Grassland
22 January 2022
Teagasc Future Beef Programme in Galway
Teagasc's Future Beef programme, launched December 2021, aims to demonstrate to beef farmers how they can produce a quality product as efficiently, profitable and environmentally sustainable as possible. Mícheál Kelly, Teagasc Advisor, Athenry introduces Galway's Future Beef Farmer, Aonghusa Fahy
21 January 2022
Big future for Future Beef
Future Beef is the new Teagasc suckler beef demonstration farm programme. It consists of a network of 24 demonstration farms positioned right across the island supported by three experienced advisors. Martina Harrington Future Beef Programme Manager, tells us more in detail
21 January 2022
Investigating agroforestry uptake on Irish farms
Forestry cover is substantially lower than the European average in Ireland with current afforestation rates remaining low. Rachel Irwin, Teagasc Walsh Scholar investigates Increasing tree cover on Irish dairy and drystock farms: the main barriers and perceptions that impede agroforestry uptake.
21 January 2022
The Signpost Series Webinar - Future Upland Management - Lessons from SUAS
On this episode of The Signpost Series which took place on Friday, 14 January, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Declan Byrne, SUAS Project Manager to discuss Future Upland Management - Lessons from SUAS.
20 January 2022
Which type of Nitrogen delivers most for grass?
If your local merchant offered “buy eight tonnes, get one tonne free”, how would you respond? I suspect most farmers would go for it, especially given the current high fertiliser prices. Yet this is exactly the benefit that protected urea offers in comparison to straight urea. Read more here
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
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th January 2022
In this week's update from the Grass10 team get current grass growth details and predicted grass growth from Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt grass growth model, plus Grass10 Weekly Tips. See when to apply early Nitrogen, using a grass budget to plan 1st rotation, using slurry to grow grass in 2022 and more
19 January 2022
The importance of taking a proper soil sample
Your soil sample forms the basis of your decisions on where to apply slurry, FYM, lime and chemical forms of Phosphorous and Potassium on the farm. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises on how to take a representative soil sample and outlines the benefits of getting it right
18 January 2022
Growing Grass Using Less Nitrogen Fertiliser
This Thursday at 7pm join John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland online, for advice on Getting the best response from what fertiliser you apply. David O'Leary, 2020 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year will talk about his system. Register here
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.
17 January 2022
Strategies to cope with rising fertiliser prices
Given the significant rise in fertiliser prices, Signpost programme advisor Seamus Kearney joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how to minimise the requirement for chemical N in the first round through strategic use of slurry.
17 January 2022
Getting the Best out of your Slurry - Webinar
The webinar 'Getting the Best out of your Slurry' was held on Wednesday 12th January. Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist and Mark Plunkett, Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, Teagasc looked at LESS spreading, nutrient value of slurry, testing and more with guest speakers. Watch it back here
15 January 2022
Plan your spring fertiliser applications
There are three areas of focus planning for 2022 which require careful planning: limiting the increase in expenditure in fertiliser, growing sufficient grass to feed animals and protecting the soil fertility on the farm for the future. Find out how and avoid waste with the advice outlined 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
Can we assume all fires are bad? Not necessarily so..
Fire has been used for centuries to effect desired changes in vegetation conditions; enabling rapid removal of unwanted, dead or less productive vegetation from land, and creating favourable conditions for new growth. John Casey & Catríona Foley, Teagasc discuss prescribed or controlled burning
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: Soil microbiology
Soils are so much more than meets the eye. Soils are home to a staggering abundance and diversity of living organisms, most of which we cannot see with the naked eye. Teagasc researchers Aoife Duff and Catriona Boyle tell us more as part of BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE).
12 January 2022
Benefits of using Protected Urea in 2022
Protected urea is cheaper than CAN on a cost per kg of nitrogen basis, and, while it may appear slightly dearer than ordinary urea, it will give the same “effective N” as urea, at a 12.5% lower spreading rate. Niall Treanor, Advisor, Teagasc Ballinasloe, summarises the benefits to the grassland farm
12 January 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 11th January 2022
Happy New Year to all our readers from the Grass10 team. In the first newsletter of 2022 get current grass growth details and predicted grass growth from Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt grass growth model, plus Grass10 Weekly Tips. See soil sampling advice, research update and upcoming webinar details all here
10 January 2022
Teagasc at BTYSTE: In the clover
Teagasc is at the virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2022. Teagasc Researchers Catriona Boyle and Deirdre Hennessy bring us this article on Clover research in Teagasc as part of the event this week. Find out about the Teagasc prize awarded and visit the Teagasc stand here
10 January 2022
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Costings of Nitrogen Fertiliser
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 16th December, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, compares costings of nitrogen fertiliser products to get best value next spring.
09 January 2022
Getting the Best Out of Slurry
Maximise the opportunity to reduce chemical fertiliser inputs in the year ahead. If you'd like to find out more you won't want to miss the Teagasc Getting the Best Out of Slurry Webinar on Wednesday, 12th January 2022 at 11am with Francis Quigley and Mark Plunkett. Register here
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
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 ...
04 January 2022
Capturing More N from Cattle Slurry
With fertilizer prices at all-time highs cattle slurry will be a key resource on farm to reduce the impact of high N, P & K prices. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford and Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist, Kildalton College explain how to achieve this
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.
28 December 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College Dairy Update December 2021
All cows are now dry on the Clonakilty College Dairy Farm Unit. Some selective dry cow therapy was used. James Daunt, Dairy teacher, has details on this and on the various activities taking place on the farm in the December Dairy update. Wishing you a happy Christmas and New Year from the college
24 December 2021
Saoirse wins International Award for her Teagasc multi-species sward research
This year’s Brian Chambers International Award for Early Career Researchers was won by Dr Saoirse Cummins, a researcher at Teagasc’s Environment Research Centre at Johnstown Castle, for showing that multi-species mixtures enhance grassland sustainability
19 December 2021
Reducing Phosphorus Loss to Water
There has been at lot of focus on Nitrogen in media coverage in recent times, but it is another nutrient, Phosphorus, that in causing issues in many watercourses draining heavy soils. Ivan Kelly, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor provides some advice on reducing Phosphorous loss to water.
19 December 2021
The benefits of soil sampling to farmers
It is crucial that farmers take soil samples and analyse the findings to save money in 2022. Brendan Garry and John Noonan, Teagasc Mayo provide some advice and Edward Gibbons, local farmer discusses the benefits he has seen on his farm by taking soil samples over the years.
18 December 2021
How to reduce chemical fertiliser N in 2022
Getting more from every kilo of nitrogen (N) in 2022 is the new challenge as fertiliser N prices reach record highs and legislative N limits tighten in a quest to improve water quality and reduce the impacts of agricultural emissions on climate change. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Specialist has advice
18 December 2021
Reviewing your 2021 grazing year
With Christmas approaching and grazing finished on most farms, now is the time to review your 2021 grazing season to identify areas for improvement in 2022. Mayo dairy farmer Alan Duggan completed his closing Average Farm Cover (AFC) and discusses how he his using the results to plan for 2022.
17 December 2021
Safeguard your payments against Cross Compliance Penalties
Under cross-compliance, the beneficiary of direct payments is required to meet specified minimum criteria in the maintenance of their yard and the storage of organic manures to avoid sanctions being applied to their area-based payments. Noel Bardon, Walsh Scholar, Teagasc Westport has some advice.
17 December 2021
Environment Newsletter - December 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Think before you plant!; Planting a new hedge; and a message from Signpost Programme - How big is your carbon footprint?.
16 December 2021
Teagasc Pathway to Reducing GHG Emissions
The Climate Action Plan of 4th November clarified sectoral emission reduction targets for agriculture and land-use. Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme focuses on the steps needed for agriculture to deliver on its targets. Teagasc Director, Frank O'Mara outlined these at the Beef Conference also
16 December 2021
Teagasc appoint new Sheep Enterprise Leader
Dr Phillip Creighton has been appointed as the new Enterprise Leader for sheep based at the Teagasc campus in Athenry. The Enterprise Leader role is to lead the management of the facilities and resources at the Teagasc sheep research centre in Athenry.
15 December 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 14 December 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: End of year update from Aidan Lawless, Teagasc Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford from the grass clover & multi-species trial; Information on the next webinar; Grass10 video on reviewing your 2021 grazing year.
14 December 2021
Farmer focus: Eddie Gavin wintering on forage crops
Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme participant, Eddie Gavin, his Teagasc advisor Eoin Wolfe and Programme manager Dr Frank Campion join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss wintering on forage crops.
13 December 2021
Dairy Newsletter - December 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Dairy team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Profit Monitor revision, Planning fertiliser requirements for 2022, Research Update - METH-ABATE and Breeding targets for winter milk herds
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.
12 December 2021
Organic farming: an option now?
For those considering the change to organic farming there are many factors to take into account. Martina Donnelly, Teagasc B&T Drystock Advisor, discusses these factors, including fertiliser, meal and sprays, here.
11 December 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College Dairy Update October/November 2021
James Daunt, Dairy teacher, provides the October/November update on Dairying at Clonakilty Agricultural College. He outlines the milk results for November, details of the grassland situation on the farm and the drying off process being used, which is expected to be complete by 10th December.
11 December 2021
Opportunities for Growth in 2022 with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
On Thursday, 2 December, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland were joined by dairy farmer John Phelan to discuss the opportunities for growth in 2022 with PastureBase Ireland.
10 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Profitability of later born calves
Today's question, the last in the series of unanswered questions from the Virtual Dairy Conference is on whether later born calves (April- May) leave a profit for the beef farmer? All this week and last, Teagasc Dairy Specialists answered these. Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Grange answers this one here
10 December 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - What are the implications of net zero for UK agriculture?
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 26 November, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by guest speaker Dr Bob Rees, SRUC Scotland to discuss what are the implications of net zero for UK agriculture?.
09 December 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 8
This latest issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter, this December, has a farmer update from Ciaran Bartley, Boher, Co. Limerick, key management tips, details of silage quality on Green Acres farms and information on Space requirements for weanlings. Read it here
09 December 2021
National Beef Conference 2021
Due to COVID-19, this year's National Beef Conference was delivered as two webinars, on Monday, 6th December and Wednesday, 8th December. The conference consisted of the latest beef research and the best technical advice for beef farmers. Access both of the webinars here
09 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Spring Nitrogen recommendations
Teagasc Dairy Specialists and farmer speakers answer questions from the National Dairy Conference, which were unanswered on the day, due to the volume of questions asked, here on Teagasc Daily this week. Today's question is on Spring Nitrogen recommendations answered by Michael O’Donovan, Moorepark
08 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Oversowing Clover
In a follow up from yesterday’s questions about the Clover seeding rate, this question is further answered today with regard to clover oversowing methods. Teagasc Dairy Specialists and farmer speakers answer questions like this from the National Dairy Conference here on Teagasc Daily this week
08 December 2021
Recap on November Climate Actions
With the first week of December under our belt it's time to recap on Climate actions for November and see if we have measured up. This week is Hedgerow week - did you order your trees and hedging? It's a good time to soil sample, test silage and review liver fluke control if not already done.
08 December 2021
Fertiliser Prices – Aiming to minimize impact of price inflation
With nitrogen prices having trebled in the last number of months and phosphorus and potassium prices rising also, drystock farmers are rightly concerned as to how this will affect their business in terms of cashflow and profitability in 2022. Alan Dillon, Beef Specialist discusses options here
08 December 2021
The state of Ireland’s hedgerows
Catherine Keena Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist covers The state of Ireland’s hedgerows, as talked about in the Teagasc Hedgerow Week Panel Discussion on Monday's webinar. Watch back on the webinar here and tune in all this week to Hedgerow Week events
08 December 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 7th December 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: End of year update from Teagasc Grange, Co. Meath on the Dairy Calf to Beef trial; Reminder to soil sample & apply lime; Reviewing the Farm Summary Report from Overall Grassland Farmer of the Year, Caroline Walsh; recap on the most recent webinar.
07 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Clover seeding rate
Establishing clover in existing swards was a hot topic at the dairy conference. Questions like the following were asked: What amount of clover seed should be in a mix for mid season reseed? Teagasc Dairy Specialists and farmer speakers answer questions like this here on Teagasc Daily this week
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
The feed value of winter grazing
Dr Tim Keady joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s episode of OviCast to discuss various aspects of winter grazing and how it impacts ewe performance.
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.
06 December 2021
Planting Hedges
On The Signpost Series, on Friday, 3 December, Mark Gibson, was joined by Pippa Hackett, Minister of State, DAFM and Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director to officially launch Hedgerow Week 2021. Catherine Keena, Countryside Management Specialist discusses planting hedges here and in the webinar
05 December 2021
November Map of the Month- Ireland from Abroad: Irish Land Cover & Land Use
November’s Map of the Month is Ireland from Abroad: Irish Land Cover and Land Use mapped internationally. It presents a series of dynamic maps of current Irish land use and land cover produced by European and international suppliers.
05 December 2021
The Signpost Series - Managing the Risk of Phosphorus Loss from Slurry Application in Northern Ireland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 19 November, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by guest speakers Drs Donnacha Doody and Russell Adams, AFBI to discuss managing the risk of Phosphorus loss from slurry application in Northern Ireland
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
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Are you considering red clover?
All this week Teagasc Specialists answer the unanswered questions from the Virtual Dairy Conference on the Dairy Daily. Today's question - Are you considering red clover (as well as white clover) for silage or grazing ground? is answered by the dairy farmer speakers, Kevin Moran and Ger Pardy
02 December 2021
Promising results from Ireland’s first large scale measurement of methane emissions in beef cattle
Novel research led by Teagasc, in collaboration with colleagues at University College Dublin (UCD) and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), are making strides towards identifying, and ultimately, breeding for low methane emitting beef cattle to improve environmental sustainability in cattle
02 December 2021
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: Slurry additives benefits
All this week Teagasc Specialists answer the unanswered questions from the Virtual Dairy Conference on the Dairy Daily. Today's question is about Slurry additives and whether they are beneficial at making slurry agitation easier and at increasing nutrient supply to grassland.
02 December 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 22nd November 2021
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry reports on the recent slaughter performance of the beef heifers and bullocks an compares the figures from 2015 to date. The weanlings are housed and he has a video on the drafting of the beef bullocks for 2021
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
National Dairy Conference Questions Answered: potential of multi-species swards
On the day at the Virtual Dairy Conference Teagasc Specialists were not in a position to answer all questions asked due to the sheer volume of questions. All this week they attempt to answer some of those questions on the Dairy Daily. Today's question is about the potential of multi-species swards
01 December 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 30th November 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: Weekly PastureBase data & MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; GET YOUR CLOSING AFC COMPLETE THIS WEEK, see PastureBase Scorecard, key points from the Dairy Conference, details of upcoming webinar, Beef Edge Podcast and Athenry Research Update
01 December 2021
Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management Graduation
The 2020 Graduates of the Teagasc/UCD Level 7 Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management course were presented with their diplomas at an awards ceremony at Teagasc Moorepark, recently.
30 November 2021
Paul Doyle - BETTER Sheep Farming in Donegal
Paul Boyle Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep participant, juggles sheep farming and an off farm job with spending time with his wife and young family. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Athenry & Patrick Browne, Teagasc Drystock Adviser, Ballybofey discuss the key actions he is undertaking on farm
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.
26 November 2021
Value of Pig Manure
In this infographic the Teagasc Pig Development Department have highlighted how farmers can make substantial savings by using pig manure to grow their grass and tillage crops based on current fertilizer prices.
26 November 2021
Sward utilisation Pasture Profit Index update
The Pasture Profit Index (PPI) is used by the grassland industry to identify and select the best varieties when reseeding. Tomás Tubritt, Laurence Shalloo, Noirín McHugh & Michael O’Donovan, Teagasc Moorepark discuss variety grazing efficiency, plot studies & practical implications of using the PPI
26 November 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Farm Specific Mitigation Strategies and Practical Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions on Irish Farms
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 12 November, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc was joined by Dr. Seamus Kearney, Signpost Programme and Jonathan Herron, Teagasc Moorepark to discuss Practical Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and more
25 November 2021
The effect of sward type & nitrogen fertiliser application rate on milk & herbage production
There is renewed interest in the use of white clover in grazing systems due to its ability to biologically fix nitrogen (N). Brian McCarthy, Áine Murray and Fergal Coughlan, Teagasc, look into the effect of sward type and nitrogen fertiliser application rate on milk and herbage production.
25 November 2021
Making better grazing management decisions in 2022 – the PastureBase Ireland story
Enhanced grazing management has the potential to yield further improvements in milk production efficiency and nutrient use efficiency. The level of grassland measurement within PastureBase Ireland has grown substantially in recent years. Michael O’Donovan and Micheal O’Leary, Teagasc, examine this.
24 November 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 23 November 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: Weekly PastureBase data & MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Ballyhaise Research Farm's review of the grazing year; Grazing tips for the week; GFOY Young Farmer Winner David O'Leary gives us an update; and details of the upcoming Grass10 webinar.
23 November 2021
Trying to make sense of the Climate Action Plan
The Climate Action Plan is aiming to reduce our total national emissions by 51% by 2030. Each sector of the economy has been allocated a budget. Enda O’Hart, Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Castlerea discusses two of the recently published sectoral budgets under the Climate Action Plan, impacting farmers
22 November 2021
Earlier Finishing in Practice
Climate commitments through the Climate Action Plan are set to have a fundamental policy impact on beef production over the coming decades. Colm Kelly, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinasloe answers common questions about finishing cattle earlier and the challenges he has encountered.
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.
22 November 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - When to finish grazing
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy which took place on Thursday, 4 November, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses when to finish grazing for 2021.
21 November 2021
The Signpost Series - Assessing Biodiversity Management Practices on Intensively managed farmland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 5 November, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist to discuss assessing Biodiversity Management Practices on intensively managed farmland
20 November 2021
John Barry Signpost beef farmer on reducing emissions
This month we meet farmers that are engaging with their carbon footprint figure. Michael Daly, Teagasc Drystock Advisor, joins suckler farmer John Barry in Co. Tipperary, to analyse the results of his audit report from Bord Bia and suitable actions he can take to reduce emissions.
19 November 2021
Alex McCarthy Signpost dairy farmer on reducing emissions
This month we meet farmers that are engaging with their carbon footprint figure. Tom O'Connor, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, joins dairy farmer Alex McCarthy in Co. Limerick, to analyse the results of his recent Bord Bia audit and suitable actions he can take to reduce emissions.
19 November 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Soil Fertility Trends in the Agricultural Catchments Programme
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 29 October, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by guest speaker Edward Burgess, Agricultural Catchments Programme, Teagasc to discuss soil fertility trends in the Agricultural Catchments Programme
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
17 November 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 16 November 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: Weekly PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grazing updates from dairy farmer Arthur Sweetman, Co. Wexford & GFOY Most Improved Grassland Award Winner Noel Hurley; Grazing tips for the week; and upcoming events.
16 November 2021
The Signpost Series - Biorefinery Glas and the potential of the bioeconomy to transform grassland agriculture in Ireland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 22 October, Mark Gibson, Teagasc was joined by James Gaffey, MTU; Johan Sanders, Grassa; and Bridget Lynch, Teagasc to discuss Biorefinery Glas and the potential of the bioeconomy to transform grassland agriculture in Ireland.
14 November 2021
Is the Tide Eventually Turning for Clover?
Dairy farmers are regularly asking their advisors what they are going to do about fertiliser next spring. They are aware that Nitrogen fertiliser looks to be scarce for next spring and if available, it will be at inflated prices. Teagasc Advisor John Hardy has advice on the some options for coping
13 November 2021
Clonakilty Dairy Farm Update - September 2021
James Daunt, Dairy teacher, provides the September update on Dairying at Clonakilty Agricultural College. He talks about dairy cow scanning results, September Milk production figures and paddock closing in a short video here
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)
10 November 2021
Decision time for Dairy Beef finishers- Feed or store?
The vast majority of 18-21 month old beef cattle have been housed at this stage. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist, answers the question on which stock to feed on to finish and which to store for a grass kill next summer/autumn. He advises weighing post housing as an obvious first step.
