Sheep
Start Growing Your 2022 Spring Grass Now!
At a farm walk outside Tuam during the week the topic of preparing for spring grass in 2022 raised a few eyebrows when there was a visible abundance of fresh green grass on the farm. Gabriel Trayers, Drystock Adviser, Teagasc Tuam reports on a recent experience he had and advises to plan ahead
05 October 2021
External parasite control in hill sheep
In this video Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer Programme with Teagasc discusses with Teagasc BETTER Sheep and Signpost farmer John Joe Fitzgerald about the importance of dipping sheep for the control of external parasites.
03 October 2021
Commuting before the pandemic
As some of us return to the work and college after 18 months of working from home, the September Map of the Month looks at pre-pandemic commuting patterns – highlighting how important regional towns are. It is interesting to think how the next survey of commuting will differ.
01 October 2021
Designing a sheep shed: Factsheet & Video
In this video & factsheet on Designing a sheep shed, Teagasc advisor, Edward Egan explains how the layout of a sheep shed should be planned before it’s built. He also explains how the layout of existing sheep sheds should be reviewed each year before the winter housing period.
01 October 2021
Preparing for lowland and hill flock mating
With mating time on the Teagasc BETTER sheep farms looming quickly on the horizon, particularly for the lowland flocks, preparations are well under way. Frank Campion, Teagasc Research Officer, discusses this and the mating of hill flocks further into the year.
30 September 2021
Improving animal performance from grazed pasture
A pre-requisite to exploiting improvements in the nutritive value of pasture is the optimisation of pasture management practices. Researchers Michael Dineen and Micheal O’Leary discuss the methods of improving animal performance from grazed pasture.
30 September 2021
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions?
Did you fulfill your September Climate Actions this month? If not there is still time for taking action to book a milk recording, spread lime on low pH soils, Apply potassium to low K Index soils, weigh replacement heifers, implement dosing & vaccination of young stock while focusing on grazing
29 September 2021
Transferring family farm - Where do I start?
Transferring the family farm is so much more than just a simple business transaction; there are a number of complex issues to be addressed. Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist, discusses how to handle family farm transfers, with insight from Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell.
29 September 2021
Teagasc advisors first in Europe to achieve new European Certificate
Two Teagasc advisors are the first in Europe to be awarded the European CECRA certificate. Marie Flynn, Dairy Advisor based in Moorepark advisory office and Cian Condon, Drystock & Goat advisor based in Teagasc Manorhamilton were presented with their certificates by Teagasc KT Director Dr Stan Lalor
28 September 2021
Comeragh Hill Sheep Farmers secures Biodiversity Funding
The Teagasc Comeragh Hill Sheep Discussion Group was awarded €118,720 for a one-year project. The group comprises 14 farmer members whose sheep graze over 4,000 hectares of the Comeragh mountains. The award was made in June by DAFM using the EIP model; it's focus is on promoting biodiversity
27 September 2021
Apply now for Pilot Soil Sampling Programme
Today, Monday 27th September sees the opening of a pilot Soil Sampling and Analysis Programme. This is a farm level soil sampling & analysis initiative which will provide farmers and their advisors with comprehensive details about the soil health and condition on their farms. Read how to apply here
27 September 2021
Breeding Ewe Lambs / Clean Livestock for Sheep
This year appears to have brought a lot of interest in breeding ewe lambs, due to hogget prices being strong. Colm Murray, B&T Drystock Advisor discusses the benefits and challenges of breeding ewe lambs. He also looks at clean livestock policy for sheep and pre-sale management.
25 September 2021
Minister Heydon views sustainability research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
Environmental sustainability is now central to all agricultural production in Ireland. Never before has there been more ask for technologies and tools for agriculture to meet the environmental challenges. These societal challenges are at the heart of research in Teagasc Johnstown Castle
23 September 2021
Prebreeding Vaccination against Toxo and Enzo in Sheep
Infectious abortion causes serious losses at farm level, with the loss of young ewes from the flock, veterinary bills, disposal of carcasses as well as a lot of stress. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, discusses this and prebreeding vaccination against toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion in sheep.
22 September 2021
Antimicrobial resistance Teagasc Leaflet
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (like bacteria and viruses) to stop an antimicrobial or antiviral drug from working against it. In this leaflet, authors Dr. Bernie Earley Grange & Aidan Murray Beef Specialist discuss AMR, how to prevent it and advise on antibiotics
22 September 2021
Checking condition of Hill ewes
Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist discusses the importance of assessing the body condition of ewes coming up to mating at a recent sheep open day on the farm of Teagasc BETTER Farm sheep programme participant John Joe Fitzgerald, Dingle, Co. Kerry.
