Sheep
Tillage Update - 3rd February 2022
One of the key elements of the sustainable use directive (SUD) is that sprayers must be tested and certified. A properly functioning sprayer is essential to get the best response from plant protection products (PPP’s) and to protect the environment. Ciaran Collins, Crops Specialist has more advice
03 February 2022
Teagasc celebrates World Wetlands Day 2022
The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee invites you to celebrate World Wetlands day on the 2nd February. Mary Roache, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor & Teagasc representative on The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee, reminds us that that farmers play a key role in the conservation and “wise use of wetlands”
02 February 2022
Planning to reduce lamb mortality in 2022
Strong lamb prices over the last year may be eroded by rising input costs on sheep farms. Maximising profitability can be achieved by maximising output and controlling costs. This includes improving lamb survival through good ewe body condition, as Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep outlines
01 February 2022
Virtual Sheep Conference 2022 - Session 2
On Thursday 27 January, Dr. Philip Creighton, Teagasc Sheep Enterprise Leader, chaired this interesting discussion on ‘Reducing lamb mortality and new veterinary medicine regulations for 2022’. You can access the webinar and conference publication here
01 February 2022
Three Reasons to use Protected Urea in 2022
Protected urea grows more grass in the long term. This is just one of three reasons why farmers should use Protected Urea in 2022. Mark Plunkett, Patrick Forrestal and Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc detail these and how to use it while Patrick Forrestal has tips on using protected urea in a video also
31 January 2022
Housing, scanning and planning for spring in Co Leitrim
John O'Connell is a Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme participant, farming on the outskirts of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. He runs a mid-season lambing flock and a contract rearing system that caters for both dairy heifer and bull calves. Ciaran Lynch & Tom Coll Teagasc outline recent farm progress
29 January 2022
Using pig slurry to save money makes more sense than ever
Pig slurry is now worth €48 per 1000 gallons. This double its normal value because fertiliser prices have never been so expensive. Using pig slurry can save you money - now more than ever before! Amy Quinn, Teagasc Pig Development Department has guidance for farmers importing pig slurry here
28 January 2022
Teagasc Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign launched by Minister McConalogue
The Teagasc Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Campaign 2022 has been launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD. This Teagasc initiative is in response to the unprecedented fertiliser prices, and potential supply availability concerns arising in Spring 2022
26 January 2022
GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme 2022 is open
On Friday, 21st January, the 2022 GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme opened for online applications. The scheme is open to GLAS farmers for the conservation of traditional farm outbuildings. It will close on 22nd February 2022. Find out more about what's involved here
25 January 2022
Reducing Lamb Mortality with Hygiene
With lambing season approaching Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Programme, Teagasc, outlines various methods that can be implemented on your farm to create a more hygienic environment for lambing in the video here.
25 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
Time to move if forming a Registered Farm Partnership
Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) is an excellent arrangement to bring a young person into the family farm business without having to immediately sign over the land. Keep an eye on the February 11 deadline. Gordon Peppard Teagasc Collaborative Farming Specialist has key advice
20 January 2022
Teagasc & NUI Galway partner new BSc Agricultural Science degree in the West
2021 saw the launch of a brand new BSc in Agricultural Science at the National University of Ireland Galway with a strong focus on Sustainable Agriculture. Teagasc and NUI Galway have announced a partnership to deliver on the huge demand for an Agricultural Degree programme in the West of Ireland.
20 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
19 January 2022
Pre-lambing ewe flock health
With scanning of March lambing flocks well underway Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Athenry looks at some of the main health issues to be addressed between scanning and lambing. As with many conditions affecting the ewe flock, prevention is generally better than cure.
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
18 January 2022
Teagasc Virtual Sheep Conference
The Teagasc Sheep Conference will take place virtually this year. On two evenings, Tuesday, 25 January and Thursday, 27 January, farmers can tune into a webinar between 8pm and 9pm when all the latest research from the Teagasc national sheep programme will be discussed.
18 January 2022
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter January 2022
In this month’s newsletter, Minister McConalogue explains the Climate Action Plan and what it means for Agriculture. We have our monthly climate actions, a video with timely advice for spring nutrient management for 2022 and an article on laying new hedges. We also provide 2 decision support tools
17 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
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
Tillage Update - 13th January 2022
Most cereal growers have some level of catch or cover crops growing in fields that are destined for spring crops. Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist focuses on managing catch crops in this tillage update.
13 January 2022
Teagasc at BTYSTE: Helping shape the future of farming
Teagasc is at the virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) 2022. Teagasc Researchers Catriona Boyle, Emma Dillon, Brian Moran & Trevor Donnellan tell us about the research work of Teagasc economists in compiling the National Farm Survey. You can visit the Teagasc stand here too
13 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
Strategies to Reduce Sheep Input Costs For 2022
For the past number of months we have been hearing about the increased cost of fertiliser, animal feed prices and the continuation of this in 2022. Joanne Masterson, Teagasc advisor Athenry has key advice on strategies within the farmer's control, to reduce sheep input costs for 2022
11 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
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
Ewe Nutrition and Management Pre-Lambing
Ensuring that the ewe receives the correct nutrition pre lambing is one of the key factors affecting subsequent lamb performance for the rest of the year. Shauna Fitzmaurice, Teagasc B&T Drystock Advisor, looks at the important aspects of ewe nutrition and management pre-lambing.
08 January 2022
Diversified Farmers' Guide to Social Media
Diversified businesses looking to bring in new customers need to create a social media strategy that is narrowly focused on their target audience to avoid wasting time and money. Many businesses are now aware of the need have an online presence. Follow the guidelines given here
05 January 2022
Sheep Housing: Space Requirements
As we approach the time for housing ewes, it is important that we assess the number of ewes to give the appropriate stocking numbers for each pen. Get advice and information from Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist.
04 January 2022