BovINE Network manager, John gives his views and insights into the BovINE project
02 August 2022
Reducing the impacts of high input costs on Tillage Farms
Maintaining current crop yields and margins while managing higher costs of fertilisers, fuel and possibly fertiliser supply issues in the year ahead is today's challenge. Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist, Teagasc Johnstown Castle, advises on getting more from each kilo of fertiliser
31 July 2022
Is it necessary to complete the Green Cert?
On completion of the Green Cert course, students meet the requirements of a qualified farmer for the purposes of all Revenue and Department of Agriculture (DAFM) schemes. Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Athenry discusses the wider benefits of completing the Green Cert
31 July 2022
It’s hard to be green, when in the red
Farmers are facing a big challenge when it comes to balancing economic sustainability with environmental sustainability, says Michael Hayden, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Maynooth University. This External Insights article featured in the TResearch Summer 2022 Magazine. Read more here
31 July 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Glanbia Ireland’s Living Proof Sustainability Strategy
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 15th July, Andy Boland, Teagasc Environment Specialist was joined by Thomas Ryan, Senior Sustainability Manager, Glanbia to discuss Glanbia Ireland’s Living Proof Sustainability Strategy.
30 July 2022
Dairy Start-up Farm in Ballindine, Co. Mayo
Donal Ronayne and his uncle Liam Trench started milking 205 heifers in 2021. Historically the farm was a suckler to beef enterprise. The conversion to dairying started in 2019 and a Farm Partnership was set-up. Donal Kelly, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Claremorris talks about this great change on the farm
30 July 2022
Is rural Ireland really dying? What the facts and figures tell us
The question of whether rural Ireland is dying or not, is complicated, and requires nuanced geographic analysis. This article By Josh O'Driscoll, Frank Crowley, Justin Doran, Mary O'Shaughnessy, UCC; David Meredith and Jesko Zimmermann, Teagasc first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm
28 July 2022
Quality grass now will reduce meal required to finish lambs
The majority of weaning of March-born lambs has already been done. Some first drafting of lambs for sale has taken place or is getting underway. Andy Ryder, Teagasc Advisor Westport takes a look at your market options, while Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor Navan discusses finishing lambs from grass
28 July 2022
Wheat yields down 43% - harvest update from Jim McCarthy in Romania
Jim McCarthy joined the Tillage Edge podcast from Romania this week to give an update on the progress of his harvest and an overview of the harvest in his part of the world.
27 July 2022
Using TAMS to improve Farm Sustainability
Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea, discusses using TAMS to improve farm sustainability. Séamus outlines a sample of eligible investments under TAMS which benefit both the farmer and the environment. If considering applying for a TAMS grant consult your Teagasc advisor. Read more here
25 July 2022
Dave Moloney - Green Cert student experience
“My only regret is that I didn’t do it years ago!” says Dave Moloney, Co Cork about the Teagasc part-time Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming course, which he completed at Teagasc Macroom. Dave, who won 2021 Teagasc Student of the Year Competition, talks about his "Green Cert" course
25 July 2022
Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship Opportunity on Mastitis
Mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, most commonly caused by bacterial infection. Teagasc Researcher Dr. Pablo Silva Boloña has full details here of a Teagasc PhD Walsh Scholarship opportunity at Teagasc Moorepark, on mastitis. Closing date for applications is 31st August 2022
23 July 2022
Enhanced rates for Organic Farmers
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett recently announced proposed new enhanced rates for farmers participating in the Organic farming scheme. These are subject to approval by the European Commission.
23 July 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Incorporation and Benefits of Trees on the Farm
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 24th June, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist to discuss the incorporation and benefits of trees on the farm.
22 July 2022
Forest Genetic Resources Trust (FGRT)
In 2018 the Forest Genetic Resources Trust (FGRT) was established to carry on improvement work on oak, ash, sycamore, birch, cherry, Spanish chestnut and walnut plus selection, progeny testing and seed orchards. Teagasc is a member of FGRT and carries out the birch and alder improvement work
22 July 2022
Fatal Farm Incidents in Ireland 2008 – 2021
As farm safety week draws to a close today, Teagasc Staff Dr David Meredith, Rural Economy Development Programme (REDP), Dr John McNamara, Health & Safety Specialist and Dr Mohammad Mohammadrezaei, REDP, show us the statistics on Fatal Farm Incidents in Ireland 2008 – 2021 to raise safety awareness
22 July 2022
Promoting Positive Mental Health among Farmers
Mental Health Awareness is today's Farm Safety Week theme. Farmers live in constantly changing times with possibilities of farming problems and many issues that can cause stress and associated mental health challenges. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist discusses managing stress here
22 July 2022
Minister Heydon announces major investment in farm safety
Minister of State with responsibility for Farm Safety at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, T.D., on Thursday 21st July, announced the provision of funding to Teagasc for the procurement of 18 farm machinery simulators, for use in agricultural colleges.
21 July 2022
Quitting smoking success - A Farmer study
Farmers have been identified as a high-risk group for cancer mortality compared to other occupational groups. Cancers of the lungs and respiratory tract are major killers and are particularly associated with smoking tobacco. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist informs us of more here
21 July 2022
Tillage Update - Fire risks at harvest & Winter Barley
Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Specialist cautions on the increased risk of fires on tillage farms right now. He advises farmers to put safety measures in place and lists 10 tips farmers should follow. Shay also reflects on the Winter barley harvest, advising growers to analyse how the crop performed
21 July 2022
Harvest 2022: the progress so far
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, John Pettit and Conor Kavanagh, both Teagasc tillage advisors, discuss the results so far from the south east and the south of the country.
21 July 2022
Preventing Occupational Respiratory Diseases in Farming
On Thursday 21st July Respiratory Health is the #FarmSafetyWeek theme. Farmers are at high risk for developing respiratory (lung) disease. About 60% of non-smoking Irish farmers report having some lung or breathing issues. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist discusses preventing this
20 July 2022
Farm safety champions and farm accident survivors
It's #FarmSafetyWeek and Wednesday's theme is farm safety champions and farm accident survivors. Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists, Francis Bligh and John McNamara encourage you to be a farm safety champion this July. They introduce Ann Doherty, a south Kilkenny farmer and accident survivor
20 July 2022
DairyBeef 500 and what it hopes to achieve in the next five years
DairyBeef 500 campaign manager, Alan Dillon, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to review the key messages from Beef2022 for dairy beef farmers. He discusses the lessons learned from the Green Acres Programme and outlines the new five year DairyBeef 500 campaign launched recently
20 July 2022
Labour saving: 13 times per week milking
Fancy taking some time off on your dairy farm? Reducing the number of milkings per week is a practice used to allow farmers to take time off from the farm, from July onwards. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist examines this approach and emhasises that consistency is important to make it work
19 July 2022
The Energy and Farm Business Show 2022
The Energy and Farm Business Show is the business event for forward thinking farmers and landowners looking to explore ways to address climate change and enhance their business through the generation of renewable energy, the implementation of low carbon technology and environmental best practice.
19 July 2022
Thomas Curran is New Head of the Teagasc Advisory Service
Thomas Curran has been appointed as the new Head of the Teagasc Advisory Service. The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority today, Tuesday, 19 July. Thomas Curran will lead the Teagasc advisory service, which is delivered to farmers nationwide by a team of agricultural advisors
19 July 2022
Young persons - be safe around farm vehicles and machinery
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 22 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. HSA figures also tell us that 91% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved. Get some advice here on keeping young persons safe
18 July 2022
Minister McConalogue’s Vision for the Future of Dairy
Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss his vision for the future of Dairy Farming in Ireland.
18 July 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - IHFA role in Irish dairy breeding
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 30th June, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Laurence Feeney, CEO of IHFA to discuss the role of the IHFA in Irish dairy breeding.
17 July 2022
Profitable and sustainable dairy system
The Dairy Research programme in the Teagasc Agricultural College in Ballyhaise, County Cavan has been running for 17 years with a continued focus on developing profitable grazing systems for the Border, Midlands and Western regions
16 July 2022
Energy In Agriculture 2022
The Energy and Farm Business Show is set to bring you an incredible day full of unmissable insights into the latest revolutionary products transforming the agri-industry. Gurteen College will be transformed into the ultimate hub on Tuesday, 19 July ready to turn your ideas into a reality.
16 July 2022
Labour Review Mid-Year on the Dairy Farm
2022 has now passed the half-year mark. How has it gone for you so far? Tom Murphy, Dairy Adviser, Teagasc Athenry says Now is a good time to assess what went well on your farm so far in 2022 and identify areas for change. He has helpful suggestions and tips for re-organising work on the dairy farm
15 July 2022
Teagasc Pig Research Facility Farm Update - July 2022
In this video Tomás Ryan, Farm Manager at Teagasc Pig Research Facility updates us on what has been happening on the unit over the past few months. He reviews the six month performance from the unit. Find out more here
15 July 2022
Why July is the most dangerous month
Grim figures suggest greater caution than ever is needed on farms in summer. Farm Safety Week 2022 takes place from Monday 18 to Friday 22 July. This is timely as Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist demonstrates that July is the most dangerous month on farms. Read more here
15 July 2022
Today's Farm - July/August 2022
The July/August edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. In this edition Meet our Green Cert graduates. With Farm Safety Week in July we learn it's the most dangerous month. Also Seven steps to maximise lamb performance, Growing demand for oilseed rape; joining ACRES and more
14 July 2022
Drinks Ireland partners with Teagasc Signpost programme to support sustainable future supply of Irish grain
The Teagasc Signpost programme has announced a partnership with Drinks Ireland, which represents Irish drinks manufacturers and suppliers, to further reduce the environmental footprint of grain production, which is key to underpinning the future sustainability needs of Ireland’s drinks industry.
14 July 2022
Tillage Newsletter - July 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Tillage team in the July newsletter. It includes: Nitrate regulations – green cover on tillage ground; Straw Incorporation Measure; Grass weeds; Planning for Harvest 2023; Health & Safety - The most dangerous month and the Teagasc tillage podcast
13 July 2022
Irish Sport Horse (ISH) Young Breeders crowned World Champions
The Irish Sport Horse Studbook Young Breeders team were crowned World Champions at the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses International Young Breeders World Championships in Ermelo, Holland July 7-9 2022.
13 July 2022
Beef Newsletter - July 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in the July newsletter. It includes: Sustainable parasite control; Five July jobs; Research Update - Reducing enteric methane emissions using feed additives and Health & Safety - The most dangerous month
12 July 2022
Ballyhaise’22 Dairy Open Day
We are delighted to invite all dairy farmers and dairy industry stakeholders to Ballyhaise’22, on Wednesday 13 July at Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan. "Futureproofing Irish Dairying" is the theme of this event. Find out more about what you can expect to see in the video here
11 July 2022
Dairy Newsletter - July 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Grazing targets for July; Breeding better beef from the dairy herd; Change your liners often and Flexible hours of work; Health & Safety - The most dangerous month
11 July 2022
Examining Farm Incomes
Economist Emma Dillon joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss farm incomes from 2021.
11 July 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Teagasc National Farm Survey
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday, 23rd June, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist is joined by Trevor Donnellan, Head of Economics and Surveys, Teagasc to give an insight into the Teagasc National Farm Survey.
05 July 2022
Teagasc Director welcomes farmers to Grange for Beef 2022
The day has finally arrived: Beef2022! Let's hear from Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O'Mara who extends a warm welcome to all.."I am delighted to welcome you to BEEF2022 at Teagasc Grange and I hope that you find the day enjoyable, informative and fulfilling". Frank has more about the day here
03 July 2022
Signpost Series Webinar - Sustainability and what it means for Keeling’s
On this episode of the Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 10th June, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Des Ferris, Technical Director, Keeling's to discuss sustainability and what it means for Keeling’s
03 July 2022
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) research at Teagasc Grange
Researchers at Teagasc Grange rise to the challenge of researching Bovine Respiratory Disease in two studies mentioned here. One on New diagnostics for rapid detection and identification of the causative agents of the disease, and the second on use of RNA sequencing to analyse calf samples post BRD
02 July 2022
July Organic Farm Walks
Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine and organic organisations invite all farmers and members of the public to see organic farming in practice and to meet and speak with the producers and sector’s experts. Do this by attending one of the three final Organic Summer Farm walks in July
02 July 2022
Beef 2022 - What is it all about?
There are significant challenges in relation to overall profitability, market disturbances, CAP reform, climate change policy and input price rises, however, the market for grass-fed beef as a high quality, sustainable food is strong. Come to Beef 2022 at Teagasc Grange on July 5th to be in the know
01 July 2022
Winner of ‘Equine Farming and Biodiversity’ Photo Competition Announced
Teagasc announced the winners of the ‘Equine Farming and Biodiversity’ photo competition. The overall winner is Max Solan Clinton from Boyle, Co. Roscommon
01 July 2022
Pig Newsletter - June 2022
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Pig Team. In this month's edition: Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2; Should you be thinking about solar energy? and Providing Environmental Enrichment
29 June 2022
New Teagasc ConnectEdProgramme Manager Appointed
Sheila Quinn has been appointed as the new manager of the Teagasc ConnectEd Programme. She will lead the development and delivery of the Programme which provides training and knowledge exchange programmes to the wider agri-food sector. Read more about Sheila Quinn and Teagasc ConnectEd here
29 June 2022
Making your farming system more sustainable plus a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day
Pearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss technologies to make your farming system sustainable, the challenges in relation to overall profitability on farms as well as a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day on July 5th in Teagasc Grange.
28 June 2022
NUÁIL! - Sustainable Food Research & Innovation Workshop
Teagasc, in collaboration with Munster Technological University (MTU), will be hosting an online workshop for food producers, members of the research community, policy makers and other stakeholders in the Irish agri-food sector on Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 10am - 12 noon.
28 June 2022
Meet Michael & Alex McCarthy, Signpost dairy farmers
We are farming in a partnership milking 170 cows on a grass based system. We farm 104 hectares. A major challenge we see coming at us over the next couple of years are the environmental challenges. As Signpost farmers we want to increase biodiversity on our farm. Read our June update here
27 June 2022
Beef 2022 is Supporting sustainable beef farming
Come along to the Beef2022 open day at Teagasc Grange on July 5th and meet Teagasc specialists, researchers and advisors who will provide you with all the latest on all things Beef. Paul Crosson, Head of Beef Enterprise and Pearse Kelly, Head of Teagasc Drystock Knowledge Transfer outline more here
27 June 2022
Pushing the boundaries on dairy farm performance in the BMW region
Donal Patton and Barry Reilly joined Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss building robust milk production systems in the border, midlands and western region.
24 June 2022
The Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 Explained
Damien Ward, Assistant Principal Meat Policy Division in the Department of Agriculture, joins Ciarán Carroll on the latest Pig Edge podcast to explain the €13 million Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2) which was launched in June.
24 June 2022
Organic farming with Fergal Byrne
On Wednesday, 8th June 2022, Organic Sheep, Cereals and Beef Finishing farmer Fergal Byrne, Calverstown Little, Dunlavin, Co. Kildare hosted a Teagasc Organic Farm Walk. Fergal shares details about his organic farm here, which is very informative for anyone considering converting to organic farming
23 June 2022
Safety net: food security in Ireland
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to a global increase in food costs, worsening food security problems in some countries, and introducing it to others. Here, Teagasc’s Head of Rural Economy Development Programme Kevin Hanrahan examines food security in Ireland, and rising food prices
21 June 2022
BEEF2022 Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming
Teagasc Beef 2022 open day takes place on Tuesday 5th July in Teagasc Grange Co. Meath. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming’. Find out from Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist, all about what is happening on the day and why you should not miss this event
21 June 2022
Looking back on Teagasc Sheep Open Day and Booklet 2022
The Teagasc Sheep Open Day took place on Saturday 18th June in Athenry, where the latest sheep research and advice was shared. If you missed this informative day for sheep farmers, you can look back on the videos of the four main stand presentations and download the Sheep Open Day Booklet 2022 here
21 June 2022
Equine Reproduction - A guide for farmers and small breeders
The market shows a proven and consistent demand for quality athletic horses. Breeders should streamline their operations to meet market demands, whether that is for show jumpers, eventers or high-end leisure horses. Equine Reproduction - A guide for farmers and small breeders, outlines the basics
21 June 2022
Incorporating clover at Ballyhaise
In 2021 a new 5-year systems trial began looking at transitioning from high levels of Nitrogen (N) usage to low levels of imported N in Ballyhaise College. Donal Patton, Teagasc Ballyhaise gives an insight into this new research which looks at persistency of clover incorporated in grass swards
20 June 2022
Women to lead the way in Teagasc’s new Farm Safety & Assurance module
Maria Walsh, MEP attended Mountbellew Agricultural College in County Galway, on Friday, 17 June, to officially launch a brand new Teagasc QQI Level 5 Farm Safety & Assurance module, of which the first round will be delivered specifically to women working in the agri-sector.
20 June 2022
Dairy farm employment arrangements for Spring 2023
With the average dairy herd at 90 cows many farmers comment that finding part-time help is an issue. Furthermore, some will say they can only justify paying for help in spring and that for the rest of the year they do not need help. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist has helpful suggestions
19 June 2022
Show Jessy your Farm Safety ideas and win!
Calling 4-12 year olds! Jessy the Sheep Dog, our Teagasc Farm Safety mascot, loves to help keep everyone safe on the farm so she wants to give 4 lucky winners a prize. Find out about the ‘Stay Safe with Jessy' art competition, how to enter and what you can win. Closing date for entries is 22 July
19 June 2022
New Teagasc Regional Reviews Published
Teagasc has published Reviews for each of the 12 Teagasc Advisory Regions. The reviews give an overview of the range of the agricultural and farming sectors in each region. The supporting advisory activities and education courses provided by Teagasc are also highlighted and available in the reviews.
18 June 2022
Meet Signpost and Future Beef farmer John Barry
John Barry farms with his father Jim in Newtown, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. His Teagasc Advisor is Michael Daly. John has an 80 cow suckling to store system, spring & autumn calving. He uses AI to breed replacements and quality export type weanlings but also uses a Charolais stock bull. Read more here
17 June 2022
Forestry Newsletter - June 2022
In this month's Forestry newsletter get details of upcoming events on ash and CCF: - Forestry event focusing on ash dieback on June 28; Continuous cover forestry event on July 5; RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award 2022; and Research Update - Ash breeding for tolerance to dieback disease in Ireland
16 June 2022
Ash propagation workshop held at Teagasc
Teagasc, in collaboration with Skogforsk, Sweden, were delighted to co-host a recent two-day workshop on methods of propagating Ash for future restoration at the Ashtown Research Centre on 14th – 15th June, 2022. The focus was on propagation of Ash plant material tolerant to the dieback disease.
16 June 2022
Tillage Newsletter - June 2022
In the June Tillage newsletter get the latest advice on: Spring barley - Disease control; Winter wheat - Disease control; Spring oats; Beans; Spring wheat - PGR and disease control; New nitrates rules for harvest 2022 and Health & Safety - Keeping children safe on the farm
15 June 2022
Grass10 200th Newsletter
The 200th edition of the Teagasc Grass10 newsletter was published yesterday, Tuesday, 14th June. The Grass10 newsletter has been published every Tuesday since 2018, using the grass measurements taken by grassland farmers around the country, and data obtained from PastureBase Ireland.
15 June 2022
Kildalton at 50 and Teagasc’s Ag Education Options
Anne-Marie Butler Head of Education at Teagasc joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the wide variety of courses Teagasc has to offer, Kildalton Agricultural College celebrating 50 years in education and the upcoming Beef2022 Open Day.
15 June 2022
Contract Heifer Rearing – Farm Walks 2022
In June 2022, Teagasc will run two Contract Heifer Rearing Farm Walks. The first walk takes place on Tuesday 21st June 2022 at 11am on the farm of Laurence McEvoy, Co. Kilkenny while the second walk is on Thursday 30th June 2022 at 7pm on Kieran & Caroline Henry's farm in Co. Sligo. Get details here
15 June 2022
Beef Newsletter - June 2022
Catch up with the latest update and advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's Beef Newsletter which includes: Fertilising second-cut grass silage; BEEF2022; Research Update - Sward height and performance and Health & Safety - Keeping children safe on the farm
14 June 2022
Farm Incomes up in 2021 due to higher output prices
Higher output prices across most farm enterprises were the main driver of the increase in farm incomes in 2021, a Teagasc review has concluded. However, the scale of the increase in income varied considerably across farm systems.