10 November 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 9th November 2021
In this Grass10 newsletter see PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef and Sheep farms, Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt grass growth prediction model, grazing tips, reviewing Pasturebase reports, Dairy farmer Dara Killeen keeping grass in the diet, JP Hammersley's update and upcoming webinars
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
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
Introducing the National Dairy Conference 2021
The National Dairy Conference is at Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and at Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th November respectively. Focusing on environmentally sustainable dairying, Specialist, George Ramsbottom, introduces farmer speakers Kevin Moran, Galway & Ger Pardy, Offaly
08 November 2021
Are improved environmental efficiencies compatible with farm profit?
Joe Patton, Teagasc’s Head of Dairy KT, joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, to consider whether improving environmental efficiencies on Irish dairy farms is compatible with profitability.
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
Clonakilty Agricultural College Drystock Unit Farm Update - September 2021
David Hallisey, College Lecturer at Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College gives an update from the drystock unit for August & September. After 8 weeks breeding 85% of the suckler herd were scanned in-calf. David discusses cattle weighings & meal feeding, drafing store lambs & grassland management
06 November 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter November 2021
This months newsletter provides a guide to the actions beef farmers can take to reduce emissions on their farm, including 2 Signpost Farmers, Alex McCarthy (Dairy) & John Barry (Beef), outlining their carbon footprint; A guide & link to the Dairy Energy Decision Support Tool; research update & more
06 November 2021
Focus on ewe body condition score sees lamb numbers up in West Cork
Denis O’Riordan, a BETTER Sheep farmer, farms approximately 280 hectares (690 acres) of hill & lowland in West Cork, with his wife Esther, daughters Abbie, Roísín & Órlaith, and his uncle, Donie O’Connor. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep KT outlines the benefits of the 2021 farm practices
03 November 2021
Signpost Programme Farm Walk: Patrick & Paula O’Hanlon, Kerry
Patrick & Paula O’Hanlon's farm in Tarbert, is one of five farms in Co. Kerry partaking in the Teagasc Signpost Programme. A farm walk was held recently on their farm. Méabh Dore, Teagasc Dairy advisor recounts the most notable changes on the farm and the biggest learning outcomes from the day here
03 November 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 2nd November 2021
In this Grass10 newsletter see PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef and Sheep farms, grazing tips, plus plans to stretch grass and reach closing targets. Farmers Larry & Conor Murphy and Pat Collins have updates on their progress. Get the Pasturebase new farm mapping tool and more
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
Choosing the appropriate liver fluke dose
As liver fluke is a large risk at the moment, Teagasc’s Dr Orla Keane joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss selecting the appropriate treatment for this stage of the season.
31 October 2021
Science Week 2021 - The Festival of Farming and Food
We invite you to join us for an unmissable series of virtual and in-person events for Science Week 2021, which takes place from 7 November to 14 November, as part of ‘The Festival of Farming and Food’, run by Teagasc.
30 October 2021
Get to Know Your Soil Fertility
It is well known that grass is the cheapest source of feed on our farms. It is up to 3 times cheaper than silage and up to 5 times cheaper than concentrates. Advisor Patricia Lynch gives information on the importance of soil sampling to optimise grassland performance.
30 October 2021
Taking Control of Grass Supply on Beef & Sheep Farms - Webinar
On Thursday, 14 October, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland were joined by suckler farmer Trevor Boland and sheep farmer Tomas O'Leary to discuss taking control of grass supply on beef & sheep farms.
29 October 2021
Grass Growth Prediction - more farmers now predicting
The number of farms where grass growth predictions are conducted using the Teagasc MoSt Grass Growth Model has increased to 78 in recent weeks. The increased number ensures a larger diversity of farms and better coverage across the country. Researcher Dr Elodie Ruelle is leading the project.
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
Grass10 Newsletter - 27th October 2021
In the latest Grass10 newsletter PastureBase Ireland data for the week for both Dairy & Beef and Sheep farms, plus Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model. Picking your paddocks to graze in the final grazing rotation and farmer updates.
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.
26 October 2021
Are your Climate Actions for October on track?
Are your Climate Actions for October on track? If not you can act now to apply lime, start closing paddocks, check out your carbon footprint for your farm, check your soil maps and apply K to low index soils or start taking soil samples and manage your hedges to allow some thorn saplings to grow.
24 October 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 11th October 2021
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry recaps on Newford Farm weaning procedure now that all calves have been weaned and weighed. He discusses the performance of the 23 beef heifers drafted for sale, the beef bullocks and grass situation at present
24 October 2021
Do you know the carbon footprint for your farm? - Webinar
An interactive informative online webinar to guide you through using the carbon footprint figure to make decisions on reducing emissions on your farm. The webinar was held by Seamus Kearney, Teagasc Signpost, Dr. Eleanor Murphy, Bord Bia and Jack Kearney, Signpost Farmer.
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.
22 October 2021
Making plans with new BETTER Sheep farmer in Carlow
Eddie Gavin farms alongside his wife and family near Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow while also carrying out machinery contracting for local farmers. Eddie runs sheep, beef & tillage enterprises on farm. Frank Campion, Teagasc Research Officer, reports on Eddie's plans as a new Teagasc BETTER sheep farmer
22 October 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Farm Zero C Overview
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 15 October, Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department was joined by Gavin Hunt, Farm Zero C Project Manager, BiOrbic & Cian White, Trinity College Dublin to get an overview of the Farm Zero C project.
21 October 2021
Cathal Moran's Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk
A farm walk with Cathal Moran, farmer participant in the Teagasc Glanbia Future Farm Programme took place on Friday, 1 October on his farm in Skeoughvasteen, Co. Kilkenny. See first-hand in a series of 8 mini-video clips how the day went and download the event proceeding here
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
Calculating the Carbon Footprint of your Farm
The Environment is at the forefront of all our decisions now as we actively make positive moves to lowering Greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). We know Greenhouse gases have a negative impact on our planet. Serena Gibbons, Education Officer Teagasc Athenry looks at how the carbon footprint is calculated
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
19 October 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 19th October 2021
In the latest Grass10 newsletter Dairy farmers Ed & Catriona McHugh update us on their grazing situation this autumn and we get Key takeaways from last week’s beef and sheep webinar with Trevor Boland and Tomás O’Leary. The GFOY Competition deadline has been extended. We have farmer updates and more
19 October 2021
Nutrient Loss & the Closed Period for Spreading Manure
The regulated closed period for spreading organic manures is often a source of frustration and annoyance for farmers. This is not surprising given the cost of manure storage and variation in Irish weather. Edward Burgess, Teagasc explains the research supporting the closed period restrictions
19 October 2021
Cleaning out swards and closing up on time
As we enter the final grazing rotation of the season, Ciarán Lynch is joined on this week’s OviCast by Dr. Philip Creighton who offers some grazing advice to keep us on track from now to set up our spring grazing.
18 October 2021
Management to Control Docks on your Farm
The summer of 2021 provided excellent growing conditions and weeds grew brilliantly. Fields on many farms have dock problems. Greater focus is needed to prevent dock infestation and eliminate existing docks. Austin Callaghan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Claremorris examines aids to dock control here
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.
17 October 2021
Soaring Fertiliser Costs proving Importance of Soil Fertility
Fuel shortages, spiraling costs, lack of labour and talks of power outages are among the topics that are covered when talking to farmers in the last few weeks. Keith Fahy, Teagasc Athenry advisor recommends soil sampling to identify lime deficiency and correcting this to reduce fertiliser bills
17 October 2021
John Ryan's Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk
A farm walk with John Ryan, farmer participant in the Teagasc Glanbia Future Farm Programme took place on Friday, 8 October on his farm in Gortnahoe, Co. Tipperary. John and his father Tom are farming 70 Ha near Gortnahoe, Co.Tipperary. In 2019, they milked 138 cows. Read more on the farm walk here
16 October 2021
Building a Farm Roadway
A well-designed, carefully built and properly maintained farm roadway system has many benefits, including, less lameness, faster and easier stock movement, less roadway maintenance, more efficient paddock access and more as Tom Fallon, Farm Buildings & Infrastructure Specialist outlines 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
15 October 2021
Growth Watch: Finishing stock begin to move indoors
With grass growth rates hovering around the 30kg DM/ha/day mark on farms participating in the Teagasc Green Acres Programme, heavier stock are beginning to move indoors for a finishing period. Séan Cummins Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, reports from programme farmers Peter O’Hanrahan and Aidan Maguire
15 October 2021
Webinar: Managing the Final Grazing Rotation with PastureBase Ireland
On Thursday, 30 September, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland were joined by dairy farmers Paudie O’Brien & Padraig Callanan to discuss managing the final grazing rotation with PastureBase Ireland.
14 October 2021
How I cut my hedges - Tony Mullins
Enhancing the biodiversity on your farms starts with the correct management of hedgerows. It’s a good time of the year to have a chat with your contractor before he / she starts cutting, providing the contractor with clear guidelines. This video provides more information on improving hedgerows
13 October 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 12th October 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; grazing tips; farmer & GFOTY updates; Teagasc Athenry Sheep Autumn Closing Guidelines; Upcoming Beef & Sheep Webinar this Thursday and 2021 Grassland Farmer of the Year competition
13 October 2021
Is your Autumn Rotation Planner on track?
Is your Autumn Rotation Planner on track? This is the question Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist asks in mid October, to check in with our Autumn Rotation Planner. She outlines targets & reasons why hitting the targets are important while Terry Carroll, Advisor explains the 60:40 planner
13 October 2021
Webinar: Taking control of grass supply on beef and sheep farms
This Thursday at 7pm join John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland along with suckler farmer Trevor Boland and sheep farmer Tomas O'Leary, online, as they go through taking control of grass supply on beef & sheep farms in this webinar. Read more
12 October 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter October 2021
This months Signpost newsletter has a particular focus on where a farmer can access the carbon footprint for their farm. We feature some highlights of Moorepark Open Day. Catherine Keena provides a video and short note on hedgerow management. See Farmer profiles, monthly climate actions and updates
12 October 2021
Autumn Grassland Management Guidelines for Sheep
Philip Creighton Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry addresses the key points for managing autumn grass for sheep, closing up ground for the winter and planning for grass availability at lambing next March.
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.
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
Environment Newsletter - October 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Key management dates; Shop windows; Have that conversation; Know your derogation commitments; and EIP Update - Comeragh upland communities.
08 October 2021
How to improve the biodiversity value of your forest - Part 2
In the second of a two-part series of articles, Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer talks about how to improve the biodiversity value of your forest. He advises on tree species, open spaces, underutilised areas and interconnectivity between habitats here.
08 October 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Agroforestry - multiple benefits for Irish agriculture
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 24th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Dr Ian Short, Forestry Research Officer, Teagasc; Professor Jim McAdam, Queens University Belfast; and Mr Eugene Curran, Forestry Inspector, DAFM to discuss Agroforestry
07 October 2021
Teagasc Fodder Survey July 2021
Planning and budgeting for both the quantity and quality of winter fodder available on farms is becoming an increasingly important activity as part of managing the impact of changing weather patterns and mitigating the impacts of climate change on farms.
06 October 2021
Teagasc Beef Budgets 2021
Amid all the hardships of the pandemic initially beef saw a real boost to retail sales and, with lower global supplies we've seen higher finished beef prices and consequently a very buoyant store and weanling trade. The Teagasc beef budgets, just released for 2021 cover 4 categories of beef systems
06 October 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 5th October 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; grazing tips; farm & research updates; Upcoming Beef & Sheep Webinar: Taking control of grass supply on beef and sheep farms and 2021 Grassland Farmer of the Year competition launched
05 October 2021
Start Growing Your 2022 Spring Grass Now!
At a farm walk outside Tuam during the week the topic of preparing for spring grass in 2022 raised a few eyebrows when there was a visible abundance of fresh green grass on the farm. Gabriel Trayers, Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Tuam reports on a recent experience he had and advises to plan ahead
04 October 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Programme returns to live action
The first on-farm live open day of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme took place on September 29 on the farm of JP Hammersley in Lattin, Co. Tipperary. Alan Dillon and Seán Cummins, Teagasc Green Acres report here on the detail of the day's success.
03 October 2021
Irvine Allen - Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk
Irvine Allen is a participant in the second phase of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme and runs a dairy calf-to-beef operation on his 58ha farm in Co. Westmeath. Irvine will host a farm walk on 5th October at 2pm and invites you to come see the improvements he has made in the enterprise
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
02 October 2021
Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition 2021
The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition 2021 is open for entries having been officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. It recognises and acknowledges those farmers who are achieving high levels of grass utilisation in a sustainable manner.
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.
30 September 2021
Improving animal performance from grazed pasture
A pre-requisite to exploiting improvements in the nutritive value of pasture is the optimisation of pasture management practices. Researchers Michael Dineen and Micheal O’Leary discuss the methods of improving animal performance from grazed pasture.
29 September 2021
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions?
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions this month? If not there is still time for taking action to book a milk recording, spread lime on low pH soils, Apply potassium to low K Index soils, weigh replacement heifers, implement dosing & vaccination of young stock while focusing on grazing
29 September 2021
Managing the final grazing rotation with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
Join John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland along with dairy farmers Paudie O’Brien & Padraig Callanan as they go through managing the final grazing rotation with PastureBase Ireland. The webinar will take place on 30 September 2021 at 7pm.
29 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 28th September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase data; Grass Growth Prediction; update on Dairy Calf to Beef Systems trial in Grange; Grass10 Grazing tips; link for Thursday's webinar; Picking paddocks to graze in final rotation & farmer updates: David Brady, Cavan and Aidan Murphy Cork
28 September 2021
Fás agus Bainisiú féir – Grass growth and measurement
Inniu buaileann Joanne Masterson le Martin Mulkerrins agus a dhearthair Diarmuid, agus pléann said fás agus bainistiú féir – Today Joanne Masterson, Teagasc Athenry meets with Martin Mulkerrins & his brother Diarmuid to discuss grass growth & management in the "Farming in the Moycullen Gaeltacht"
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
27 September 2021
Cathal Moran's Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk
Join us on Friday, 1 October at 11am on the farm of Cathal Moran, Skeoughvasteen, Co. Kilkenny, R95 NY89 for a Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Walk. Pre-registration is essential as numbers are limited. Book your ticket here
27 September 2021
Comeragh Hill Sheep Farmers secures Biodiversity Funding
The Teagasc Comeragh Hill Sheep Discussion Group was awarded €118,720 for a one-year project. The group comprises 14 farmer members whose sheep graze over 4,000 hectares of the Comeragh mountains. The award was made in June by DAFM using the EIP model; it's focus is on promoting biodiversity
27 September 2021
Apply now for Pilot Soil Sampling Programme
Today, Monday 27th September sees the opening of a pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. This is a farm level soil sampling & analysis initiative which will provide farmers and their advisors with comprehensive details about the soil health and condition on their farms. Read how to apply here
26 September 2021
The role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms - Webinar
On Wednesday, 22nd September, Joe Kelleher and Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialists were joined by Thomas Moloney, DLF and Kevin O’Hanlon, Organic dairy farmer for the first in a series of Autumn Organic Webinars which focused on the role of multi species swards on Irish organic farms.
25 September 2021
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable?
What is sustainable beef production? Are grass-based systems sustainable? These questions will be addressed during a webinar on Monday, 27th September 2021 at 12:30pm via zoom, involving speakers from research, advisory services and farming across Europe; hosted by the pan-European BovINE network
25 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - The Pearl Mussel Project EIP
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 17th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Dr Patrick Crushell, Project Manager, The Pearl Mussel Project EIP to discuss the Pearl Mussel Project EIP.
24 September 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter: Issue 6
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on JP Hammersley, programme participant's farm; key management tips; a review of summer slaughter performance; and Teagasc Green Acres events. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issued fortnightly.
24 September 2021
Growth Watch: Timely growth boost helps farms reach peak cover
Many farms in the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme have recorded strong growth rates over the past seven days. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses farms reaching peak cover and gets updates from farmers Martin Connolly, Co. Roscommon and JP Hammersley, Co. Tipperary.
23 September 2021
Minister Heydon views sustainability research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
Environmental sustainability is now central to all agricultural production in Ireland. Never before has there been more ask for technologies and tools for agriculture to meet the environmental challenges. These societal challenges are at the heart of research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
23 September 2021
The dark mysteries of the soil beneath our feet
Soil is a complex matrix and its chemical composition often depends on the location in the landscape, the parent material underneath, and the influence of the management above. This article by Senior Research Officer, Dr Karen Daly, Teagasc Johnstown Castle first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm last week
22 September 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk - JP Hammersley
JP Hammersley, farmer participant of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme will host a farm walk on his farm in Lattin, Co. Tipperary on Wednesday, 29 September at 3:30pm. The event will be attended by Teagasc Beef Specialists, Signpost programme personnel and Teagasc Tipperary advisors
22 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 21st September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; Take home messages from the Grazing Plot Demonstration at Moorepark21, details on upcoming events and dairy farmer, Paudie O’Brien's current grass update
21 September 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 13th September 2021
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Athenry gives us an update on suckler scanning results, the breeding heifers, finishing cattle, feeding meal and weaning progress on the farm. He also introduces the new leading stock person at Newford farm, Jerry O'Brien
21 September 2021
Minister McConalogue presents Awards to Top Grassland Farmers
The winners of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 competition were presented with their awards by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD, in Teagasc Moorepark last week.
21 September 2021
David O'Leary - Young Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk
Join us on the morning of Thursday, 23rd September at 11am for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year, David O'Leary on his farm in Castleisland, Co. Kerry.
20 September 2021
Autumn heifer management
September and into October, is a crucial time in the rearing cycle for replacement heifers. Grass growth starts to slow and grazing conditions tend to become more difficult. Records show heifer growth rates can also slow substantially so Martina Gormley, Dairy specialist has heifer management advice
20 September 2021
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
The Signpost Series - Combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 10th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Philip Murphy, LAWPRO Catchment Scientist to discuss combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality.
17 September 2021
Moorepark21 - Watch it back online
If you couldn't attend the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, Moorepark21, you can view the welcome board and the four main boards here on Teagasc Daily
16 September 2021
Teagasc Research on methane emissions in grazing dairy systems
Farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day in Moorepark will see the latest work being carried out in Teagasc on ways to reduce methane emissions. Teagasc Researchers Ben Lahart, Katie Starsmore, Jonathan Herron, Frank Buckley & Laurence Shalloo outline how the GreenFeed units work.
16 September 2021
Dairy farm infrastructure for sustainable milk production
In recent years Teagasc has invested in research programmes aimed at identifying efficient farm infrastructure systems that will promote sustainable milk production. Patrick Tuohy & John Upton Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark discuss these here
15 September 2021
Winners announced of Teagasc Dairy Photo competition
An exciting photo competition was run in the lead up to the 2021 Teagasc Moorepark Open Day, inviting entrants to upload a photo illustrating what they love about Irish dairying in order to show the many reasons why dairy farming is an attractive career.
15 September 2021
How will the new Nitrates policy impact your farm business?
On Day 2 of Moorepark Open Day, Jack Nolan, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the Dairy Edge to explain the measures proposed for the new Nitrates Derogation and challenges for farmers and industry as to how they can minimise negative environmental impacts
15 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 14th September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; building soil Potassium (K) with Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle, David O Leary's upcoming GFOY farm walk, farmer updates- David Gannon & JP Hammersley
15 September 2021
Reducing chemical nitrogen use on dairy farms
Dairy farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, yesterday and today in Moorepark, with the final day on Thursday 16th September, will hear from Teagasc researchers and advisers about the Five key practices which can be used to reduce N fertiliser use on all farms
14 September 2021
Teagasc Moorepark Dairy day focuses on Environmental Sustainability
The first day of the Teagasc Moorepark Open Day took place on Tuesday, 14 September. The Open Day will be repeated on Wednesday and Thursday, so farmers can visit on any of the three days of the event. The theme of the Open Day is ‘Delivering Sustainability’.
14 September 2021
Grazing management to increase N use efficiency on Irish dairy farms
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE;%) is a key indicator of agricultural system efficiency. It is defined as the proportion of the total N inputs, in feed, fertiliser, organic manures etc. that are recovered in milk & meat exports from the farm.
13 September 2021
PastureBase Ireland adds new functionality to benefit all grassland farms
Farmers attending the Teagasc Moorepark '21 dairy open day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week will hear about the increased functionality in PastureBase Ireland (PBI). PastureBase Ireland is the national grassland database and provides daily updates on grass growth across the country
11 September 2021
Gentle Reminders for the Diary
In order to stay on schedule it is important to plan ahead, particularly if you are participating in the BEEP-S scheme. Mícheál Kelly, B&T Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Galway/Clare, outlines the important dates you need to remember for the coming months.
