Sheep
Is it necessary to complete the Green Cert?
On completion of the Green Cert course, students meet the requirements of a qualified farmer for the purposes of all Revenue and Department of Agriculture (DAFM) schemes. Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Athenry discusses the wider benefits of completing the Green Cert
31 July 2022
It’s hard to be green, when in the red
Farmers are facing a big challenge when it comes to balancing economic sustainability with environmental sustainability, says Michael Hayden, Assistant Professor of Accounting at Maynooth University. This External Insights article featured in the TResearch Summer 2022 Magazine. Read more here
31 July 2022
Summer safety on farm
Summer is always a very busy time on farms and there is so much happening with silage, harvesting of crops and ongoing management of livestock, but we all need to remain mindful of health and safety on the farm. Marion Fox, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Athenry focuses on a few areas to consider
30 July 2022
Quality grass now will reduce meal required to finish lambs
The majority of weaning of March-born lambs has already been done. Some first drafting of lambs for sale has taken place or is getting underway. Andy Ryder, Teagasc Advisor Westport takes a look at your market options, while Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor Navan discusses finishing lambs from grass
28 July 2022
Cliona Beirne - Green Cert experience
“What I loved about being in college was that you would be learning about measuring grass in the morning and you would be in the field in the afternoon putting it into practice" says Cliona Beirne about the Teagasc Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Mgt) at Mountbellew College
28 July 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 26th July 2022
The Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition 2022 has been launched! The Grass10 team bring us the details in this week's newsletter. Also get the regular PBI dairy & beef figures, grass growth predictions, Grass10 Weekly Checklist & tips, Grass10 Featured Farmer, Clover reporter and more here
27 July 2022
Using TAMS to improve Farm Sustainability
Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea, discusses using TAMS to improve farm sustainability. Séamus outlines a sample of eligible investments under TAMS which benefit both the farmer and the environment. If considering applying for a TAMS grant consult your Teagasc advisor. Read more here
27 July 2022
Maria Keane - Green Cert experience
“The Green Cert gives you a great foundation in agriculture,” says Maria about the Teagasc distance Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming course, which she completed at Gurteen College. Maria talks about her distance "Green Cert" course which she found flexible and accommodating
26 July 2022
Approaching Deadline for Fodder Support Scheme 2022
The deadline for submission of applications for the Fodder Support Scheme is Tuesday August 2nd 2022. It is important that all eligible farmers apply even though the maximum payment of €1,000 per applicant may look small to some. Matt O’Sullivan Teagasc Advisor, Killarney has the details here
26 July 2022
Designing a breeding programme for your flock
Every flock no matter how big or small should have a clearly defined breeding programme. The programme should identify the type of ewes that you wish to have in your flock and the type of lambs that you wish to produce. Michael Gottstein Teagasc Head of Sheep, sums up the main points to consider
26 July 2022
Dave Moloney - Green Cert student experience
“My only regret is that I didn’t do it years ago!” says Dave Moloney, Co Cork about the Teagasc part-time Level 6 Specific Purpose Certificate in Farming course, which he completed at Teagasc Macroom. Dave, who won 2021 Teagasc Student of the Year Competition, talks about his "Green Cert" course
25 July 2022
Grass margins a simple but effective environmental measure!
Grass margins are strips of untouched vegetation around field boundaries. These margins are typically fenced off and left alone to provide habitat cover and food for flora and fauna to thrive in. Why do we need grass margins? And are they effective? Eanna Loughrey, Teagasc Ballinrobe has answers
23 July 2022
Enhanced rates for Organic Farmers
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett recently announced proposed new enhanced rates for farmers participating in the Organic farming scheme. These are subject to approval by the European Commission.