14 June 2022
Sheep Newsletter - June 2022
This month's Sheep Newsletter includes information on: Teagasc Sheep Open Day - Athenry, June 18, 2022 – 10.00am to 4.00pm; Grassland; Fodder supplies; Prevent blowfly; BETTER Farm Update - Lamb growth; and Health & Safety - Keeping children safe on the farm
13 June 2022
Forestry – farm planning and integrating trees on the farm
Setting clear objectives and timely planning are essential for new farm forest enterprises. A range of planting options can be considered to meet financial, social & environmental enhancement objectives. Comprehensive supports are available from Teagasc as Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist explains
13 June 2022
Olin Greenan on developing his dairy farming career in New Zealand over the last 20 years
Irishman Olin Greenan joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how his dairy farming career has developed in New Zealand.
13 June 2022
Climate Actions for June
As we approach mid June it's time to check in with the Climate Actions for June, advised by the Teagasc Signpost team, and compare how we getting on with meeting the five actions set out for this month. The actions include; grassland fertiliser rates, grass clover swards, slurry and breeding advice
13 June 2022
Dairy Newsletter - June 2022
In the June dairy newsletter: Get to grips with grass quality in June; Managing young calves at grass; Don’t get caught out with burn-out; CellCheck Farm Guidelines for Mastitis Control; Ballyhaise ‘22 – Futureproofing Irish dairy systems and Health & Safety - Keeping children safe on the farm
12 June 2022
Weed watch
Teagasc researchers have brought easy-to-use technology into the field, by developing a successful data collection mobile app. This app is supporting a long-running project promoting the wider adoption of sustainable conservation tillage systems on Irish farms.
12 June 2022
Heart health – changes are needed
Farmers aged 17 to 64 are seven times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than salaried employees. Simple steps can reduce your risk. John McNamara Teagasc Health and Safety specialist & Diana van Doorn Teagasc Walsh Scholar discuss this recent major study on improving cardiovascular health
11 June 2022
The Signpost Series - The Duncannon Blue Flag Farming and Communities Scheme EIP
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 27 May, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Eoin Kinsella, Project Manager, Duncannon EIP to discuss the Duncannon Blue Flag Farming and Communities Scheme EIP.
10 June 2022
Multiple challenges, long-term reward
In 2019, Ash Dieback disease was discovered in Brendan Keane’s 7ha crop of 14 year old ash. At the same time, the Waterford farmer was preparing to put in a forest road and thin his adjacent 8ha Sitka spruce plantation. John Casey Teagasc Forestry Development Officer tracks Brendan's progress
10 June 2022
An Introduction to soft fruit growing in Ireland - Webinar
On Tuesday, 24th May Dr. Eamonn Kehoe, Teagasc Soft Fruit Advisor hosted an interactive seminar which was aimed at anyone interested in growing soft fruit crops. If you missed it you can watch this webinar back here on Teagasc Daily
09 June 2022
Milk Quality Farm Walk with The McCarthys
A farm walk will take place on the McCarthy Family Farm, Kilmurry, Feenagh, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick on Wednesday 15th June at 1.30pm. The McCarthy Family are the 2021 National Winners of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. Get more details about the walk here
08 June 2022
Teagasc Green Acres Financial Performance Year 3
2021 was to be the final year of the Teagasc Green Acres Dairy calf to beef programme before it transitions into the new DairyBeef500 programme in 2022. The 12 Green Acres farmer participants will move into the new DairyBeef500 programme. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist has more information
07 June 2022
Planning for Succession & Inheritance
Planning for succession is a vital process to engage in, for all farm families. It is through this process that that the next generation of farmers or farm owners are brought into farming or the ownership of land. Thomas Curran, Regional Manager of Teagasc Cork West has worthwhile advice here
07 June 2022
Spring Barley, Spring Beans and Farm Safety
Michael McCarthy, Teagasc Tillage Advisor, Clonakilty West Cork has timely advice on fungicide application on spring barley and spring beans and cautions about being farm safety aware at all times during the busy summer season.
07 June 2022
The 50 year evolution of the dairy herd at Kildalton College
This week’s Dairy Edge celebrates the evolution of the Kildalton dairy herd over the last 50 years with contributions from past and present staff at the college. James Ryan and Zerlina Pratt as well as John Connolly and Norman Storey join Emma-Louise Coffey with their insights and memories
06 June 2022
Minister Heydon: “Research and Innovation central to delivering on the ambition of Food Vision 2030”
Over 120 delegates from across Ireland’s agri-food sector, higher education and civil society are participating in a seminar and workshop today to explore the central role research and innovation for sustainable food systems will play in delivering on the ambition of the Food Vision 2030 strategy.
06 June 2022
Energy and Farm Business Show 2022
The Energy and Farm Business Show and exhibition takes place at Gurteen Agricultural College on Tuesday, 19th July 2022. This major national event was launched by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D. on the farm of Brian and Kenny McCauley, Mohill, Co. Leitrim
03 June 2022
National Pig Herd Performance Report 2021
The National Pig Herd Performance Report 2021, produced by the Teagasc Pig Development Department is the detailed analysis of the performance of the pig farms that participated in the Teagasc e-Profit Monitor (ePM) recording system in 2021.
01 June 2022
Fermented Foods Surge Meets Patchwork of Regulation, Standards
The surging popularity of beneficial fermented foods like kombucha and yogurt is being met with a patchwork of regulations worldwide, according to a recent review.
01 June 2022
Teagasc papers at the 11th World Potato Congress
The 11th World Potato Congress is taking place at the RDS Dublin over 4 days this week. The theme of the Congress is “The Changing World of the Potato”. Among the speakers today, Wednesday, 1 June, are Dan Milbourne and Ewen Mullins from the Teagasc Crops Research Programme in Oak Park
31 May 2022
TResearch Summer 2022
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. Picture of health - Researchers are leading work to improve the health and happiness of animals on farms, as public interest in animal welfare increases
30 May 2022
Funded Pathway to Agri-Analytics Career at DkIT
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) have launched a new postgraduate qualification aimed at upskilling graduates for data analytics roles across the farming sector, advisory services, the Agri-Food industry and other Agri-Tech businesses.
30 May 2022
BovINE webinar - Auto-feeding systems on beef farms
You are invited to join BovINE (Beef Innovation Network Europe) today, 30th May 2022 at 4pm (5pm CEST) for an online webinar on the topic: Auto-feeding systems on beef farms. Find out more about BovINE and register for the webinar here
30 May 2022
Feed quality and genetics delivering for the winter milk herd at Johnstown
Johnstown Castle farm manager, Aidan Lawless, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the performance of the Winter Milk Herd.
28 May 2022
Certificates in Farming presented in Killarney
The presentation of Teagasc Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificates in Farming took place in Killarney, Co. Kerry on Friday 20th May. Dr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of the Teagasc Education Programme presented the certificates and student of the year award.
27 May 2022
Upcoming Organic Farm Walk - John Hurley, Co. Roscommon
On Wednesday, 1st June at 2pm, come see organic farming in practice at this Organic Suckler to Weanling and Sheep Farm Walk of John Hurley, Castle Hill House, Knockalaughta, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Find out more about the farm from John here and register for the walk
26 May 2022
World Potato Congress 2022
The Irish Potato Federation is proud to host the 11th World Potato Congress (WPC 2022) which will take place in Ireland, 30 May – 2 June 2022. Get details about booking your place at the conference here and get a preview of what you can expect
25 May 2022
Organic Farming: the biggest changes and lessons learned
Teagasc Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy joins Catherine Egan with an update on the recent organic scheme, how red clover and multispecies is managed on organic farms and the upcoming organic walks.
24 May 2022
Lambing review and planning ahead in the South East
Tim & Richard Sheil farm in partnership with their parents Terry & Olwen at Coolree, near Kiltealy on the Wexford/Carlow border in the shadow of the Blackstairs Mountain. James Doran, Teagasc advisor reviews how lambing went and takes a look at grazing season plans
23 May 2022
Teagasc Beef2022 Open Day Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming
The official launch of the Teagasc Beef2022 Open Day, themed Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming and planned for Tuesday, 5th July, took place at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Grange, Co. Meath, today Monday, 23 May. The Beef2022 Open Day is supported by FBD Trust
23 May 2022
Borrowing from the bank
In the second part of the year many farmers examine what investment they will complete on farm in the months ahead. While smaller investments may be funded through cash flow, the majority of larger investments will require funding from a bank. Patrick Gowing Teagasc Dairy Specialist has helpful tips
22 May 2022
The Jackson Organic Farm
In 2015 Ross and Amy Jackson began conversion to organic farming and now farm a cereal enterprise of malting barley and oats, and a sheep enterprise. In April they held an organic farm walk on their farm at Lacka, Carrig, Co.Tipperary. We catch up with them here to find out about their organic farm
22 May 2022
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - Managing broodmares to optimise fertility
On this episode of Let's Talk Equine which took place on Tuesday, 3rd May, Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist was joined by Dr. Susan Salter BSc Hons BVM&S MRCVS, SES Equine Veterinary Services and Dr. Aoife Osborne, Osborne Farm (K&A Sport Horse Ltd. to discuss optimising mare fertility.
20 May 2022
Introduction to soft fruit growing in Ireland - Webinar
On Tuesday 24th May at 7.30pm join Join Dr. Eamonn Kehoe, Teagasc Soft Fruit Advisor for an interactive seminar aimed at anyone who is interested in growing soft fruit crops. You can Register for this webinar and get more information here
20 May 2022
Pig Herd Performance 2021 Infographic
The Pig Herd Performance 2021 infographic summarises some of the main results from the 2021 National Pig Herd Performance Report. This report is the detailed analysis of the performance of the pig farms that participated in the Teagasc Profit Monitor (PM) recording system in 2021.
20 May 2022
Teagasc Forestry Development Department - Overview
The Forestry Development Department of Teagasc provides forestry advisory, research and training services to private forest owners in Ireland. Find out about our forestry research centres, the work of our forestry advisors and the service we provide in a brief video overview here
19 May 2022
Safely Handling Animals on a Beef Farm - Factors to Consider
Bernadette Earley, Noeleen Brereton, Teagasc Grange Researchers set out general guidelines that all persons should take into consideration to reduce the likelihood that an animal will behave in an unpredictable or aggressive way and thereby endanger either people or other animals nearby.
19 May 2022
Ireland to host European Dairy Farmers Congress in June
The 30th European Dairy Farmers Conference,will take place from 28-30th June in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork. The theme of the conference is ‘Sustainable Dairying – The Irish Story’. Over 350 delegates from more than 28 countries are expected to attend the three day event. Read more here
19 May 2022
A Preview of the World Potato Congress in Ireland
Ireland will host the World Potato Congress on May 30th to June 2nd in the RDS, Dublin and this week’s Tillage Edge podcast previews the event with Liam Glennon of the Irish Potato Federation and Denis Griffin from Teagasc who are the main drivers in organising the congress.
17 May 2022
Teagasc announce details of National Sheep Open Day
Teagasc will hold a national sheep open day at its Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre in Athenry, County Galway on Saturday 18th June. Details of this major open day for the sheep sector were announced today. Join us for the event on 18th June which is kindly sponsored by FBD.
17 May 2022
Photo Competition - Biodiversity on Equine Farms
The Teagasc Equine Specialists and Countryside Management Specialist are delighted to launch the second edition of a photo competition showcasing ‘Equine Farming and Biodiversity’ aimed at highlighting some of the many examples of biodiversity evident on equine farms around the country.
16 May 2022
Kildalton 50th Anniversary Open Day launched
Kildalton College in South Kilkenny will hold a major open day on Saturday, 25th of June this year kindly supported by FBD. Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine recently launched the open day in Kildalton and reviewed the plans for the event.
16 May 2022
Time off this summer: Planning and Task Prioritisation on Dairy Farms
With calving finished on Spring block calving farms, now is a great time to plan time off, the staff roster, and farm projects. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses planning ahead and task prioritisation. Martina recommends using a wall planner and actively working with it
15 May 2022
Fertiliser Spreader – Basic Setup and Calibration Factsheet
Teagasc recently published a compendium of 20 factsheets providing the latest technical advice on soils, nutrients and fertiliser. The fifteenth of these is about the Fertiliser Spreader – Basic Setup and Calibration and can be read here. All 20 will be published here on Teagasc Daily
14 May 2022
Award-winning Kylemore farmhouse cheese
Kylemore farmhouse cheese won the Sustainable Rural Innovation Award 2022 at the RDS Agriculture & Forestry Sustainability Awards recently. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme, Athenry reports from her visit with Teresa Roche at her cheese-making business
13 May 2022
Sm@RT demonstrates digital technologies to improve efficiency of small ruminant production
With about 98 million small ruminant animals in the EU, of which 87% are sheep, small ruminant (sheep & goat) farming is important to the rural economy of many countries. Sm@rt aims to improve labour efficiency and productivity in the sector by promoting uptake of innovative digital technologies
13 May 2022
Forest recreation walks - don't miss out
The Teagasc and DAFM series of nationwide walks on Forest recreation continue up to May 20. Each walk is in the evening and will commence at 7pm. You can register for one of the four remaining walks in Laois, Roscommon, Sligo and Tipperary and get further details of each walk here
12 May 2022
Tillage Newsletter - May 2022
This month's Tillage Newsletter includes information on: Winter wheat, winter barley, spring barley disease control, beans, buffer zones, Basic Payment Scheme and Health & Safety - May is a high-risk month
11 May 2022
Beef Newsletter - May 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Growing more with less, Lime – a good investment, Changing from CAN to protected urea, Making quality silage, Date for the diary and Health & Safety - May is a high-risk month
10 May 2022
Direct selling from Castlemine Farm
The Allen family has been farming Castlemine Farm for five generations. The 250ac farm, located at Four Mile House in Co Roscommon produces pasture fed beef, lamb and free-range pork. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme, Athenry visited the farm and farm shop to learn more
10 May 2022
27% of farmers in Ireland report their wellbeing was ‘poor’ or ‘below average’
A recent Irish study shows that 27% of farmers reported their wellbeing was ‘poor’ or ‘below average’ whilst a further study found that the most common sources of work related stress are weather, workload and money. Other issues causing stress include policy changes, regulation and farm succession.
10 May 2022
Sheep Newsletter - May 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team in this month's newsletter. It includes: grassland management, flock health issues, research update - lambing time, BETTER Farm Update - Improving grass situation and Health & Safety - May is a high risk month
08 May 2022
Commercial Apple Production
Irish apples have been grown commercially for over a century. Dessert apples are the most common type found in retail sales in Ireland. It should also be noted that the proportion of Irish apple retail sales through supermarkets has increased in recent decades. Find out more in this factsheet
08 May 2022
Helping farmers reduce energy use
Teagasc is engaged in an extensive range of research including national and international collaborations. Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Dairy - reducing energy use is one such area as John Upton, Teagasc Researcher, Moorepark outlines
08 May 2022
Duck Production
Duck production is carried out largely in Monaghan, with Silver Hill Duck being the largest duck processor in Ireland, located in Emyvale, Co. Monaghan. On an annual basis, over four million ducks are produced in Ireland.
06 May 2022
Organic Farm Walk - Andrew and Leonie Workman, Dunany Organic Flour
On Wednesday 11th May at 12pm Andrew and Leonie Workman of Dunany Flour Organic in Drogheda, Co Louth will host an Organic Farm Walk. Here Elaine Leavy Teagasc Organic Specialist & John Brophy Business & Technology Advisor give some information on their farm enterprises
06 May 2022
Managing stress
The most valuable assets that any person has is their health and safety. With pig farmers facing into increasingly difficult times – be it financial, personal or professional – the one thing that shouldn’t be neglected is your mental health and well-being.
06 May 2022
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2022 and Forestry
Once again, it is time to ensure your all-important Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) application is completed and submitted in good time. Teagasc recently launched a guidance video where Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist, explains how the BPS interacts with forestry and provides useful tips and checks
05 May 2022
Jim McCarthy in Romania on spring crop conditions and Ukrainian harvests
Irish farmer in Romania, Jim McCarthy, re-joins Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the continued effects of the Ukrainian conflict on the local people in Romania and also on his farm business there.
04 May 2022
Beef Summer Budgets with Teagasc’s Aidan Murray
Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs will have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs.
03 May 2022
Forest Recreation Walks in May 2022
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will run a nationwide series of walks between 9 and 20 May focusing on forest recreation. These walks will celebrate private forests where the owner has developed a recreational element to his or her forest. Register here
03 May 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Providing our partners with affordable sustainable food
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 22 April, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Emer Fardy & Sean Leahy, Hilton Foods to discuss providing our partners with affordable sustainable food.
02 May 2022
How to make potential savings to feed reserves this year
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, advisor Adrian O’Callaghan and dairy farmer Diarmuid Hegarty join Emma-Louise Coffey to consider the potential feed saving that can be achieved by identifying problem cows and culling them from the herd early.
02 May 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 21st April, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist is joined by Dr Emma-Louise Coffey, Teagasc and Brendan Ryan, Dairy Farmer to get an insight into the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course.
01 May 2022
New strawberry varieties to complement ‘Malling Centenary’ - Webinar
Dr. Eamonn Kehoe, Teagasc Soft Fruit Advisor hosted an interactive seminar on Tuesday, 15th March which focused on the new strawberry varieties to complement ‘Malling Centenary’. Eamonn was joined by guest speaker Adam Whitehouse, Strawberry breeder, NIAB East Malling Research, East Malling, Kent.
30 April 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Danone Sustainability Story
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Thursday, 14th April, Andy Boland, Teagasc Environment Specialist was joined by Elaine Crosse and Mark Stafford, Danone to give an overview of Danone's Sustainability Journey.
29 April 2022
Dairying and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
AMR is a new challenge to the farming community and a risk to public health. Don Crowley, Teagasc Dairy advisor discusses antimicrobial resistance, how it develops and the importance of milk recording in the absence of preventative antimicrobials, on the dairy farm
29 April 2022
Pig Newsletter - April 2022
Get the latest information and advice from the Teagasc Pig Team. In this month's edition: Dealing with Stress, New Nitrate Regulations and BSAS 2022 Industry Prize Winners Feature.
29 April 2022
Perfecting potato disease predictions
Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Research into potato blight undertaken by Steven Kildea and Mladen Čučak qualified as one of the highlights. Teagasc is engaged in an extensive range of research of national and international collaboration
28 April 2022
Polish farming update with Tim Bergin
The latest Tillage Edge podcast catches up again with Tim Bergin who is a Dubliner farming in north Poland.
28 April 2022
From costs to the weather, how stressed out are farmers?
Analysis: farmers and farm workers have been found to experience high levels of stress and relatively low levels of wellbeing. This article by Mary Brennan, Emma Dillon and David Meredith, Teagasc and Thia Hennessy, UCC, was first published on RTÉ Brainstorm recently
27 April 2022
The Cullinane Monitor Farm in West Cork
John and Veronica Cullinane are dairy farming with their three children; Eoin, Aoife and Laura in Ballineen. Co Cork. They milk 140 cows on a milking platform of 53 hectares and farm outside blocks for replacement heifers and silage. Aoife Healy, Teagasc Dairy advisor discusses their April tasks
26 April 2022
Horticulture Crop Input Price Inflation 2022
Teagasc Horticulture Development Department have revised the figures on input price inflation first reported in November 2021, to reflect the full extent of inflation in the past twelve months up to March 31st, 2022.
25 April 2022
Monitoring Cash Flow in 2022
Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist at Moorepark, discusses the importance of cash flow management. Patrick explains how to complete the Teagasc 5 minute cash flow worksheet in a video here. The 5 minute cash flow is easy to use and will give you a snap shot of how your finances are looking
25 April 2022
Will a strong milk price maintain profit margins in the face of rising production costs?
Agri-economist, Trevor Donnellan, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the dramatic rise in production costs and speculates whether strong milk price can maintain profit margins.