11 September 2021
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.
10 September 2021
Growth Watch: Mid-September grazing targets
As the middle of September approaches, a number of key grazing targets begin to come into effect at farm level. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses mid-September grazing targets and gets updates from farmers Peter Byrne, Co. Kildare and Ciaran Bartley, Co. Limerick.
10 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Ireland's Nitrates Review
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 3rd September, Pat Murphy Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer was joined by Jack Nolan, Senior Inspector, DAFM, to discuss Ireland's Draft Nitrate Action Programme and the 2nd stage consultation.
08 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 7th September 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week; Grass10 Grazing tips; Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; update from dairy farmer Seamus Dolan in Co. Cavan on his grass situation; and information on the Teagasc Moorepark Open Day 2021.
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
06 September 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Fertiliser and closing off strategy
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday, 2nd September, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses late season fertiliser N and planning for spring grazing.
05 September 2021
Suckler calf weaning guidelines
At this time of year suckler farmers are planning on weaning calves with the majority being prepared for sale. Careful consideration should be taken by the farmer to ensure weaning doesn’t cause unnecessary stress or fall back in thrive. James Concannon, Teagasc Mayo Walsh Scholar, has a plan here
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
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter September 2021
This month’s Signpost newsletter features a guide to actions that dairy farmers can take to reduce emissions. We have the usual climate actions for the month as well as a timely video on lime application. We profile 3 Signpost farms – James Skehan (beef) Sean Collery (dairy) & Don Somers (tillage)
03 September 2021
Growth Watch: Time to consider meal supplementation to calves
Ensuring animals achieve the desired levels of daily weight gain is a critical element in successful calf-to-beef systems. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor, discusses this and gets updates from farmers Peter O’Hanrahan, Co. Kilkenny, and Jarlath Ruane, Co. Mayo.
03 September 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Refining fertiliser recommendations for extensively managed grassland
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 27th August, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Suzanne Higgins, Soil Scientist, AFBI to discuss refining fertiliser recommendations for extensively managed grassland.
02 September 2021
Human health advantages of pasture-derived milk fat products
Many people today believe that dairy fats are an “unhealthy’ part of our daily diet. However, this belief is not supported by current scientific evidence. Here, PhD Walsh Scholar student, Orla Skillington at VistaMilk talks about the human health advantages of pasture-derived milk fat products
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.
01 September 2021
Suckler Herd Management in September
There are a number of essential jobs that should take place over the coming weeks on suckler farms. Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc outlines those that will increase output and save costs and bring benefits over the coming year, if not for years ahead.
01 September 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 31st August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week; Grass10 Grazing tips; updates from Clonakilty research farm on grass-only versus grass-clover treatments and Farmers-John Galvin & Seán Barry GFOTY disadvantaged land, and Autumn grazing targets for beef farms;
31 August 2021
Autumn Reseeding – Overcoming the extra challenges
Traditionally many dairy farmers have looked to the autumn to carry out reseeding as their workloads reduce. Reseeding in the autumn presents far more challenges than early summer reseeds. James Moyles, Teagasc Advisor, Tullamore advises on the mistakes he has encountered with autumn reseeds.
30 August 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 23rd August 2021
Drafting of beef heifers has commenced at Newford. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, has details of the 5 finished Fiston heifers. The suckler cows and calves were weighed for BEEP S - see weights here; and get the current grassland situation on-farm
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
Drafting well under way in Co. Louth
Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist and Hugh Rooney, Teagasc Advisor catch up with long-time participant in the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme, Peadar Kearney. Farming near Louth village, Peadar runs a closed flock of 300 crossbred ewes plus replacements.
27 August 2021
Growth Watch: Deadline approaches for nitrogen and phosphorous applications
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss the approaching deadline for applications of chemical nitrogen and phosphorous fertilisers. They also get updates from farmers Pat Collins, Co. Cork, and Irvine Allen, Co. Westmeath.
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.
26 August 2021
Time for Spreading Lime
The benefits of correcting a lime deficiency are numerous. Lime can be safely spread any time of the year but planning and a more proactive approach to lime application would help increase application rates. John McCarthy, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Programme Advisor has some advice on spreading lime.
25 August 2021
Fodder Budget – Planning for Winter 2021
Now as the silage season approaches completion, it’s a good time to take stock of the amount of fodder in the yard. This exercise will highlight the amount of fodder you have and if you have enough for the stock you plan to carry over the winter. Eddie Webb has advice on how to do a fodder budget
25 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 24th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Grazing tips; Profile of dairy farmer Padraig Callanan, Co. Laois & sheep research demonstration farm update; and details of John Galvin farm walk.
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
24 August 2021
John Galvin - Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
John Galvin is the Sustainable Category Winner in the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition. Teagasc is hosting a dairy farm walk at John's farm in Dunmanway, Co. Cork, at 11am on August 26th.
23 August 2021
Economics around late calving cows
Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available as a bonus Dairy Edge podcast episode. In this webinar, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by James Dunne to discuss the economics around late calving cows.
23 August 2021
Pollution Prevention on Farm Roadways
A well designed and well maintained farm roadway has many benefits which must include pollution control. Farm roadways are widely acknowledged as a significant run off pathway. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, Tralee, has advice here on roadway layout to avoid run off to watercourses
22 August 2021
Endangered Corncrake making a welcome return
Corncrake numbers have declined in recent times, however they have increased again in 2021. Joanne Masterson, B&T Drystock Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, discusses corncrake friendly mowing and the Corncrake LIFE Project Scheme. She also sheds light on the future of this bird species.
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
19 August 2021
Growth Watch: Finishing at pasture commences
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, discuss how farmers in the programe are lessening the costs associated with winter finishing by moving to finishing stock off grass prior to housing. They also get updates from farmers Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath, & Shane Cranny Co. Carlow.
18 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 17th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grass10 Autumn Grazing tips, Autumn Fertiliser Application advice and details of Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 winner Thomas Hogan's farm walk this evening
18 August 2021
Multi-species swards grow more forage with less fertiliser, even under drought conditions
Six-species swards outperformed perennial ryegrass monocultures and were considerably more resistant to drought. New research from Teagasc, Johnstown Castle and Trinity College Dublin shows that multi-species mixtures out-yielded perennial ryegrass which received double the amount of fertiliser
17 August 2021
Assessing supply and demand for the autumn rotation
As we move into the latter part of August it’s important we start to plan and implement an autumn grazing plan on farms. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses grassland management, assessing the flock's grass demand, and building grass supply.
16 August 2021
Keep your dairy calves thriving this Summer
At this stage of the year it is time to review the progress of our replacement heifers (or all dairy bred calves) as they are the future of our milking herd. Here Martin Doyle, Teagasc Advisor, Enniscorthy has advice for management at grass, to ensure calf weights stay on track in late summer
16 August 2021
Danny Bermingham on flexible management to achieve top performance on challenging soils
Danny Bermingham joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with an insight into his dairy farm, including how his management practices differ from the standard guidelines.
16 August 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Autumn Grass Strategy
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday 29th July, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor to discuss an Autumn Grass Strategy.
15 August 2021
Thomas Hogan - Suckler Beef Grassland Farmer of the Year Farm Walk
Join us on the evening of Wednesday, 18 August at 7pm for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Suckler Beef Enterprise Category Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition, Thomas Hogan and family on their farm at Rathmartin Road, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary.
15 August 2021
Increasing soil pH reduces fertiliser derived N2O emissions
A new scientific paper from Teagasc has shown that getting soil pH right through a liming programme can significantly reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. The Teagasc Signpost Programme brings this important fact to our attention here
14 August 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Update on ASSAP and Water Quality restoration
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 16th July, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme was joined by Noel Meehan, ASSAP Manager, Teagasc and Joe Crockett, Dairy Sustainability Ireland to give an update on ASSAP and Water Quality restoration.
13 August 2021
Growth Watch: Planning for the Last Round of Grazing Begins Now
James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on planning for the last round of grazing & common problems that occur at farm level when achieving the desired rotation length. They also get updates from farmers Richard Long, Co Waterford, & Martin Connolly, Co Roscommon.
13 August 2021
Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season - Webinar
On Thursday, 5th August, John Douglas and Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland were joined by with David Brady, Heavy Soils farmer and John Galvin, Dry soils farmer to discuss building grass for an extended grazing season.
12 August 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Recent policy developments for managing grazing livestock in New Zealand
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday 23rd July, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme was joined by Ross Monaghan, Ag Research, New Zealand to discuss recent policy developments for managing grazing livestock in New Zealand – to lessen farming impact on water quality
11 August 2021
Building Autumn Grass
In a recent edition of the Let's Talk Dairy Series, Stuart Childs interviewed John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor, about setting up the farm for Autumn grass. Extra grazing days in the autumn are achieved by building grass cover during August. See the environmental benefits and get key tips here
11 August 2021
Sustainable Cattle Production Systems Showcased
The British Ambassador to Ireland, Paul Johnston joined the IFA President Tim Cullinan for a visit to the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research and Innovation centre, Grange, County Meath yesterday, Tuesday, 10 August to see the latest Teagasc research into sustainable pasture-based beef production
11 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 10th August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Building Grass - last week's webinar link; Flyer for Thomas Hogan’s farm walk & profile with dairy farmers in Cork and Meath on building grass this August
09 August 2021
Focus turns to Building Grass for the Autumn
John Greaney, Dairy Advisor on the Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme turns his focus to Building Grass for the Autumn as he outlines Autumn grazing targets and gives advice for high and lower stocked farms. John emphasises the importance of grass measuring and having a plan. Read more here
09 August 2021
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Grazing Utilisation Star Index
On this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday 22nd July, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Tomás Tubritt, Teagasc Moorepark to discuss the Grazing Utilisation Star Index.
08 August 2021
Complete a Fodder Budget now to Correct Winter Silage Deficits
James Concannon, Walsh Scholar highlights that a fodder budget is an effective tool when it comes to quantifying fodder requirements for your farm this Winter. Now is the best time to take action regarding your Winter fodder so any deficits can be addressed due to the grass still growing.
07 August 2021
High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect
Francis Gonley and his family run an all sheep farm on the outskirts of Sligo town. The farm is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, reports the latest on sheep performance and farm plan progress.
06 August 2021
Growth Watch: Building Bank of Autumn Grass Starts Now
James Fitzgerald and Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on using the break in weather to boost on growth in August and build grass reserves on your farm. They also get updates from farmers Ciaran Bartley, Co. Limerick, and Peter Byrne, Co. Kildare.
06 August 2021
Signpost Programme Update
Our demonstration farmers are currently engaging with the National Farm Survey (NFS) recorders. This month's research update is on the importance of getting soil pH right. Take a look at the warming stripes for Ireland from 1901 to 2020
06 August 2021
Environment Newsletter - August 2021
The latest edition of the Environment newsletter has information on: Low-input grassland; Message from Signpost - Why do farmers need to engage with climate action?; and Message from ASSAP - Tillage cover/catch crops can help water quality
04 August 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd August 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Neill Boland's grass situation; Grass10 Grazing Tips; Changing Focus to Autumn Grazing; David O’Leary's grazing update; Register for a webinar on Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season.
04 August 2021
Five reasons for farmers to engage with climate actions
Climate change is perhaps the greatest environmental challenge facing the world right now. Climate change is already happening with increasing temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and rising sea levels. Irish Agriculture contributes to 35% of the greenhouse gases produced in Ireland.
02 August 2021
What the Carbon Removal amendment means for Irish agriculture
On the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast, Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny John Paul Phelan joins Deirdre Glynn & Cathal Somers to discuss the new Carbon removal amendment to the Climate Action & Low Carbon Development bill.
01 August 2021
Why farm soils cause greenhouse gas emissions - and how to fix it
Hands up who is interested in soil? Anyone? Anyone at all? Tumbleweeds might roll past unless you are addressing a room full of avid gardeners and land managers. This article by Rosie O'Neill, Teagasc Walsh Scholar first appeared on RTÉ Brainstorm.
01 August 2021
Building Grass for an Extended Grazing Season Webinar
August is a critical time for grazing management, many farmers believe it is the beginning of the grass year. Find out why by joining the Grass10 Team & Michael O'Leary, PastureBase on Thursday 5th August at 7pm. Hear the experiences of David Brady, Heavy Soils farmer & John Galvin, Dry soils farmer
31 July 2021
Soil Sealing in Ireland
The July Map of the Month looks at the important issue of soil sealing in Ireland. Soil sealing is where the ground is covered with an artificial impervious layer - such as concrete. The map was produced as part of the new Terrain-AI project.
31 July 2021
Reseeding: The final piece of the jigsaw in Co. Carlow
Shane Cranny operates a calf to beef system in Myshall, Co. Carlow, where 70 autumn-born Holstein calves are purchased annually. Here Seán Cummins, Teagasc Green Acres Advisor shares some insight into Shane's farm and we get in-depth reseeding information from Shane himself in a short video
30 July 2021
Growth Watch: Rain to give much needed respite, but challenges persist
The extended dry spell has posed many challenges to the farmers in the Teagasc Green Acres Programme. James Fitzgerald & Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisors, give advice on dealing with cattle in different weather conditions. They also get farm updates from JP Hammersley & Irvine Allen.
30 July 2021
Soil health physical examination
TEAGASC researchers at Johnstown Castle and Oak Park, along with collaborators from UCD, have developed soil physical health tools to use at field or national monitoring network scales. Research Officers Owen Fenton, Dermot Forristal & Giulia Bondi bring us fascinating insight into Soil Health here
29 July 2021
Nitrogen Loss to Water in Agricultural Catchments
Every four years the Nitrates Directive is reviewed and changes are made to the regulations. 2021 is such a year. In Teagasc, the Agricultural Catchments Programme (ACP) studies water quality in 6 contrasting catchments across the country. Edward Burgess ACP, discusses some ACP study results here
28 July 2021
Fertiliser advice under prolonged dry soil conditions
Over the last 6 to 7 weeks soil moisture deficits (SMD) have continued to increase due to low rainfall in many parts of the country. At SMD above 50 mm growth becomes restricted. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist discusses Fertiliser N Application decisions in dry conditions
28 July 2021
Planning in preparation for weaning- how to prevent pneumonia?
With spring calving herds weaning calves in September-October, now is the time to plan your vaccination programme. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist, highlights that the number one cause of mortality in weanlings in 2020 was pneumonia and she has advice to prevent it on your farm here
28 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 27th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Ed Payne's grass situation; Grass10 Grazing Tips; Caroline Walsh's grazing update; Aidan Lawless, Johnstown Castle on grass/clover & multispecies trials and the team want your feedback here
27 July 2021
This is Dairying - Photo Competition
We know Irish dairy farmers are passionate about what they do and we want to celebrate their hard work by giving away some prizes. There's €500 for the winner plus runner up prizes. All you have to do is show us what you love about Irish dairying by submitting a photograph. You can enter here
27 July 2021
Quarantine drench – Avoid bringing resistant worms on to your farm
At this time of year a lot of sheep move between farms, whether its rams, breeding females or store lambs. Any new sheep entering flocks pose a potential biosecurity risk, in particular the risk of bringing resistant worms with them. Ciaran Lynch & Dr Orla Keane Teagasc discuss the quarantine drench
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
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 4
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Shane Cranny's farm; Key management tips; Calf mortality - a cost to the system and Antibiotic usage. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issues fortnightly. See it here
26 July 2021
Winning the 2nd half - how do cows experience your farm?
A lot happens in the first 150 days of the cow’s lactation but to a large extent the game is decided in the second half. How can we win the second half? Tom Fallon, Farm Buildings & Infrastructure Specialist wants to achieve five in a row (lactations for all cows) and has tips for achieving this
26 July 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Setting up your Fertiliser Spreader
In this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday 15th July, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, was joined by guest speaker Francis Quigley, Machinery Specialist at Kildalton College, Teagasc, and they discussed setting up your fertiliser spreader.
25 July 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 12th July 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, sums up the Breeding season on Newford Farm for 2021. He has an update on recent weights of the 16 month steers and 2021 calves, the arrival of the 2021-born replacement calves and the current grassland situation on-farm
25 July 2021
A day in the life of a young dairy farmer - Laura Hannon
On Wednesday 14th July, Laura Hannon hosted an Instagram takeover on the Teagasc account to give insight into a day in the life of a young dairy farmer. She gave an overview of her story, educational background and how she got into dairy farming. Watch as Laura takes you through her daily farm tasks
24 July 2021
Growth Watch: Complete heavier machinery work while ground conditions allow
The advice from the GreenAcres Advisors, Seán Cummins and James Fitzgerald, this week is to complete heavier machinery work, like spreading lime, while ground conditions allow. They bring us the Green Acres Growth Watch from the farms of Jarlath Ruane, Co. Mayo and Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath
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
Heat Stress in Cattle
Compared to other animals cattle cannot dissipate their heat load very well. Cattle do not sweat effectively and rely on respiration to cool down. Dr. Bernadette Earley, Teagasc Grange Researcher has produced a timely fact sheet to help farmers manage cattle on these hot days. Read it here
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.
21 July 2021
Know your blind spots
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Athenry talks about blind spots around tractors and has top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
21 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 20th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Grass10 Grazing Tips; James Humphrey’s on lowering fertiliser N; Taking care of reseeds; grass supply update from James Hoey, and grazing update from Pat Collins - Cattle GFOTY
20 July 2021
Farming Safely with Farm Machinery
Nearly half of farm accidents are caused by tractors, farm vehicles and machinery. Inexperienced operators, lack of concentration, human error, time pressure and unguarded parts like PTO shaft are the main causes of accidents. Teagasc Machinery Specialist, Francis Quigley has more here
20 July 2021
Status Orange: High Forest Fire Risk Warning
Teagasc is urging all involved in outdoor activity to exercise extreme caution and to heed the high level warning for fires in place for the coming week. In current dry weather and high temperature, a high fire risk is deemed to exist in all areas where dead grass, heather and gorse exist
19 July 2021
Cover crops: do the benefits outweigh the cost?
Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition specialist Mark Plunkett joins Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest episode of the Environment Edge to talk about cover crops.
18 July 2021
On-farm Steps to Benefit the Environment
Climate change and the Environment are real and urgent topics which will be with us for a long time to come. In this short video Peter Comer, Mayo ASSAP Advisor looks at a few of the "heavy hitters" that farmers can adopt right now which will have a significant positive impact on the environment
18 July 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Commercial dairy farming without fertilizer N
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 25th June, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme were joined by Dr James Humphreys, Teagasc Moorepark to discuss commercial dairy farming without fertilizer N.
17 July 2021
Managing Oversown Clover
Over-sown clover needs careful management this time of the year to ensure good establishment and persistency. Watch as Mike Egan, Teagasc researcher at Moorepark has good practical advice in this Teagasc Signpost video, on grazing and fertiliser management of over-sown clover in the grass sward
16 July 2021
Growth Watch: Focus turns to second-cut silage
Excellent quality silage plays a crucial role in the nutrition of both weanling & finishing stock on calf to beef farms. Séan Cummins, Teagasc GreenAcres Advisor has some advice on second-cut silage. Seán also caught up with Peter O’Hanrahan & Richard Long to get an update on their grass situation.
16 July 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar- Farmer Focus: "Protecting dung beetles while managing parasites, a positive feedback loop."
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 9th July, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme were joined by Bruce Thompson, dairy farmer to discuss "Protecting dung beetles while managing parasites, a positive feedback
14 July 2021
REAP Margins fencing date approaches
Aoife Leader, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, highlights how farmers can maintain and enhance field margins for farmland biodiversity bearing in mind that farmers availing of the REAP scheme may choose to fence these margins from livestock. For REAP this fencing must be in place by 15th July 2021. See more
14 July 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College Open Day
Clonakilty Agricultural College wishes to welcome you to their 2021 Covid-19 compliant Open Day taking place Thursday 15th July. The Guided Tours will run from 11am to 3pm and your place on the tour must be booked in advance. See more details here
14 July 2021
Best practice management of dairy calves in their first season at grass
Trials at Teagasc Johnstown Castle show performance of young dairy-bred beef calves in the first summer at grass can have a big impact on their subsequent lifetime performance. It is essential then that they meet their target daily gains during the summer. Martina Harrington Beef Specialist has more
14 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 13th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Eugene & Eoin Lawler grass supply update, Grass10 grazing tips, Grazing Update from GFOTY Heavy Soils winner - Sean Barry and William Burchill on becoming more efficient with Nitrogen
14 July 2021
When is the right time to control weeds?
