Grassland
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
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
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
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
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
23 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
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
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.
21 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
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
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
70 years of grassland research in Ireland
TEAGASC grassland research has enabled the transformation of Irish agriculture since the 1950s. The importance of grassland to Irish Agriculture is indicated by over 70% of agricultural output (monetary terms) coming from grassland as cattle, milk, & sheep products, Teagasc researchers reminisce
17 April 2021
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
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
15 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
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
13 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
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?.
10 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
09 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.
07 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
06 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.
03 April 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