20 April 2022
Making wood work
Teagasc is engaged in an extensive range of research including national and international collaborations. Teagasc highlights the impacts of its latest research in "Research impact highlights in 2020". Forestry is one such area as Niall Farrelly, Luka Kranjz and Annette Hart outline here
17 April 2022
Direct Selling of Organic Produce - Webinar
Recently Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist hosted the sixth in a series of Organic Webinars exploring the direct selling of organic produce. Joe was joined by Barry Caslin, Rural Development Specialist, Teagasc; Ollie & Esther O’Brien, Cúlbhac Farm and Clive Bright, Rare Ruminare
17 April 2022
Health and Safety Newsletter - April 2022
This edition of the Health and Safety Newsletter has advice on keeping safe around animals. Being aware of an animal’s personal space and temperament, having good handling facilities and taking the correct precautions can all help to reduce the number accidents associated with livestock.
16 April 2022
Teagasc/SCSI Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook Report 2022
In this major new survey, chartered surveyors, auctioneers & valuers, operating in the agricultural & rental markets say sales activity was boosted by the exit from COVID restrictions. They predict prices will continue to rise, underpinned by strong demand & a continuing low supply of land for sale
13 April 2022
Situation and Outlook for Irish Agriculture - April 2022
In December of 2021 we published the annual Situation and Outlook for 2022. In the short period since then the outlook for 2022 has changed considerably due to the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine and the war that has resulted. The situation & outlook is summarised for each commodity sector.
12 April 2022
SmartCow Project linking European Research Infrastructures successfully
The SmartCow final conference took place on Wednesday, 6 April in Brussels, with the findings from the SmartCow consortium during the past four years presented.
12 April 2022
Growing Organics Online Event
A ‘Growing Organics’ online event took place on 1 April, which was organised by Teagasc as part of the LIFT H2020 project and in association with the RDS Climate Smart Agriculture series. Watch a recording of the event below
12 April 2022
Sheep Newsletter - April 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team in the April newsletter. It includes advice on: Grassland management, Fertiliser, Silage/winter fodder, Concentrates, Parasites, BETTER Farm update, Research update - Lambing 2022 and Health & Safety - Minding your mental health
10 April 2022
Longer days, more work, greater danger
Spring is here, and with it peak workload. Reduce your risk of injury or even death with some simple precautions. Francis Bligh and John McNamara Teagasc Health and Safety specialists have suggestions for keeping safe at calving time, when handling slurry and around machinery here
10 April 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Understanding and supporting social sustainability of farmers & Preventing Injury and Ill Health in Agriculture
On this episode of The Signpost Series held on Friday 1 April, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT Dept, Teagasc was joined by Teagasc staff David Meredith, Research Officer, & Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialist, to discuss Understanding and supporting social sustainability of farmers and more
09 April 2022
Managing Roadside Trees
The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine has published guidance on managing roadside trees. Written by a panel of experts convened by the Tree Council, it presents a simple six-step process for landowners to follow. Co-author Eileen Woodbyrne summarises the advice and guidance in the booklet
08 April 2022
Beef Strategies for 2022
This year has seen price inflation particularly on key inputs such as fertiliser, feed and projected contractor costs. This creates another challenging year for beef farmers who have shown significant resilience to date. Colm Kelly, Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Ballinasloe suggests ways to manage this
07 April 2022
Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management Open for Applications
Teagasc are accepting applications for the Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 20th 2022.
06 April 2022
Red Clover Silage Measure
The Red Clover Silage Measure (RCSM) aims to encourage farmers to sow red clover silage swards. A payment will be made to participating Co-op/Agri-retailers to assist farmers with the cost of buying red clover silage sward seed mixtures. This will help with the establishment of these swards
05 April 2022
Plan Now to Relieve the Pain of Rising Farm Costs
With higher animal prices being offset by large increases in input costs such as fertiliser, meal, fuel and contractor charges, Andy Ryder, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport advises on where farmers can make adjustments to maintain a level of output without input costs crippling farm profit
03 April 2022
Q and A - Meet Teagasc Director Frank O’Mara
Director of Teagasc Professor Frank O’Mara was appointed on 1 October 2021. He grew up on a farm at Lisronagh near Clonmel in south Tipperary and has lived in Carlow for the last 30 years. Mark Moore, Editor of Today's Farm introduces Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara in an interview here
01 April 2022
Analyses of the organic value chain in Ireland
Dan Clavin & Dr Yan Jin, Teagasc led this research in which a value chain mapping approach was undertaken using organic administrative data to understand the structure of the organic value chain, examining the distribution of organic farms in relation to their production systems
01 April 2022
Dealing with storm damage
If you experienced windblow damage to your forest, don’t rush into decisions but instead put together a step-by-step plan. This will allow you to minimise risks while maximising the salvage value of the blown timber. Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer has advice on what you can do
01 April 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - An overview of the Micro-generation Support Scheme
On this episode of The Signpost Series on Wednesday, 16 March, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Rory Somers, Policy Lead on Micro-generation at the Dept. of the Environment, Climate & Communications to give an overview of the Micro-generation Support Scheme
31 March 2022
Tillage Update 31st March 2022
Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist has the latest details here about the new Tillage Incentive Scheme. Ploughing grassland to plant a tillage crop is being encouraged in 2022 by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine with the introduction of the Tillage Incentive Scheme worth €400/ha
30 March 2022
Rising costs a challenge for new dairy entrants in 2022
A cohort of farmers will convert to dairy farming in 2022. While prospects for milk price this year are positive, inputs cost are also increasing rapidly. In this article, Teagasc dairy advisor, Kevin Brennan, Oak Park, outlines what he recommends that new entrants should consider in the coming year
29 March 2022
Direct Selling of Organic Produce Webinar
On Wednesday, 30 March at 7.30pm, join us online for a webinar which will explore the direct selling of organic produce. Register for the event here and also find out about two other organic events taking place this week.
28 March 2022
Teagasc Ballyhaise Students Graduate
Awards and certificates were presented to over 300 Level 6 graduates of Teagasc Ballyhaise College by Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD on Thursday, 24 March. This event has graduates over two years from 2020 & 2021 having been postponed due to Covid-19 restrictions
25 March 2022
Forestry Health and Safety
It is the responsibility of every forest owner to make their forest a safe and healthy place to work. Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer has key advice on Health and Safety in the forestry sector. Learn about your role as a Landowner, Forestry Works Manager, Contractor or other party
23 March 2022
Raising awareness of data on the farm
The AgriDISCRETE project is raising farmers’ awareness of data by co-designing communication materials that explain what data on the farm is and how it’s shared. Researchers Claire Brown and Áine Regan, Agrifood Business and Spatial Analysis, Teagasc, Athenry provide more insight here
22 March 2022
Get Your 2022 Basic Payment Form Completed Correctly!
Most farmers will have received their 2022 Basic Payment application and maps in the post. This form is the application for many schemes so it important that you are prepared before meeting with your advisor to make your application. Patricia Lynch, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport has good advice
20 March 2022
Time to think about becoming an organic farmer?
The recent reopening of the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) has many farmers wondering if organics if an option for them. There is no doubt that it doesn’t suit everyone but there are many farmers that it will suit. Drystock Advisor Enda O'Hart gives a few pointers to help you assess the option
20 March 2022
Have you made your Will yet?
Making a Will is a very important task to consider for any farmer today. Many farmers delay it for as long as possible believing that they can continue indefinitely. Ciaran Beatty, Teagasc Advisor, Castlerea says it is a difficult topic to address and many farmers avoid it and have no plans in place
16 March 2022
Filleadh ar an saol tar éis Covid
I rith Seachtain na Gaeilge seo tá Teagasc Daily ag foilsiú ailt as gaeilge ó foireann Teagasc. Tá an céad ailt seo scríofa ag Seosamh O’Deá, múinteoir i gColáiste Chill Daltún, faoi Filleadh ar an saol tar éis Covid sa choláiste.
16 March 2022
Feed, Fertiliser, Fodder & Fuel: the Steps Farmers Can Take in the Weeks Ahead
Following the National Fodder and Food Security Committee meeting last week, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge with an insight into the steps farmers can take in the coming weeks.
16 March 2022
Beef Newsletter - March 2022
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Beef team in this month's newsletter. It includes: The cash challenge for 2022; Green Acres; Research Update - Breeding low methane-emitting cattle; and Health & Safety - Tractor/machine overturning dangers
15 March 2022
First Meeting of Fodder and Food Security Committee
Over 30 organisations were represented at the first meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee last Friday, 11 March in Teagasc Moorepark. The group was set up to support the national response to the unfolding feed, fertiliser and energy supply issues created by the war in Ukraine
15 March 2022
Kildalton 50 - A Celebration of 50 years in Land Based Education
For over 50 years, Kildalton College in South Kilkenny has forged a path for students of agriculture, horticulture and equitation. To celebrate this milestone, the Teagasc Kildalton College will open its doors on Saturday, 25th of June this year, from 11am to 4pm
15 March 2022
Sheep Newsletter - March 2022
Get the latest information & advice from Teagasc Sheep in this month's newsletter. It includes: grassland; Buyer beware – flock biosecurity; Investigate problems; Getting off to the best start – colostrum; hygiene; BETTER Farm and Research updates on scanning; Reducing problem ewes and OviCast
14 March 2022
Dairy Newsletter - March 2022
Get the latest information & advice from Teagasc Dairy in this month's newsletter. It includes: Sexed semen on the rise in 2022; Use a HerdPlus Sire Advice plan; Keep grass on track; CellCheck tips of the month; Profit monitor – costs rising and Health & Safety - Tractor/machine overturning dangers
14 March 2022
Organic Webinar - Galway Clare - Is organic farming an option for your farm?
On Wednesday 16th March at 2pm the Galway/Clare Region will have a webinar on Organic Farming and the new Organic Farming Scheme 2022. Titled: Is Organic farming an Option for Your farm? and hosted by Glen Corbett, Advisor, Teagasc Tuam it will contain a strong horticultural focus, not to be missed
14 March 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Milk Recording
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 3rd March, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Rosarii O'Connor and Mairead O'Neill, Munster Bovine to discuss milk recording.
13 March 2022
Today's Farm - March/April 2022
The March/April edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. It includes articles on genetics,Commercial Beef value, fertilising for grass silage, basic payment, controlling chickweed in cereals, health & safety, forestry diversification, dahlias and meet Teagasc Director Frank O'Mara
12 March 2022
Agriculture Courses - What are the Options?
The choice of agricultural courses is considerable. Students planning a career in the Agricultural or Horticultural sector and also qualifying as a young trained farmer may find it difficult to navigate the list of courses available. Education Officer Serena Gibbons gives a synopsis on the options
10 March 2022
Jim McCarthy on the impact of the Ukraine war on his farm business in Romania and helping refugees across the border
Jim McCarthy, who is farming in Romania, sixty kilometres from the Ukraine border, chats to the Tillage Edge this week about the impacts of the Ukraine war on his family and business.
08 March 2022
Major Online Event to mark the Publication of Developing Rural Ireland: A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
A webinar marking the landmark publication of ‘Developing Rural Ireland: A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services’ by Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh took place on Thursday, 17 February 2022. It was hosted jointly by Teagasc and the Social Sciences Research Centre (SSRC) at NUI Galway.
08 March 2022
DAFM Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme
The Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme (PEPS), a €7 million exchequer funded scheme to support commercial pig farmers in Ireland. It aims to give temporary financial aid to pig farmers
07 March 2022
The Organic Farming Scheme
Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Farming specialist joins Deirdre Glynn & Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss The Organic Farming Scheme
05 March 2022
TResearch Spring 2022
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. Put to good use - Researchers are using innovative processes and consumer insights to help combat food waste
02 March 2022
Could Organic Farming work on your Farm?
As CAP 2023 approaches there is going to be an increased emphasis on environmental schemes and carbon friendly farming. Organic farming is of particular interest. Eanna Loughrey, Education Officer, Teagasc Ballinrobe has information about The Organic farming scheme and webinar details here
02 March 2022
14th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion
The 14th INFOGEST Webinar of the series will take place on Wednesday 2nd March at 2PM. This monthly series, hosted by Teagasc’s André Brodkorb, focuses on the latest research in food digestion from the international INFOGEST network of scientists from academia and industry.
28 February 2022
The Right Course Of Action
Combining cutting-edge modern developments with traditional practical skills, Teagasc offers a unique, hands-on learning experience – with an exciting selection of courses. Head of Education Dr Anne-Marie Butler gives more information.
23 February 2022
What can I do to manage costs this year?
Philip O’Connor, Head of Farm Support, and Trevor Boland, accountant with Irish Farm Accounts Co-operative Society (IFAC), join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what can be done to help manage costs this year on farm and how to plan and budget for the year ahead.
22 February 2022
McConalogue announces €3 million investment for Teagasc Ballyhaise College
Funding of €3 million has been announced to build new accommodation at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co. Cavan. Plans for the new development were reviewed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, when he turned the sod on the new development
21 February 2022
Robotic milking - is it for you?
Robotic milking is increasing in Ireland as farmers upgrade their parlours and are potentially looking to reduce labour on their farms. Patrick Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discuses key aspects of robotic milking and what needs investigation before considering the robotic route
21 February 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Record Keeping
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 10 February, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses record keeping and how it can improve efficiency on your farm.
20 February 2022
Organic Cattle and Sheep
The organic drystock sector is the largest of the organic enterprises in Ireland. About 70% of all organic producers are involved in either cattle and/or sheep production. The transition at farm level from conventional methods is relatively straightforward compared to other enterprises
20 February 2022
Health and Safety Newsletter - February 2022
This edition of the Health and Safety Newsletter has advice on work organisation and time management, covering topics such as getting organised and help ahead of the busy periods, having good facilities, herd health, technology and standard operating procedures.
18 February 2022
Reviewing finances with a 5 minute cashflow
On most beef farms the majority of income is at the end of the year. It is important that cash flow is managed to ensure that all essential bills are paid (including living expenses) and no long term damage is done to the business due to a cash shortage, says Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist
18 February 2022
Financial Supports to Weather the Crisis – Webinar
The Pig Development Department held a webinar on Wednesday, 16th February focusing on the financial supports available to pig producers to weather the current crisis. You can watch the webinar here
17 February 2022
Heat Pumps in Agriculture - Workshop
Teagasc and Geological Survey of Ireland will run a half day workshop on Tuesday, 22nd February from 10am - 1pm on AgroFossilFree (AFF) heat pump technologies and their relevance to the agricultural sector at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 DY05. Booking is essential
17 February 2022
The Wexford farmer who plans to use less nitrogen in 2022
This week’s Tillage Edge podcast continues the series looking at farmers who are working closely with Teagasc in the Signpost Farms programme and other initiatives. Don Somers, a farmer in Wexford, and his advisor John Pettit, joined Michael Hennessy to discuss Don’s farm practice.
16 February 2022
Teagasc Mayo Webinar - Benefits to completing the Green Cert/ Farm Succession Planning
On Wednesday 16th February at 8pm Teagasc Mayo is hosting a webinar focusing on the Benefits to completing the Green Cert and on Farm Succession Planning. It will feature Eanna Loughrey, Teagasc Ballinrobe & James McDonnell, Teagasc Farm Management Specialist. Register here
16 February 2022
Excitement as students return to Agri Aware Farm Walk & Talk
Farm Walk and Talk is an interactive series of events for second-level, agricultural science students throughout early March on ten research farms and agricultural colleges across the country. See dates and events below to sign up for these first come first served events
15 February 2022
Funding Call Now Open to Support European Farm Advisors to Embrace Digital Tools and Technologies
The FAIRshare (Farm Advisory Digital Innovation Tools Realised and Shared) project launched in November 2018 and it aims to enable a more digitally active farm and farm advisory community.
13 February 2022
Developing Rural Ireland in the Twentieth Century
Teagasc and the Social Sciences Research Centre (SSRC) at NUI, Galway are hosting an online event on Thursday 17 February at 4pm.
13 February 2022
Self-catering accommodation in agritourism
Tourism is one of Ireland's most important economic sectors in which rural tourism can contribute enormously. Self-catering is a seasonal enterprise, usually from May to September. Barry Caslin Teagasc, Rural Economy, has advice on setting up Self-catering accommodation in agritourism
12 February 2022
Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism is an outdoor leisure activity that generally takes place in an unusual, exotic, remote or wilderness setting. Barry Caslin Teagasc, Rural Economy, has advice on setting up an adventure tourism business
11 February 2022
Upcoming Financial Supports to Weather the Crisis - Webinar
The Pig Development Department (PDD) will hold a webinar on Wednesday, 16th February at 1pm. During this lunchtime event we will focus on the financial supports available to pig producers to weather the current crisis.
11 February 2022
Sheep and Goat census deadline is 14th February
Sheep and goat census returns deadline is Monday 14th February 2022. Keepers are required to record census data on their flock registers and return their census data, preferably online by Monday. Find out how to complete the online census return here
11 February 2022
Trees: From Seed to Sawdust
"Trees: From Seed to Sawdust" is a series of 20 radio documentaries broadcast on KCLR 96FM, every Monday at 5.30 pm until the 7th March 2022. Each week the series covers a topic based on trees and their role and uses in the Irish landscape. Michael Somers, Teagasc Forestry advisor explains more
11 February 2022
Teagasc celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
There is a diversity of careers available to women in science at Teagasc. Friday, 11th February, is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Teagasc takes the opportunity to stand for women and girls in science and break the stereotypes that hold them back. Meet Teagasc Women in Science here
10 February 2022
Tillage Update - 10th February 2022
In this week's Tillage Update Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist has fertiliser advice for 2022 plus the latest on winter oilseed rape, Green Area Index (GAI) and using the GAI app, winter crop walks information and details of the recent Malting Barley webinar, all here on Teagasc Daily.
10 February 2022
The big pension problem for farmers in Ireland
Under the current Irish State pension system, low-income farmers might not qualify for the contributory or non-contributory State pension. Researchers at Teagasc and Maynooth University have been investigating the effect proposed changes to the State pension system will have on farmers in Ireland.
10 February 2022
The Microgeneration Support Scheme - Webinar
To find out what The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) will mean for agriculture, join Barry Caslin, Teagasc and Rory Somers, Assistant Principal, Electricity Policy, Dept of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) and Policy lead for Micro-generation on Monday 14th February online.
10 February 2022
CAP23 Webinar
On this webinar which took place on Thursday, 3 February, host Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Cormac McGann and Francis Morris, DAFM; Clive Carter, Laois Farmer; and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist to discuss the new CAP proposals.
09 February 2022
Factors affecting Profitability of Dairy Beef
The rearing of dairy beef calves is far from a simple task. It is not a matter of buying calves, feeding them milk replacer for a few weeks and then putting them out to grass. Vincent Ronayne, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe outlines the major pitfalls that can affect it's profitability
09 February 2022
Organic Farming Scheme opens
The Organic Farming Scheme (OFS) opened today (February 9th) for new applicants into the scheme. The scheme will financially reward farmers who commit to farming their land organically. Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist has information about the new scheme here in this article and podcast
09 February 2022
Should you consider converting to organic farming?
As the new Organic Farming Scheme opens today on the 9th February, organic specialist Joe Kelleher gives tips and considerations for conversion to organic farming on this week’s Beef Edge podcast
09 February 2022
Opportunities in Organic Farming
Teagasc has organised a series of information events for farmers who are considering joining the new Organic Farming Scheme, which was opened by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on Wednesday, 9 February. Find out more about all of these events here
06 February 2022
Sustainable Efficient Production and Quality Assurance
Anne O’Malley, Farm Food Business and Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballina discusses the various quality assurance schemes operated by Bord Bia for the farming sector, the Teagasc input and she explains the Farm sustainability feedback report and farm carbon footprints here
04 February 2022
Potato Newsletter February 2022
The recent Teagasc Crop Costs and Returns booklet is interesting, if not scary, reading for many growers. All costs including fertiliser, seed, diesel, parts etc. will be higher this year than 2021 increasing pressure on margins for the 2022 crop. The February Teagasc Potato Newsletter has advice
04 February 2022
CAP post 2023 – Your questions answered by experts
This week, the Tillage Edge podcast catches up with the questions and answers from the Crops Webinar on CAP23 which was held on February 3rd. A panel of experts from the Department of Agriculture and Marine, Teagasc and a farmer answer questions that were asked by farmers during the webinar.