Chris Maughan, Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, and Teagasc Beef specialist, Alan Dillon, are on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss weed control on farm.
13 July 2021
Breaking the Pathway of Phosphorus and Sediment entering Waterways
When farmers are applying fertilisers, cultivating, grazing or draining land close to watercourses, careful, site specific land management can minimise the risk of Phosphorus and sediment loss and help improve water quality. Ivan Kelly, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare has good advice here
13 July 2021
The role of cobalt supplementation
Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the role of cobalt supplementation in lambs.
12 July 2021
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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.
12 July 2021
Grassland and Cattle Management in July
July is an important month for getting second cut silage crops harvested and getting quality back in the sward and setting the farm up for a plentiful supply of quality grass in the autumn. John Galvin, B&T Drystock Adviser with Teagasc Galway/Clare tells us more
12 July 2021
Climate Actions for July
For the latest current and up to date farm advice from the Signpost Programme and for details of the Climate Actions that you should adopt for the month of July on your farm see here
12 July 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Roadways and Water Systems
In this episode of Let's Talk Dairy, which took place on Thursday, 1st July, host Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses roadways and water systems.
11 July 2021
Managing existing clover swards
Best practice grazing management is similar for grass-white clover swards and grass-only swards. Deirdre Hennessy, Teagasc Researcher talks here in a short video about Managing existing clover swards, mid-season fertiliser requirements, preventing bloat and more
11 July 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Newsletter Issue 3
This issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Aidan Maguire's farm; Key management tips; focus on weight targets and tracking thrive over previous years on the Green Acres farms. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter issues fortnightly. See it here
11 July 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar- High Nature Value Farmland in Ireland
On this episode of The Signpost Series on 2nd July, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Padraig Foley, Teagasc were joined by Dr James Moran, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) to discuss High Nature Value Farmland in Ireland.
10 July 2021
Growth Watch: Remember to replace what you take off
This week's GreenAcres Growthwatch comes from the farms of Pat Collins, Co. Cork and Martin Connolly, Co. Roscommon. James Fitzgerald & Seán Cummins, Green Acres Advisors provide advice on replacing what you take off. A typical bale of silage contains 10 units of N, 1.6 units of P and 10 units of K
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.
08 July 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter July 2021
This issue of the Teagasc Signpost e-newsletter features timely climate actions for July as well as a glossary of commonly used climate change terms. We meet Signpost Farmers Aidan Maguire and Tim Leader. Get useful tips on managing clover swards, minimising nitrates loss to water & research updates
08 July 2021
Maintaining cattle performance from mid-season to housing
A minimum of three weight recordings should be carried out on beef farms and preferably more. Alan Dillon Teagasc Beef Specialist, has advice here around rectifying sward quality to ensure good animal performance off grass and he has 3 sound tips for best practice cattle weighing
07 July 2021
Understanding pasture contamination and its implications for management
The current parasite challenge on pasture is made up of Nematodirus and other Strongyles larvae. While Nematodirus does not pose a large risk now don’t be surprised if it shows up in faecal egg count results. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist explains this and talks about pasture contamination
07 July 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th July 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Athenry Clover update, grazing tips & updates and Grazing Update from GFOTY- Sheep Category Winner Peter McGuinness, Co. Meath as he prepares for his farm walk this Wednesday 7th July
07 July 2021
What should I be dosing beef animals for now?
Orla Keane, Senior Researcher at Teagasc Grange, has some timely advice in relation to updating your herd health plan and parasite control on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
06 July 2021
BETTER Sheep Farming signposts the way in Kerry
Tomas O’ Leary's 40 hectare farm in Kerry is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Currently Protected Urea is applied every 3 weeks and lamb performance is up almost 10%. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep, Teagasc, has the latest from the mid-season ewe flock & contract rearing enterprise
06 July 2021
Record 3 (Movement of Slurry/FYM ) goes online
Farmers exceeding a stocking rate of 170kgs of organic N (Nitrogen from livestock), who do not avail of a Nitrates Derogation must export slurry / FYM off the farm to avoid penalties and notify DAFM. Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor Teagasc Castlerea explains that this Record 3 process is now online only
05 July 2021
The Starrett Family Dairy Farm
In 2020, the Starrett family was awarded the top prize in the NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. On Tuesday 29th June last, Richard and Wendy Starrett hosted this year’s National Milk Quality Farm Walk as a webinar and social media takeover. You can watch it all back here.
05 July 2021
Jason Melbourne on taking his herd from average to top performance in three short years
Jason Melbourne joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to give an insight into how built his career in dairy farming and how he has implemented learnings from the Agricultural College to take his herd from average to top performance in a short period of time.
04 July 2021
Sustaining the Effectiveness of Wormers in Sheep
At this time of year sheep farmers will be using wormers or anthelminthics to control gut worms in sheep. Enda O'Hart, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea, has clear advice in just four actions that sheep farmers can take to prolong the efficacy of commonly used wormers on the farm
04 July 2021
Reseeding success is vital
Reseeding grassland increases both quantity and quality of grass grown. Estimates vary, but new reseeds should grow some 20- 40% more grass and importantly most of this extra growth will occur in spring and autumn. Michael Donoghue, Dairy Advisor Teagasc Tuam, has advice for successful reseeding
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
03 July 2021
ASSAP Service: A typical Farm Assessment
The ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory programme) is a free advisory service aimed at improving water quality. There are 10 PAA’s (Prioritized areas for action) in West Cork. Lane Giles, ASSAP Advisor, Clonakilty explains what the service provides for the farmer in West Cork
02 July 2021
Growth Watch: Controlling weeds in May reseeds
The timing of reseeding plays a crucial role in the ability to control problematic weeds going forward. Where reseeding was completed earlier this year, there’s an opportunity to tackle problem weeds, like docks and chickweed, now. James Fitzgerald & Seán Cummins, Green Acres Advisors provide advice
01 July 2021
Tillage Establishment Systems and Grass Weed Webinar, from the North East
The second Tillage Establishment Systems and Grass Weed Webinar took place on Tuesday, 23rd June, as part of the Enable Conservation Tillage (ECT) project, focusing on tillage systems and grass weeds from the North East.
30 June 2021
When should breeding season end?
On Spring calving suckler farms the stock bull will need to be removed by the 15th July 2021 to ensure no calves are born in May next year. Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist discusses the implications of late calving cows and advises on the next steps to take now to get it right for next year
30 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; PastureBase Ireland data for the week for Dairy, Beef + Sheep farms; Grazing updates from Michael Carey; Teagasc Grange Dairy Calf to Beef and Noel Hurley Merit GFOTY, Grass10 and Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality
30 June 2021
Martin Connolly’s Beef Edge Masterclass on his Friesian bull beef system
Teagasc Green Acres dairy calf to beef participant, Martin Connolly, from Co. Roscommon gives a Beef Edge Masterclass on this week’s podcast episode.
29 June 2021
Tom & Peter McGuinness - 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmers of the Year - Farm Walk
Join us at 7pm on the evening of Wednesday, 7 July for a farm walk on the farm of the 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmer of the Year, Peter & Tom McGuinness on their sheep farm outside Trim, Co. Meath. Peter talks about their sheep farm in a short video here
29 June 2021
Don’t dose and move –short term gain vs long term
On this week’s episode of OviCast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by Dr. Orla Keane. Orla sets out what the key issue is with dosing and moving to clean pasture and in doing so she also explains what is considered to be clean and cleaner pasture on sheep farms.
27 June 2021
Signpost Series Webinar - A farmer's perspective on Biodiversity, Emissions and Water Quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held Friday, 11th June, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd and Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme were joined by Thomas Duffy, dairy farmer & past President of Macra Na Feirme for a farmer's perspective on Biodiversity, Emissions & Water Quality
27 June 2021
Sward height is key to lamb growth
Finishing lambs as quickly as possible from grass is one of the biggest challenges on a sheep farm. A key target for early to mid-March lambing flocks is to have 50% of lambs finished off grass by early September. Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor Navan, has advice on achieving this
26 June 2021
Best Practice when using Pesticides
It is important that all users take care and follow best practice procedure when using pesticides. Deirdre Glynn, ASSAP Advisor and Mark Trimble, Tillage Advisor, Kilkenny discuss safe storage and handling of chemicals, good sprayer maintenance and best practice when using pesticides on farm.
25 June 2021
National Milk Quality Virtual Farm Walk on Starrett Farm
The Starrett family farm hosts a webinar and social media takeover on Tuesday 29th June at 11am. The Starretts were overall winners of the 2020 NDC & Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards. A Fact sheet on the farm is outlined here along with registration details for the event. You won't want to miss this!
25 June 2021
Green Acres GrowthWatch in Kildare & Tipperary
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Peter Byrne and JP Hammersley.
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
24 June 2021
Fertiliser Guidelines for 2nd Cut Silage
Second cut silage is planned on many farms to replenish silage reserves for the coming winter. This crop tends to be lower yielding compared to first cut silage. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition and John Conroy, Teagasc Westport outline fertiliser guidelines for making 2nd cut silage
24 June 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 14th June 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, gives a detailed update for June on how breeding season is progressing on farm. Up to mid-June, all 81 cows were inseminated once. Breeding will finish on 6th July. Recent heifer weights and silage details also included
23 June 2021
Maintaining Quality in the Grass Sward
Alan Nolan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe has excellent practical advice on maintaining quality in the grass sward. The key message is to take some simple steps now to maintain grass quality and Alan lists these here. Walking the farm every week to monitor grass supply and quality is key
23 June 2021
John Maher’s tips for maintaining grass quality
With an increase in grass growth in the past few weeks the challenge now on farms is to maintain quality in the sward. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality.
23 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; Oisín Gallen's current grass situation; Moorepark Grass-Clover Research update; Grass10 grazing tips; John Douglas video on managing a new reseed; John Maher's top tips on managing grass quality and JP Hammersley, GFOTY Sustainable Grassland update
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
Online farm discussion groups help support students learning
Students of Mountbellew Agricultural College & GMIT participated in a study in Spring 2021. It examined the effectiveness of online peer-learning in supporting students in grassland management and practice change at farm level. Lecturer, Martin Mulkerrins presented the results at ESEE2021 Conference
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.
22 June 2021
Making quality silage - Factsheet
High-quality silage of 72-74 DMD (dry matter digestibility) is central to the success and profitability of all calf to beef systems. It can deliver the levels of animal performance needed without excessive meal feeding. Get the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef 'Making Quality Silage' Fact sheet here
21 June 2021
Thinking of becoming a Dairy farmer?
"Converting to dairy involves a major commitment and sizeable capital outlay...therefore you need to be sure you are making the right decisions." In September the Teagasc Dairy Start-up course commences for farmers interested in converting their farm to milk production. Find out more here
21 June 2021
Donegal farmer Richard Starrett on championing high quality milk
NDC & Kerrygold milk quality award winner, Richard Starrett, and his Teagasc dairy advisor, Tommy Doherty, join Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to give insight into Richard’s farm system and how good management decisions culminated in recognition in prestigious milk quality award
21 June 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Nitrogen planning & application
On this episode of 'Let's Talk Dairy' which took place on Thursday, 10th June, Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist, was joined by Michael O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland to discuss nitrogen planning & application.
19 June 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter June 2021
Welcome to the first e-newsletter for the Signpost Programme. The Signpost e-newsletter will be published monthly. It will provide you with news from the Signpost Programme, technical articles, policy and research updates as well as profiling Signpost Farmers from across the country.
18 June 2021
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Taking an opportunity to apply the ‘forgotten fertiliser’
Historically, Irish farmers applied lime on a little and often basis. Now only 50% of the national lime requirement is applied. Lime corrects soil pH, grows more grass and improves how the soil uses Nitrogen & Phosphorus fertilisers. Seán Cummins GreenAcres Advisor encourages Lime application now
17 June 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Newsletter: Issue 1 - June 2021
The first issue of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme e-Newsletter has an update on Pat Collin's farm, Castlemartyr, Co. Cork; Best Practice in Dosing; Key management tasks; Calf purchases and purchase price. The Green Acres Calf to Beef e-Newsletter will issue fortnightly.
16 June 2021
Stay safe with Cattle this summer
With cattle out grazing and breeding season at full steam on many farms it is important to keep a focus on safety with livestock. Interactions with cattle are necessary so each interaction must be planned and managed carefully to avoid risk. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist advises
16 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th June 2021
Get the latest from the Grass10 team including; John OGorman's current grass situation after another week of high growth rates; Grass10 grazing tips; video link for N planner use on Pasturebase; link to your nearest weather station for weather data & reports; David Brady, Merit GFOTY update and more
15 June 2021
Weaning Autumn born Suckler Calves
Many autumn born suckler calves are now being weaned. It is important to try to reduce stress as much as possible during weaning. Áine O'Riordan, Teagasc Advisor, Cork West and Aidan Murray Teagasc Beef Specialist discuss meal feeding as part of the BEEP-S weaning option here
14 June 2021
The practical steps to overcoming issues on farms with heavier soils
Teagasc researcher Pat Tuohy joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give an insight into the key issues that arise on farms with heavier soils and practical steps to overcome these issues.
14 June 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Fertilizer for second cut silage / surplus bales
In the latest episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which took place on the 3rd of June, Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist discusses fertilizer requirements for second cut silage and also in terms of surplus silage taken off of milking platforms over the last couple of days.
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.
12 June 2021
Getting Lamb Performance Back on Track
Watch out for poor lamb performance where grass supply may have been inadequate recently. March lambing flocks, where ewes have passed their peak milk supply and grass accounts for a bigger portion of the lamb’s diet may be most impacted. Teagasc Mayo advisor Andy Ryder has some advice.
12 June 2021
Tillage Establishment Systems and Grass Weed Webinar, from the South East
Tillage Establishment Systems and Grass Weed Webinar which took place on Tuesday, 8th June, as part of the Enable Conservation Tillage (ECT) project, focusing on tillage systems and grass weeds from the South East.
11 June 2021
Environment Newsletter - June 2021
This month's Teagasc Environment newsletter has information and advice on: REAP the benefits; Measures to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters from January 1, 2021; and Message from ASSAP - Protect our bathing waters.
10 June 2021
Target Grazing Covers on Beef Farms
What are your targets when it comes to good grassland management for suckler cows, weanlings and beef cattle? Is it that they have enough grass in front of them so that they do not run tight on grass? This is not enough explains Pearse Kelly, Head Drystock Knowledge Transfer
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
09 June 2021
Green Acres Calf to Beef - Midlands GrowthWatch June 2021
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Aidan Maguire and Irvine Allen
09 June 2021
Grazing heavy covers on beef farms
Some farmers are now dealing with heavier covers than usual on farm, whether from an increase in growth rate or a late turnout to grass. Once pre-grazing yields go over 1600kgDM/Ha, grass quality drops and reduced liveweight gain in cattle. Mícheál Kelly, Teagasc Athenry Advisor has grazing advice
09 June 2021
Insights from Sligo Contract Rearer, Kieran Kielty
Contract rearer Kieran Kielty from Co.Sligo joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how he operates a contract heifer rearing system.
09 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th June 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. Includes another week of high growth rates expected, fertilising for 2nd cut silage, incorporating clover, Grass10 grazing tips, grass situation in south Galway & grazing update from suckler GFOTY Thomas Hogan, Tipperary
08 June 2021
Fine tuning dairy bull beef in Co. Roscommon
Martin Connolly farms part-time near Castleplunket, Co. Roscommon and runs a calf-to-beef system taking dairy-bred male calves, through to slaughter as bulls at 20-24 months of age. The farm is in the Teagasc Green Acres calf to beef programme since 2019. James Fitzgerald, Programme Advisor has more
08 June 2021
Running a contract rearing operation alongside your flock
John O'Connell is a BETTER farm sheep programme participant and farms on the outskirts of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. He runs a sheep and contract grazing system. Ciaran Lynch Teagasc Sheep specialist & Tom Coll Teagasc Advisor, discuss the resulting changes and grassland management improvements here
07 June 2021
Multi Species Swards – a farmer’s perspective
Kevin O’Hanlon farm manager on a busy dairy farm in county Wexford joins to Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to discuss his experience with multi species swards.
06 June 2021
Silage Season Safety Check
We're now in one of the busiest times on farms as silage is being harvested. It's also one of the most high risk times due to increased movement of machinery and people on our roads and farms. Jacinta O'Neill, Teagasc Advisor, Westport, has a useful safety checklist to consider for silage season
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.
05 June 2021
Water Protection measures since 1st January 2021 – do they affect my farm?
Many farmers have asked about water protection measures that have been in place since the start of 2021 and if these apply to their farms. These measures were introduced to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters to improve water quality. Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist has the answers here
05 June 2021
Ger McSweeney - Innovative Farm Programme
Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Advisor, Kanturk and Suckler to beef farmer Ger McSweeney outline how he is improving the technical efficiencies on his farm resulting in reduced Carbon footprint for every Kg of beef he produces. He is achieving this through the Innovative Farm Programme: Life Beef Carbon
05 June 2021
Getting Silage Quality Right in 2021
Silage makes up 25-40% of the annual diet on beef and dairy farms depending on the length of the winter across the county. Decisions made at farm level, over the coming weeks will have a huge impact on the quality of silage fed next winter. Drystock Specialist Catherine Egan gives some advice.
04 June 2021
Building forage reserves
Joe Patton, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, & Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Regional Manager recommend that farms build a rolling silage reserve of 2 bales/head or about 1 month’s feeding for a mature cow, into their silage plans, to offset against future shortfalls in fodder due to non-seasonal weather.
04 June 2021
Farming with Nature
John Oates is farming just north of Sligo Town. Whitethorn hedgerows provide field boundaries and shelter and shade for livestock. Environment and Technology Advisor Peter Mullan gives more information on how John is farming with the natural environment
03 June 2021
Teagasc Green Acres – Reducing number of sources for Dairy Bred calves
The profitability of the dairy beef enterprise depends largely on the quality of calf that is purchased. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises purchasing from reliable suppliers, and ensuring to purchase calves that are good weight for age, as this is crucial to limiting calf mortality.
03 June 2021
Getting the Spread Right
Fertiliser is one of the most expensive inputs on the farm so you need to ensure that it is applied correctly, not only for your wallet but also for the environment. Here, Francis Quigley Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist, talks about safety, checking the spreader, machine settings and calibration
02 June 2021
Get the Facts on Applying Lime
Isn't it about time you applied lime? Don't rely on hearsay - stick to the facts. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle highlights 10 facts every farmer should know about applying lime. When is the ideal time to apply lime? What about lime and slurry? Can I apply lime and urea? Get answers here
02 June 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st June 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. As paddocks are cut for 1st cut silage & surplus bales, now is a perfect time to consult soil sample results and apply lime to these paddocks. Read more on this, on applying P& K, GFOTY young farmer grazing update & more
01 June 2021
How grass can be made into milk and cheese
On World Milk Day Teagasc Staff; Marion Beecher, Emer Kennedy, Eimear Ferguson and Margie Egan, are together addressing the questions you have about cows. How much does a cow eat and drink in a day? How much milk does a cow produce and what is the milk used for? More questions & more answers here...
01 June 2021
Weighing up the companion forages
This week’s episode of OviCast finds out about an ongoing study between Teagasc and UCD examining how companion forages – chicory, plantain, red and white clover - perform alongside a perennial ryegrass sward in sheep systems.
01 June 2021
Increasing the productivity of a grass based, mid-season lambing system
Shane Moore, BETTER Farm sheep participant has been developing the farm infrastructure in recent years to allow him to increase output from his flock while controlling costs and improving profitability. Join our Let’s Talk Sheep webinar series this Thursday evening at 8pm and hear all. Register here
31 May 2021
Sustainable Grassland Management Course
Research shows that good grassland management and grazing high quality grass substantially reduces the emissions of gasses: methane, nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia. Tom Murphy, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Athenry discusses the mandatory Grassland Management Course for derogation farmers here
31 May 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College May Dairy Update
James Daunt, Dairy teacher at Clonakilty Agricultural College provides a May update on Dairying at the College. He talks about nearing the end of the 2021 breeding season, current milk results, grassland management and looking forward to cutting silage, in a short video here
31 May 2021
The targets to maximise grass utilisation and minimise costs during the main grazing season
Grass 10 advisor Joseph Dunphy joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge to remind us of the important targets to maximise grass utilisation and minimise costs during the main grazing season.