23 July 2022
Fatal Farm Incidents in Ireland 2008 – 2021
As farm safety week draws to a close today, Teagasc Staff Dr David Meredith, Rural Economy Development Programme (REDP), Dr John McNamara, Health & Safety Specialist and Dr Mohammad Mohammadrezaei, REDP, show us the statistics on Fatal Farm Incidents in Ireland 2008 – 2021 to raise safety awareness
22 July 2022
Promoting Positive Mental Health among Farmers
Mental Health Awareness is today's Farm Safety Week theme. Farmers live in constantly changing times with possibilities of farming problems and many issues that can cause stress and associated mental health challenges. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist discusses managing stress here
22 July 2022
Quitting smoking success - A Farmer study
Farmers have been identified as a high-risk group for cancer mortality compared to other occupational groups. Cancers of the lungs and respiratory tract are major killers and are particularly associated with smoking tobacco. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist informs us of more here
21 July 2022
Preventing Occupational Respiratory Diseases in Farming
On Thursday 21st July Respiratory Health is the #FarmSafetyWeek theme. Farmers are at high risk for developing respiratory (lung) disease. About 60% of non-smoking Irish farmers report having some lung or breathing issues. John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist discusses preventing this
21 July 2022
Grass10 Newsletter - 19th July 2022
This week's Grass10 Newsletter includes; Grass10 featured farmer-Paudie O'Brien; the clover reporter with Peter Doyle, Teagasc Grange; Grass10 weekly tips; weekly checklist; plus grass growth predictions, PBI figure and a New Feature on PastureBase Ireland - Record the level of clover in paddocks
20 July 2022
Farm safety champions and farm accident survivors
It's #FarmSafetyWeek and Wednesday's theme is farm safety champions and farm accident survivors. Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists, Francis Bligh and John McNamara encourage you to be a farm safety champion this July. They introduce Ann Doherty, a south Kilkenny farmer and accident survivor
20 July 2022
Grass management in dry weather conditions
Soil moisture and high daily temperatures are beginning to impact on daily grass growth in many parts of the country. While fields and paddocks remain green growth is impaired. Teagasc specialist, Joe Patton has advice and tips for managing grass in the current prolonged spell of dry weather.
19 July 2022
Thomas Curran is New Head of the Teagasc Advisory Service
Thomas Curran has been appointed as the new Head of the Teagasc Advisory Service. The appointment was approved by the Teagasc Authority today, Tuesday, 19 July. Thomas Curran will lead the Teagasc advisory service, which is delivered to farmers nationwide by a team of agricultural advisors
19 July 2022
Young persons - be safe around farm vehicles and machinery
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 22 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. HSA figures also tell us that 91% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved. Get some advice here on keeping young persons safe
19 July 2022
Child Safety on Farms in 2022
The farm safety week theme for Tuesday is Child safety on farms. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist outlines ways to keep children safe on farm. He discusses the importance of teaching children about farm safety and lists various resources for children including ‘Stay Safe with Jessy'
19 July 2022
Biodiversity Farm Walk in Wexford
Colm Doran, Teagasc advisor, Gorey extends an open invitation to what promises to be an informative evening at a Biodiversity Farm Walk on the dairy farm of Alan & Cheryl Poole on Wednesday, 20th July at 7pm near Craanford, Gorey, Co. Wexford. Attendees will see good on-farm biodiversity in practice
18 July 2022
Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition 2022 is launched
The Grassland farmer of the year competition for 2022 was officially launched on Friday 15th July in Johnstown Castle Estate by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.
18 July 2022
Teagasc Fodder Survey Results
Teagasc dairy and drystock advisors completed feed budgets with a selection of over 500 farmer clients on PastureBase Ireland in late June/early July. The Teagasc Fodder Survey Results were presented to the National Fodder & Food Security Committee on Wednesday, 13th July. Get a summary here
17 July 2022
Farmers encouraged to view new SunSmart video
Working outdoors for long period’s means farmers are one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. High temperatures are predicted over the next few days. Teagasc encourages farmers to watch the SunSmart video. Read also details on Healthy Ireland SunSmart steps for farmers.
16 July 2022
Why July is the most dangerous month
Grim figures suggest greater caution than ever is needed on farms in summer. Farm Safety Week 2022 takes place from Monday 18 to Friday 22 July. This is timely as Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist demonstrates that July is the most dangerous month on farms. Read more here
15 July 2022
Today's Farm - July/August 2022
The July/August edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. In this edition Meet our Green Cert graduates. With Farm Safety Week in July we learn it's the most dangerous month. Also Seven steps to maximise lamb performance, Growing demand for oilseed rape; joining ACRES and more
15 July 2022
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter July 2022
In this month’s newsletter we've a short article on improving nutrient efficiency on tillage farms by Mark Plunkett. We profile two Signpost farmers – pigs farmers Miriam & Mattie Moore, Co. Offaly & organic farmer Bill George, Co. Laois. We've our usual climate actions for the month of July & more
13 July 2022