04 February 2022
Minister Hackett launches Teagasc Guide to Harvesting and Selling Timber
A “Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting and Selling Timber from Conifer Forests” was launched by Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on her recent visit to Teagasc Oak Park. This booklet aims to help forest owners in getting timber to market
03 February 2022
Long-term Land Leasing
Why are landowners considering Long-term Land Leasing? Gordon Peppard, Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist has the answer to this and lists the many benefits including enhanced tax relief incentives, advantages for the lessee, details on stamping the lease & valuable information you should know
03 February 2022
New Appointment to Teagasc Authority
Donald Scully has been appointed to the Teagasc Authority for a five-year term by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. Donald Scully is a member of the ICMSA executive committee and is a dairy farmer from Cherryhill House, Ballyhyland, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
03 February 2022
Teagasc Virtual Tillage Conference 2022
The 2022 National Tillage Conference took place virtually, split over two days. The first session took place on Thursday, 13 January and the second took place on Thursday, 27 January. Catch up with both days here in this double webinar on Teagasc Daily
02 February 2022
Opportunities for Organic Horticultural Growers - Webinar
Recently, Joe Kelleher & Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialists hosted the fourth in a series of Autumn Organic Webinars. They were joined by Eoin Sweetman, Teagasc; Padraig Fahy, Beechlawn Organics and Gillian Westbrook, IOA to explore the opportunities available to organic horticultural growers
01 February 2022
CAP23 Tillage Webinar
We hope you are enjoying the series of Teagasc Crop Webinars 2022. You are invited to the latest Teagasc Crops Webinar CAP23 on this Thursday February 3rd at 11.30am. The webinar will focus on the new CAP proposals and how tillage farmers will be affected by these changes from 2023. Register here
01 February 2022
Virtual Sheep Conference 2022 - Session 2
On Thursday 27 January, Dr. Philip Creighton, Teagasc Sheep Enterprise Leader, chaired this interesting discussion on ‘Reducing lamb mortality and new veterinary medicine regulations for 2022’. You can access the webinar and conference publication here
31 January 2022
Three Reasons to use Protected Urea in 2022
Protected urea grows more grass in the long term. This is just one of three reasons why farmers should use Protected Urea in 2022. Mark Plunkett, Patrick Forrestal and Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc detail these and how to use it while Patrick Forrestal has tips on using protected urea in a video also
31 January 2022
Streamlining the spring workload in dairying
Monitor farmers are critical to demonstrate good farming practice to other dairy farmers in the region. Here Mark Treacy, features a profile of one monitor farm: The Buttimer family, who are dairy farming in Ballineen, Co. Cork. Mark outlines how labour is efficiently planned for the calving period
31 January 2022
Can you reduce the length of your working day?
Dairy Specialist, Martina Gormley, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge to assess the factors that impact on the length of the working day on Irish dairy farms.
30 January 2022
13th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion
The first INFOGEST webinar of 2022 will take place on Wednesday 2nd February at 2PM. This monthly series, hosted by Teagasc’s André Brodkorb, focuses on the latest research in food digestion from the international INFOGEST network of scientists from academia and industry.
28 January 2022
Tillage Update - 27th January 2022
How did your on farm trials work out last year? If you did not do any, what plans do you have this year to check whether the products you are applying are value for money?. Michael Hennessy, Head of Crop KT, Teagasc suggests carrying out replicated trials on your farm. He explains the process here
27 January 2022
Introduction to the Manufacture of Chocolate & Chocolate Confectionery
On Thursday, 3rd February from 9.30am - 1pm , Teagasc product development and sensory specialists will hold a virtual, half-day training course on the manufacture of chocolate products. The course is designed for chocolate producers of all sizes and stages of product development.
27 January 2022
Completing a nutrient management plan
This week the Tillage Edge chats to Eoin Lyons, the Teagasc Boortmalt Joint Programme Advisor, who explains why it is critical that tillage farmers get a nutrient management plan completed for 2022.
27 January 2022
Utilisation of Nutrients Webinar
On this webinar on Thursday 20 January, Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist was joined by James McDonnell, Farm Management Specialist; Liam Phelan, AIB; John Carroll, Glanbia; Don Somers, Signpost Programme tillage farmer and his Advisor John Pettit; and Dr Pete Berry, Head of Crop Physiology ADAS
25 January 2022
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme 2022 is open
On Friday, 21st January, the 2022 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme opened for online applications. The scheme is open to GLAS farmers for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings. It will close on 22nd February 2022. Find out more about what's involved here
25 January 2022
Opportunities for Organic Horticultural Growers
On Wednesday, 26 January at 7.30pm, join us online for a webinar which will explore the opportunities available to organic horticultural growers.
24 January 2022
Planning for cash flow on the tillage farm in 2022
For tillage farmers reflecting on 2021 will be a pleasant experience. Weather was mostly favourable for the various tasks. With the focus on fertiliser prices, Michael Hennessy, Head of Crop KT, Teagasc emphasises the importance of planning now as 2022 will be different in comparison to 2021
24 January 2022
Protecting your farm income in 2022
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, Dairy Specialist Patrick Gowing joins Emma-Louise Coffey with an insight into projected costs of production in 2022 and strategies to maintain profitability
23 January 2022
A successful Registered Farm Partnership in south Tipperary
Keeping the February 11 deadline in mind, Gordon Peppard Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist, meets organic farmers Pat and Angela Mulrooney embarking on a successful Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) with their son Mark, in south Tipperary
20 January 2022
Time to move if forming a Registered Farm Partnership
Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) is an excellent arrangement to bring a young person into the family farm business without having to immediately sign over the land. Keep an eye on the February 11 deadline. Gordon Peppard Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist has key advice
20 January 2022
Teagasc & NUI Galway partner new BSc Agricultural Science degree in the West
2021 saw the launch of a brand new BSc in Agricultural Science at the National University of Ireland Galway with a strong focus on Sustainable Agriculture. Teagasc and NUI Galway have announced a partnership to deliver on the huge demand for an Agricultural Degree programme in the West of Ireland.
19 January 2022
Is a registered farm partnership an option for me?
As the registered farm partnership deadline approaches on 11th February 2022, Teagasc Collaborative Farm specialist, Gordon Peppard, gives an insight into what you need to do to set up a farm partnership, its benefits and implications.
19 January 2022
Year 6 of Sheep Welfare Scheme Open
The sixth year of the Sheep Welfare Scheme will commence on the 1st February 2022 with a budget of €19.5m. All existing participants in the scheme will be automatically enrolled in year 6 with no action required. New applicants can find out how to apply by 1st February 2022 here
18 January 2022
Aiming for success in market gardening
John Mulhern, principal at the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens profiles a student, Peter Kelleher, who is entering a second career in the fascinating world of horticulture.
17 January 2022
Mental health on farm - the most important part of sustainability
Dr John McNamara, Teagasc H&S specialist chats to Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest episode of the Environment Edge about Teagasc’s role in promoting farmer mental health and wellbeing, what to look out for and how we all can help.
16 January 2022
Teagasc at BTYSTE: Milk production goes hi-tech
Have you ever wondered about the technology behind a simple glass of milk or slice of cheese? Milking a cow has come a long way from a bucket and a pair of hands. Teagasc researchers Catriona Boyle and Eimear Ferguson talk about the new technologies of dairy farming here
15 January 2022
Working Safely with Slurry
With slurry season commencing in many parts of the country this week it is once again important to think about the dangers associated with handling slurry and to plan this work with safety in mind. John McNamara and Francis Bligh Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists advice caution with safety tips
14 January 2022
Cork Student wins Teagasc award at BTYSTE 2022 – Potential of nematodes to replace pesticides
Johannah Pigott, a Transition Year student from Colaiste Treasa, Kanturk, Co. Cork, is the winner of the Teagasc award at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2022 (BTYSTE). Johannah’s project looked at the potential of nematodes to replace chemical pesticides.
14 January 2022
Today's Farm - January/February 2022
The January/February edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is weighing up your fertiliser options. It also has articles on the Future Beef Programme; forming a Registered Farm Partnership; and market gardening.
13 January 2022
Teagasc at BTYSTE: Helping shape the future of farming
Teagasc is at the virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2022. Teagasc Researchers Catriona Boyle, Emma Dillon, Brian Moran & Trevor Donnellan tell us about the research work of Teagasc economists in compiling the National Farm Survey. You can visit the Teagasc stand here too
11 January 2022
Strategies to Reduce Sheep Input Costs For 2022
For the past number of months we have been hearing about the increased cost of fertiliser, animal feed prices and the continuation of this in 2022. Joanne Masterson, Teagasc advisor Athenry has key advice on strategies within the farmer's control, to reduce sheep input costs for 2022
10 January 2022
Dairy enterprise review and outlook
Based on data from Teagasc’s National Farm Survey unit, 2021 was a good year for dairying. George Ramsbottom, Dairy Specialist has the breakdown on the figures, and watch back on the Dairy Review and Outlook with Teagasc Researcher Emma Dillon, from Outlook 2022 - Economic Prospects for Agriculture
09 January 2022
Increasing your Profits from Beef Farming
There is a big variation in the performance of beef farms across the industry. Financial accounts for year-end have consistently highlighted the gap in performance between the top 1/3 of beef farms versus the average and bottom third as Eddie Webb, Teagasc Tuam advisor points out
09 January 2022
Shelf Life of Food Products
The shelf life of a food product refers to the length of time for which it can be stored, under specified conditions, while remaining in optimum condition and safe for consumption. Find out about factors affecting shelf life, legal requirements for shelf life, use-by dates, and best-before dates.
07 January 2022
Firewood production
Jonathan Sykes runs tourist accommodation with his wife Betty in Springfield, Co Limerick. They planted twenty hectares of broadleaf woodlands twenty years ago. Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer looks at firewood income potential and the business of firewood at Liston Fuel Logs
07 January 2022
Monaghan farmers lead the way on organics
Beef and tillage organic enterprises are thriving in the county. Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist and Drystock Advisors Jane McConnon & Shane Filan meet two farmers, one in beef the other in tillage, who tell their organic story from initial conversion through to a new and thriving business.
06 January 2022
Teagasc Tillage Thursday's
Welcome to Tillage Thursday's during which we will deliver the latest insights on current tillage research plus the most relevant technical advice for tillage farmers through a series of live, interactive webinars.
06 January 2022
Its time to get filling your profit monitor input sheet for 2021
Farm Management Specialist Kevin Connolly advises on completing your 2021 Profit Monitor.The operation of a successful farm business is often likened to a three-legged stool. The business is the seat, held up by three legs. Each leg is critical to ensure the business is viable & sustainable ...
05 January 2022
Diversified Farmers' Guide to Social Media
Diversified businesses looking to bring in new customers need to create a social media strategy that is narrowly focused on their target audience to avoid wasting time and money. Many businesses are now aware of the need have an online presence. Follow the guidelines given here
31 December 2021
TResearch Autumn/Winter 2021
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Autumn/Winter 2021 issue of TResearch magazine brings a new look. We’ve put the people who carry out our cutting-edge research front and centre.
29 December 2021
Unearthing a medieval town
For the final Map of the Month of the year 2021, we take a closer look the abandoned town of Newtown near Jerpoint Abbey, Co. Kilkenny, which according to local legend is the resting place of St. Nicholas. This map by Daniel O'Mahony, Walsh Scholar looks at how technology revolutionised archaeology.
27 December 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Analysing your farm's performance
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 9th December, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist gives an overview of the Profit Monitor, including what it consists of and the benefits of completing it especially when planning for the year ahead.
25 December 2021
Stay Safe this Christmas
Christmas can create a hive of activity on many farms with family home and friends visiting. It is important to continue to keep safety high on the priority list as the farmyard is a hazardous place. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist has advice on staying safe this Christmas
23 December 2021
Could you be the Equine Specialist Teagasc is looking for?
Teagasc has a vacancy for an Equine Specialist (Permanent) at Teagasc Grange, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Candidates must have a QQI Level 8 degree in Equine Science or BAgrSc in Animal Science, specialising in equine, or equivalent. Read more for details of post and salary. Closing date 10 January 2022
22 December 2021
A Holly Jolly Christmas
As Christmas fast approaches many of us will “deck the halls with boughs of holly”. The glossy green foliage and scarlet red berries are synonymous with the festive season. In a Christmas message from the Staff of Teagasc Advisory Waterford/Kilkenny, Aoife Leader, Walsh Scholar, praises the Holly
20 December 2021
Sm@rt Ruminant Technologies Project Commences
The Sm@RT project, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 research programme, aims to share knowledge and improve the uptake of new digital technologies in small ruminant farming systems in Europe and beyond, and recently held its first online international workshop.
17 December 2021
'Historical Irish Dairy Products' Book Launch
The official launch of a new book, 'Historical Irish Dairy Products' which traces from earliest times the historical-cultural heritage of Irish dairy products took place virtually on 15th December. The launch was hosted by Mark Gibson, Teagasc and featured contributions from a panel of guests.
15 December 2021
New Commercial Beef Value (CBV) announced by ICBF
At last week's Virtual Beef Conference ICBF announced a new Commercial Beef Value. Described as a new selection tool for farmers with non breeding herds it will have particular relevance to those herds that are purchasing animals to bring to finish. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has details
14 December 2021
Culture Change a Key Driver of Farm Safety
Safety culture refers to the way workplace safety is managed and represents a combination of attitudes and beliefs, perceptions, values, competencies, and patterns of safety behaviour by all in a workplace. Dr John McNamara, Health and Safety Specialist, discusses the importance of safety culture.
13 December 2021
Strategic Plan to Double Protein Crop Area
The Irish Protein Stakeholders Group have produced and published a strategic plan to support the growing of native protein crops. The Plan was launched Thursday, 9 December by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue TD.
13 December 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Organic Dairying
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 25 November, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialist to discuss organic dairying.
07 December 2021
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - A reflection on 2021 breeding and competition successes
Join Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist this evening, Tuesday, 7th December at 8.30pm for the latest webinar in the Let's Talk Equine Webinar Series. Tonight's webinar is: A reflection on 2021 breeding and competition successes. Register here
07 December 2021
Higher farm output prices in 2021, but rising costs a concern for 2022
A new report, by economists at Teagasc, estimates that average family farm income (FFI) in Ireland has increased by 20 per cent in 2021. Overall, price inflation for farm inputs has been more than offset by higher prices for most farm outputs leaving average family farm income for some farm systems
07 December 2021
Advice for Farmers facing Storm Barra
Met Eireann have issued a Status Red, Orange and Yellow - Wind warning for Ireland. Storms are becoming a more frequent occurance in Ireland bringing a mixture of wind, rain and sometimes snow. Teagasc has advice here for farmers facing the current Storm Barra this Tuesday and Wednesday
06 December 2021
Teagasc Future Beef Programme - Sustainable Cattle Production
The Teagasc Future Beef Programme - Sustainable Cattle Production, was launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD on the farm of Oliver O’Hara, near Manorhamilton in County Leitrim today, Monday, 6 December.
04 December 2021
Are you considering converting to Organic Farming? - Webinar
On Wednesday, 24 November, Joe Kelleher and Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialists hosted the third in a series of Autumn Organic Webinars which gave an insight into converting to organic farming. They were also joined by two farmers who recently converted to organic farming.
03 December 2021
Completing Ireland’s first equine census
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Mr Charlie McConalogue T.D. confirmed the date of the first annual equine census as Tuesday November 30th 2021. Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist has details on how to complete the equine census by Friday December 17th, here
03 December 2021
Outlook 2022 - Economic Outlook for Irish Agriculture
The agriculture sector has successfully navigated its way through COVID-19. However, the recovery in global economic demand in 2021 has led to global supply chain pressures in the wider economy. On Tuesday December 7th, 9.30 am, find out the Economic Outlook for Irish Agriculture, 2022 from Teagasc
02 December 2021
Teagasc appoint new Director of Research
Teagasc has appointed Professor Pat Dillon as Director of Research. The Teagasc Authority approved the appointment at its meeting on Wednesday, 1 December 2021. Professor Dillon will take up this new role straight away.
01 December 2021
Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) Rollover
The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has issued letters to farmer participants in the 2021 transitional BDGP scheme, informing them of the option to further extend contracts for a rollover of one further year into 2022. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist, has advice on what to do
01 December 2021
A day in the life: Andrea Uccello, Teagasc Researcher
Andrea Uccello is from Italy and he began working for Teagasc in July 2021. A Day in the Life... video tells how he studied Forest Science in Florence (Italy), embarked on his research journey and went on to work in the mushroom industry. Find out more about Andrea's interesting work training robots
30 November 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus – Bernard Bugler
Bernard Bugler is a GLAS 3 Participant from Co. Clare who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs to an old stone Building situated in the farmyard. The building was thought to be over 150 years old. Martina Enright, Teagasc Ennis Advisor has details of what was involved
30 November 2021
New results released on the Sustainability of Irish Farms
Teagasc has released its latest sustainability report covering the year 2020. The report uses the Teagasc National Farm Survey to track the performance of dairy, cattle, sheep and tillage farms across Ireland in improving their economic, environmental and social sustainability.
30 November 2021
What maps tell us about how we live, work and travel
Complex patterns in geographic data and maps can tell us much about our lives today and in the future. This article "What maps tell us about how we live, work and travel" by Jesko Zimmermann, David Meredith and Rob O'Hara, Teagasc, first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm.
29 November 2021
Cost control for 2022
Input costs for dairy farms are projected to increase through early 2022. Although milk price has to some extent masked the impact on margins in the short term, the potential impact is likely to be significant as Patrick Gowing and James Dunne Teagasc, Dairy KT Specialists outline here
29 November 2021
Teagasc NFS 2020 Sustainability Report Launch
On Tuesday 30th November at 10 am Teagasc will launch it's NFS 2020 Sustainability Report online. The 2020 report uses the Teagasc National Farm Survey (NFS) to track the performance of dairy, cattle, sheep and tillage farms in improving their economic, environmental and social sustainability.
29 November 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Taking Stock for 2021
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday, 11th November, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses taking stock for 2021, with a view to getting yourself organised before the end of the year and trying to set yourself up for the coming year.
27 November 2021
Milking interval relationship with PM finish time
A long milking interval is a driver of late PM finish time and long working days. Martina Gormley Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Athenry and Noirin McHugh Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark examine milking interval implications for farmers
26 November 2021
Reducing the impacts of high fertiliser prices in 2022 on Tillage Farms
Fertiliser costs increased in early 2021 but in the last 6 months, prices have escalated to all-time highs. Fertiliser costs are one of the largest costs in cereal crop production so now is a good to plan to reduce price effects in 2022. Mark Plunkett Teagasc Tillage Specialist has worthwhile advice
26 November 2021
Reducing energy costs on dairy farms
John Upton Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark, advises calculating the energy costs of your farm in cents per litre of milk produced, as a useful exercise to benchmark efficiencies against national averages and other farmers. He discuses the role of solar panels
24 November 2021
Economic and environmental performance of Irish dairy herds - what are the measures of success?
As with all industries and sectors of society, agriculture is being increasingly challenged to play its part in improving climate and environmental sustainability. Joe Patton, looks at the economic & environmental performance on Irish dairy herds as part of the Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference 2021
23 November 2021
Kildalton Discussion Group
The Kildalton Discussion Group, in operation for over 20 years has 18 dairy farmer members. They’re mostly from Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. Philip Donohoe, Chairman, discusses the group performance and areas for future improvement as part of the Virtual Dairy Conference today
22 November 2021
Is organic dairy farming for you?
Organic specialist Joe Kelleher joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge podcast to discuss organic dairy and consider whether it has a role within the context of Irish milk production systems.
20 November 2021
Dublin Farmers win Newbie New Entrant Competition 2021 Welgro Produce Ltd
Welgro Produce located in Rush Co Dublin has been selected as the winner of the third Irish Newbie new entrant competition. Welgro established by Shane Halpin, Sean Weldon and Gary Weldon is one of only two commercial cucumber growers in Ireland.