31 May 2021
Let' Talk Dairy - Grass Management
On this episode of The Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy specialist talks about Grass management.
30 May 2021
Greenhouse Gases – Innovative Farm Programme
The Innovative Farm Programme project aims to promote innovative livestock farming systems and associated practices to ensure the technical, economic, environmental and social sustainability of beef farms. Graham Waters, Naas Advisor and Ricky Milligan discuss the benefits of it on Ricky' s farm
30 May 2021
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Grass Management
In this bonus podcast episode, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, discusses grass management topics: the national growth grass curve, number of covers this year to date, current farm situations, maximising grass for quality and utilisation and improving grass quality.
28 May 2021
Too much grass can be a problem too!
As we are heading into a period where grass growth exceeds grass demand, dairy farmers will need to be extra vigilant that they don’t fall into the trap of grazing grass covers that are ‘gone too strong’. James Moyles, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Co. Offaly has options for managing grass and quality here
27 May 2021
Agriculture and Water
Paula Browne, ASSAP Adviser, Teagasc Clare looks at ways to minimise losses of nutrients, sediment and pesticides to water from farming. A number of key considerations should be central to minimising any pollution potential to our watercourses and these are outlined here.
27 May 2021
Could your Farm benefit from Alternative Fodder Crops?
In the next few months we will see farmers saving their winter feed. Grass growth last week from Pasturebase Ireland was 57kgDM/ha similar to the same week last year at 60kg DM/ha. Improvement is expected, however Keith Fahy, Athenry Advisor, looks at alternatives for farmers as a winter feed source
26 May 2021
Gearing up for grazing 2021
Weeks of poor grass growth leading to shortfall in grass supply versus demand has been difficult. As grass is now at or near heading stage, quality needs managing. Improving grazing infrastructure on farm allows better control of grass. Catherine Egan Beef Specialist explains exactly how to do this
26 May 2021
Controlling lameness in sheep
Lame sheep do not thrive to their full potential (lower growth rates, fertility and survival) and this loss in production combined with the cost of treating lame sheep represents a huge cost to sheep farmers. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep KT, outlines the steps to reduce lameness in sheep
26 May 2021
An update on the breeding season from the Derrypatrick herd
Derrypatrick herd Manager, Michael McManus, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the breeding season.
26 May 2021
Managing Margins with Nature in Mind
Thinking "outside the field" and managing the margins with nature in mind can contribute to the improvement of biodiversity on Irish farms. Aoife Leader, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, highlights some key actions that farmers can take to retain, maintain and enhance field margins for farmland biodiversity
25 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week for dairy, beef & sheep farms; updates on Grassland Farmer of the Year sheep and heavy soils farms; difficult grazing conditions & grass/clover trial update from Teagasc Clonakilty
25 May 2021
Slurry Storage, Have you enough?
The impact of dairy farming systems on the environment is of critical importance in gaining access to premium dairy markets that will return a good milk price to the farmer. Tom Curran, Regional Manager, Cork West and Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist, Teagasc discuss slurry storage as a key factor
25 May 2021
Continuing the Sheep Farming journey
Trim farmer Peter McGuinness, who won the 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmer of the Year, and Edward Egan, Teagasc advisor Navan, Co Meath, review the lambing season and look forward to summer management.
25 May 2021
Getting clover into the system – consider over-sowing?
Incorporating clover into a sward has multiple benefits in livestock systems and to discuss this in more detail on this week’s OviCast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by Dr Philip Creighton.
24 May 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Cutting for Quality Silage
In the latest episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist discusses how to cut for the highest quality of silage.
23 May 2021
Results of Teagasc Protected Urea trial finds no residues
A new scientific paper was published in the past week with results from a trial on using protected Urea on the Teagasc farm at its Environment research centre, Johnstown castle. Irish farmers are being encouraged to switch from using CAN fertiliser to protected Urea, as part of reducing emissions
23 May 2021
Lowering the Carbon Footprint of Milk Production at Solohead Research Farm
Following rapid expansion there is an immense challenge to lower the environmental impact of dairy farming. At Solohead Research Farm we have designed and tested systems for lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of milk production. James Humphreys, Researcher has details in a short video here
22 May 2021
Unlocking Silage Potential
Silage quality ranges from 58% - 78% dry matter digestibility (DMD) nationally, but the average is poor at 65% DMD. Having silage of high quality (70% DMD+) will ensure good daily liveweight gains and cuts down on meal costs. Gabriel Trayers Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Tuam advises on high DMD silage
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
Growing Maize Silage Considerations
Eighty percent of maize in Ireland is grown specifically for the production of maize silage and can be used as a winter feed in both dairy and beef production systems. While grass is the most popular winter feed, Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor outlines why maize silage might be worth considering
20 May 2021
"Bee kind" farming
Today is #WorldBeeDay and Teagasc encourages farmers to adopt "Bee kind" farming, to look at ways of improving habitats and enhance biodiversity to support wild bees on Irish farmland. In Ireland there are 77 solitary bee species, 21 bumble bee species and 1 honey bee species.
20 May 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Water Quality: the challenge of understanding and valuing it
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 14th May, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Bernie O’Flaherty, Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) to discuss water quality: the challenge of understanding and valuing it.
19 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & grazing tips for the week; managing mid-season grass; grazing updates from farmers; William Burchill discusses mid-season nitrogen application & Pat Collins social media takeover on Wed 19 May
19 May 2021
Newford Notes - Week of 10th May 2021
Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, gives a detailed update on how the breeding season is progressing on farm. So far 93% of breeding cows have been inseminated in the first 3 weeks of breeding. Tail painting is used and Michael outlines sire criteria here
19 May 2021
3rd European Beef Carbon Farmers’ Network - Webinar
The 3rd European farmers’ network webinar took place on Tuesday, 4th May 2021. Innovative grass-based Irish beef producers gave an insight into how they're improving beef carbon footprint.
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
Social Media Takeover with Pat Collins
Join Pat Collins, Cattle (Non-Suckling) Grassland Farmer Of The Year 2020, on our social media accounts on Wednesday 19th May as he takes us through a day in the life on his farm.
17 May 2021
Meet the Teagasc Signpost Team
The new Signpost Programme – Farmers for Climate Action, will be launched tomorrow Tuesday, 18 May. Today we meet the Signpost Programme team who will work with farmers, and the partner organisations to prompt climate action by all Irish farmers.
17 May 2021
Quantifying the impact of recent growth rates on 1st cut silage crops
On this week’s episode of The Dairy Edge, dairy specialist James Dunne joins Emma-Louise Coffey to quantify the impact of recent growth rates on 1st cut silage crops.
17 May 2021
Delaying silage cutting date will have negative effects on silage quality & quantity for dairying
Grass silage makes up about a quarter of the annual feed budget on the average dairy farm. With below average growth rates in late April/early May, James Dunne, Dairy Specialist Ballyhaise, answers the common question: “should silage cutting date be delayed to allow first cut yields to increase?”
17 May 2021
How to harvest quality silage
With the silage season upon us, on the latest episode of the Environment Edge, Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn chat to Teagasc dairy advisor in Kilkenny Pat Moylan about the cold dry spring and tips on how to harvest quality silage.
17 May 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Weed Control
In the latest episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Dairy Specialist is joined by Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist to discuss weed control, following up on the recent webinar with Deirdre Hennessy on establishing grass-white clover swards.
16 May 2021
The Teagasc Signpost Programme Launch
The official launch of The Teagasc Signpost Programme, a collaborative programme to lead climate action by Irish farmers and their transition towards more sustainable farming systems.
15 May 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Role of grass breeding & evaluation to increase the sustainability of pasture-based systems
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar held Wednesday 12th May, Michael O'Donovan, Head of Grassland Science, was joined by Patrick Conaghan, Stephen Byrne & Tomas Tubritt, Teagasc Researchers to discuss the role of grass breeding & evaluation to increase sustainability of pasture systems
15 May 2021
Farming Tips for May
Emma Sherlock, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, Clonakilty Advisory picks out a few key management actions farmers should be taking on during the month of May. These include care of the replacement heifer & breeding targets, farm safety at silage making, grass & fertiliser update and flock health
14 May 2021
Plan a Safe Silage Season in 2021
The weather has been cold of late and that has delayed the silage season but as the season gets into ‘full swing’ attention to safety is critical at silage making. Plan a safe silage season is a key message from John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists here
13 May 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk with Jarlath and Austin Ruane
On Thursday 13th May, Jarlath and Austin Ruane, farmer participants of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme hosted a virtual event from their farm in Claremorris, Co. Mayo through the use of social media and video. You can watch back the footage here to gain an insight into their farm
13 May 2021
Beware of wild flower mixes as you might get more than you paid for
The highly invasive Blackgrass weed was found in a commercial wildflower mixture that was grown in an experimental plot in Carlow. If this weed is widespread in mixtures which were planted on farms, schools, gardens, and amenity areas across the country it poses a huge risk of contamination to crops
13 May 2021
Let's Talk Sheep Webinar - Silage Making on Sheep Farms
Host Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist was joined by Dr. Tim Keady, Teagasc Researcher on this episode of the Let's Talk Sheep webinar series which took place on Thursday, 6th May to discuss silage making on sheep farms.
12 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 11th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & grazing tips for the week; grazing updates from GFOTY category winners, the Galvins - new entrants to dairy and from Philip Creighton, Athenry sheep research farm; plus reseeding & clover info
12 May 2021
Why all the fuss about sulphur?
Sulphur (S) is an important nutrient for grassland production, and is closely associated with nitrogen uptake and efficiency. If there is a sulphur deficiency present it will decrease the nitrogen use efficiency and reduce yield. Martina Harrington Beef Specialist outlines the importance of Sulphur
12 May 2021
Top Tips for Making Quality Silage
Teagasc drystock advisor Terry Carroll and beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the importance of harvesting silage and the ensiling process in making top quality silage.
11 May 2021
Making quality silage for sheep
The guideline silage requirement for the average lowland ewe is 0.15 tons pit silage/ewe/month or 0.19 bales/ewe/month. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist Teagasc Athenry, discusses making quality silage for sheep, has tips for successful silage making and a link to a recent webinar on it here
10 May 2021
The Benefits of Using Low Emission Slurry Spreading on Drystock Farms this Summer
Low Emissions Slurry Spreading technology (LESS) has become a common sight on Galway farms in recent years. Umbilical pipes, dribble bars, trailing shoes and injection systems are replacing the traditional splash plate. Bryan Donnelly, Advisor Teagasc Galway highlights the benefits of LESS
09 May 2021
Will it ever Grow?
Mícheál Kelly, Advisor, Teagasc Galway is somewhat frustrated with the weather effect on grass growth currently but takes hope from Grass Growth Predictions for the week ahead. He stresses the importance of getting fertiliser out now, getting good grass utilisation and planning for silage making
09 May 2021
Research Insights Webinar - Using white clover to reduce chemical nitrogen application and increase animal performance
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar which took place on Wednesday, 28th April, Padraig French, Head of Livestock Systems Department and Dairy Enterprise Leader was joined by panellists to discuss using white clover to reduce chemical nitrogen application and increase animal performance.
08 May 2021
Danny Bermingham Virtual Farm Walk
On Thursday, 6th May, Danny Bermingham, 2018 Disadvantaged Land Grassland Farmer of the Year and participant in the Teagasc Heavy Soils programme hosted a virtual event from his farm through the medium of video and social media.
07 May 2021
New Anaerobic Digestion (AD) project commences
Teagasc recently held the first online meeting of the technical working group for a new Anaerobic Digestion (AD) project called FLEET. Teagasc economist Dr Fiona Thorne is the principal investigator on the FLEET project, supported by the SEAI Research and development fund. Read more here
07 May 2021
Teagasc Green Acres Virtual Farm Walk - Jarlath and Austin Ruane
'Making a Success in the West' is what Jarlath & Austin Ruane, farmer participants of the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef Programme are demonstrating in a virtual farm walk taking place on their Claremorris farm on Thursday, 13 May. Here they run calf to beef and lowland sheep enterprises part-time
07 May 2021
The Signpost Series - Water quality – national problems, local solutions
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 30th April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Jenny Deakin, EPA to discuss water quality – national problems, local solutions.
05 May 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 4th May 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Grass supply & reseeding update from Michael Carroll, Limerick; Nitrogen Planning with PBI; Grazing update from JP Hammersley GFOTY Sustainable Winner; Webinar & booklet on White Clover
05 May 2021
Heavy Soils Programme Social Media Takeover with Danny Bermingham
Join Danny Bermingham on our social media accounts on Thursday 6th May as he takes us through a day in the life on his heavy soils dairy farm
05 May 2021
REAP - The Facts
Teagasc has produced a Factsheet and a video on the new Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP). Find out more here and listen to what Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist has to say about REAP. Expressions of Interest must be lodged with DAFM by Monday May 10th
05 May 2021
Short of grass in May? What are the options?
We have had an unusual spring in terms of growth. Weather has been much harsher and colder than usual. Recent lower than normal growth rates may result in low grass covers and shortages on farm. Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist has four useful suggestions to help and advises taking action now
04 May 2021
Let's Talk Sheep - Silage Making on Sheep Farms
On Thursday, 6th May at 8pm the Teagasc Let’s Talk Sheep Webinar will cover the topic of silage production on sheep farms for one hour. Dr. Tim Keady, Teagasc researcher will discuss the key factors involved in making high feed value silage. You won't want to miss it.
04 May 2021
Reseeding & Clover Management with PastureBase Ireland
On Wednesday 5th May at 7pm join John Douglas, Micheal O'Leary and Joseph Dunphy from Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase along with Michael Egan, Grassland Researcher, and dairy farmer James Barber as they go through reseeding and clover management using PastureBase Ireland.
04 May 2021
Farmer Focus: Paddocks, residuals, regrowth and measuring performance in Co Louth
Peadar Kearney from Co Louth who is running a high output sheep only system where measuring and managing play a key role, joins Ciarán Lynch on this week’s OviCast.
04 May 2021
The Signpost Series - The BRIDE Project
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 23rd April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by Donal Sheehan, Manager of the BRIDE Project to give an overview of the Project, results-based payments and how farmers can be rewarded for environmental improvement.
03 May 2021
Best Practice for Pesticides & Alternative Methods for Weed Control
Kieran Kenny, Teagasc ASSAP advisor and member of the National Pesticide & Drinking Water Action Group joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast.
03 May 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Establishing grass-white clover swards
In this episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs is joined by Dr. Deirdre Hennessy to give an overview of the establishment of grass-white clover into our swards.
02 May 2021
April 2021 Teagasc BETTER Sheep Farm Focus - Kevin Carey
As lambing is winding down grazing management and husbandry are key to ensure lambs perform. Frank Campion Teagasc Sheep Researcher Mellows Campus, Athenry gives an update on the progress of the Carey Family farm since joining the Teagasc Better Sheep farm programme in Autumn 2020.
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
Clonakilty Agricultural College April Dairy Update
James Daunt, Dairy teacher at Clonakilty Agricultural College provides an April update on Dairying at the College. He talks about the 2021 breeding season, current milk results, grassland management, fertiliser and clover over-sowing, in a short video here
01 May 2021
Reseeding for Greener Pastures
Reseeding is a considerable investment at €200-300/acre, so assess first as it may be a change of management that is required instead. It’s worth making sure that reseeding is done right. Niall Treanor, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway advises on this and discusses the benefits of reseeding here
30 April 2021
Can you REAP the rewards?
The deadline for farmers to apply for the Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP), a new Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) Pilot programme, is fast approaching. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist urges eligible farmers to apply before May 10th
29 April 2021
Careful management required to ensure grass supplies are maintained
Lambing for the lowland Teagasc BETTER farm sheep flocks is all but complete at this stage. The focus has now firmly turned to ensuring the flock is performing at grass. Researcher Frank Campion has advice on managing grass given the current cold weather.
29 April 2021
Let's Talk Cattle - Breeding Efficiency into the Irish Suckler Herd
In the latest episode of the Let's Talk Cattle webinar series, Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist is joined by Andrew Cromie from ICBF to give an overview of the Beef, Data & Genomics Programme (BDGP).
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
28 April 2021
Caroline Walsh Virtual Farm Walk
On April 21st, Caroline Walsh, overall and dairy category winner of the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition hosted a virtual event from her farm through the medium of video, social media and live webinar
28 April 2021
April - Wildfires in Ireland
The April Map of the month shows the number of current active wildfires (as of the 25th) detected by NASA Fire detection service. There are a surprising number across the country. Each month the Teagasc spatial analysis unit use data from a number of sources and share it as a map to assist farming
28 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 27th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Grass10 tips; grazing updates from Alan Duggan, new entrant Mayo Dairy farmer & GFOTY Winner Caroline Walsh; new clover booklet and Joe Patton, Dairy Specialist on suspected P deficiency
28 April 2021
Weaning Tips from the Green Acres Farms
With calves being weaned on dairy calf to beef farms across the country, Teagasc Green Acres programme advisors Sean Cummins & James Fitzgerald join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with top tips on weaning, advice for the year ahead and an update on the farms.
27 April 2021
Advantages of rotational grazing systems for Sheep
Set stocking or continuous grazing systems are commonly operated on Irish sheep farms: sheep graze the same grassland area throughout the grazing season. Rotational grazing systems offer greater flexibility in grassland management, as Philip Creighton, Teagasc Grassland Researcher, Athenry outlines
26 April 2021
Major Focus on Clover establishment and Management in 2021
A clover booklet ‘Management and establishment of grass-white clover swards’ for 2021 is being launched by Teagasc today, Monday, 26 April. Agriculture in Ireland is under ever increasing pressure to reduce nitrogen fertiliser use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase nitrogen use efficiency
26 April 2021
The Importance of Wetlands
A combination of geology and abundant rain has endowed Ireland with an extraordinary array of wetlands covering some 20% of the country. While most wetlands occur naturally they may also be artificially created. Mary Roache Mayo ASSAP Advisor has examples of a variety of wetlands that occur on farms
26 April 2021
How to maintain grass growth at lower levels of chemical Nitrogen
Deirdre Hennessy joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to give tips and advice on maintaining grass production whilst spreading lower levels of chemical Nitrogen.
25 April 2021
Spraying accurately
Spraying plant protection products (fungicides, insecticides and herbicides) is a critical operation on most crop producing farms. Dermot Forristal, Teagasc Research Officer has practical advice here on application rate, nozzles, correct spraying pressure & forward speed, and developing technology
25 April 2021
Offaly dairy farmers using short videos to keep in touch during Covid Lock Down
Three dairy discussion groups across south county Offaly have found a novel way of ‘virtually’ visiting each other’s farms during the current lock down restrictions. Jim Moyles, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Tullamore explains how this came about and how it is working out for the groups he facilitates
25 April 2021
Research Insights Webinar - New insights into feeding dairy cows at pasture
On a recent Teagasc Research Insights webinar which took place on Wednesday, 14th April, Michael O'Donovan, Head of Grassland Science, Teagasc was joined by Michael Dineen, Research Officer to discuss new insights to feeding dairy cows at pasture.
24 April 2021
Quality vs Quantity- How do I maximise silage yield per hectare?
Every winter the importance of good quality silage is emphasised. There are multiple benefits such as reduced concentrate input and increased weigh gain at lower costs. Teagasc Specialist Catherine Egan and Drystock Advisor Joe Hand have information and advice.
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
Tree and hedge management in Ballyhaise College
Steven Meyen, Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc talks from experience about how trees can add so much to farm hedges. Benefits include shelter, biodiversity, improvement in microclimate, carbon sequestration and landscape value. We also get a glimpse of tree and hedge management at Ballyhaise
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
23 April 2021
Low milk fat at grass - explained
Cows in most cases are often milking very well, have good appetites and look otherwise healthy. So, why the low milk fat?John McNamara, Co-ordinator of the Teagasc/Carbery Joint programme, explains why low milk fat at grass can arise. John also has some key management guidelines to bear in mind
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
Newford Notes - Week of 12th April 2021
Calving on Newford Farm is now complete for 2021 in just 10 weeks. The results are summarised here. Michael Fagan, Technician of the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Athenry, now turns his attention to breeding starting on 21st April. He gives details on sires selected and maiden heifer breeding
21 April 2021
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves?
