Sheep
Understanding pasture contamination and its implications for management
The current parasite challenge on pasture is made up of Nematodirus and other Strongyles larvae. While Nematodirus does not pose a large risk now don’t be surprised if it shows up in faecal egg count results. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist explains this and talks about pasture contamination
07 July 2021
Sustaining the Effectiveness of Wormers in Sheep
At this time of year sheep farmers will be using wormers or anthelminthics to control gut worms in sheep. Enda O'Hart, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea, has clear advice in just four actions that sheep farmers can take to prolong the efficacy of commonly used wormers on the farm
04 July 2021
ASSAP Service: A typical Farm Assessment
The ASSAP (Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory programme) is a free advisory service aimed at improving water quality. There are 10 PAA’s (Prioritized areas for action) in West Cork. Lane Giles, ASSAP Advisor, Clonakilty explains what the service provides for the farmer in West Cork
03 July 2021
Delivery of Public Good Farm Practice through CAP
Cross Compliance rules were first introduced in 2000 and revised in 2015. The aim is implement public good practices on farm to protect human, animal, plant and environmental health. Anne O’Malley, Farm Food Business and Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballina explains Statutory Management Requirements
02 July 2021
Sward height is key to lamb growth
Finishing lambs as quickly as possible from grass is one of the biggest challenges on a sheep farm. A key target for early to mid-March lambing flocks is to have 50% of lambs finished off grass by early September. Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor Navan, has advice on achieving this
27 June 2021
Best Practice when using Pesticides
It is important that all users take care and follow best practice procedure when using pesticides. Deirdre Glynn, ASSAP Advisor and Mark Trimble, Tillage Advisor, Kilkenny discuss safe storage and handling of chemicals, good sprayer maintenance and best practice when using pesticides on farm.
26 June 2021
Using NUDGE theory to improve Farm Safety
A leading USA expert will outline the potential of Nudge theory to improve Farm Safety at a Teagasc Webinar on Thursday, 1 July at 3pm. Dr Julie Sorensen, Director, New York Centre for Agricultural Medicine & Health (NYCAMH) will provide a seminar on research that applies Nudge Theory to farm safety
25 June 2021
Fertiliser Guidelines for 2nd Cut Silage
Second cut silage is planned on many farms to replenish silage reserves for the coming winter. This crop tends to be lower yielding compared to first cut silage. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Soil & Plant Nutrition and John Conroy, Teagasc Westport outline fertiliser guidelines for making 2nd cut silage
24 June 2021
Maintaining Quality in the Grass Sward
Alan Nolan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe has excellent practical advice on maintaining quality in the grass sward. The key message is to take some simple steps now to maintain grass quality and Alan lists these here. Walking the farm every week to monitor grass supply and quality is key
23 June 2021
Teagasc Opening Statement on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture Food and the Marine - June 22 2021
Today, Tuesday June 22, Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle and Mary Ryan, Teagasc Researcher gave a briefing on Organic Farming to the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The full statement includes publications, on-line, advisory, education & research support for organics
22 June 2021
Ewe Replacements – beware of selling the family silver
Many March born lambs are currently being weaned. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Athenry cautions not to make the mistake of selecting replacement ewe lambs after some of the best lambs have gone for slaughter or been sold. He advises selecting replacements at first drafting or weaning
22 June 2021
Health for Sustainable Farming
Research by Teagasc along with National Centre for Men’s Health, IT Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology indicates that farmers adopt health practices, as they get older. However, health issues can progress gradually, so the sooner health adoption takes place the better!
20 June 2021
Irish Wool is at a Crossroads
Irish wools have always been renowned for their unique properties allowing their use in carpet and construction materials alike. Bernie Leahy, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinasloe, welcomes the investment in a feasibility study of Irish wool production. She outlines some wool success stories here
19 June 2021
Teagasc Signpost Programme Newsletter June 2021
Welcome to the first e-newsletter for the Signpost Programme. The Signpost e-newsletter will be published monthly. It will provide you with news from the Signpost Programme, technical articles, policy and research updates as well as profiling Signpost Farmers from across the country.
