Today's Farm - September/October 2022

The September/October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. In this edition find out why Beef farmers are embracing clover. It also has articles on Organic sheep earn their keep; Soil sampling is key to cutting fertiliser costs; Transferring the family farm; and more.

View it here: Today's Farm - September/October 2022 (PDF)

The main enterprises of dairy, beef, sheep and crops are covered. Also in this edition are interesting articles on: 

• Organic sheep earn their keep
  It’s just over seven years since Michael Burke began converting his 64ha holding into an organic farm. He achieved full organic status in 2017. Located near the town of Dunmore in north Galway, the farm now carries organic sheep, beef and tillage enterprises. Damien Costello, Sheep specialist and Glenn Corbett, Drystock advisor discuss how this Galway flock generates several income streams.
• Want better value from your fertiliser? Soil sampling is key
  Now is the ideal time to identify the areas of your farm that require upto-date soil analysis and aim to have soil samples taken over the coming weeks/months. This is vital information needed to manage fertiliser costs for 2023. Taking soil samples will provide a good foundation for planning the application of lime, slurry/farmyard manure (FYM) and fertilisers. Mark Plunkett, Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist provides more information and advice.
• Transferring the family farm
  Start planning early is one of the most important pieces of advice for any farmer who wishes to transfer a farm. A well-considered plan gives farmers, and all involved, time to figure things out and avoid family disagreements and high tax bills. Klara McGriskin, Farm Management Specialist looks at some aspects of the succession process, including communication, Wills, Policy and tax, Fairness and equality, and where to get more help.
• Sustainable beef farming in Tipperary 
  Climate change and the influence farming has on it is uppermost in the minds of a Tipperary store-tobeef discussion group, facilitated by Joe Hand. At a recent discussion group meeting, the group members outlined the actions they are taking on their farms to reduce the impact of farming on the environment. They also discussed their plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water quality in adjoining streams and enhance biodiversity.
• Keeping faith with forestry
  Pat Murray’s belief in trees is reaping handsome rewards. “In my opinion, good land should always be farmed, but if ground is going to be costly to bring into farming condition, then you need to look at other options,” says Pat, who farms near the village of Ballinaheglish in mid-Roscommon. Noel Kennedy, Forestry Development Officer caught up with Pat to find out more about his forestry enterprise.
• Getting the cut right
  Cut quality is important when creating a healthier, greener lawn. Paddy Smyth, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture outlines how the importance of mowing, its frequency, timing, mowing height and direction – vertical and horizontal – is often underestimated.