Like cryptosporidia, coccidiosis is caused by protozoa but rather than present as a problem in calves shortly after birth, coccidiosis will tend to show in calves that are slightly older. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has more information on the signs, treatment and prevention of coccidiosis
21 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 20th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; grazing updates from various GFOTY winners; Starting 2nd rotation Sheep Update - Philip Creighton, Teagasc, Athenry PLUS Caroline Walsh Overall GFOTY 2020 social media takeover and more
21 April 2021
Quality vs Quantity - how do I maximise silage yield per hectare?
Teagasc Drystock advisor Joe Hand joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss how to maximise silage yield this year on your farm.
20 April 2021
Caroline Walsh Grassland Farmer of the Year - Social Media Takeover & Live Interview
Join Caroline Walsh, 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year, on the Teagasc social media accounts as she takes us through "A day in the life...." on her dairy farm in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork
20 April 2021
Fertilising for a Crop of Quality Silage
On many farms producing average to poor quality silage is somewhat the norm. Cattle or sheep fed this silage will have reduced growth rates and below optimal levels of reproductive performance in breeding females. Austin Callaghan, Teagasc Advisor, Claremorris outlines how to improve silage quality
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
20 April 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Multi-species Swards
In this episode of The Signpost Series webinar, which took place on Thursday, 1st April, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd is joined by guest speakers Dr. Helen Sheridan and Prof. Tommy Boland, UCD to discuss multi-species swards - sward and animal performance under reduced nitrogen fertiliser inputs.
19 April 2021
Thoughts Turn to Breeding
As end of calving season arrives on many farms, focus now turns to preparation for breeding. Management of the herd in the weeks prior to breeding ultimately has a detrimental effect on the success. John Greaney, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Dairy Advisor outlines the objectives
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.
19 April 2021
Tips and advice on best practice for reseeding
Tomás Tubritt joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge with tips and advice on best practice for reseeding.
18 April 2021
April Grazing Management on dairy farms
In the grazing game the month of April is when battles can be won or lost. As cows enter the 2nd rotation set yourself key grazing targets and monitor progress tightly. That's the advice of Cathal Conaty and Mairead Kirk, Teagasc Advisors, Co. Louth. They have more tips in a short video here
18 April 2021
Integrated Pest Management - Aphid pest control Webinar
On a recent Integrated Pest Management Webinar, which took place on Wednesday, 7th April 2021, Donall Flanagan, Teagasc Horticulture Development Department was joined by David Davidson, Technical Consultant with Koppert to discuss aphid pest control.
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
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
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
16 April 2021
Hitting Grazing Targets in 2021 with PastureBase Ireland Webinar
Are you looking to make better grazing decisions on your farm in April? On this webinar which took place on Wednesday, 7th April, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through how you can use PastureBase Ireland to plan your spring grazing.
15 April 2021
How Does Grass Grow?
Perennial ryegrass (PRG) is the most commonly sown grass species in Ireland. As a perennial plant it's characterised by having the growing point close to the ground and it regrows after each grazing & cutting, without the need for frequent reseeding. Patricia Lynch, Teagasc Advisor Westport has more
15 April 2021
Heat activity in pasture based dairy cows
During the recent Teagasc/ICBF breeding week three key reproductive targets were identified as being critically important in seasonal calving dairy herds. George Ramsbottom, Dairy Specialist has details, plus breeding guidelines for spring 2021 and advice on managing late calving dairy cows here
14 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 13th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Seamus Sweeney, Wexford on 2nd rotation; Caroline Walsh 2020 GFOTY social media takeover; Grazing Updates from Thomas Hogan, GFOTY Cattle-Suckling, & Grange dairy-beef research herd
14 April 2021
Grassland Management Tips for the Coming Weeks
Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with top tips in relation to grassland management.
13 April 2021
How to avoid meal feeding ewes after lambing
Edward Egan, Meath Teagasc advisor, sums up the points made by 2020 Sheep Grassland Farmer of the Year Peter McGuinness, as he outlines some of the key steps he takes during the course of the year to ensure he has enough grass in March & April to avoid meal feeding mature ewes after lambing.
13 April 2021
Let's Talk Sheep Webinar - Nematodirus / Coccidiosis in Lambs
Host Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist was joined by Dr. Orla Keane, Teagasc Researcher and Michael Gottstein, Head of Teagasc Sheep KT on this episode of the Let's Talk Sheep webinar series which took place on Thursday, 8th April to discuss nematodirus and coccidiosis in lambs.
13 April 2021
Coccidiosis and nematodirosis in young lambs
At this time of year, the major parasites of concern for young lambs are Nematodirus and Coccidia. Coccidiosis is a disease of young lambs, usually from 3-8 weeks of age.The signs of nematodirosis are similar to coccidiosis. Orla Keane, Teagasc Researcher explains both parasites & their effects.
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
11 April 2021
What is a GPS Fertiliser Spreader?
With the grant on GPS fertiliser spreaders now available to all TAMS applicants there is a lot of interest from farmers in making an investment in the new equipment. Francis Quigley, Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist explains that a GPS controlled spreader is more than just a guidance system
11 April 2021
Target to make 75% DMD Silage this summer
Shane Devaney, Beef Advisor, Teagasc Longford, sets a target for all farmers to make 75% DMD Silage this summer. He has advice for those farming on heavy soils and he lists the benefits of making good quality silage here.
11 April 2021
Extreme Weather Newsletter
Variation in grass growth and feed supply due to weather conditions is inevitable in our ruminant farming systems. It is important that farms plan ahead for the adverse weather events. Teagasc has identified steps to be taken at farm and industry level in this regard.
10 April 2021
Environment Newsletter - April 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dates for your diary; Mandatory derogation requirements from January 1, 2021; and Message from ASSAP: Is your silage storage fit for purpose?.
09 April 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College March Dairy Update
James Daunt, Dairy teacher at Clonakilty Agricultural College provides a March update on Dairying at the College. He talks about dealing with difficult grazing in March, coming to the end of the first grazing rotation, and has details of protected urea & slurry spread and more in a short video here
09 April 2021
Getting Cattle out to grass
While some farmers like those shown here managed to achieve a late February or early March turnout, many do not. This year due to the poor weather and challenging grazing conditions many farmer have still to turn out young stock. Here are some tips from Longford Teagasc Advisor, Donal McCabe
07 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th April 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Weekly PastureBase data; Niall Callanan (dairy) & Aidan Maguire (beef) discuss grazing plans; Grazing tips to hold Average Farm Cover in this colder week; A video explaining “Band Method” grass measuring & more
07 April 2021
The 3 'T's to making Good Quality Silage
Austin Flavin Teagasc Advisor, meets beef farmer, Billy Glasheen who farms in Passage East in Co. Waterford as he plans to follow the 3 'T's which are key to making best Quality Silage. Test the slurry, test the soil and test the silage.
06 April 2021
Grazing focus - early season management
With the grazing season well underway, on the latest OviCast episode Ciarán Lynch catches up with Dr Philip Creighton who highlights the need to focus on grassland management for the coming weeks to maximise lamb performance.
06 April 2021
New Lime Factsheet - The Facts on Applying Lime
Lime is most definitely the forgotten fertiliser on Irish farms. We are currently only applying 50% of our national lime requirements. In addition 80 to 85% of our soils are testing sub-optimal for major nutrients such as soil pH, P & K. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle has more information.
06 April 2021
Have multi species swards a role on Irish farms?
Multi species swards have the ability to grow 11Ton of dry matter with no chemical nitrogen, but have they a role on Irish farms? Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Advisor, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick addresses this question here and discusses what is known so far about Multi species swards
03 April 2021
The Signpost Series - Multi-species mixtures
On a recent episode of the Signpost Series webinar, which took place on Friday, 19th March, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by John Finn, Teagasc to discuss multi-species mixtures increase yields and resilience to drought, with lower nitrogen inputs.
03 April 2021
TResearch Spring 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 Spring Edition of TResearch has a special feature on grass roots - 70 years of grassland research; milk fractions for pigs; kelp; BREXIT & farm income.
01 April 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 30 March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter. It includes: Weekly PastureBase data; Michael Lally, Meath discusses his plan for grazing; Spring grazing update from Winter Milk herd at Johnstown Castle; Spring Grazing Update from GFOTY Sheep Winner Peter McGuinness.
30 March 2021
Grassland Reseeding
Reseeding is when you turn up fresh soil or break the surface of the field and renew the grass. Main reasons for grassland reseeding are weather damage, strain from drought/flooding, excessive machinery operations or livestock damage. Gerard Griffin, Kildalton College gives more information.
30 March 2021
Sustainable Grassland Management
Slurry is readily available on most farms and with correct usage it can reduce chemical fertilizer use on the farm. In this farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware video, Patrick Heffernan and Declan Byrne of Kildalton College discuss grassland management.
30 March 2021
Silage Quality and Preservation
Farm Walk and Talk with AgriAware. Aidan Nugent and Martin Woods of Kildalton College go through the making of silage. They give details on it's feed value and outline quality tests that can be undertaken
30 March 2021
Management of ewes and lambs post turnout – grouping up to kick-start rotational grazing
The lambing of mid-season flocks is well underway and near completion on many farms. The ultimate goal is turning out ewes and lambs to grass covers that will meet their feed requirements with little or no concentrate supplementation as Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Athenry outlines
28 March 2021
Teagasc launch grass weed identification videos
Teagasc have launched a series of videos to aid farmers and industry to identify the most important grass weeds found in tillage crops. The videos are part of a wider project called Enable Conservation Tillage (ECT) project and address the common problem of mis-identification of weeds.
28 March 2021
Let's Talk Dairy - Grass10 Update
In this episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Joseph Dunphy who works with the Grass10 team along with John Maher, John Douglas and Michael O'Leary to discuss current grass issues, common pitfalls and weather factors
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
27 March 2021
ASSAP Factsheets on Farming for Water Quality
The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP) have produced a series of five factsheets to help farmers maintain and improve the quality of water bodies in Ireland. They provide practical tips for farmers to implement which will benefit watercourses on their farms.
27 March 2021
Planning a Successful Breeding Season with Francis Nolan
On Thursday, 25 March a Breeding Webinar took place with Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer Francis Nolan, Co. Kilkenny. Francis was joined by Richie O'Brien & George Ramsbottom, Teagasc and Joris Somers, Glanbia to discuss the steps Francis is taking to plan for a successful breeding season on his farm
26 March 2021
ASSAP As Gaeilge
Ar mhaithe le sláinte an phobail i gcoitinne, is den riachtanas é, go bhfuil ard-chaighdéan uisce againn. Chun é seo a chinntiú, tá feirmeoirí fud fad na tíre, i gcomhairle le ASSAP, ag comhoibriú chun an t-uisce agus an timpeallacht a chaomhnú.
26 March 2021
Silage Storage & Water Quality
Silage effluent is a highly polluting liquid and can cause fish kills in watercourses/rivers and contaminate wells if not collected, stored and land spread properly. It is important to examine and repair silage pits and collection channels when pits are empty to ensure safe storage.
26 March 2021
Farmer testimonial on the ASSAP service
John Landers has a dairy farm beside the Comeragh Mountains in County Waterford. The river Colligan runs through John's land, it is one of 190 priority areas for action (PAA’s) where water quality needs some improvement.
26 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 23rd March 2021
Get the latest Grass10 update: PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model, cold weather forecast; Eddie ODonnell, Tipperary on his 2nd rotation grazing plan; Spring Grazing updates from Donal Patton & Barry Reilly, Ballyhaise Research Farm and John Galvin Sustainable GFOTY
25 March 2021
Wetlands and Water
A combination of geology and abundant rain has endowed Ireland with an extraordinary array of wetlands covering some 20% of the country. Functional wetlands are among our most productive environments providing a vast array of eco-system services. ASSAP advisor Mary Roache has more information
25 March 2021
Water Quality and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel
The freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) is a large filter-feeding bivalve. European freshwater pearl mussel populations have declined by 90 % over the past century. Mary McAndrew, Catchment Officer Pearl Mussel Project gives information on this long lived creature.
25 March 2021
The importance of trees in Ireland
Ireland's waterways evolved in tandem with our native woodlands. Of the 16,000 townlands in Ireland 14,000 have names related to trees, forests and water. Farm forests are known to reduce the leaching of nutrients from agricultural soils
25 March 2021
Best practice on spent sheep dip and footbath solutions
The practice of sheep dipping in summer or winter or both, is an important annual practice on sheep farms. Sheep dips, such as Organophosphates and Pryrethroids, are extremely effective but must be safely disposed of afterwards to protect aquatic life, as Shaun Roarty, ASSAP Advisor, Donegal advises
25 March 2021
MCPA and rushes
In 2020 MCPA commonly used to control rushes was responsible for 46 out of 91 detected pesticide breeches. MCPA is water soluble, it does not bind to soil particles and therefore more prone to leaching and run-off to nearby waterbodies. Mary Roache, ASSAP Advisor Mayo, talks about Rush Spraying here
25 March 2021
Best Practice use of pesticides
Monitoring of drinking water in Ireland continues to detect exceedances above the standard for certain herbicides. The chemicals causing greatest problems are MCPA (Agritox, Mortone, etc) and 2,4-D (Bandock EW, Mortox 50 etc). They are highly soluble in water. Kieran Kenny ASSAP Advisor has more
25 March 2021
Pesticides and losses to water
What happens to pesticides after application? TEAGASC researchers have monitored the concentrations of commonly used herbicides in two agricultural river catchments as a part of the EU Horizon 2020-funded WaterProtect. Per-Erik Mellander, Catchment Scientist, has details of this on-going monitoring
24 March 2021
SMARTER_BufferZ
Riparian buffer zones are patches of land adjacent to rivers, streams and drains, removed from intensive production. When designed correctly, they play a significant role in the reduction of diffuse inputs from agriculture entering our waterbodies.
24 March 2021
Drainage Maintenance to protect Water Quality
Ireland lies in a temperate zone where the main role of drainage is the removal of excess water in the root zone of crops from surplus rainfall, improving land trafficability and increasing productivity. Meabh O'Hagan, ASSAP Advisor and Niall McLoughlin, Lakeland Dairies has some advice.
24 March 2021
Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
A recent analysis conducted by the Teagasc Rural Economy and Development programme indicates that approximately 6% of the country (420,000 Ha) is made up of cultivated peats across a wide range of farming intensities. Fiona Doolan, ASSAP Advisor Kildare/Laois, discusses Phosphorus Use on Peat Soils
24 March 2021
Managing farm roads to protect water quality
Farm roadways are an essential piece of infrastructure on most livestock farms and in particular dairy farms. Under new Nitrates rules there shall be no direct runoff of soiled water from farm roadways to waters from 1st January 2021. Padraig Fitzgerald, Teagasc Advisor lists the key points involved
24 March 2021
Managing Soil Phosphorous for Water Quality
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient particularly when it comes to crop establishment. Eddie Burgess, Catchment Specialist with the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme speaks more about managing soil phosphorus for water quality.
24 March 2021
What impact can weed control & drainage work have on water quality?
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme advisors Mary Roache & Meabh O’Hagan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast as part of Water Quality Week to highlight correct weed control management & tips on carrying out drainage work to reduce impact on water quality.
23 March 2021
ASSAP - Working with farmers to improve water quality
The Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme - ASSAP is in existence since 2018. Advisors are working with farmers in Priority areas for action (PAA) across the country to improve water quality. ASSAP advisors Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers give information about the programme
23 March 2021
Why LESS is more
Slurry application on Irish farms was often seen as a chore, done to relieve pressure on slurry storage systems in late winter / early spring, traditionally spread by splashplate. Today this is changing fast with the use of low emission slurry spreaders (LESS), as Eamonn Lynch Dairy Advisor,explains
23 March 2021
Clover - Why Now?
Ever thought of increasing the diversity in your swards? This can be simply and profitably done across the whole farm over 3 years adding to the health of the soil, animals and consumers as well as reducing losses to water and emissions to the atmosphere. Lane Giles, ASSAP Advisor tells us more.
23 March 2021
Why You Should Use Protected Urea
Protected urea allows farmers to spread urea based nitrogen during the growing season without the worry of nitrogen (N) being lost from the field through ammonia emissions. It also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and nitrate leaching when compared to CAN Cathal Somers gives more information
23 March 2021
Nitrogen Use Efficiency = Cleaner Water
Deirdre Glynn, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Dr. David Wall, Teagasc Researcher both define Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) here. They discuss losses of Nitrogen and how we can avoid this going forward through soil testing, nutrient planning, responsible fertiliser and slurry spreading and more
23 March 2021
How Nitrate leaching occurs
Nitrate leaching can occur during times of heavy or prolonged rainfall. Free draining soils are particularly susceptible to nitrate loss as it's very mobile in soil and readily leaches groundwater. The highest risk is in winter and early spring, as Prof Owen Fenton, Teagasc Researcher explains
22 March 2021
ASSAP- Farming for Water Quality
ASSAP – Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advice Programme works with farmers in a free and confidential advisory service to help improve water quality. Priority areas for action (PAA) are being targeted across the country to improve water quality.
22 March 2021
Farming for Water Quality in a Priority Area for Action - Farmer Testimonial
The Glenaboy river in county Waterford is currently at Moderate ecological status. The river catchment is in a Priority Area for Action (PAA) for the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). Find out how farmers and ASSAP advisors work together to improve water quality
22 March 2021
Water Quality in your area & accessing catchments.ie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) operate a number of water quality monitoring programmes to assess the condition of waters in Ireland. The outcome these monitoring programmes is available to see on the EPA interactive map.The map can be accessed on the website catchments.ie
21 March 2021
EU's green deal - Essential role of legumes
This webinar is a Legume innovation and networking workshop which is hosted by Mark Gibson and brought to you by Teagasc. The legumes innovation workshop aims to identify transition paths enabling home grown legumes in a more sustainable food and feed value chain.
21 March 2021
Ballyhaise Research Farm March Update
The Ballyhaise research programme has for 15 years focused on improving grazing systems for farmers in the BMW (Border Midlands West) region . The research looked at stocking rate, days at grass, calving date and feed inputs. Here Dairy Specialist James Dunne gives more information on new research
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
20 March 2021
Recording Fertiliser with PastureBase
Reducing chemical fertiliser usage on farms is a challenge we could face in the near future. Growing 14 T DM Grass per ha whilst reducing chemical fertiliser is possible. This will reduce farm costs and be better for the environment. PastureBase Ireland can facilitate fertiliser recording. See here.
19 March 2021
Clonakilty Agricultural College February Dairy Update
James Daunt, Dairy teacher at Clonakilty Agricultural College provides a January - February update on Dairying at the College. He talks about the 2021 Calving season, Co-op results and spring grazing and nutrient application in a short video here
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.
18 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 16th March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team: weekly PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; grass growth set to double this week; Tomas O Brien, Mitchelstown on his grazing plan; Teagasc Grange Dairy calf to beef trial update & Pat Collins, Cattle GFOTY update
17 March 2021
Keeping on the Right Side of the Wire
Although the weather last week slowed down grazing on many farms, some farmers flew through area over the past 2-3 weeks. Make sure you don’t run out of grass and stay on track, to keep grass in the diet & set up the farm for the 2nd rotation. This is the advice from the Pasturebase and Grass10 team
16 March 2021
Grass Tetany in Ewes
Grass Tetany is a common disease of lactating ewes during the spring time. It is an acute and frequently fatal condition that primarily affects lactating sheep at grass. This condition is caused by a deficiency in blood magnesium levels. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc, Head of Sheep has more information
14 March 2021
Using LESS Gives More from Slurry
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. Nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in a similar ammonia form to N in urea & is easily lost to the atmosphere. Teagasc Advisor Mark O'Sullivan has valuable information on the benefit of using trailing hose or trailing shoe to apply slurry
10 March 2021
Planning your Spring Grazing with PastureBase Ireland
Are you looking to graze more in March? On this webinar which took place on Wednesday, 3rd March, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through how you can use PastureBase Ireland to plan your spring grazing.