21 September 2021
“It’s like admitting you are a failure”: Male farmer mental health help-seeking limited by Masculinity and Identity
Irish male farmers experience some of the highest levels of adverse health outcomes relative to other occupations – particularly in relation to heart disease, cancers and mental health. Despite this, many farmers do not seek help until their illness reaches crisis point. Read a recent Irish study..
19 September 2021
The Signpost Series - Combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality
On this episode of The Signpost Series, held on Friday, 10th September, Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd Manager was joined by Cathal Somers, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor and Philip Murphy, LAWPRO Catchment Scientist to discuss combining catchment science & agricultural advice to improve local water quality.
19 September 2021
The Future of Farming starts now – Farmers can do their bit to slow Climate Change
Climate change is an issue that demands immediate attention. Glen Corbett, Teagasc B&T Drystock Adviser, discusses the Signpost Programme; reducing greenhouse gas & ammonia emissions; protected urea; grazing management; and other actions farmers can take to help slow down climate change.
18 September 2021
Reducing chemical nitrogen use on dairy farms
Dairy farmers visiting the Teagasc Dairy Open Day, yesterday and today in Moorepark, with the final day on Thursday 16th September, will hear from Teagasc researchers and advisers about the Five key practices which can be used to reduce N fertiliser use on all farms
15 September 2021
Stores lambs – weighing up the options
At this time of year many farms that run a breeding ewe flock are assessing their options for the remaining lambs on the farm. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses preparing a budget, targeting cheap weight gain from grass, and estimated slaughter date.
14 September 2021
Small woodlands on dairy and drystock farms: Have your say on trees
Forests account for 12% of land area in Ireland. The government target is that forests will make up 18% of the land area by 2046. Rachel Irwin, Teagasc Walsh Scholar is surveying farmers to analyse their perceptions of, attitudes towards, and willingness to plant, trees on farms. Have your say here
08 September 2021
How to check the ewe is fit for breeding
Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Co. Meath has compiled a fact sheet for sheep farmers on how to check the ewe is fit for breeding. Edward outlines 10 key areas that need addressing and he advises beginning the ewe check early - at least 10 weeks prior to start of breeding. Download it here
08 September 2021
What is soil health and is it part of the solution to many of the challenges ahead in agriculture?
On the latest episode of The Environment Edge podcast, Dr Fiona Brennan Soil & Environmental Microbiology researcher with Teagasc based in Johnstown Castle tells us all about soil health.
06 September 2021
Rathcroghan EIP - Engaging farmers in European Innovation Partnerships
European Innovation Partnerships (EIPs) are testing new forms of knowledge exchange and innovative learning. Luke Clogher, Teagasc and Monica Gorman, UCD, consider Farming Rathcroghan Project EIP-Agri, that aims to enhance farming, archaeology and agri-tourism in a unique archaeological landscape
04 September 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter September 2021
This month’s Signpost newsletter features a guide to actions that dairy farmers can take to reduce emissions. We have the usual climate actions for the month as well as a timely video on lime application. We profile 3 Signpost farms – James Skehan (beef) Sean Collery (dairy) & Don Somers (tillage)
03 September 2021
How to check the ram is fit for breeding
Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Co. Meath has compiled a fact sheet for sheep farmers on how to check the ram is fit for breeding. Edward outlines 10 key areas that need addressing and he advises beginning the ram check on time - at least 10 weeks prior to start of breeding. Download it here
03 September 2021
Developing Rural Ireland - A History of the Irish Agricultural Advisory Services
A new book that documents the history of the Irish agricultural advisory services and its role in developing rural Ireland, was launched at a virtual event at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, yesterday, Wednesday 1 September.
02 September 2021
Hedgerow Cutting Season Begins
Hedges can be cut from 1 September until the end of February. The Wildlife Act, 1976 (2000) prohibits hedge cutting during the bird nesting season. Here Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist and Anthony Dineen, Teagasc Advisor simplify the rules and regulations around Hedges.
01 September 2021
Mating Ewe Lambs
This year will probably see an increased interest in mating ewe lambs due to the high cost of breeding hoggets, as a result of the unprecedented sheep meat prices. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep discusses steps sheep farmers should remember when considering whether or not to mate ewe lambs
31 August 2021