TResearch
2024
Microbial marvels Teagasc research is examining the beneficial symbiotic relationship between the soil microbiome and plant diversity in pasture systems. Agricultural grassland soils are a rich source of microbial life. These microorganisms – which include bacteria and fungi – are instrumental in fundamental ecosystem processes such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient […]
Beef and to the point For Teagasc’s dairy-beef research and KT programme, Research Officer Nicky Byrne and Walsh Scholar Jenny Abbott, DairyBeef500 Programme Manager Alan Dillon and Programme Advisor Fergal Maguire explain how their work supports Ireland’s world-class beef production systems. Can you explain the team’s role? Nicky: Over the past 10 […]
Beefing up the data Decision-support tools can facilitate more sustainable beef-on-dairy systems. The dairy and beef sectors are intrinsically linked. Approximately 75-80% of calves originating from the dairy herd are destined for slaughter; many are purchased at less than six weeks old. Since dairy farmers are often not directly impacted by the […]
Graze on end Grass varieties can now be evaluated on commercial grassland farms in Ireland; this system gives grassland farmers more relevant information regarding how varieties can contribute to their farms over time. On Irish grassland farms, perennial ryegrass is the most important forage as it provides large quantities of high-quality forage […]
Bridging the gap Teagasc reflects on significant impacts from the decade-long partnership between its technology transfer office and those of University College Cork and Munster Technological University forged via the Bridge Network consortium. Siobhán Jordan (second left, front row) and Miriam Walsh (second right, front row) with Teagasc colleagues at the 2022 […]
Events: my take-home message Teagasc’s researchers attend many events throughout the year, sharing the findings from their research with national and international audiences. Here, we capture the take-home messages – key pieces of information that our researchers want people to remember – from recent events. Eoin O’Connor and Joy Clarke at ISMS […]
Getting to know: David Kenny With a lifelong passion for farming, David Kenny leads the Animal and Bioscience Research Department at Teagasc Grange, with a special focus on nutrition and emissions in livestock production systems. Hi David! Could you tell us a bit about yourself? I am Head of the Animal and […]
Mushroom for reflection Delegates from Teagasc recently attended the International Society of Mushroom Science congress for a look at the ever-growing world of mushroom research. Teagasc attendees at the ISMS Congress: (L-R) Gabrielle Young, Eoghan Corbett, Joy Clarke, Helen Grogan, Lóránt Hatvani and Andrea Uccello The International Society of Mushroom Science (ISMS) […]
Chirping fieldwork assistant Everyone involved in fieldwork knows the beautiful chirps of the Skylark, which can sing non-stop for hours during breeding season. They breed in spring crops and feed their chicks with insects and spiders that they find in their surroundings. However, their population is declining due to habitat loss and […]
A growing threat Agronomy practices have become increasingly reliant on herbicides. However, research at Oak Park shows that other tactics will be needed against the spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. Ireland’s mild climate, coupled with more winter cropping, earlier autumn-sowing and increased adoption of non-inversion tillage, has resulted in greater weed challenges and […]