10 March 2021
Making Quality Silage Part 1: Graze, Fertilise & Close
On this week’s Beef Edge podcast Teagasc Drystock advisor Terry Carroll and Kilkenny beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan in a two part series on making quality silage. On this first episode John and Terry highlight all the top tips relating to grazing, fertilising and closing silage ground
10 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 9 March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team including: Weekly PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Grazing and Fertiliser tips from the Grass10 team; Brian McCarthy, Teagasc Clonakilty on Spring grazing on Grass/clover trials, & Sean Barry, GFOTY Heavy Soils
09 March 2021
Let's Talk Sheep Webinar - Grazing Management from Turnout to Weaning
Host Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist was joined by Philip Creighton, Teagasc Sheep Researcher on this episode of Let's Talk Sheep which took place on Thursday, 4th March 2021 to discuss grazing management from turnout to weaning.
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.
08 March 2021
Fertilisation of clover swards
The use of clover in grassland to replace fertilizer N can substantially lower greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from pasture-based production. James Humphreys, Researcher and Dan Barrett, Farm Manager, outline Clover sward fertiliser management from 12 years research at Teagasc Solohead Farm.
08 March 2021
Advice for getting your grazing back on track in March
Teagasc Grass10 advisor John Douglas joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast with advice on getting your grazing back on track during the month of March.
05 March 2021
Signpost Series Webinar - The Signpost Farm Programme: Teagasc campaign for climate action
On a recent episode of The Signpost Series webinars, which took place on Friday, 19 February, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme to discuss The Signpost Programme - Leading climate action by Irish farmers.
03 March 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd March 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; A return to dry and settled conditions; Grazing and Fertiliser advice for March; William Burchill update; Grazing Management Tips on Irish Sheep farms
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
Soil sampling - Money well spent
Now is the ideal time of the year to take soil samples on your farm if you have not done so in the recent past as it will provide vital information on the soil fertility status of your farm. Ciaran Beatty, Teagasc Advisor, Castlerea, advises not to delay in having soil samples taken
01 March 2021
Maximising Grass in the dairy cow diet
Getting cows out on grass is better for the cows, and beneficial for the grass plant. Nutritionally, spring grazed grass is far superior to grass silage indoors with digestibility of 80 + in terms of DMD. So the more of it you can get into the diet the better, advises Ciara O’ Shea, Teagasc Macroom
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.
27 February 2021
February 2021 Teagasc BETTER Sheep Farm Focus
Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Knowledge Transfer Sheep Programme, gives an update on the progress of the Fitzgerald Family farm since joining the Teagasc Better Sheep farm programme in the autumn of 2018. The Fitzgeralds operate a hill sheep farm in Baile an Lochaig West of Dingle in Kerry
26 February 2021
The Signpost Series Webinar - Protected Urea: A Research Update
On the latest episode of The Signpost Series webinars, which took place on Friday, 12 February, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd was joined by guest speaker Patrick Forrestal, Teagasc Johnstown Castle to discuss Protected Urea: A Research Update.
24 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 23rd February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Continue to walk your farm & monitor ground conditions; Research project on ability of on-off grazing to extend grazing & more
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.
21 February 2021
Could you grow 14Ton of grass with 200 units of Nitrogen?
The European Green Deal calls for EU farmers to reduce their chemical Nitrogen inputs by 20% by 2030. Nationally the Ag Climatise document re-iterates this target but also sets an interim target of a 15% reduction by 2025. Joe Kelleher, Dairy Advisor Teagasc, Newcastle West looks at achieving this
20 February 2021
Let it Bee Project- A community approach to tackling pesticide issues in Newport
In order to pollinate crops and wild plants we need an abundance and diversity of wild pollinators and honeybees. Looking for a solution to the many pesticide exceedances in the Newport river catchment, the “Let It Bee” project begins. Mary Roache, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, Westport has details
19 February 2021
Let’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: The practicalities of Spring grazing
In this bonus podcast episode of the Let's Talk Dairy webinar series Stuart Childs is joined by Donal Patton where the topic up for discussion is the practicalities of Spring grazing.
18 February 2021
Ten Points on Good Farm Soil Practice – ‘LESS’ IS MORE VALUE
Soil sampling is the starting point of good farm soil practice. It leads on to correct N,P,K and lime applications, slurry efficiency and managing peat soils and GHGs. Anne O'Malley, Teagasc Advisor, Mayo outlines Ten Points on Good Farm Soil Practice and emphasizes that ‘LESS’ IS MORE VALUE!
17 February 2021
Let's Talk Cattle Webinar - Early Spring Grassland Management
Alan Dillon, Teagasc Beef Specialist was joined by John Douglas, Teagasc Grass10 on this episode of Let's Talk Cattle which took place on Thursday, 11th February to discuss Early Spring Grassland Management.
16 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 16 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Dairy On - Off grazing; 1,2,3 for Spring N; Protected Urea use at Johnstown Castle; Beef benefits of Spring grazing and webinar details
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
15 February 2021
Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
Are you looking to begin your journey measuring grass with PastureBase Ireland? On this webinar which took place on Thursday, 4th February, John Douglas & Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland go through a step-by-step process of using PastureBase Ireland
13 February 2021
Environment Newsletter - February 2021
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Environment team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Dates for your diary; Think before you plant a new hedge; Message from ASSAP - Don’t lose any fertiliser you spread; & Message from Signpost Programme - Now is the time for climate action.
10 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 9 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Images from farmers beginning spring grazing, details of a new Clover Research Programme, sheep farm spring grazing tips & more
08 February 2021
David O’Leary, 2020 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year
2020 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year David O’Leary joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to give an insight into his pathway into dairy farming and the excellence in grassland he is achieving on a challenging soil type.
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
The development of soil mapping in Ireland
Soils are the interface between geology and the living world. In Ireland, a number of significant soil mapping campaigns have been undertaken since the late 1950s. The January Map of the Month looks at the more well known and widely used soil maps and data products produced for Ireland so far.
04 February 2021
Increasing soil pH reduces fertiliser derived N2O emissions
A new scientific paper from Teagasc shows that getting soil pH right through liming can significantly reduce emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas. The AGEE published paper is from researchers at the Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land-Use Department in Johnstown Castle.
04 February 2021
Why not sign up to PastureBase Ireland?
PastureBase Ireland is the number one tool to help Irish dairy, beef, and sheep farmers manage their grass production and utilisation. Additional features are continuously being added to improve the user experience and quality of the information available to the farmer.
03 February 2021
Spring Nitrogen, How much and where?
For a small country we have huge variation in conditions, from Wexford to Donegal, from south to north Wexford and even within our own farms. Therefore we cannot have a one fits all recommendation on fertiliser or grazing for the spring. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist advises on Spring Nitrogen
03 February 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 2 February 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week & Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; Using “On - Off grazing” this February to maximise days at grass; Using a Grass Budget to map out grazing and more
02 February 2021
Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland - Webinar
Are you looking to begin your journey measuring grass with PastureBase Ireland? This is the theme of this Grass10 and Pasturebase webinar on Thursday 4th February at 7pm. Join the Grass10 & PastureBase team on a step-by-step process of using PastureBase Ireland. Follow the link to register below.
31 January 2021
2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards Ceremony Webinar
On Tuesday, 19 January, the Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards Ceremony took place as a live webinar. During this live webinar, the 15 finalists were profiled and winners of each category along with the overall winner were announced.
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
27 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 26 January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Elodie Ruelle’s MoSt Grass Growth Prediction Model; completing a Spring rotation planner; upcoming webinar “Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland" & Spring Nitrogen Action Plan
20 January 2021
Grass10 Report 2017 - 2020 published
In 2017, Teagasc launched a multi-year Grass10 campaign (four years, 2017-2020) to promote sustainable grassland excellence on Irish livestock farms (dairy, beef and sheep). The Grass10 Report 2017 - 2020 now published sums up the objectives of Grass10 and the progress made in developments to date
20 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 19th January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Winner Caroline Walsh, and all the other category winners; details of upcoming webinar on "Getting Familiar with PastureBase Ireland" and catch up on January's "Win-win" webinar
19 January 2021
Caroline Walsh - Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Caroline Walsh is Overall Winner and Dairy Award Winner of the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 competition. Caroline farms in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork milking about 70 cows on a 20 ha milking platform. The awards reward the country's top grassland farmers by category, enterprise and merit awards
19 January 2021
Creating a Win-Win for Farmer and Environment using PastureBase - Webinar
On this webinar, which took place on Wednesday, 13th January, the PastureBase Ireland and Teagasc Grass10 team were joined by Teagasc Soil Researcher David Wall, to discuss increased nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and special guest dairy farmer Kevin Moran, on recording soil fertility on PastureBase
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.
18 January 2021
David Brady - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
David Brady is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. David milks 100 cows on his farm near Stradone, Co. Cavan. In 2020 the farm grew 13 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
18 January 2021
James Hoey - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
James Hoey is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. James farms dairy & tillage with his father Jim, near Dunleer, Co. Louth. In 2020 the farm grew over 16.3 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
18 January 2021
Sean Barry - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Sean Barry is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Sean farms alongside his father Pat in Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick. In 2020 the farm grew over 13 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
17 January 2021
Graham Swanton - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Graham Swanton is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Graham is farm manager at Miletree Farm outside Clonmel and milks 510 cows. Graham's farm grew 17T DM/Ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
17 January 2021
Noel Hurley - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Noel Hurley is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Noel milks close to 200 cows in Kildorrery, Co. Cork. Noel's farm grew 15.7 T DM/ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
17 January 2021
John O'Connell - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
John O'Connell is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. John milks 200 cows on 72ha in Rathduff, Co. Cork. In 2020, John’s farm grew 14 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
16 January 2021
Niall Callanan - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Niall Callanan is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming outside Craughwell, Co. Galway, Niall plans to milk 240 cows this year. Niall grew 13T DM/ha in 2020.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
16 January 2021
David O'Leary - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
David O'Leary is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming in Castleisland, Co. Kerry, David is a new entrant to farming and dairying. David grew 14.3T DM/ha in 2020.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
16 January 2021
Caroline Walsh - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Caroline Walsh is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. She farms in Ballinascarthy, Co. Cork milking about 70 cows. Caroline grew 14.2 T DM/ha in 2020.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
15 January 2021
John Galvin - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
John Galvin is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. John Galvin farms near Dunmanway, Co. Cork and milks just over 100 cows. John’s farm grew 14.7 T DM/Ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
15 January 2021
Pat Collins - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Pat Collins is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Pat runs a dairy calf to beef enterprise as well as tillage on the farm. In 2020, Pat’s farm grew over 15 T DM/ha.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
15 January 2021
Shane Kinsella - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Shane Kinsella is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Farming near Piltown, Co. Kilkenny, Shane milks 88 cows. Shane grew 16.9 T DM/ha in 2020.Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
Peter McGuinness - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition, Peter McGuinness is a tillage and sheep farmer from Trim, Co. Meath. Peter is a member of the Grass10 Meath Drystock Grass Course. In 2020 he grew 13.7 T DM/ha. Join the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, January 19th at 2pm to see the winner!
14 January 2021
JP Hammersley - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
JP Hammersley is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. JP runs a dairy calf to beef farm near Lattin, Co. Tipperary. In 2020, JP’s farm grew 10 T DM/ha. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
Thomas Hogan - Finalist Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020
Thomas Hogan is a finalist in the Grassland Farmer of the Year 2020 Competition. Thomas runs a 60-cow suckler-to-store operation outside Nenagh in Co. Tipperary. Thomas grew 12.5 T DM/ha in 2020. Tune in to the Awards Ceremony on Tuesday next, January 19th at 2pm to find out who will be the winner!
14 January 2021
The importance of taking a proper soil sample
The principle of soil analysis is to determine the average nutrient status of an area and to show the available nutrients in the soil. Once known you can then apply nutrients to bring your soils to optimum fertility. Martina Harrington, Teagasc Beef Specialist advises on proper soil sampling below
13 January 2021
Grass10 Newsletter - 12th January 2021
Get the latest news & updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Aine Murray, Teagasc Moorepark details the results of her trial work comparing Protected UREA to CAN & UREA; Key factors to consider when aiming to get a high response to early Spring nitrogen; & upcoming events
11 January 2021
Using PastureBase to Benefit the Farmer & the Environment
Creating a Win–Win Scenario for the Farmer & the Environment using PastureBase Ireland by reducing fertiliser costs and increasing nutrient use efficiency (NUE). This is the theme of this Grass10 and Pasturebase webinar on Wednesday 13th January at 7pm. Follow the link to register below.
11 January 2021
Preventing Deaths with Slurry
The Slurry Spreading season commences in many parts of the Country after the 12th January. With 10% of deaths being slurry-related in the 10 year period to 2020, John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists discuss the dangers and prevention of deaths with slurry
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
08 January 2021
5 Steps to taking a soil sample
Here in just five easy steps Edward Egan & Tara Heaney, Teagasc Meath Advisors, take us through the process of taking a soil sample correctly in order to get a reliable soil result.
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
Grass10 Newsletter - 5th January 2021
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: William Burchill from the Teagasc/Dairygold joint programme looks at the cost effectiveness of LESS; Typical nitrogen values for slurry; Information on upcoming virtual events taking place in January.
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
31 December 2020
Throwback to Virtual Beef Week 2020
In this special Christmas review of the Teagasc Virtual Beef Week 2020, you can now catch up on all of the highlights of the 5 days in July. It covers the latest research and advice on suckler beef, dairy calf to beef, sustainable beef production, grassland management and the beef sector challenges.
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.
29 December 2020
Throwback to Virtual Sheep Week 2020
In this special Christmas review of the Teagasc Virtual Sheep Week 2020, you can now catch up on all of the highlights of the 5 days in September. It covers the latest research and advice on grassland management, Genetics and breeding, Hill sheep & Store lambs, Flock health, Policy and Environment
28 December 2020
New Nitrogen report published at Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference
A new report: ‘Review of the Influence of Nitrogen Application Rate, Soil Type and Agroclimate Location on Grass Production, Feed Budget, Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Farm Profitability’ was published by Teagasc at this year’s Teagasc Virtual Dairy Conference in November. See it here again below
26 December 2020
Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021 Webinar
The PastureBase and Grass10 team hosted an online webinar on Wednesday, 9 December to discuss achieving grazing excellence in 2021. The panel were also joined by Tipperary dairy farmer and Grass10 Carrick-on-Suir course member Jim White who outlined his PastureBase data for this year.
17 December 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15 December 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including:Time to assess your soil fertility over December/early January; Make Protected Urea your fertiliser of choice in 2021; “Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021” webinar summary and Joining a Grass10 Grazing course
13 December 2020
Teagasc Research Insights Webinar - Land Use: Making the most of our land
The eighth webinar in the Teagasc Research Insights Series focused on Land Use. Making the most of our land is the second of five Land Use webinars, where Teagasc researchers give an overview of current research that explores this complex research topic.
10 December 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 8 November 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: Closing cover data from PastureBase Ireland; Completing a grass budget for Spring 2021; Details of Grazing courses in 2021 and information on the new “Low Nitrogen Grazing Systems Project” at Curtin's Farm
08 December 2020
Achieving Grazing Excellence in 2021 Webinar
Do you understand and capitalise on your PastureBase farm reports? In this online webinar, the PastureBase and Grass10 team will be joined by dairy farmer & Grass10 course member Jim White to review and analyse Jim’s reports. Essential for any farmer wanting to achieve grazing excellence in 2021
05 December 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Chemical Quality Indicators
Soil health emphasises the soil biological community as a key driver of soils capacity to deliver multiple functions. Researcher Karen Daly tells us about chemical indicators that can be used to assess the health of our soils.
05 December 2020
World Soil Day
World Soil Day is marked on 5 December each year as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to promote sustainable soil management. Find out more about World Soil Day and the work being carried out within the Soil Programme in Teagasc.
03 December 2020
New rules for farm roadways in 2021
New requirements on farmers to prevent direct runoff of soiled water from farm roadways from 1st January 2021 are published. Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor has more information as part of the Teagasc Waterford/Kilkenny Sustainability Series.
03 December 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1 December 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; walk your farm this week and establish closing Average Farm Cover; and an update on the current grass - clover trials taking place on the Clonakilty Research Farm.
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
30 November 2020
How to establish white clover in grazing swards
Recorded live from the 2020 Virtual National Dairy Conference, this week’s Dairy Edge podcast features dairy farmer John MacNamara and grassland researcher Mike Egan to discuss how to establish white clover in grazing swards.
30 November 2020
Incorporating clover in grassland, Reducing chemical fertiliser and increasing milk solids.
Nicholas McKenna, Dairy Specialist reports from the recent Teagasc National Dairy Conference 2020, to highlight some of the main points made by John McNamara, Grassland farmer of the year 2018 and Michael Egan Grassland researcher, including the establishment of white clover in the grass sward
29 November 2020
Visual assessment of silage quality
Pay Moylan, Teagasc Kilkenny outlines three simple ways in which farmers can analyse silage visually at the silage pit phase. These are looking at the colour & smell; how you assess dry matter and most importantly dry matter digestibility (DMD).
29 November 2020
Sheep Research Demonstration Farm, Athenry - November Update
Current grazing systems research in Athenry is focusing on the impact of incorporating white clover into sheep grazed swards at two stocking rate levels (11 or 13 ewes/ha) with three pasture treatments at each stocking rate. Philip Creighton Animal and Grassland Research Officer gives us an update
25 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 24 November 2020
Get the latest news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Walk your farm & measure grass this week; interpreting your PastureBase reports for 2020 & a research update from Philip Creighton in the Sheep Demonstration Farm in Athenry.
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
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
Grass10 Newsletter - 17 November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Grazing coming to an end on most farms for 2020; Interpreting your PastureBase reports for 2020 and an update on the Winter milk trials in Johnstown Castle.
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.
17 November 2020
Important to keep a close eye on ewe body condition from now until housing.
Tom Coll Drystock Advisor, reports from the farm of Sheep farmer, Sean Conway, near Ballymote, Co Sligo, as he reflects on the 2020 lamb performance and the experience gained from the previous year's mating. They discussed grassland management, silage results and ewe profitability in early November
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.
13 November 2020
Increasing grass yield by draining land in the right areas and right way
The decision to drain a particular field or area of the farm will incur substantial capital investment. It should, therefore, be based on the potential return on the investment. What are the benefits of improved drainage to a grassland farmer? Tom Coll, Teagasc Drystock Advisor has the answers
11 November 2020
From Farm to Fork, how grass can be made into milk and cheese.
Teagasc Staff; Marion Beecher, Emer Kennedy, Eimear Ferguson and Margie Egan, are together addressing the questions you have about cows for Science Week. Why grass is green or how grass grows? Why cows can eat grass but humans cannot? How much does a cow eat and drink in a day? Find out more..
11 November 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 10 November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team in this week's newsletter including: PastureBase data for the week; Closing paddocks on time as we look forward to spring grazing; Grass quality results from the clover trial in Clonakilty; Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme update & more.
10 November 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Last grazing
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland targets as the grazing season comes to a close. They share the last grazing plans of two of the programmes farmers; Michael Culhane and Ciaran Bartley
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
Grass10 Newsletter - 3rd November 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week, advice on Average Farm Cover and managing grass availability now for Spring grazing, the benefits of liming now, details of Aidan Maguire's Autumn Rotation Planner and LESS application in Spring
03 November 2020
Grazing management – graze outs in difficult conditions and staying on track for closing
With the wet weather in recent weeks, Ciarán Lynch catches up with Dr. Philip Creighton to discuss current grazing management on the latest episode of OviCast.
03 November 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch: Grazing Wind-down
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on wet weather grazing and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Pat Collins and Irvine Allen
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.
02 November 2020
The Three Priorities of Autumn Grazing
Micheál O’Leary joins Emma-Louise Coffey on this week’s Dairy Edge to give targeted advice based on the level of grass on farm as we approach the housed period. Micheál emphasises the three priorities of autumn grazing: feed the cow, hit grazing residuals and avoid doing damage
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
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.
28 October 2020
Understanding the Silage Test Results
Silage will form the staple diet of cattle for up to 6 months. It is important to know its’ exact feed quality. Visual assessment is not adequate when it comes to determining the quality of your silage - get it analysed. Teagasc advisor Sinead Devaney has advice on understanding silage testing.