19 November 2021
2021 Harvest estimated at 2.32 million tonnes
The 2021 harvest report published by Teagasc estimates that the production of cereals was 2.32 million tonnes in 2021. This represents an increase of 407,000 tonnes (21%) from harvest 2020. Get the details here
19 November 2021
Meet Nicole – an ISH young breeder
Nicole Groyer grew up in Naul, North Co. Dublin surrounded by animals and horses on her grandfather's farm. Her interest in horses began from an early age when her mother took Nicole to local agricultural shows, hunts and annually visited the RDS Dublin Horse Show.
18 November 2021
Are you considering converting to Organic Farming?
The Teagasc Organic Specialists are hosting a series of Autumn organic webinars covering various technical aspects of organic farming. The third webinar in the series, on Wednesday, 24 November at 7:30pm focuses on considering converting to Organic Farming. Two farmers talk about their experiences
17 November 2021
Clean Livestock policy - Sheep
Presenting lambs clean at the abattoir becomes more challenging as the year progresses particularly for those finishing outdoors as weather conditions deteriorate. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist discusses the Clean Livestock Policy for sheep
15 November 2021
Hiring staff: Where to start?
The Spring 2022 calving season around the corner so now is a good time to plan who will help to run your business. All too often fatigue and burn out occur in Spring time on many farms. Dairy Specialist Martina Gormley gives some information and advice on hiring staff.
13 November 2021
Cattle Housing Ventilation
Temperatures close to 20°C in October highlighted the necessity for well-ventilated animal housing. Recent winters have been mild with few sub-zero temperatures. Recent heavy rainfall has forced some farmers to house cattle especially on wetter lands. Mayo advisor Brian Hughes advises on ventilation
12 November 2021
New National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre announced
A new National Agricultural Sustainability Research & Innovation Centre (NASRIC) is to be established at Teagasc Johnstown Castle. Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD has announced that DAFM is providing Teagasc with the required funding (€9m)
11 November 2021
Horticultural input cost increases puts pressure on margins
Teagasc Horticulture Development Department recently assessed the key input costs that have seen the biggest increases, gathered and validated data, sourced from a range of businesses and trade suppliers. Input cost increases rose significantly in 2021 and will in many cases exceed grower margins.
09 November 2021
Creating Our Future
I’m sure you have seen or heard ads for the Creating Our Future initiative, which is a campaign being run by the government of Ireland to find out from the public what they think we should be doing scientific research on in the future.
09 November 2021
Digesting the Research- How do fruit and veg affect our digestive system?
Every cell in our body requires fuel to function. When we eat food, we get energy from carbohydrates, fats and proteins – these are called macronutrients. On top of that, food, especially fruit and veg, have a number of other micronutrients. Find out What’s New in Fruit & Veg from Teagasc scientists
09 November 2021
Today's Farm - November/December 2021
The November/December edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. There is a focus on business, production, environment and countryside issues. Organic farming is highlighted. Reducing the risk of TB, winter milk diets and lowering emissions are among the topics covered.
08 November 2021
Generating bioplastics using haemoglobin from blood
On “10 Things to Know About … Blood”, airing tonight, Monday, 8 November, on RTÉ One Television at 8:30pm, presenter Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin will meet Teagasc Researchers, Dr Anne Maria Mullen and Dr Carlos Alvarez, who have developed a method to generate bioplastics using haemoglobin from blood.
07 November 2021
Agriculture Climate Targets Challenging but Achievable
Teagasc is committed to continue its research and advisory programme supporting farmers to meet the reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions set in the Government’s Climate Action Plan.
07 November 2021
Making the most of what you have!
Here Bernie Leahy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway considers The Parable of the Talents in the Bible, and likens it to Teagasc initiatives such as Signpost Programme and Farm Diversification which encourage farmers to be efficient, not wasteful, changing practices for the sake of the environment
05 November 2021
Have you considered a career in agriculture? - Webinar
Have you considered a career in agriculture? You may be interested in this webinar, held as part of NEFERTITI Farm Attractiveness Week, which takes place from November 7th to 12th. Register for the webinar, taking place on Tuesday, 9th November at 2pm here.
04 November 2021
-Thumbnail.jpg)
Meet Sharon an Irish Sport Horse young breeder
Sharon Mannion, Windgap Stud, Doon, Co. Offaly is an enthusiastic Irish Draught breeder. There were always Irish Draught horses on the family dairy & sheep farm now the main enterprise today. Sharon’s experience of the ISH Young Breeder training programme gave her valuable experience as she explains
04 November 2021
Options for Organic Tillage Growers - Webinar
On Wednesday, 27th October, Elaine Leavy and Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialists hosted the second in a series of Autumn Organic Webinars which focused on options for organic tillage growers.
02 November 2021
GLAS Funding allows Restoration of Clare Farm Outbuildings
Co. Clare suckler farmer Denis Clair, a GLAS participant was eligible to apply to the Heritage Council for the DAFM-funded Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme, to restore & repair a number of historic outbuildings on his farm as Michael Dillon, Teagasc Advisor Kilrush and Helen Devitt outline
02 November 2021
Sheep Newsletter - November 2021
This month's Sheep Newsletter includes information on: Grassland management; mating; BETTER Farm Update - Getting the most from grass; Finishing lambs; Research Update - Mating, drafting and performance and Health & Safety - Prevent pain by avoiding lifting
02 November 2021
Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load
Last week was European Week for Safety & Health at Work themed: ‘Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load’ - part of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2020-22. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists take this opportunity to advise on avoiding work-related injury on the farm
31 October 2021
The Bioeconomy to 2030: A Researcher’s Perspective - Webinar
“The Bioeconomy to 2030: A Researcher’s Perspective” webinar took place on 20 October, which organised as part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2021. In this webinar, Teagasc researchers reflected on their work to date on the bioeconomy as well as looking to the future and the impact they aim to achieve.
28 October 2021
Organic Dairy Farm Open Day on the banks of the River Barrow
Joe & Alicia Whitty have been farming organically for 14 years now, but the biggest change to their farming system came in 2015 when they converted their mixed beef/pigs and tillage operation to organic dairying. The Whitty family hold an organic farm walk on Wednesday November 3rd at 11am.
27 October 2021
Teagasc hosts NEFERTITI cross visit
NEFERTITI is an EU Horizon 2020 project aiming to network European demonstration farms to enhance cross fertilisation and innovation uptake through demonstration and peer to peer learning. Twenty six farmers, advisors and researchers from six NEFERTITI partner countries visited Ireland recently.
25 October 2021
Gurteen College Open Day
Gurteen College is hosting an open day for prospective applicants to its course offerings on Wednesday, 27th October from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Advanced booking is essential to attend in person. Find out more here.
25 October 2021
Calf and calving facilities farm survey
As the workload on most Irish dairy farms reduces it’s important to take time now to plan for calving next spring. The best starting point is to take an audit of your current facilities to quantify if you have enough space for rearing calves and calving cows. Patrick Gowing Dairy Specialist explains
24 October 2021
Options for Organic Tillage Growers
The second in a series of Autumn organic webinars, hosted by the Teagasc Organic Specialists, takes place on Wednesday, 27 October at 7:30pm and focuses on Options for Organic Tillage Growers. Register here
23 October 2021
Dan Geaney - ISH Young Breeders Programme
Dan Geaney grew up in Castleisland, Co. Kerry. His whole family are immersed in horses. His grandfather, Donal Geaney, most notably bred two time Olympic Eventer (2008 & 2012), and Olympic team gold winner in 2008, Mr Medicott. Dan shares his personal experiences of the ISH Young Breeders Programme
23 October 2021
Avail of TAMS - deadline approaching
The next tranche of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) closes on November 5th. There is a 40% grant available to all farmers with a herd number and 60% available to qualified Young Farmers under 40 years of age. Conor Dobson, Teagasc Advisor Longford outlines the benefits to you
23 October 2021
The Signpost Series - Implications of climate neutrality for agriculture, land use & forestry in Ireland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 8 October, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Dr. David Styles, University of Limerick to discuss the implications of climate neutrality for agriculture, land use & forestry in Ireland.
21 October 2021
Staggering improvements in pig performance
Irish herds are bigger, and animals more productive, than ever before. That's the summary from Gerard McCutcheon Teagasc Pig Development Department, Oak Park, in this interesting article, first published in Today's Farm, looking at pig performance and the changes in the Irish pig sector since 1959
21 October 2021
Managing BYDV Risk
Planting a mix of crops, having a range of sowing dates and applying fungicides to control disease are all examples of how tillage farmers can manage risk to their income. This autumn has demonstrated how people view risk. Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist has advice on BYDV risk management
20 October 2021
Dr Anne-Marie Butler is the New Head of Teagasc Education
Dr Anne-Marie Butler commenced her role as Head of Teagasc Education programme this week. Dr Butler will lead the Teagasc education programme, delivered through the agriculture & horticulture colleges, Teagasc education centres, and in collaboration with the Universities & Institutes of Technology
20 October 2021
Transferring the Family Farm Online Clinic - Part Two
On part two of the Transferring the Family Farm clinic, Deborah Dwyer from the Citizens Information Board made two presentations, firstly looking at the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) and secondly she discussed the state Pensions (contributory and non-contributory).
20 October 2021
Bioeconomy Week Ireland 2021
As part of Bioeconomy Ireland Week 2021 (18th to 22nd October) Teagasc, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), Munster Technological University, UCD, Trinity College Dublin, and the Irish Bioeconomy Foundation will present a series of maps on the bioeconomy
18 October 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - System drift in dairy farming in Ireland
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 7th October, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc to discuss the concept & risk of system drift in dairy farming in Ireland and how people can find it.
16 October 2021
Do health when you are Young
On the final day of Ag Mental Health Week John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist looks at the health priorities of young farmers & advises that the younger the age that you start adopting health gain practices the better. He discusses Irish research in the last of his four articles
16 October 2021
Plastic recycling and investigations into packaging and shelf life of horticultural produce - Webinar
Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc Horticulture Development Dept hosted a recent webinar which focused on plastic recycling, investigations into packaging and shelf life of horticultural produce. Dónall was joined by Francis Peters, KDI Recycling; Jesus Maria Frias Celayeta, TUD and Lael Walsh, Teagasc
15 October 2021
Virtual Pig Week is next week
Starting Tuesday 19th October and continuing until Friday 22nd October, the Teagasc Pig Development Department will bring you the latest research and the best technical advice and information, at 1pm each day. Virtual Pig Week is relevant to all involved in pig production. Register and more here
15 October 2021
Delivering Sustainability in Dairying at Moorepark 2021
In September, Teagasc Dairy Research in Moorepark, opened the farm gates to host an outdoor open day on Dairy Farming. Tom Murphy, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Athenry reports on this year’s event themed “Delivering Sustainability,” emphasising the direction of the “tides of change” for our Dairy Industry
14 October 2021
Teagasc support for Suckler Producers
Addressing concerns raised by beef farmers in recent weeks, Teagasc Authority Chairman, Liam Herlihy said; “Teagasc policy is to support all farmers with the enterprise and production system they select for their farm by providing them with the information they need based on independent research
14 October 2021
Securing Positive Mental Health in Farming
Ag Mental Health Week runs to Saturday, Oct 16. This week Teagasc Daily brings you short articles from John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, reminding farmers and all working in agriculture of the importance of mental health awareness. Article 3 focus is: Securing Positive Mental Health
12 October 2021
It's Ag Mental Health Week 2021
Mental Health Week began on Sunday, Oct 10 and runs until Saturday, Oct 16. During this week Teagasc Daily will bring you series of short articles from John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, reminding farmers and all working in agriculture of the importance of mental health awareness
12 October 2021
Transferring the Family Farm Online Clinic - Part 2
Teagasc is holding the second of two Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Online Seminars, tomorrow Wednesday 13th October at 7.30pm. Expert speakers will explain all you need to know about succession and inheritance when transferring the family farm. Don't miss this. Find out more and Register here
11 October 2021
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
Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture Virtual Open Day
Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens is hosting a virtual open day for prospective applicants to its course offerings on Wednesday, 13th October from 2pm to 4:30pm. Find out more and Register here.
10 October 2021
Launch of Irish Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (ISMON)
A new Irish Soil Moisture Monitoring Network (ISMON) is being established. The announcement was made by AgMet, the Joint Working Group on Applied Agricultural Meteorology.
09 October 2021
Sustainable energy solutions in horticulture using solar PV and Heat Recovery - Webinar
Donal Gernon and Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc Horticulture Development Department hosted a webinar on Tuesday, 28 September which focused on sustainable energy solutions in horticulture using solar PV and Heat Recovery. They were joined by Local Power and European Industrial Chillers representatives
08 October 2021
Happy World Egg Day 2021
Happy World Egg Day 2021 from Teagasc Poultry. Today Friday 8 October, Teagasc joins egg fans worldwide to celebrate the power of the egg and all its nutritional and environmental benefits. Learn about Free Range Egg Production, the Let's Talk Poultry Webinar Series & Rebecca Tierney Poultry Advisor
07 October 2021
Tillage Update - 7th October 2021
Lower margins for 2022 with beans competing strongly with cereal crops is how Michael Hennessy, Head of Teagasc Crop Knowledge Transfer Department sums up this week's tillage update. He goes on to talk about fertiliser prices, grain price, expected yields in 2022 and factors to consider in budgeting
07 October 2021
Teagasc launches Forestry Photo Competition
To help mark today as SPAR National Tree Day, the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is delighted to launch a forest photo competition running over October and November 2021.
07 October 2021
Food Innovation Gateways: Innovative Drying - Online Event
The next Food Innovation Gateways event: Innovative Drying – Technologies and Analytics for High Quality, Sustainable Products will take place from 9am -1pm on Tuesday 26th October 2021. This virtual event will present the latest concepts and innovations in drying technologies and Teagasc research
05 October 2021
Transferring the Family Farm Online Clinic - Part 1
Teagasc is holding the first of two Teagasc Transferring the Family Farm Online Seminars, tomorrow Wednesday 6th October at 7.30pm. Expert speakers will explain all you need to know about succession and inheritance when transferring the family farm. Find out more and Register here
03 October 2021
Sustainable Energy and Investments in the Horticulture Sector Webinar
Donal Gernon and Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc Horticulture Development Department hosted a webinar on Thursday, 23 September which focused on Sustainable Energy and Investments in the Horticulture Sector. They were joined by Declan McEvoy, IFAC and Ray Langton, SEAI.
02 October 2021
Ireland’s oldest agri college
Based 50km from Galway city, Mountbellew Agri College was Ireland’s first agricultural college having been established in 1904. Irish Tractor & Agri spoke with principal Dr Edna Curley recently to learn more about the courses on offer and how the college was faring in these unprecedented times
01 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
Professor Frank O’Mara takes over as Teagasc Director
Professor Frank O’Mara commenced his new role as Director of Teagasc today, Friday, 1 October. The appointment was made by the Teagasc Authority in July with the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.
01 October 2021
Designing a sheep shed: Factsheet & Video
In this video & factsheet on Designing a sheep shed, Teagasc advisor, Edward Egan explains how the layout of a sheep shed should be planned before it’s built. He also explains how the layout of existing sheep sheds should be reviewed each year before the winter housing period.
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.
28 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
26 September 2021
The opening of the National Food Innovation Hub at Teagasc Moorepark
The National Food Innovation Hub at Teagasc Moorepark was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday 17th September. It provides secure, confidential, office & lab spaces for food companies to establish a research base, collaborations and more. Watch the opening video here
25 September 2021
Teagasc Director’s Remarks at Dublin Economics Workshop
The outgoing Director of Teagasc, Professor Gerry Boyle said on 24 September, that he profoundly regrets that his unscripted response to a question at a recent Dublin Economics Workshop has caused such considerable annoyance and offence to so many beef producers & advisory colleagues within Teagasc.
24 September 2021
Microbiology for non-microbiologists- training course from Teagasc Food Industry Development
On 7th and 14th October, Teagasc will run a virtual training workshop, part-funded by the Rural Food Skillnet, that will be of interest to food businesses and producers who would like to learn more about the essentials of food microbiology, interpreting lab reports, food expiry dates and more.
22 September 2021
Transferring the family farm - where do I start?
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, joins Catherine Egan with key advice to help farm families through this process and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan.
20 September 2021
Autumn Organic Webinars: The role of multi species swards
The Teagasc Organic Specialists are hosting a series of Autumn organic webinars covering various technical aspects of organic farming. The first of these webinars takes place on Wednesday 22nd September at 7.30pm, focusing on the role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms. Register here
20 September 2021
Sustainability Discussion at Teagasc Moorepark
An industry forum on the challenges and opportunities facing the Irish dairy industry took place at the Teagasc dairy event in Moorepark. The forum was broadcast live on Wednesday evening and a recording of the discussion and debate is now published on the Teagasc YouTube channel. View it here
19 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..
18 September 2021
Taoiseach opens new National Food Innovation Hub at Teagasc Moorepark
An €8.8 million investment by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine at Teagasc Moorepark was officially opened by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday, Friday 17th September. The National Food Innovation Hub is a newly constructed facility adjoining Teagasc Food Research Centre Moorepark
17 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.
16 September 2021
Making your milking process more labour and energy efficient
On the third and final day from the Moorepark Open Day, this week’s Dairy Edge speaks to John Upton, Ryan Prendergast and Fergal Buckley from Teagasc to discuss the milking and energy use efficiency of herringbone and rotary parlours.
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
15 September 2021
Beef management tips for the next 6-8 weeks
Teagasc Green Acres programme manager Alan Dillon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the dairy calf to beef programme as well as practical beef management tips for the coming weeks.
12 September 2021
Invest wisely following bumper harvest
Will this be classed as a bumper year for tillage farmers in years to come? Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Crops takes a closer look and suggests wise options for spending the increased revenue coming through the farm gate while reducing the overall tax bill in the process
11 September 2021
Today's Farm - September/October 2021
The September/October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on Teagasc Moorepark research. It also has articles on autumn weed control in cereals; succession planning; finishing cattle earlier; Connemara/ Mayo Blackface sheep; and more.
09 September 2021
New Head of Teagasc Dairy Knowledge Transfer Department
The new head of the Teagasc Dairy Knowledge Transfer Department, Dr Joe Patton will be at the dairy open day next week in Teagasc Moorepark to meet and engage with farmers on the challenges facing the sector. Earlier this summer, Dr Patton was appointed as head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc
08 September 2021
The Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme audit – everything you need to know
With over 34,000 audits taking place on Irish Beef & Sheep farms each year, Emma O’Gorman, Quality Assurance and Origin Green co-ordinator at Bord Bia joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to bust some myths around the audit.
07 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
05 September 2021
Setting up a Glamping Business
Glamping pods, wigwams or yurts provide what holidaymakers view as a trendy, rustic experience in an unusual or unique structure, while ensuring a comfortable, safe environment. Following a second stay-at-home summer, Barry Caslin Teagasc, Rural Economy, has advice on setting up a glamping business
04 September 2021
Organic Poultry
While organic may be the smaller of the poultry systems; it is growing year on year. Irish organic egg production has increased in recent years to a market share of 3%. Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist & Rebecca Tierney, Poultry Advisor have advice on the requirements for setting up organic poultry
03 September 2021
Forestry and taxation
In this video, Declan McEvoy, Head of Tax with IFAC explains taxation in relation to timber sales. He discusses VAT regulations and the difference between VAT registered and VAT unregistered farmers. Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer explains the different timber sale methods also
02 September 2021
Structured for success?
TEAGASC Researchers Tracy Bradfield Walsh PhD Scholar and Emma Dillon Senior Researcher Rural Economy & Development, together with Robert Butler and Thia Hennessy of UCC, examined the impact of land structure on the economic performance of dairy farms. Their policy recommendations are discussed here
02 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.
31 August 2021
Weigh Safely for BEEP-S
Peter Mullan, Teagasc Advisor Manorhamilton, issues a BEEP -S reminder to farmers to ensure to weigh BOTH cows & calves BEFORE calves are weaned. Peter has excellent advice for keeping the handler and animal safe in the weighing process and when handling cattle in general. He refers to TAMS aid also
29 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.
28 August 2021
Contract Rearing Sport Horses
Contract rearing is when an equine owner hires another farmer on contract to raise horses. Farmers typically take stock on as foals, sending them back to the original farm after a specified period. Dr Alan M. Hurley, Teagasc Grange provides some information on the contract rearing of sport horses.
