New Forestry Videos Produced by Teagasc

The latest forestry videos produced by the Forestry Development Department of Teagasc were launched this week by Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for Forestry.

The latest forestry videos produced by the Forestry Development Department of Teagasc were launched this week by Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for Forestry.

The first video provides step-by-step guidance for forest owners on whether a conifer forest is ready for thinning or not. The second video outlines the role of Teagasc in forestry including research, education and advisory services.

Usage by farmers of online and social media outlets is increasing rapidly, offering Teagasc additional platforms to provide research-based advice and training directly to farmers through their smartphone or laptop, at a time convenient to the farmer.

For example, the Teagasc Ready Reckoner is a straightforward tool allowing landowners to assess for themselves whether their Sitka spruce crops are ready for thinning. Teagasc has now produced a short six minute video explaining this straightforward timber measurement method. Video instructions on its use are available to view at www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

John Casey, forestry advisor with Teagasc, commented: “It is vital to thin the right trees and at the right time, maximising the crop value. The Teagasc Ready Reckoner helps forest owners to identify that time, with a few basic measurements that they can record themselves. This new video explains how to do this.”

Steven Meyen, Teagasc Forestry Department, who produced the video, said: “Videos are powerful communication tools, empowering farmers to make decisions at critical crop development stages. He added; “Educational videos are very accessible and assist in developing a long-term knowledge base amongst first generation forest owners.”