28 October 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter October 27th
The Grass10 team give a number of grass related updates including: PastureBase data for the week. There' sinformation on autumn closing targets, wet weather grazing tips and pottasium (K) offtakes. Researcher Nicky Byrne gives an uipdate on the dairy calf-to-beef trial in Teagasc Grange.
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
27 October 2020
Teagasc Moorepark Grass - Clover Research programme - update
The grass - white clover research programme at Teagasc Moorepark is comparing herbage and milk production from three pasture-based systems, all stocked at a whole farm stocking rate of 2.74 cows/ha. Researcher Dr. Deirdre Hennessy & Ellen Fitzpatrick (PhD student) give an update on the programme.
26 October 2020
GrowthWatch - Green Acres Calf to Beef
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on wet weather grazing management and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the participant farmers; Peter Byrne and JP Hammersley
22 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 20 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including: PastureBase data for the week; tips on grazing during wet weather; grazing when silage in the diet; monitoring autumn rotation plan; Autumn closing plan – Sean & Pat Barry, heavy soils update & Moorepark clover trial update.
21 October 2020
How is your Autumn Rotation Planner progressing?
As we near the end of October, we want to check in with our Autumn Rotation Planner. Martina Harrington, Beef Specialist goes through the targets & reasons why hitting these targets are so important. If you haven’t a plan made already, it may not be too late but you need to act now.
21 October 2020
Green Acres Calf to Beef - GrowthWatch
James Fitzgerald and Seán Cummins, Programme Advisors to the Green Acres farms offer some timely advice on grassland management and share the current Autumn grassland management plans of two of the programmes farmers; Aidan Maguire and Richard Long
16 October 2020
Ballyhaise Extended Grazing Trial
Donal Patton, Dairy research technologist, has summarised the trends emerging from the final year of a four-year trial in Ballyhaise. The trial looked at extended grazing on heavy soils in Northern regions comparing two grazing season lengths and two stocking rates.
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.
14 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 13 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips on the paddocks to close throughout October; holding onto AFC; Autumn checklist for farmers; Autumn closing plan for John O’Connell, Sheep GFOY Winner and more.
08 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Tips on the paddocks to close throughout October, Autumn checklist for farmers, closing plan for dairy calf to beef farmer Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath and Autumn grazing research study Teagasc Moorepark
30 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, grazing tips for closing paddocks, applying remaining slurry using LESS methods, Kevin Moran's closing plan and grass budget as well as a clover update from Clonakilty research farm.
29 September 2020
Management of Grass Reseeds
Reseeding grassland is an expensive operation and ensuring that the new seedlings establish into a strong and vibrant sward is essential. Michael Gottstein and Philip Creighton, Teagasc Sheep outline some key steps that need to be taken in order to maximise the performance of the reseed.
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
26 September 2020
Taking soil samples correctly
As we are heading into the major soil sampling season it's important that soil samples are taken correctly, e.g. to the correct soil sampling depth of 10cm & a representative soil sample each time. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist outlines what's required for perfect results.
23 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips for building or holding AFC if you are behind; Sean Barry, heavy soils farmer on his closing plan; clover update from Athenry research centre. Social media links to podcasts & webinars also
21 September 2020
Teagasc Sheep Autumn Closing Planner
Philip Creighton, Grassland Science Research Officer, outlines why Autumn is the starting point of the grassland year. Management and decisions made in this period have a direct effect on the quality and availability of grass the following spring.
21 September 2020
Incorporating white clover and other companion forages into sheep grazed swards
The impact of incorporating white clover and other companion forages into sheep grazed swards on the productivity of pasture-based lamb production systems is being researched in Athenry. Researcher Philip Creighton is currently evaluating this imapct and here he gives an update and more information.
21 September 2020
Grassland management targets to improve sward quality and animal performance
Once the basic building blocks of soil fertility, infrastructure and grazing management are in place, the next step to getting more from grass is to develop grass measurement and budgeting skills. Philip Creighton, Grassland Science Research Officer explains that this needn't be complicated.
21 September 2020
DairyEdge Episode 139
Dairy Grassland Farmer of the Year Mike Bermingham joins Emma-Louise Coffey on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to discuss his autumn grazing strategy
18 September 2020
Take advantage of weather to spread lime
Now is an ideal time for grassland and tillage farmers to apply Ground Limestone based on soil test results, as weather and soil conditions are good. Mark Plunkett, Soil & Plant Nutrition Specialist outlines the facts.
18 September 2020
Social Media Takeover with John Trant GFOY
John Trant, 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year hosted a social media takeover on his farm through Twitter and Instagram on Wednesday, 16th September 2020.
16 September 2020
Focus on weaning at Newford
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast Iarlaith Collins, Farm Manager of Newford Suckler Demonstration Herd joins Catherine Egan to give an update on the farm
16 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; clean graze outs and grazing some of the more challenging areas of the farm; tips for building grass covers if you are running behind the autumn grazing targets and information on upcoming events.
15 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Tuesday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Tuesday, 22 September is Genetics and Breeding. The webinar will focus on increasing productivity and efficiency through breeding and genetics. Follow Tuesday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels
14 September 2020
Time to think about wildlife on farms
Enda O'Hart, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Castlerea outlines why he believes that now is the time to think about creating space for wildlife on farms. He looks at how farming has affected biodiversity and ways farmers might improve it going forward
14 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Monday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Monday, 21 September is Grassland Management. The webinar will focus on current grassland research for sheep and grazing management strategies that can be applied at farm level. Follow Monday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels.
13 September 2020
The Ram Effect in Breeding Ewes
So how does the ram effect work? Brian Hughes, Drystock Advisor, outlines how this natural method of stimulating a ewe's reproductive system can benefit compact lambing and explains how to achieve this in practice.
12 September 2020
Social Media Takeover - John Trant
John Trant, 2019 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year hosts a social media takeover on his farm through Twitter and Instagram all day on Wednesday 16th September 2020.
11 September 2020
Teagasc Green Acres Farm Walk Roscommon
Martin Connolly brought us onto his farm on Thursday September 10th for a virtual farm walk. Martin is a participant in the Teagasc Green Acres programme and he gave an excellent insight regarding his animal and grassland management practices.
10 September 2020
Planning for the end of the grazing season
Beef Specialist Alan Dillon outlines how to manage Autumn grazing and fertilsation of grassland on the beef farm under different scenarios based on whether land is wet or dry. Plan to have a supply of grass into the autumn while also preparing for next spring grazing.
10 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 – Training Course Requirement
A 3 day training course requirement is a key part of the new derogation measures introduced this year. This training, to improve knowledge transfer, must be completed in 2020 or 2021, by farmers who are in derogation.
09 September 2020
Grassland management tips to deal with the current weather conditions
John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Campaign Manager, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on grassland management tips to deal with current weather conditions.
09 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; Tips to reduce demand and build grass supply as farmers struggle to hit Autumn grazing targets; Flyer for John Trant social media takeover day on Wednesday 16th September.
06 September 2020
Let's Talk Dairy Webinar - Managing grass and grass supply right now
Stuart Childs was joined by John Maher, Teagasc Grass10 Programme Manager to discuss managing grass and grass supply right now. Patrick Gowing, Dairy Expansion Service Co-Ordinator, Teagasc also joined the webinar to give an insight into the upcoming New Entrant to Dairying Course 2020.
03 September 2020
Clover Swards on Derogation Farms
Have you really considered the benefits of clover? Increasing the clover content in grassland can result in increased production and quality with less nitrogen fertiliser thus improving farm sustainability. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information.
02 September 2020
The Signpost Series- Carbon Sequestration in Grassland Webinar
In this edition of Sustainable Agriculture Webinars, host Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc was joined by Donal O'Brien, Teagasc Researcher to discuss Carbon Sequestration in Grassland.
02 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; switch focus back from wet weather management to the autumn grazing targets; sward quality at Clonakilty and the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
01 September 2020
Training on Grassland Management & Recording of Grass Production on Derogation Farms
Grazed grass is the cheapest animal feed available to Irish farmers, in order to manage it successfully, to underpin profitability, it needs to be measured. The potential reward of utilising more grass in livestock production is huge. Teagasc Advisor Liz Duffy has more information
31 August 2020
Closing date extended for Grassland Farmer of the Year
The closing date for applications for the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year has been extended. Applications will now close on Friday September 11th 2020.
31 August 2020
Clonakilty Agricultural College Dairy Update
The current experiment in Clonakilty Agricultural College is investigating the use of white clover and nitrogen fertiliser in intensive dairy systems. Brian Mc Carthy and Aine Murray give an update on their research to date.
30 August 2020
Reduction in the Crude Protein content of Concentrates fed to Grazing Dairy cows/Livestock
All Nitrate Derogation farmers should now be aware that there are reduced levels of crude protein permissible in concentrates fed to grazing livestock from 1st April to the 15th September, 2020. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment
Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for 99% of ammonia losses in Ireland, while slurry and farmyard manure spreading is thought to be responsible for 30% of those losses. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Today's Farm September - October
The September - October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on getting into dairy farming. Recent entrants to dairy farming are profiled. Find out more about the Dairy Start-up Course.
28 August 2020
Farm Scale Liming Programme
All derogation farmers must now adopt a farm scale liming programme based on a current Nutrient Management Plan and associated soil analysis results. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
26 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips during this sustained spell of wet weather for keeping grass in the diet and testimonials from the four category winners in the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
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
Pros & cons of multi-species swards for dairy farms
Teagasc Dairy Advisor, Fergal Maguire outlines the pros and cons of using multi-species swards on Irish dairy farms, while also giving an overview of the different varieties in the seed mix and what advantages they bring to the sward.
23 August 2020
Planning for Autumn Reseeds - 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality
Many of you are planning to carry out reseeding this Autumn. Reseeding needs to carried out correctly in order to have no negative impact on the streams and rivers in your area. Claire Mooney, ASSAP Advisor, Teagasc Nenagh outlines a 10 Point Plan to consider for Water Quality.
20 August 2020
High rainfall making grazing conditions challenging
High rainfall across parts of the country has left grazing conditions extremely difficult. Paudie O'Brien, Heavy Soils Farmer in Kerry gives an update on how he is managing grazing during the wet weather. Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor gives some advice on managing grazing.
20 August 2020
Autumn Grassland management for sheep
As we move into late August attention must now turn to managing grass to maintain finishing lamb performance, getting ewes into adequate condition prior to mating and planning for grass for next spring. Researcher Philip Creighton gives some advice and guidance.
19 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Autumn Grazing targets and information on the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
18 August 2020
The Importance of Soil Fertility
The maintenance and improvement of soil fertility is essential to maximise grass growth on your farm. The pH status of a soil plays a hugely important role as nutrients may only become available to the grass plant at certain pH levels. Ronan Mulligan, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, Claremorris tells us more
12 August 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter- 11 August 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on Autumn grass targets, Pasturebase data and farmer profiles on building grass for the Autumn
10 August 2020
InstaLive with Teagasc Grass10 & PastureBase Ireland
John Douglas from Teagasc Grass10 and Micheal O'Leary from PastureBase Ireland joined us on an Instagram live on Wednesday, 5 August to answer your questions on Autumn Grazing Management.
09 August 2020
Maximising Days at Grass this Autumn Using the Pasturebase Grass Budget
As we enter August, our focus turns to autumn grass management on farms. Join Micheal O'Leary, Pasturebase Ireland and Donal Patton, Teagasc Specialist on Wednesday, 12 August at 8pm for a live interactive discussion on how to best use the Pasturebase Autumn Grazing Budget to maximise days at grass.
07 August 2020
Teagasc Fodder Survey July 2020 - National picture secure but 10% of farms have deficits
Over the last number of weeks, Teagasc advisors have completed almost 700 winter fodder budgets for drystock and dairy farmers nationwide. This was carried out as part of a new initiative to promote better feed security planning on livestock farms.
06 August 2020
Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 launched
The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, T.D at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin this week.
05 August 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter 4th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on current and predicted grass growth, targets and tips for managing grass as we move into August and white clover update from Teagasc Moorepark.
03 August 2020
InstaLive Q&A with Grass10 & Pasturebase
Start building your grass now and benefit from a longer grazing season both this autumn and next spring! Join John Douglas, Grass10 & Micheal O'Leary, PastureBase Ireland for a half hour live Q&A on Instagram Live
03 August 2020
Time for Lime
What is all the fuss about lime? Why do people constantly recommend that you need to get the lime status of your land right? Well it’s because lime is a fantastic fertiliser. Dairy specialist Stuart Childs has some advice and guidance.
02 August 2020
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham GFOY
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham - Teagasc Grass10 Grassland Farmer of the Year 2019 - Dairy
30 July 2020
White Clover Study Update from Teagasc Moorepark - July 2020
In this short clip, Dr. Deirdre Hennessy and PhD student Ellen Fitzpatrick give us an update on the clover study at Teagasc Moorepark.
29 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter July 28th
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on current and predicted grass growth and positive results from white clover
26 July 2020
Lime Time
Claire Mc Auliffe, Teagasc Listowel Dairy Advisor, discusses the benefits of applying lime and the role lime has to play in correcting soil pH. Lime is mainly lost from the soil through rainfall and drainage which reduces soil pH.
26 July 2020
Social Media Takeover with Mike Bermingham
Mike Bermingham is the Dairy Category Winner of the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition. On Wednesday, 29 July Mike will be taking over the Teagasc Instagram and Teagasc Grass10 twitter account to give us an insight into his farm and farming system.
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.
22 July 2020
Review of Ballyhaise heifer rearing unit at grass
For the last two years Ballyhaise Research Farm have been running a dedicated replacement heifer rearing unit which consists of a 10ha grazing block. This year there is 31 calves and 21 maiden heifers on this block. Martina Gormley, Teagasc Dairy Specialist tells us more.
22 July 2020
A unique grazing system that works
If you don’t measure grass you can’t manage it. On this episode of the Beef Edge podcast, suckler farmer Thomas O’Connor from Co. Kildare joins Catherine Egan to give an insight of his farming system.
22 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter July 21st
Grass growth exceeding demand. The focus this week is on: Grass quality during the last round of summer grazing, grazing management and applying K. Walk your farm every 5 days during the next few weeks so you can react to the high growth rates at present.
15 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter 14 July
Grass10 Update this week has information on: Pasturebase data for the week; focus on correct grazing yield with current high growth rates; Advice for autumn reseeding: and a flyer for the Mike Bermingham’s social media takeover day on Wednesday 29th July.
10 July 2020
Newford Demonstration Farm - Grass Update
Michael Fagan, Teagasc Technician for Newford Farm gives an update on the grass situation on the farm. Newford Farm consists of 71 Ha, which is made up of 4 farms and 2 of these are located 12km away from the home farm.
10 July 2020
Nutritional composition and human health implications of grass-fed beef
Ireland’s climate has encouraged the development of “grass-fed” as a point of difference for Irish beef in high-value markets in Europe and beyond. Project lead Aidan Moloney tells us more.
10 July 2020
Grass-forage and concentrate beef: production and quality attributes
Grass-based production systems offer an economic advantage for Irish beef farms. There is renewed interest in 100 % grass-fed beef, which is perceived as being more ‘sustainable’ by consumers.
09 July 2020
Want 50kg more winter weight gain for no extra cost? Cut silage in May instead of June
Research conducted at Teagasc Grange has shown that cattle fed high quality 75% dry matter digestibility (DMD) silage gained almost 50kg additional live-weight over a 5 month winter compared to similar cattle fed 65% DMD silage. Joe Patton explains the results of this research.
09 July 2020
Winter Finishing: Grass-based systems
Even high-quality grass silage is incapable of sustaining adequate growth rates to exploit the growth potential of most cattle so concentrate supplementation is required. Mark McGee and Catherine Egan, Teagasc, AGRIC give advice on efficient feed utilisation when finishing cattle.
09 July 2020
Feeding weanlings during the winter
Grange research has shown that weanling steers and heifers generally do not require protein supplementation when fed barley-based concentrates and high DMD grass silage. Researcher Mark McGee and Specialist Catherine Egan give some information and advice.
09 July 2020
How to grow and utilise more grass on my farm?
Underpinning good grass production and utilisation is having adequate soil fertility, unimpeded drainage, targeted application of fertiliser and good grazing infrastructure, coupled with appropriate grazing management practices. Specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have some advice.
09 July 2020
Finishing cattle at pasture: concentrate supplementation?
In autumn the diet of grazing cattle is generally unbalanced in terms of energy and protein as there is usually excess degradable protein in autumn grass. Researchers Edward O’Riordan and Mark McGee have some information.
09 July 2020
Resilient grass-based systems for beef cattle
In beef production systems, feed provision is the single largest direct cost incurred, accounting for approximately 75% of total costs of production. Beef specialist Catherine Egan and researcher Mark McGee have advice and information.
08 July 2020
White Clover
White Clover will increase grass production and quality. It improves animal performance - 13% increase in animal carcass weight & 25% increase in lamb live weight gain.
08 July 2020
Protected Urea - Cost Efficient N
Protected urea (ProUrea) is urea which is treated with a urease inhibitor. The urease inhibitor can be either a) coated onto the outside of the fertiliser granule or b) incorporated into the urea granule melt during manufacture.
08 July 2020
Protected Urea - Cost Efficient N
Protected urea (ProUrea) is urea which is treated with a urease inhibitor. The urease inhibitor can be either a) coated onto the outside of the fertiliser granule or b) incorporated into the urea granule melt during manufacture.
08 July 2020
Low Emission Slurry Spreading (LESS)
Cattle slurry is a valuable source of N, P & K produced on farm. The nitrogen (N) in cattle slurry is in the ammonia form similar to N in urea fertilisers and as such can be easily lost to the atmosphere.
08 July 2020
Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP)
The ASSAP is a new government / industry collaborative initiative running from 2018 - 2021. The programme offers a free support and advisory service (20 Teagasc and 10 Dairy Co-op advisors) and participation is voluntary. Its aim is to improve water quality through working with farmers.
07 July 2020
Growing your potential; Grass-to-Beef
Grazed grass is the cheapest source of energy for ruminants and is capable of supporting high levels of animal performance. Nicky Byrne, Donall Fahy and Michael O’Donovan have some advice.
04 July 2020
Lessons from the Derrypatrick herd – Q & A
Beef specialist, Aidan Murray along with researchers Paul Crosson, Bernadette Earley and Orla Keane give us some information on the lessons learned from the herd to date.
02 July 2020
Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer - Matthew Mullen
Matthew Mullen from County Meath is a participant in the Teagasc/Glanbia Open Source Future Farm Programme. In this video Matthew gives an update on what they have been doing on the farm in recent weeks.
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
26 June 2020
Rain shines the light back on quality
Following recent rain grass has started to grow again in most areas. What is the best way to manage the grass growth? Grass 10 advisor John Douglas has advise on keeping the focus on quality.
23 June 2020
Post sowing management and grazing of a grass/clover reseeds
John Paul Murphy Farm Manager in Moorepark gives and update on the sward sown on May 1st 2020. He gives details on the management of the sward to date.
22 June 2020
Concentrate supplement options during a grass shortage
Many farms have been struggling with poor grass growth and quality in recent weeks. Weekend rainfall has been significant in most regions, this will help grass growth. If you are short of grass, Dairy Specialist Joe Patton has some advice.
21 June 2020
Liming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and increases grassland productivity
Research in Johnstown Castle has shown that increasing soil pH by liming resulted in significant reduction of N2O emissions and increased grassland productivity compared to the un-limed plots under the same management and fertiliser regime. Researchers Ognjen Zurovec and Karl Richards have more info
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to Health and Safety Authority (HAS) show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales.
17 June 2020
Finishing cattle at grass
During the next few months a considerable number of beef cattle will be slaughtered. If you are targeting to slaughter off grass Alan Dillon, Cattle Specialist has some useful advice.
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.
13 June 2020
Summer Season – Keeping up with the Grass Plant!
Maintaining adequate high quality grass mid-season is the most cost effective way of achieving good animal performance - Anne O’Malley, Drystock Advisor in Ballina has some advice.
06 April 2020
Grassland re-seeding: how to establish multi-species swards
Guylain Grange from Johnstown Castle research centre gives information and advice on establishing multi-species swards