19 June 2021
Machinery Co-operatives in Ireland
Ireland’s first farm machinery sharing co-operative was formed by members of Kilnamartyra dairy discussion group in West Cork. The machinery co-op provides a sound business structure for the sharing of machinery between farmers and can be applicable to farmers in any enterprise, especially tillage
18 June 2021
Performance to 7 weeks on target, but keep an eye til weaning
The lowland flocks in the Teagasc BETTER farm sheep programme have collected the 7 week lamb weights in recent weeks. Frank Campion, Sheep Researcher presents a summary of the weights saying "While performance to 7 weeks is on target, it's important to keep eye on the ball all the way to weaning"
15 June 2021
Blowfly Strike Control Options
Flystrike may occur on any part of the body, most commonly around the tail, where the fleece has become soiled or infected with bacteria. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor Tralee, talks about flystrike prevention options in the month of June, normally a high risk time for blowfly strike in sheep
15 June 2021
Getting Lamb Performance Back on Track
Watch out for poor lamb performance where grass supply may have been inadequate recently. March lambing flocks, where ewes have passed their peak milk supply and grass accounts for a bigger portion of the lamb’s diet may be most impacted. Teagasc Mayo advisor Andy Ryder has some advice.
12 June 2021
Risk Assessing Your Farm
Don't ignore safety issues on your farm! Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Galway/Clare issues a reminder about completing the Risk Assessment Document. She focuses on 3 main areas where the highest number of accidents and fatalities occur; namely - Tractors, Machinery and Livestock.
12 June 2021
Environment Newsletter - June 2021
This month's Teagasc Environment newsletter has information and advice on: REAP the benefits; Measures to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters from January 1, 2021; and Message from ASSAP - Protect our bathing waters.
11 June 2021
Agriculture is facing a momentous decision on carbon budgets
Over the next few months a decision on the future of Irish agriculture will be taken that may prove to be as momentous as the 1984 introduction of milk quota or our 1973 entry to the EU. Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc refers to the publication of sectoral carbon budgets from 2021 onwards
10 June 2021
Running a contract rearing operation alongside your flock
John O'Connell is a BETTER farm sheep programme participant and farms on the outskirts of Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. He runs a sheep and contract grazing system. Ciaran Lynch Teagasc Sheep specialist & Tom Coll Teagasc Advisor, discuss the resulting changes and grassland management improvements here
08 June 2021
Silage Season Safety Check
We're now in one of the busiest times on farms as silage is being harvested. It's also one of the most high risk times due to increased movement of machinery and people on our roads and farms. Jacinta O'Neill, Teagasc Advisor, Westport, has a useful safety checklist to consider for silage season
06 June 2021
Water Protection measures since 1st January 2021 – do they affect my farm?
Many farmers have asked about water protection measures that have been in place since the start of 2021 and if these apply to their farms. These measures were introduced to reduce nutrient and sediment run-off to waters to improve water quality. Tim Hyde, Environment Specialist has the answers here
05 June 2021
Getting Silage Quality Right in 2021
Silage makes up 25-40% of the annual diet on beef and dairy farms depending on the length of the winter across the county. Decisions made at farm level, over the coming weeks will have a huge impact on the quality of silage fed next winter. Drystock Specialist Catherine Egan gives some advice.
05 June 2021
Building forage reserves
Joe Patton, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, & Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Regional Manager recommend that farms build a rolling silage reserve of 2 bales/head or about 1 month’s feeding for a mature cow, into their silage plans, to offset against future shortfalls in fodder due to non-seasonal weather.
04 June 2021
Farming with Nature
John Oates is farming just north of Sligo Town. Whitethorn hedgerows provide field boundaries and shelter and shade for livestock. Environment and Technology Advisor Peter Mullan gives more information on how John is farming with the natural environment
04 June 2021
Farm Business Options - BIA Innovator Campus – Transforming Food Entrepreneurship
On this Farm Business Options webinar, which was held on Tuesday, 25 May, host Barry Caslin Teagasc was joined by Elaine Donohue, BIA Innovator Campus General Manager and Colm Foley, Teagasc Food Technologist, Bia Innovator Campus CLG to discuss the facilities at the BIA Innovator Campus in Athenry
04 June 2021
Getting the Spread Right
Fertiliser is one of the most expensive inputs on the farm so you need to ensure that it is applied correctly, not only for your wallet but also for the environment. Here, Francis Quigley Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist, talks about safety, checking the spreader, machine settings and calibration
03 June 2021
Get the Facts on Applying Lime
Isn't it about time you applied lime? Don't rely on hearsay - stick to the facts. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle highlights 10 facts every farmer should know about applying lime. When is the ideal time to apply lime? What about lime and slurry? Can I apply lime and urea? Get answers here
02 June 2021