27 August 2021
Farm Forestry in Ireland
A farm forest provides many benefits, both financially and environmentally/socially. Forest options that can be incorporated on the farm include commercial conifers, broadleaves, native woodland, agroforestry and ‘forest for fibre’. Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist provides more information.
26 August 2021
Farm Safety Partnership launch action plan for 2021 - 2024
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC), an advisory committee to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), recently published its latest Action Plan for 2021-2024, which aims to reduce the level of fatalities, serious injuries and ill health in the agriculture sector.
24 August 2021
Developing Rural Ireland - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
On Wednesday September 1st the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD will launch a new book documenting the history of the agricultural advisory services in Ireland. Join online for the launch and to hear from the author Mícheál Ó Fathartaigh
22 August 2021
Solar PV (Solar Panels) on the farm
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells work on the principle that energy in the sun is converted to electricity. PV cells are used to convert solar radiation into direct current (DC) electricity. Barry Caslin Teagasc, Rural Economy, has advice on the requirements for setting up Solar panels on the farm here
21 August 2021
Outdoor Cut Foliage
The European flower industry is worth €2.5bn, with foliage estimated at 10% of this, or €250m. The south of Ireland has long been recognised as an ideal location for the production of foliage because of its mild moist climate. Andy Whelton, Vegetable and Cut Foliage Specialist Advisor tells us more
20 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
Forest fungi
Exotic mushrooms produced from hardwood logs can be an extra income earner on many broadleaf forests. The demand for edible wild mushrooms is rapidly increasing. Most of the exotic mushrooms on sale in restaurants and supermarkets in Ireland are imported. Michael Somers, Forestry Advisor has details
19 August 2021
UCC/Teagasc Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology and Innovation open for registration
The Level 9 Postgraduate Certificate in Dairy Technology and Innovation, a University College Cork and Teagasc collaboration, is open for registration for the 2021/2022 academic year. This Postgraduate Certificate is targeted at those working or hoping to work in the food, agri-food or dairy sector
18 August 2021
Are you a successful new entrant to farming or have you diversified your farm business?
The Teagasc, NEWBIE new entrant competition for 2021 is now open for entries. The competition is open to newcomers to farming, successors and farmers who have diversified their enterprise. Find out how to enter here
17 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
14 August 2021
Dairy Processing Technology Centre signs MoU with VistaMilk paving the way for future dairy collaborations
A Memorandum of Understanding signed on the 9th August 2021 between the University of Limerick & Teagasc will facilitate two leading dairy research centres – the Dairy Processing Technology Centre & VistaMilk - to exploit synergies & collaborative opportunities for the benefit of future research.
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
08 August 2021
Official Launch of 'A Man with a Mission' Dr. Tom Walsh
A new book has been published which documents the life and times of one of Ireland's most distinguished agricultural scientists, Dr. Tom Walsh, the first Director of An Foras Taluntais (AFT), the predecessor of Teagasc. The official launch of the book took place virtually on Tuesday, 20 July 2021.
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.
03 August 2021
Work Safely with Cattle
Well designed and maintained handling facilities are essential for the safe handling of cattle and prevention of injury to handlers. Under TAMS both permanent and temporary cattle handling facilities can be applied for.
02 August 2021
What will make you an employer of choice?
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, Beth Dooley explains what makes individual farmers an employer of choice and has tips on complying with employment regulation.
31 July 2021
The Changing Model for Agricultural Schemes
Results-based payment schemes are likely to be the future of agri-environmental schemes going forward for Irish farmers. Martina Donnelly, Teagasc Galway/Clare Advisor, compares the previous REPS and GLAS schemes to the new REAP scheme here.
30 July 2021
Child Safety on Farms
With the on-going easing of restrictions, children may be attending summer camps & meeting friends. However, children will still be spending more time on farms during their holiday time and Jacinta O' Neill, Teagasc Advisor Westport, reminds us that the farmyard is not a playground here
29 July 2021
Positive farm price developments signal boost to farm incomes in 2021
Improving farm output prices are likely to provide an increase in farm incomes in 2021, in spite of rising input prices, according to the Mid Year Outlook for 2021 produced by Teagasc economists.
28 July 2021
Winner of the Teagasc / FBD Student of the Year Award Announced
The 2020 national winner of the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year award is Deirdre McMahon, Leagh North, Kinvara, County Galway. Deirdre was also the dairy category winner. Congratulations Deirdre! Find out about all the winners and finalists here and watch back on the Awards ceremony
27 July 2021
Male Farmer Diets associated with Poor Health
Being overweight/obese is an increasing public health issue in Ireland and internationally. An Irish study of male farmers’ diets and weight management showed that 62% of farmers were overweight/obese. The study revealed a number of other concerns regarding the poor health of male farmers.
27 July 2021
TResearch Summer 2021
TResearch is an official science publication of Teagasc. It aims to disseminate the results of the organisation’s research to a broad audience. The Summer Edition of TResearch has a special feature on the living soil; Invisible lines; Circular protein; and Competitive without quotas.
26 July 2021
Sustainable soil management to unleash soil biodiversity potential and increase environmental, economic and social wellbeing
In June 2021, the Horizon 2020 project, SOILGUARD, held its inaugural meeting online, kicking off its project activities. Twenty-five trans-disciplinar project partners from 17 countries came together to share the project goals, expectations and results to be achieved during the next 4 years.
26 July 2021
Sun Smart Tips for Dairy Farmers
Barbara McGrogan from the Irish Cancer Society joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on how to be Sun Smart and protect ourselves against skin cancers.
23 July 2021
Safety around livestock
As farm safety week draws to a close today Peter Mullan, Teagasc Advisor issues a reminder to farmers to mind your health by staying safe around livestock and gives tips on
23 July 2021
Oak - King of the Forest
The oak has long been regarded as the King of the Forest. It's one of the most striking features in the Irish landscape. Many townlands are named after it, and also, two Irish counties, Derry and Kildare, are derived from the Gaelic word dair. Michael Somers, Forestry Advisor has an interesting read
23 July 2021
Farmer Health and Wellbeing
John McNamara, Teagasc Farm Safety Specialist looks at stress and Well-being in this video, along with Carlow IT Staff. Springtime can be a particularly stressful time of year. It's important to manage stress. So now this summer take the opportunity to rest, recover and make some time for relaxation
23 July 2021
Manage your Health - It's Essential for Lifestyle and to Farm Effectively
Health is essential for your lifestyle and to farm effectively. Poor health is associated with increased farm injuries and lowered farm income due to being less able to farm effectively. This is why Teagasc promotes the ‘Total Worker Health' model in its Statement of Strategy.
22 July 2021
Keeping the elderly safe on farm
Protecting the public is today's theme in Farm Safety week so Áine Butler, Teagasc Advisor takes a look at Keeping the elderly safe on farm. Teagasc Farm Safety Specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have important safety tips also
22 July 2021
Protecting yourself from Infectious diseases
All farm animals naturally carry a number of organisms which can be transferred to humans and cause ill health. As part of Farm Safety Week Seán Doorley, Teagasc Advisor Castlerea, highlights ways to improve good farm hygiene to try to prevent the spread of disease from animals to humans.
22 July 2021
The Importance of a Tidy Farmyard
Having a well kept farmyard is beneficial to both work efficiency and safety. Over the past 10 years the HSA reported 29 farm deaths due to collapses and falls. The major areas associated were slips & trips, bales falling and falling from a height. Penny Gavin Teagasc Walsh Scholar has tidy tips
22 July 2021
Safety at Silage Appeal
During the hot weather of Farm Safety Week coinciding with peak harvesting and transporting of silage on Irish farms, Brendan Garry, Teagasc Ballinrobe issues a timely safety at silage appeal. There is extra machinery on our roads and farms so extra caution is needed by all parties.
22 July 2021
Taking Care in the Countryside
Irish farmers work very hard each day, managing their animals & crops. This is done while also maintaining habitats, protecting watercourses & supporting their communities. Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists John McNamara & Francis Bligh have advice for farmers on how to keep the countryside safe.
21 July 2021
Winners Announced from the ‘Farm Safely with Jessy’ Competition
Teagasc have announced the winners of their ‘Farm Safely with Jessy’ competition, which took place as part of #FarmSafetyWeek. The competition received hundreds of entries from children across the country and there were five winners chosen along with three runners up.
19 July 2021
National Farm Survey shows increase in 2020 average farm income
In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, incomes across the various farm systems in Ireland either held, or improved in 2020, the Teagasc annual review of farm incomes has concluded. The results are published in the Teagasc National Farm Survey 2020 and are representative of over 93,000 farms in Ireland.
12 July 2021
-Thumbnail.jpg)
Peter Doyle is Walsh Scholar of the Year 2021
Peter Doyle is the Teagasc Walsh Scholar Gold Medal winner for 2021. Peter was awarded the medal by Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Research at Teagasc, at a special online ceremony which took place on Friday, 9th July, hosted by broadcaster Jonathan McCrea.
10 July 2021
TAMS II Grant Aid still Open for Applications
With high beef and lamb prices this year some farmers may consider buying equipment or developing their farmyard in 2021. TAMS II is there to help. Farmers who qualify for TAMS II grant get 40% of the item cost excl. VAT (60% for young qualifying farmers). Vincent Ronayne Teagasc Advisor has details
09 July 2021
Today's Farm - July/August 2021
The July/August edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on how beetles help battle AMR. It also has articles on when you should end the dairy breeding season; fight against blight; flower power of low-input grassland; Health & Safety, and more.
04 July 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Opportunities for cut foliage growers
On a recent episode of Farm Business Options, which took place on Tuesday, 1st June, host Barry Caslin was joined by Andy Whelton, Teagasc Cut Foliage Ornamentals Specialist and Jim Costello of Forest Produce to discuss business options around cut foliage.
03 July 2021
DkIT and Teagasc launch new part-time Agriculture qualifications
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) are delighted to announce the launch of a suite of part-time programmes in Agriculture, in association with Teagasc Agricultural College at Ballyhaise, which will commence in September 2021. More details here
02 July 2021
Delivery of Public Good Farm Practice through CAP
Cross Compliance rules were first introduced in 2000 and revised in 2015. The aim is implement public good practices on farm to protect human, animal, plant and environmental health. Anne O’Malley, Farm Food Business and Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballina explains Statutory Management Requirements
01 July 2021
Teagasc €4m Walsh Scholarship Postgraduate Opportunities in Agri-Food Research
Teagasc has 40 exciting Walsh Scholarship opportunities for graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate study on topical agri-food issues. The scholarships, awarded in association with universities and Institutes of Technology, will provide scholars with high quality research experience and skills
28 June 2021
Show Jessy your Farm Safety ideas and win!
Calling 7-12 year olds! Jessy the Sheep Dog, our Teagasc Farm Safety mascot, loves to help keep everyone safe on the farm and to celebrate the end of school term she wants to give 5 lucky winners a €50 Smyths Toys voucher. Closing date for entries is 14 July. Get more details here on how to apply
24 June 2021
Horizon 2020 Fairshare Project
Teresa Hooks project manager of the Horizon 2020 fair share project aims to support advisors to use the digital tools in order to encourage a more sustainable agriculture. Horizon 2020 (H2020) is a €7 million EU funded project. Teresa explains some of the challenges experienced by advisors & farmers
22 June 2021
Teagasc Opening Statement on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine - June 22 2021
Today, Tuesday June 22, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle and Mary Ryan, Teagasc Researcher gave a briefing on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The full statement includes publications, on-line, advisory, education & research support for organics
22 June 2021
Apply for Teagasc full-time Level 5 Agricultural courses now
The deadline for submitting applications for Teagasc college Level 5 full-time agricultural courses is Wednesday, 30 June 2021. Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications immediately.
21 June 2021
Teagasc hosting ESEE21 Conference
The 25th meeting of the European Seminar on Extension and Education (ESEE) began today, Monday, 21 June, at the Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Cavan, Ireland. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this is a virtual 3 day event with over 300 delegates from 30 countries joining via the internet.
19 June 2021
Irish Wool is at a Crossroads
Irish wools have always been renowned for their unique properties allowing their use in carpet and construction materials alike. Bernie Leahy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinasloe, welcomes the investment in a feasibility study of Irish wool production. She outlines some wool success stories here
18 June 2021
Machinery Co-operatives in Ireland
Ireland’s first farm machinery sharing co-operative was formed by members of Kilnamartyra dairy discussion group in West Cork. The machinery co-op provides a sound business structure for the sharing of machinery between farmers and can be applicable to farmers in any enterprise, especially tillage
17 June 2021
Kildalton College Open Days
Kildalton College are hosting Open Days for anyone interested in courses in Agriculture, Horticulture or Equine Studies. Monday, 21st June at 11am is when the first of four open days throughout the summer kicks off. Booking in advance is essential. Read more here on reserving your place on the tour
17 June 2021
Avian Infectious Laryngotracheitis
Avian Infectious Laryngotracheitis is a respiratory disease of poultry. It is a highly contagious disease caused by a herpesvirus. This poster highlights some of the biosecurity measures that need to be implemented by anyone entering your poultry enterprise.
17 June 2021
Andy Mahon, the Dublin farm manager in the UK – an update on his year so far
Andy Mahon, the Dubliner who is a farm manager in the east of the England re-joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with an update on his year so far.
16 June 2021
The school competition that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months
This week’s Beef Edge podcast finds out about the Certified Irish Angus Schools competition that challenges students to rear five Irish Angus calves over 18 months while completing a research project, and which is organised in partnership with ABP Ireland and Kepak Group.
15 June 2021
Market update - what’s influencing trends this year to date
Seamus McMenamin, sheep meat sector manager with Bord Bia, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the market situation so far this year.
13 June 2021
Teagasc Supports Men’s Health Week
Teagasc, through its research, advisory, education, training, and media programmes, supports Men’s Health Week. Men's Health Week usually commences on the Monday prior to Father's Day and finishes on Father's Day itself. This year, it will run from Monday, 14th until Sunday, 20th June.
13 June 2021
Farm Business Options - Insects Spark interest in Research and Farming Projects
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar, which took place on Tuesday, 8th June, host Barry Caslin, Teagasc was joined by Carlos Álvarez García, Teagasc Research Officer, Carl Coudron, Inagro, Belgium and Lynda Bolger, Celtic Cricket Farm to discuss the rising global popularity with insect farming.
10 June 2021
Agriculture is facing a momentous decision on carbon budgets
Over the next few months a decision on the future of Irish agriculture will be taken that may prove to be as momentous as the 1984 introduction of milk quota or our 1973 entry to the EU. Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc refers to the publication of sectoral carbon budgets from 2021 onwards
08 June 2021
Sm@RT – precision livestock farming for sheep
Dr Tim Keady from Teagasc who is the lead researcher in Ireland for a new EU-funded project called Sm@RT joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to explain the project.
06 June 2021
Jessy's Smart Kids - Summer 2021
Jessy's Smart Kids is a fun easily downloadable kids farm safety newsletter. This edition of Jessy's Smart Kids includes: Farm Family Safety; Blind Spots; First Aid Kit and Farmer Wellbeing.
04 June 2021
Farm Business Options - BIA Innovator Campus – Transforming Food Entrepreneurship
On this Farm Business Options webinar, which was held on Tuesday, 25 May, host Barry Caslin Teagasc was joined by Elaine Donohue, BIA Innovator Campus General Manager and Colm Foley, Teagasc Food Technologist, Bia Innovator Campus CLG to discuss the facilities at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry
02 June 2021
Teagasc plans for new Apprenticeships
On Tuesday 25th May Teagasc gave a briefing note on it's Education and Training for the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Teagasc, as primary provider of accredited further education and training (FET) for the agricultural sector, details new apprenticeship pathway plans here
01 June 2021
World Milk Day -Taking stock of the Irish Dairy Sector
As we mark World Milk Day, it’s a good opportunity to take stock of developments in the Irish Dairy sector, which has been in expansion mode now for more than a decade. From quotas to expansion opportunities, Trevor Donnellan, Head of Economics & Surveys, Teagasc discusses growth in milk output here
30 May 2021
Lavender Flower and Oil Production
Lavender farming is associated with Mediterranean climates. It is an evocative plant with immense popularity used in a wide range of cosmetics, as dried flowers or as pure oil. Lavender is an evergreen perennial. Dónall Flanagan has more information.
29 May 2021
Production of Farmhouse Cheese
Farmhouse cheese making was a Gaelic tradition that disappeared from Ireland over the years. It was revived in the 1900s, and more specifically during the late 1970s, when a few enterprising dairy farmers commenced making farmhouse cheese. Is farmhouse cheese production an option for you?
29 May 2021
Doing less boosts biodiversity
Paul Fitters, Lecturer in the Teagasc College at the National Botanic Gardens discusses "Rewilding" at the Knepp Estate in the UK. Improving biodiversity opened up new diversification opportunities. He has suggestions for how we can all do our bit for biodiversity and rewild a little in our gardens
28 May 2021
Who wants an insect energy bar or bug burger for lunch?
Just as no-one anticipated demand for soy-based sausages and seaweed burgers, there's another future food revolution swarming to our shops. This article by Laura Healy, a PhD student at Teagasc first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm.
27 May 2021
Teagasc appoint Dr David Wall as Enterprise leader at Johnstown Castle
Dr David Wall has been appointed as the new enterprise leader at the Teagasc campus in Johnstown Castle. The enterprise leader role is to lead the management of the farms and estate in Teagasc Environment Research Centre to deliver the research programme, as part of the team led by Dr Karl Richards
25 May 2021
Improving your Financial Fitness can help manage tight margins
Having a good feel for the farm finances and what is happening on a farm or farm household is critical. This applies whether a farmer is expanding or just wants to ensure that they are in a good position to deal with whatever arises. Kevin Connolly, Teagasc Financial Management Specialist has advice
22 May 2021
Farmers are part of the solution - Biodiversity Day 2021
Saturday May 22nd 2021 is International Biodiversity Day. The theme for this year is: 'We're part of the solution'. We’re all part of nature, so we must be part of the solution for biodiversity loss and climate change. What actions can farmers take?
21 May 2021
Talking Timber 2021 The Business of Forestry / how to sell timber
Talking Timber, the annual Teagasc timber marketing event to support forest owners in harvesting their conifer forests is in its 9th year. The main theme is “The Business of Forestry / How to Sell Timber”. This live 'Virtual Talking Timber' is on Tuesday 15 June. Liam Kelly Forestry Advisor has more
21 May 2021
Demonstrating profitable calf-to-beef pathways
Phase 2 of the Teagasc Green Acres Programme was launched to demonstrate best practice in calf to beef systems in order to maximise profitability. Now in year 3 with 12 commercially-operated farms enrolled, the changes implemented at farm level bear fruit. Sean Cummins, Green Acres Advisor outlines
18 May 2021
Launch of The Signpost Programme
The Signpost Programme was launched on Tuesday, 18 May. Hosted by RTÉ’s Ear to the Ground presenter Helen Carroll, the online webinar demonstrated how the new Teagasc led collaborative programme will support Irish farmers in reducing emissions from agriculture. Catch up on all the highlights here
18 May 2021
Precision Livestock Farming for Sheep – have your say
A multinational team of researchers have been awarded funding from the EU Horizon 2020 network to share knowledge and improve uptake of new digital technologies which will help to increase the efficiency and sustainability of sheep and goat (small ruminant) farming systems in Europe and beyond.
16 May 2021
Farm Business Options - Farm Diversification in Germany’s Black Forest Region
Hannelore Green, an Agricultural Advisor from the Landratsamt Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald joined Barry Caslin, Teagasc on a recent Farm Business Options webinar to discuss farm diversification and tourism in Germany's Black Forest Region.
12 May 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Austria
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar which took place on Tuesday, 4th May, Barry Caslin was joined by a local farm advisor and two diversified agri-tourism farmers to get an insight into their journey and supports available for such enterprises in Austria.
11 May 2021
Checking the finances
Farmers should consider examining the financial performance of their farm in more detail by completing a profit monitor and on this week’s OviCast podcast, Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc tells Ciarán Lynch why it’s important.
