Sheep
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
Caring for rams post mating
Rams are the most costly/valuable animals on most sheep farms. For most flocks, the quickest way to immediately reduce ram costs is to focus on ram longevity. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep KT Programme, outlines the main areas that should be concentrated on in order to achieve this.
09 November 2021
Generating bioplastics using haemoglobin from blood
On “10 Things to Know About … Blood”, airing tonight, Monday, 8 November, on RTÉ One Television at 8:30pm, presenter Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin will meet Teagasc Researchers, Dr Anne Maria Mullen and Dr Carlos Alvarez, who have developed a method to generate bioplastics using haemoglobin from blood.
08 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
Making the most of what you have!
Here Bernie Leahy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway considers The Parable of the Talents in the Bible, and likens it to Teagasc initiatives such as Signpost Programme and Farm Diversification which encourage farmers to be efficient, not wasteful, changing practices for the sake of the environment
07 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
06 November 2021
Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load
Last week was European Week for Safety & Health at Work themed: ‘Healthy Workplaces Lighten the Load’ - part of the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2020-22. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialists take this opportunity to advise on avoiding work-related injury on the farm
02 November 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
Best practice for sheep dipping
Kevin O’Sullivan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor highlights the key areas to pay attention to when using sheep dip. He also takes us through the correct procedure for disposal of spent sheep dip in order to ensure our watercourses are protected.
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.
26 October 2021
Options for Organic Tillage Growers
The second in a series of Autumn organic webinars, hosted by the Teagasc Organic Specialists, takes place on Wednesday, 27 October at 7:30pm and focuses on Options for Organic Tillage Growers. Register here
24 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.
23 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
Improving The Appearance of your Farm
At various times of the year farms are very busy places of work, and can quickly become untidy and unsafe. However, no matter how busy you are, you must be safety conscience and aim to keep your farm and farmyard neat and tidy at all times. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Adviser has farm upkeep suggestions
21 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
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
Successfully Breeding Ewe Lambs
The average replacement rate in a breeding flock is 22% or five lambings per ewe. The current cost of replacements to the breeding flock is 25% of the value of each lamb sold per ewe during her lifetime in the flock. Vincent Ronayne, Teagasc Advisor Ballinrobe, makes savings by breeding ewe lambs
19 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
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
Do health when you are Young
On the final day of Ag Mental Health Week John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist looks at the health priorities of young farmers & advises that the younger the age that you start adopting health gain practices the better. He discusses Irish research in the last of his four articles
16 October 2021
Securing Positive Mental Health in Farming
Ag Mental Health Week runs to Saturday, Oct 16. This week Teagasc Daily brings you short articles from John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, reminding farmers and all working in agriculture of the importance of mental health awareness. Article 3 focus is: Securing Positive Mental Health
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
14 October 2021
Don’t feel Impregnable - look after your Health
Ag Mental Health Week runs from Oct 10 to Saturday, Oct 16. All this week Teagasc Daily will bring you series of 4 short articles from John McNamara Teagasc Health & Safety Specialist, reminding farmers and all working in agriculture of the importance of mental health awareness. Read the second here
13 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.
12 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.
11 October 2021
The Signpost Series - 'What's the Story with our Bogs?' and the European Carbon Farming Initiative
On this episode of The Signpost Series, which took place on Friday, 1 October, Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc was joined by Dr Douglas McMillan, Chair of the Green Restoration Ireland (GRI) Cooperative to discuss what’s the story with our Bogs?
10 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.
09 October 2021
Mating management in Sheep
Ciaran Lynch, Sheep Specialist, discusses mating management. He looks at; ewe:ram ratio, raddling rams, grouping up, fertility issues, and ram lambs.
08 October 2021