06 May 2021
Growing Sunflowers
The annual sunflower, native to North America, has a long history as a source of medicine, food, oil and dye. Andy Whelton, Teagasc Horticulture Development Unit, explores the growth of this popular annual for sale as a mono bunch cut flower or as a farm feature to a horticultural business.
05 May 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Collaborative Farming Options
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar which took place on Tuesday, 27th April, Barry Caslin was joined by Gordon Peppard, Teagasc Farm Structures Specialist to discuss the various collaborative agreements on offer.
02 May 2021
Today's Farm - May/June 2021
The May/June edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on slurry storage, covering topics such as storage and usage; completing a storage assessment; & storage capacity and TAMS. It also has articles on blackgrass; contract rearing & more.
01 May 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Where are the opportunities in commercial horticulture?
Dermot Callaghan, Head of the Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc joined Barry Caslin on this episode of the Farm Business Options Series which took place on Tuesday, 20th April to discuss where are the opportunities in commercial horticulture.
28 April 2021
Taking care of the Farmer and farm problems
Catherine Egan Teagasc Beef Specialist has some very important advice here about taking care of typical problems on the farm. She points out all the ways your Teagasc Advisor can help. After a difficult Spring the Number 1 priority should be to take care of the farmer now. Make that phone call today
27 April 2021
Virtual International Conference on Food Digestion #VICFD2021
Teagasc’s Dr André Brodkorb and Dr Linda Giblin and the INFOGEST research network will host the Virtual International Conference on Food Digestion on the 6th - 7th of May 2021. The event will take place on 6 May, 12pm- 6pm (Dublin) and 7 May, 7.30am - 2pm (Dublin) covering 6 themes on food digestion
24 April 2021
Outlook 2021 - Brexit trade deal avoids large drop in farm income
The latest Outlook 2021 report by TEAGASC economists forecasts that the average family farm income in Ireland will increase by 3 % in 2021. Overall, some price inflation for farm inputs will be more than offset by higher prices for some farm outputs
24 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Organic Farming – Steps to Conversion and Opportunities
On this episode of the Farm Business Options Webinar series which took place on Tuesday, 13th April, Barry Caslin was joined by Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist and Clive Bright, Organic grass only farmer, Sligo to discuss organic farming - steps to conversion and opportunities.
23 April 2021
Annual Teagasc/SCSI Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2021
This joint publication is the 8th annual report reviewing economic activity in the farming sector and activity in associated agricultural land sales and rental markets. It provides an outlook for 2021, and a special feature on how the planning system and rural housing affects land values.
23 April 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Climate Mitigation Options through Afforestation
In this episode of The Signpost Series webinars, held Friday, 9th April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by guest speakers Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist & Dr. Kevin Black, Forestry, Environmental Research & Services (FERS) to discuss Climate Mitigation Options via Afforestation
22 April 2021
Teagasc marks Earth Day 2021
Teagasc marks Earth Day today. We reflect on ways in which we contribute to improving the Earth through our integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture & food industry and rural communities. Learn more here about Teagasc & the Environment, and A day in the life of research
22 April 2021
Teagasc Seed Potato 2021 Webinar
The Teagasc Seed Potato Webinar took place on Thursday, 15th April 2021. This webinar outlined the challenges of imports and the best practices to growing more seed potatoes in Ireland.
21 April 2021
8th INFOGEST Webinar on Food Digestion
The 8th INFOGEST webinar on food digestion, co-hosted by Dr Andre Brodkorb of the Teagasc Food Research Centre and others, took place on Wednesday, 7th April at 2PM. The theme of this webinar was “in vitro Digestion Models” from Working Group 1 of the INFOGEST network.
20 April 2021
Submit Your 2021 Basic Payment Application On-Time
The most important task for farmers in any year is to complete their Basic Payment application online. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that the 2021 Basic Payment application and associated forms are completed on time by Monday 17th May. Brian Hughes, Teagasc Claremorris has more advice
19 April 2021
Sexing Technologies to open sorting lab in Ireland
NAVASOTA, Texas — Irish dairy producers will get their long-desired semen sorting lab when global sexed-semen technology leader and innovator Sexing Technologies opens its first facility in Ireland at Teagasc Moorepark, in November.
19 April 2021
Farmland Birds and the role of farmers in their survival
Niall Hatch from Bird Watch Ireland joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to talk about farmland birds and the important role of farmers in helping to improve habitats.
18 April 2021
The future is kelp!
Did you know the word ‘kelp’ originally described the burnt ash of brown seaweed? Maria Hayes Research Officer, Teagasc Food Research Centre, together with Cawthron Institute Researchers, New Zealand, are looking at bio-product isolation from native Irish and New Zealand macro-algal species here.
17 April 2021
Are you Sun Smart? Webinar
A webinar to raise awareness about the risks of skin cancer and UV exposure in the farming community. Join Teagasc on Wednesday, 21 April from 11.30am -1pm along with the HSE & the Irish Cancer Society who will advise what you can do to protect yourself against the risks of skin cancer & UV exposure
17 April 2021
70 years of grassland research in Ireland
TEAGASC grassland research has enabled the transformation of Irish agriculture since the 1950s. The importance of grassland to Irish Agriculture is indicated by over 70% of agricultural output (monetary terms) coming from grassland as cattle, milk, & sheep products, Teagasc researchers reminisce
17 April 2021
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - Which youngsters merit further investment?
Wendy Conlon, Teagasc Equine Specialist was joined by Andrew Hughes of Ennisnag Stud, Damien Griffen of Lissyegan Stables and Cameron Hanley, international showjumper for the latest webinar in the Let's Talk Equine Webinar Series, which took place on Tuesday 6th April 2021.
16 April 2021
Steps to Take when Considering Converting to Organic Farming
The Organic Farming Scheme is open. Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist gave a presentation recently at the IFA Information Meeting on the Organic Farming Scheme which was held virtually on Thursday, 4th March 2021. Elaine's presentation and Teagasc guide to organic conversion can be found here
16 April 2021
The Forestry Sector in Ireland: some facts and figures
Teagasc welcomes Ciara! Teagasc's new virtual forestry adviser Ciara, provides some basic facts and figures on the forestry sector in Ireland. She discusses forest cover, ownership, species composition, carbon sequestration, wood utilisation, age distribution, wood processing, exports and employment
16 April 2021
Bull Safety
The breeding season has started on many farms and that brings increased risks associated with close contact with animals. HSA figures show bulls were involved in over 18% of livestock related deaths on Irish farms in 2011-2020. John McNamara & Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialists report here
16 April 2021
Status Orange, High Forest Fire Risk Warning
Teagasc urges all involved in outdoor activity to exercise extreme caution, and heed the high level warning for fires which is in place this week. The current high pressure dominated weather patterns has resulted in a high fire risk in all areas where fuel such as dead grasses, heather & gorse exist
15 April 2021
Tillage Update 15th April 2021
Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist brings us this week's Tillage update on winter crops of barley, wheat and oats. He also has the latest details on sowing spring crops here. Plus a chance to catch the latest Tillage Edge podcast: A Farming View from Poland
15 April 2021
A farming view from Poland
Tim Bergin, a Dubliner, who is farming in Poland close to the Baltic sea joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain his experience of farming there.
14 April 2021
Winners of the 2021 Agriculture and Horticulture Colleges Challenges Event
The National College of Amenity Horticulture are the winners of the Agricultural Colleges Challenges Event 2021. The Agricultural Colleges Challenges is a longstanding inter college, skills challenge competition, supported by Macra na Feirme, fostering keen college rivalry in it's 40 year history
14 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Diversification in Donegal
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar held on Tuesday, 6th April 2021, Seamus Campbell, Teagasc Donegal was joined by Noreen & James Cunningham, Donegal Farmhouse Cheese; John Graham, Ballyholey Farm Shop and Andrew Ward, Inishowen Development Partnership to discuss diversification in Donegal
13 April 2021
Protecting the Connemara/Mayo Blackface Breed for Future generations
Father & son partnership MartinJoe & Martin Kerrigan are hill farmers in Glentrague, Clonbur Co. Galway - a valley situated in ‘Joyce Country’ overlooking the scenic Lough Mask. Martin is involved in developing the Connemara/Mayo Blackface sheep, as Joanne Masterson, Teagasc Advisor, outlines here
12 April 2021
Teagasc Seed Potato Webinar
Teagasc is hosting a Seed Potato Webinar on Thursday 15th April 2021 at 6.30pm. This webinar will outline the challenges of imports and the best practices to growing more seed potatoes in Ireland. Read more for Information and Registration details
12 April 2021
Teagasc Virtual College Open Days 2021
During March, Teagasc courses were promoted through virtual open days at it's four agricultural and horticultural colleges and two of the private colleges. One open day remains to be held at Salesian Agricultural College on 15th April. Now is your chance to catch up with any you may have missed here
10 April 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Increasing the value of beef from the dairy herd
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar held Wednesday, 31 March, Donagh Berry, Teagasc Researcher & Director of VistaMilk SFI Research Centre was joined by Alan Twomey, Nicky Byrne & Padraig French to discuss breeding & management strategies to maximise the value of beef from the dairy herd
08 April 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Driving Diversification Through Social Media
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 30th March 2021, Barry Caslin was joined by Lisa Dunphy from Green Acre Marketing to discuss social media business options.
07 April 2021
7th International Infogest Webinar on Food Digestion: Starch
The 7th Special INFOGEST webinar on Food Digestion, hosted by Dr Andre Brodkorb of the Teagasc Food Research Centre took place on Monday 15th March at 2PM. The theme of the webinar was “Starch: An iconoclast view on amylopectin"
05 April 2021
Poultry farmer from Monaghan finalist in Newbie New Entrant competition
Patrick Greenan a new entrant poultry farmer from Co Monaghan was a finalist in a recent Newbie New Entrant competition. Three years ago having considered many options for the family farm Patrick decided to enter the Poultry industry and invested in new housing facilities on a Greenfield site.
04 April 2021
Beetroot Juice producer a finalist Newbie New Entrant Competition
Anne Marie Feighery from Feighery’s Farm in Kilcormac, Co. Offaly was a finalist in the 2020 NEWBIE New Entrant competition. While sourcing beetroot juice for her father Anne Marie noticed a gap in the market for an Irish produced beetroot juice and set about developing her own Beetroot Juice.
03 April 2021
Tipperary Poultry Farmer wins Newbie New Entrant Competition
Kylie Magner from Magners Farm in Moyglass, Co Tipperary has been selected as the winner of the second Newbie project new entrant competition. Kylie developed a free range poultry enterprise on the farm, initially selling eggs at local markets.
02 April 2021
Antimicrobial Resistance
Antimicrobials are drugs used to treat infections in humans & animals. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when micro-organisms that cause infections adapt & prevent an antimicrobial from working against it. Zerlina Pratt, as part of Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware has more information
01 April 2021
Farm Business Options - Digitalisation to transform agriculture in Ireland
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 23rd March 2021, host Barry Caslin was joined by Teagasc colleagues Stuart Green & Áine Regan and Peter Mc Shane from GLAS Energy Technology, to discuss digitalisation to transform agriculture in Ireland.
29 March 2021
Farm Livestock Safety
Whether you work alone or as part of a team on a farm, safety when dealing with livestock is of utmost importance. Here Jamie Cahill from Kildalton College deals with safety around livestock. Part of the AgriAware Farm Walk and Talk series for Agriculture Science students.
29 March 2021
Machinery Farm Safety
Machinery Farm Safety is the first in a series of Farm Walk and Talk videos developed by AgriAware and Teagasc. In this video Stuart Goodwin talks about farm machinery and farm safety
27 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Co. Laois
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 16th March 2021, host Peter Doolan, Teagasc Laois was joined by three local farmers to discuss farm diversification into soft food produce, angling and organic dairying in Co. Laois. A Q&A session also took place
21 March 2021
Farmer Safety Health and Wellness Webinar Series: Rena Buckley
Carbery Group, Cork recently held a Webinar on Farm Safety, Health and Wellness for farmer suppliers in advance of a busy spring. The Event will now be shown as a series of Webinars for 3 Sundays. The second is Rena Buckley, giving pointers on Gaining Health through, Exercise and Diet
19 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Agri-Tourism and Poultry in Cavan
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 9th March 2021, host, Bernard Doorley, Teagasc Offaly was joined by three local farmers to discuss agri-tourism and poultry in Cavan.
18 March 2021
Teagasc Daily – One year on
Today is the 1st Anniversary of the introduction of Teagasc Daily, a new digital communication channel providing information to Teagasc audiences. It was set up in response to the first Covid related lockdown last March, as a digital tool to maintain knowledge transfer to Teagasc audiences.
17 March 2021
Saint Patrick in Ireland: Names and Places
Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona dhaoibh! For Saint Patrick’ Day we have a special map, dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint. The static map provides an overview of the townlands and settlements deriving their names from Saint Patrick, including a short summary of the mythology. Read on for more details
11 March 2021
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme Farmer Focus - Siobhan Madden
Siobhan Madden, Co. Cork is a GLAS 3 participant who availed of the Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme for repairs to adjoining 200 year old buildings. Enda Maloney, Teagasc Advisor has more details. For the next three days Teagasc Daily will focus on Co Cork participants of this scheme
11 March 2021
New Head appointments in Teagasc
Congratulations to the two new Heads of Department in Teagasc, on their appointments announced recently; Valerie Farrell Head of Human Resources, and Professor David Kenny, Head of Animal and Bioscience Research and to Paul Maher as Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc
08 March 2021
Today's Farm - March/April 2021
The March/April edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. One of the main articles in this edition is a Q& A with the new Teagasc Head of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor. It also has articles on fertiliser, Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), how birds use hedges, and more.
07 March 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Achieving Sustainable Genetic Gain in Farmed Animals
The first webinar in this mini series of three, took place at 9:30am on Wednesday, 3rd March. The panellists on this webinar give an insight into the process of how genetically elite parents of the next generation are identified and selected using modern-day breeding tools.
06 March 2021
Farm Planning – Don’t leave it to the last minute
Andy Ryder, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport focuses on applications for and changes to, Herd Numbers. He identifies how this impacts on Basic Payment Scheme, ANC, GLAS and Forestry schemes. Andy emphasizes the importance of planning in advance and not leaving Herd No changes until the last minute
06 March 2021
Let's Talk Equine Webinar - ‘No foot, no horse’ - nurturing a sound foundation is imperative
The 12th webinar in the Let's Talk Equine series took place on Tuesday, March 2nd 2021. Teagasc Equine Specialist, Wendy Conlon was joined by Andrew Mahon, Master Farrier to discuss ‘No foot, no horse’ - nurturing a sound foundation is imperative.
05 March 2021
Equine Herpes Virus -1 (EHV-1) Outbreak
EHV is a herpes virus. EHV-1 can cause four manifestations of disease in equines, including neurological form, respiratory disease, abortion and neonatal death. Wendy Conlon, Equine Specialist advises horse owners to be vigilant, outlines bio-security actions to take and provides further information
04 March 2021
Teagasc SRUC Digital Solutions Conference 2021
The role of digital in securing a green rural economy was the focus of a joint virtual conference, held by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and Teagasc, which took place on Tuesday, 9th February. The virtual conference was the third in a series of annual events.
03 March 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Social Farming
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 2nd March 2021, host Barry Caslin, Teagasc was joined by Helen Doherty, Social Farming Ireland and two social dairy farmers, to outline what anyone considering running a Social Farm enterprise needs to know.
03 March 2021
What can I apply for under TAMS?
Teagasc specialist Tim Hyde joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme, also known as TAMS which in January, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine announced it was extending.
02 March 2021
The Role of Legumes in Reducing Fertilizer N Usage Webinar
Legumes can replace fertilizer N on grassland and arable farms, lowering greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions and improving water quality. The third Legume Innovation and Networking Workshop takes place online as an interactive webinar on Wednesday 3rd March at 9.30am. Register here
02 March 2021
Spring -Crop Management and Sowing
John Galvin, Teagasc Drystock and Tillage Advisor, Galway has advice here on winter barley management and spring barley sowing. He gives an update on the new Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) scheme as part of Basic Payment Scheme application for 2021 and introduces the Area Monitoring System (AMS)
28 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Award-winning potato, cheese and pet farm enterprises in Co. Cork
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar held Tuesday, 23 February, host Aisling Molloy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Kanturk was joined by Norma Dinneen, Bó Rua Farm; Ned English, Castlecor Potatoes and Teresa Leahy, Leahy’s Open Farm to discuss Award-winning potato, cheese and pet farm enterprises
27 February 2021
Additional resources to meet demand for Green Cert Courses | Teagasc Virtual College Open Days
Teagasc welcomes the recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D., giving approval for the recruitment of 20 fixed term education staff to meet exceptional demand for Teagasc Green Cert courses.
26 February 2021
Smartphone use in Agriculture: What do we know?
As the use of smartphone technology is becoming increasingly popular, there is a need to consider how farmers have adapted. Ursula Kenny gives an insight into a study that was carried out which examined the factors that influence Irish farmers’ engagement with smartphone use.
24 February 2021
Are you interested in coming to a Teagasc College?
Interested in pursuing a career in the land and agri-food sector? Have you considered applying for a course at a Teagasc college? Teagasc colleges offer a wide array of full-time and part-time courses in agriculture, horticulture, equine, forestry and more. Sign up & Join our March Virtual Open Days
24 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Enterprising and Sustainable Energy Communities in Louth and Kerry
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar held on Tuesday, 16 February, host Barry Caslin, Teagasc was joined by Gerry Reaburn, Rural Community Development Specialist; Kevin O’Sullivan, Teagasc Kerry/Limerick Advisor & Deirdre de Bhailís, Dingle Hub Manager to discuss Sustainable Energy Communities
23 February 2021
Brexit Trade Deal prevents Predicted Drop in Farm Income
A new report by economists at Teagasc published today, 23 February estimates that the average family farm income (FFI) in Ireland may increase by 3 per cent in 2021. Overall, some price inflation for farm inputs will be more than offset by higher prices for some farm outputs. Read more here
22 February 2021
Try Horticulture - Virtual Focus on courses
The Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens will hold the second of a series of virtual information events on Friday 26th February at 12:30 pm for one hour.
21 February 2021
Safety Tips when Handling Fertiliser
Fertiliser spreading season is upon us and so health and safety must always be a priority. Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist, Francis Bligh, looks at the actions that can be taken to prevent injury when handling fertiliser.
20 February 2021
Teagasc Carrot Fly Webinar
A Vegetable Webinar focusing on Carrot Fly, hosted by the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, took place on Tuesday, 26th January 2021. Webinar hosts Andy Whelton & Eoin Sweetman, were joined by Prof. Rosemary Collier of Warwick University and UK carrot and parsnip consultant Colin Noble
19 February 2021
Weather and Soil crucial to making great Whisky
A new academic study has provided conclusive proof of terroir’s influence on whisky, settling decades of an industry-dividing debate for both whisky drinkers and producers alike. Terroir is the French principle that factors like soil, microclimate, and topography together can influence flavour
19 February 2021
€2.7million funding for Ireland-Wales ‘Healthy Oats’ collaboration
The ‘Healthy Oats’ project – €2.18million of which has been granted from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the Ireland-Wales Cooperation Programme will help farmers and industry prepare for the changes pending under the EU Green deal, including reduced use of fertilisers & pesticides
16 February 2021
Teagasc Mayo Webinar - Farming for a Sustainable Future
Teagasc Mayo is hosting a series of online events consisting of relevant and practical advice for farmers in the Region. This first webinar, on Wednesday 17 February at 8pm, moderated by Brendan Garry, Teagasc will focus on farming for a sustainable future. More details here on speakers and topics
12 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Value added food production in the Kerry/Limerick Region
On a recent Farm Business Options Webinar, which took place on Tuesday, 2 February, host, Padraig Fitzgerald, Teagasc Kerry/Limerick was joined by Nick Cotter, Cotter Organic Lamb; Kate Carmody, Beal Organic Cheese & John Hassett, Ballyhoura Development CLG to discuss value added food production
11 February 2021
Teagasc celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The United Nations, partners worldwide, women and girls mark today, Thursday 11th February 2021, as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It’s an opportunity to take a stand for women and girls in science and break the stereotypes that hold them back. Teagasc features women in science
07 February 2021
Teagasc Kildalton College - 2021 Equine Courses
"Hands on courses for hands on people" is how Rosemary Gaffney, Equine Course Director, Kildalton College describes the suite of equine courses on offer for 2021 at Teagasc Kildalton College. These programmes are practically based and industry focused. Rosemary profiles students who trained there
06 February 2021
Creating a farm plan that secures your future in farming
Sometimes in order to be successful, a business must reset – Bob McNair. Farmers are a resilient breed - they have faced many challenges over the last few years. Farmers who hope to improve their business must plan. Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell has some advice and guidance
06 February 2021
Digital Solutions to drive a green rural recovery
Teagasc & SRUC have long collaborated on issues of mutual interest, in a series of annual conferences aimed at identifying solutions and helping create new opportunities for our rural economies. The role of digital in securing a green rural economy is the focus of the 9th February virtual conference
05 February 2021
Virtual Farmyard Tours
Due to COVID lock down restrictions,for farmers currently in the planning stages of building a new milking parlour one of the challenges is not being able to go and visit other farms. In the absence of farm visits Teagasc has started building a library of virtual farm tours on its website. See below
05 February 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Irish Farmers Connecting to the Grid
On the Farm Business Options Webinar, on Tuesday 26 January, host, Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, Teagasc was joined by Grainne Blount, Natural Forces; Tom Marren, Astatine and Rory Mullan, MullanGrid Consulting to discuss the options for Irish farmers connecting to the Grid
04 February 2021
The Signpost Series webinar – Organic Farming – Steps to on farm conversion and opportunities
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series webinars, on Friday, 22 January, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT were joined by Elaine Leavy, Organic Specialist, Teagasc to discuss the steps to on farm conversion and opportunities of Organic Farming
31 January 2021
Agricultural Courses-What are the options?
We are in a fortunate position that technology has allowed us to continue with courses throughout lockdowns and classroom restrictions. Students will now be considering third level course options so Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Galway/Clare, outlines what's available from Teagasc
30 January 2021
Teagasc re-introduce COVID-19 telephone helpline for farmers
Teagasc have confirmed today Friday, 29 January that the telephone helpline to assist with queries in relation to COVID-19 issues is re-opening for all farmers. The helpline 076 1113533 is open to all farmers Monday to Friday.
29 January 2021
Teagasc Online Slurry Spreader Calibration Calculator
Many farmers will use Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS) methods such as a dribble bar, for the first time in place of the traditional splash plate. When using a new application method it's important to apply the slurry accurately as Francis Quigley, Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist explains
23 January 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Roscommon & Longford
Webinar host, Donal McCabe, Teagasc Longford facilitated this webinar on Farm Diversification, which took place on Tuesday, 12 January 2021, with guest speakers. This webinar outlined the panellists stories including free range egg production, organic farming and farm shop, and boat & bike hire.
21 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
19 January 2021
Today's Farm - January/February 2021
The January/February edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on grass, covering topics such as getting ready for grass; Newford Herd makes gains on grass; why paddocks = profit and more.
13 January 2021
What does the Brexit deal mean for the Irish Beef Sector?
After years of uncertainty since the Brexit referendum in 2016, a deal on the future relations between the European Union and the UK has finally been sealed. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy & Development, Teagasc, outlines what this means
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
07 January 2021
A slurry 'no-brainer' for farmers
Emer Keane, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc, Castlerea, discusses the environmental topics of Low Emission Slurry Spreading and Greenhouse gases. She advises on availing of the TAMS 2 grant aid opportunity which exists to subsidise investment in LESS and reminds us of the TAMS 2 closing date of 15th January
07 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.
06 January 2021
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Cork West
Webinar hosts, Áine O'Riordan & Seamus Lordan, Teagasc Cork West facilitated this webinar, which took place on Tuesday, 22 December with guest speakers Alan & Valerie Kingston, Glenilen Farm; David & Elizabeth Ross, Top of the Rock Pod Park and walking Centre; & Johnny Lynch, Macroom Buffalo Farm.
02 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
29 December 2020
Outlook 2021 Conference (Webinar)
Outlook 2021 Conference took place virtually this year on Tuesday, 1st December. This webinar included details on farm financials across all the major farming systems in Ireland, including output and input prices and agricultural income.
27 December 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - The Farm: feeding the mind and body
Rachel Taylor, Teagasc Kildare was joined by Stephen Morrison, So earth projects; James Fennell, Green Barn at Burtown House in Athy and Helen Mulhall, LEADER on a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 15 December to discuss the farm: feeding the mind and body.
17 December 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Diversifying the Farming Business in Leitrim
Cian Condon, Teagasc Leitrim was joined by Nuala McNulty, Tawnylust Lodge; Helen Hay, Glencar teaSHED & Cianán Redmond 12 Quail Farm on a recent Farm Business Options webinar to discuss the possibility of diversifying the farm business while considering the implications for your core farm business
14 December 2020
Aurivo Teagasc Joint programme 2021-2023
The Aurivo/Teagasc joint programme was launched this week by Raymond Barlow Chairman of Aurivo Co-op and Tom Kellegher, Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager. The Joint Programme aims to improve farm profitability and environmental practices while ensuring that dairy farming is socially sustainable.
14 December 2020
10 Things to Know About … Viruses
While Irish Scientists are key in the fight against coronavirus, there's a more abundant type of virus which can be used beneficially in food and medicine. Meet Teagasc researchers tackling the good & bad of viruses on 10 Things to Know About..Viruses, tonight (Mon 14th Dec) on RTÉ One at 8.30PM
04 December 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Farm Diversification in Mayo
On the Dec. 1st, Farm Business Options Webinar, Anne O’Malley, Teagasc Mayo was joined by Catherine O’Grady-Powers, Glen Keen Farm; Joe Reilly, Glasraí Organic Farm; Patrick Kelly, The Kelly Kettle Company & Fionnán Nestor, Fáilte Ireland to investigate enterprising ventures keeping Mayo farms alive
03 December 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Walking towards Wellness
Bernard Doorley, Teagasc Tullamore was joined by a panel of guests on a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 24 November to discuss on farm diversifications with a focus on coping with the pressures of farming.
30 November 2020
The FarmDemo Training Kit has been updated
A unique collaboration between three European H2020 projects, AgriDemo-F2F, PLAID and NEFERTITI, resulted in the development of the FarmDemo Training kit for the organization of farm demonstration events. John Moriarty Advisor on the NEFERTITI and NEWBIE EU H2020 projects has the information
29 November 2020
Food Webinar Series - Maximising value from microbiological testing and Shelf-Life studies
This Food Industry Training Webinar was hosted by Carol Griffin, Teagasc. In it Des Walsh, Teagasc spoke on Choosing the most appropriate microbiolgical tests; Good sample handing; Making use of testing data and Specialised research to support shelf-life data. A Question and Answer Session followed
28 November 2020
Sustainable Beef Farming in Europe – Policy and Practice
Beef industry stakeholders all over Europe are invited to attend the first trans-national meeting of BovINE – the first and only EU-funded Beef Innovation Network – to focus on improving sustainability across the sector. BovINE’s online meeting takes place on Tuesday 1st December
22 November 2020
‘Farming for a New Decade’ – New Kerry Agribusiness / Teagasc Joint programme
Kerry Agribusiness and Teagasc launched their new phase of the dairy joint programme on zoom on Tuesday, 17 November. ‘Farming for a new decade’ is the ninth chapter of the Teagasc / Kerry Agribusiness knowledge transfer programme that began in 1994.
22 November 2020
Breeding Sport Horses
What is a sport horse? The foundation Irish sport horse breeds are the Irish draught horse and thoroughbred, with influence also from the Connemara Pony. In recent generations, there has been an infusion of continental warmbloods resulting in a considerable amount of crossbreeding with these breeds
21 November 2020
Fresh Blueberry Production
Blueberries are one of the more unusual soft fruit crops grown in Ireland. Blueberries are perennial flowering plants, which produce berries each year. All growers must operate under the food hygiene programme of the DAFM. There are excellent opportunities for new entrants to supply the local market
20 November 2020
Transferring the Family Farm Online Event
Transferring the family farm is a business transaction with complex issues to address. An online seminar on farm succession with Teagasc Farm Management Specialists was held to help farm families with this process. It covered all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan
20 November 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Adding value to farm produced food
On a recent Farm Business Options webinar which took place on Tuesday, 17 November, host Barry Caslin was joined by Eddie O'Neill & Carol Griffin, Teagasc who gave an insight into the steps people should take when they are thinking of starting a food business and developing a new food product.
18 November 2020
Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year Awards 2019 - We have a winner!
Enda Farrell of Co. Longford, is the 2019 Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year. The announcement was made at an online virtual awards ceremony on Monday. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, congratulated Enda Farrell and all finalists, wishing them well in their careers
18 November 2020
“Beeing” In the Moment!
“It’s an ill wind that blows no good”. Climate change is increasing its negative impact on farm environments with the recent Storm Ellen in August creating havoc with many mature deciduous trees bowled over in East Galway farmlands. Bernie Leahy, Advisor elaborates on her Irish Native Black Bee find
18 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.
14 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
Today's Farm - October/November 2020
The November/December edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on the environment, covering topics such as the Teagasc Biodiversity Management Practice Index (BMPI); How to reduce energy consumption on your dairy farm; farm roadways and more.
11 November 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Tell me everything I need to know about goats
The fifth webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 10 November. Webinar host, Cian Condon, Teagasc Goat and Drystock Advisor was joined by Sharon Peacock, Cockerham Goat Herd , Lancaster UK and Michael Finegan, Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese
09 November 2020
International Whey Conference (IWC2020) - A Better Whey of Life
The IWC is a unique forum uniting the whey business and scientific community worldwide for an interactive dialogue on the most relevant aspects of whey production, processing and applications. This year, it's online for the first time with three webinars on markets, nutrition and technology.
08 November 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report 2019 Webinar
The Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report 2019 Webinar took place on Tuesday, 3 November 2020. It provided an overview of the latest Sustainability Assessment for Irish Agriculture, including outcomes for 2019.
07 November 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar - Insurance around farm diversifications
The fourth webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 3 November. Webinar host, Barry Caslin, Teagasc was joined by Stewart Gavin & Ciaran Roche, FBD Insurance and Graham Kenny, Bike Park Ireland to discuss Insurance around farm diversifications.
07 November 2020
Festival of Farming and Food – SFI Science Week at Teagasc 2020
Join Teagasc for a series of exciting virtual events for Science Week (November 8-15) as part of ‘The Festival of Farming and Food – SFI Science Week at Teagasc’. The theme for Science Week 2020 is ‘Choosing our Future’; focusing on how science can improve our lives in the future and in the present.
04 November 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar:Solar Photovoltaic (PV) – Questions for solar developers
The third webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 27 October. Host Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist was joined by James McDonnell, Teagasc Farm Management Specialist, James Staines, Principal of Staines Law and Declan McEvoy, Head of Tax, IFAC
02 November 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey Sustainability Report - 2019 Webinar
Sustainability is at the core of Agricultural Policy both in Ireland and in the European Union. Join Teagasc researchers to learn about the Economic, Environmental and Social Sustainability of Irish Agriculture, including outcomes for 2019.
31 October 2020
On the path to biodiversity recovery
The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 has proposed a number of challenging targets that will inform policy, practice and research for the coming decades. Researchers John Finn and Daire Ó hUallacháin go through some that are relevant to agriculture
31 October 2020
Smarter Milking
Lighten the Load - a campaign to reduce the incidence of Musculoskeletal Disorders ( MSDs) among Farmers in Ireland. Padraig O'Connor Teagasc milking technician gives advice and tips on smarter milking which will help reduce in particular repetitive sprain injuries.
30 October 2020
EU Green Deal for a climate- neutral Europe
The EU Green Deal is the big initiative of the recently installed EU Commission. Led by Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen it has the overall aim of making Europe a climate-neutral continent by 2050. Articles on the main aspects of the Green Deal will be published here on Teagasc Daily.
27 October 2020
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders ( MSDs) among Farmers in Ireland - Webinar
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a serious cause for concern for farmers. Research found that 57% of farmers lost full time workdays, with over 22% losing 15 days or more. Join the webinar on Thursday, 29th October to get advice and information on prevention of MSDs
25 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar: Steps towards an on farm diversification
The second webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 20 October. Host Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist was joined by Allen McAdam, CEO, MCA Consulting to discuss the steps towards an on farm diversification.
23 October 2020
Farmer Focus: Tomas O’ Leary BETTER Sheep Farm Participant, Kerry
The O'Leary farm in Kerry was traditionally sucklers and sheep. They joined the Teagasc BETTER Sheep Farm Programme with the aim to increase performance and profitability of both their sheep and cattle enterprises. Today they run a mid-season ewe flock and contract rearing enterprise.
22 October 2020
Bioeconomy Ireland Week - Thursday - Investments in the bioeconomy
The bioeconomy is a young & growing sector. While technologies have been developed that can advance it, opportunities need to be scaled up beyond the lab to demonstration & pre-commercial level. In this map we highlight Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI-JU) flagship projects across Europe.
21 October 2020
Cattle Budgets 2020 - Too many Unknowns gives Cause for Concern
Teagasc annually produces a set of beef budgets dealing with a number of finishing scenarios. No two farms are the same in terms of input costs, management, stocking rates or fixed costs. With that in mind Aidan Murray, Beef Specialist says each individual should really do their own specific budgets
20 October 2020
'On Feirm Ground’ launched to support farmer health and well-being
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Department of Health, the HSE, Teagasc and IT Carlow have collaborated to fund a programme of research resulting in a training programme that will see agricultural advisors engage with farmers on their health and wellbeing over the farm gate.
19 October 2020
What’s in Budget 2021 for Dairy Farmers?
With the Government announcing a large spending package in this year’s Budget 2021, Financial Specialist Kevin Connolly joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the agricultural measures for dairy farmers.
18 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar: The Support Scheme for Renewable Heat (SSRH)
The first webinar in the Farm Business Options Series took place on Tuesday, 13 October. Host Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy & Rural Development Specialist was joined by Ray Langton, SSRH Programme Manager, SEAI & Sean Finan, CEO, IrBEA to discuss the SSRH.
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.
12 October 2020
Teagasc Horticulture College -National Botanic Gardens Virtual information event
Join the Teagasc Horticulture College team - National Botanic Gardens for a virtual information event from 4 - 5pm on Wednesday 14th October. The event will give details on the range of courses available at the college and will be in the format of a live Q & A Event
11 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar Series
A new weekly Teagasc webinar called ‘Farm Business Options’ will feature news, views and interviews on current topics relevant to farm business diversification in Irish Agriculture. Farm Business Options will be broadcast live from 11am to 12noon every Tuesday from October 13th 2020.
06 October 2020
Mountbellew Agricultural College Virtual Open Day- Q & A Session
Mountbellew Agricultural College wishes to welcome you to their Virtual Open Day Live Q and A session. The session will run from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday 7th October 2020.
05 October 2020
Dairy Farmer Profile - Dara & Charles Killeen
Dara and Charles Killeen from Eyrecourt, Co Galway, began dairy farming in 2019 with 95 in-calf heifers and have increased to 153 cows milking this year. Prior to this, Dara and his father were farming 500 ewes and 120 beef cattle. Martina Gormley & Patrick Gowing, Dairy Specialists have the details
28 September 2020
Teagasc Food Gateways event – online/virtual event
Food Formulation for the Future – for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. The Virtual event takes place online this Wednesday 30th September from 10am - 12.30pm.
27 September 2020
Tractor Safety
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Teagasc Education Officer Athenry talks through some top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
25 September 2020
Best practice for health and safety on sheep farms
Farm accidents causing serious injury average 2,500 a year. These can lead to permanent disability and interfere with a person’s ability to far. Farmers also have high levels of preventable ill health. Teagasc Health & Safety staff John McNamara, Francis Bligh and Serena Gibbons give some advice
20 September 2020
Starting a Food Business
When thinking of starting a new food business, there are many things to consider, including your market, products, premises, equipment, branding and promotion, as well as the legalities. The Teagasc Food Industry Development Department have some guidance and advice on starting a food business.
19 September 2020
Reusing Farm Buildings
Traditional farm buildings have important potential for the diversification of the rural economy in terms of branding, amenity, environmental improvements and economically viable new uses, and create an additional source of income.
17 September 2020
Managing your farm finances
James McDonnell a Financial Specialist in Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how best to manage your farm finances.
13 September 2020
Bee Keeping and Honey Production
Ireland has a long history of producing quality honey and was a major exporter of comb honey up to the mid 20th century. Dónall Flanagan, Nursery Stock/Ornamentals Specialised Advisor has more information.
12 September 2020
Production of Ice Cream
Since the turn of the century and the development of the ice cream cone, the worldwide growth in consumption has been phenomenal, with over 12 billion litres of ice cream consumed each year in the USA and China alone. The Teagasc Food Industry Development Department have more information.
11 September 2020
Anaerobic Digestion
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is the conversion of feedstock (any organic non-woody material) by micro-organisms in the absence of oxygen into biogas and digestate. Barry Caslin, Teagasc Rural Economy Development Programme provides more information.
06 September 2020
Enda Keaveney - Dairy Farm Partnership
Enda from County Galway is in a dairy farm partnership in with his parents since 2015. He studied construction first and then the recession hit Ireland. They are farming 120 cows. Find out more about the Keaveney's and their experience of the New Entrant Network - Newbie.
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.
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.
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
24 August 2020
Making farming easier and more enjoyable through labour efficiencies
Dairy Specialist Martina Gormley joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast. She gives insights into labour measures and efficiencies on six dairy farms across the spring and summer months of 2020.
22 August 2020
Safety at Harvest Time
Tillage farms are busy places at present. With current challenging weather making things more difficult it is very important to maintain a focus on managing Health and Safety on the farm. Francis Bligh and John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists have some information and advice.
16 August 2020
Safety with Slurry
Over the next few weeks many farmers and contractors will be busy emptying slurry. Francis Bligh & Tom Fallon, Teagasc have some advice on staying safe around slurry.
16 August 2020
Jessy's Smart Kids August 2020
Jessy's Smart Kids is a fun easily downloadable kids farm safety newsletter. This edition of Jessy's Smart Kids includes: Harvest time; Pesticides and Crack the code.
11 August 2020
Which Drainage system works for you?
Now that most of the silage has been made, it might be a good time to carry out some land drainage on your farm, depending on ground conditions. Shane Devaney, Beef Advisor, Teagasc Longford has some information and advice.
05 August 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on farm incomes in 2020 now likely to be more limited
At present, fears of a sharp COVID-19 related drop in Irish farm incomes in 2020, seem to have been averted following a gradual recovery in commodity prices and the provision of additional supports to the sector, according to Mid Year Outlook for 2020 produced by Teagasc economists.
04 August 2020
Planning for the smooth transfer of the family farm
Land in Ireland continuously passes from one generation to the next. This transfer of ownership does not always go smoothly. While there is no magic formula major pitfalls can be avoided by planning ahead and putting a succession plan in place.
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
Farm Safety - Working at Height on the farm
17% of farm fatalities over the last 10 years were caused by falls from heights or being struck by collapsing or falling objects. Always take time to stop and plan before starting to work at height or in an environment where it is possible to be struck by something falling from a height
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
10 July 2020
BEAM Scheme Requirements - Don’t get penalised!!
Patricia Lynch, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Westport Close to €80 million was paid to just under 33,000 Irish beef farmers in 2019 under the BEAM scheme. This aid was paid to help compensate farmers for the drop off in beef prices during the period September 2018 to May 2019.
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.
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
29 June 2020
The MASTER Plan
A European consortium co-ordinated by Professor Paul Cotter of Teagasc is using next-generation sequencing technologies to investigate the microbiomes of food systems and to improve our food quality, security and sustainability.
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.
23 June 2020
New Teagasc Sustainability Report Launched
The newly released Teagasc National Farm Survey 2018 Sustainability Report, produced by Teagasc economists, benchmarks the sustainability of a range of farm systems in Ireland, and was published today, Tuesday, 23 June.
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
Farm Buildings – Busy six months ahead
The number of applications from farmers for the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS) was the highest to date. The scheme is operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine closed for applications in early June. Teagasc Buildings Specialist Tom Fallon has more information.