Environment
Focus on ground conditions and weather before spreading slurry
Focus on ground conditions and weather before spreading slurry With farmers in Zone A now permitted to spread slurry, ASSAP Programme Manager, Noel Meehan shares key advice on how best to maximise the use of slurry for growing crops, and minimise its impact on the environment. When spreading slurry, it is important […]
14 January 2025
Creating resilient upland farming systems
Creating resilient upland farming systems In recent months, Teagasc, in partnership with Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE IP, has developed innovative pilot projects aimed at enhancing upland farming in Sligo, Donegal, and Galway, Environment Specialist at Teagasc, Ivan Kelly tells us more. These initiatives focus on improving the economic, environmental, and social sustainability […]
13 January 2025
Do the challenges outweigh the positives in farming today and what motivates farmers to keep going?
Do the challenges outweigh the positives in farming today and what motivates farmers to keep going? Karen Delaney and David Melody, two young farmers, join us on a recent episode of the Environment Edge Podcast to reflect on 2024 and plan for 2025. Despite facing significant weather challenges last year, Karen and […]
12 January 2025
Keep an eye on your ACRES Plan
Keep an eye on your ACRES Plan Now is the time to review your ACRES plan and ensure all actions are on track. Austin Callaghan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Claremorris, highlights key planting actions like hedgerows, trees, and orchards, ensuring compliance and avoiding payment loss. Some famers had ACRES inspections in recent weeks. […]
11 January 2025
Research funding for technologies to reduce and account for GHG emissions
0 Research funding for technologies to reduce and account for GHG emissions As part of the Ireland-New Zealand Joint Research Initiative (JRI), €5.2 million in funding has been granted to research projects aimed at developing new technologies to reduce and account for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Announced by Minister for Agriculture, Food […]
6 January 2025
Soils samples, can you afford not to take them?
0 Soils samples, can you afford not to take them? Kevin O’Hara, Drystock Advisor, highlights the importance of soil sampling and nutrient management plans for farmers to comply with fertiliser regulations. A question I often ask farmers nowadays when they visit my office is: ‘Have you taken soil samples?’ In many cases, the […]
3 January 2025
Water Quality is an issue too important to ignore
Water Quality is an issue too important to ignore Sinéad Devaney, ASSAP Advisor, highlights the crucial role of farming in meeting Ireland’s water quality goals under the Water Framework Directive. “All sectors of Irish agriculture will have to implement practice changes to achieve the desired improvements in Ireland’s water quality status,” said […]
30 December 2024
Weather Trends Over the Past 60 Years
Weather Trends Over the Past 60 Years At the Signpost Conference 2024, Mary Curley, Ciara Ryan, and Barry Coonan from Met Éireann discussed the latest insights on Ireland’s climate, revealing key trends in temperature, rainfall and sunshine. Climate long-term averages (LTA), or normals, are the mean or average values of a climate […]
24 December 2024
A noble of the wood – plant a holly for the future
A noble of the wood – plant a holly for the future Is holly brightening your home this Christmas? Have you considered planting this noble of the wood? In this article, Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, explores the many benefits holly trees bring to our landscapes and biodiversity. Perhaps you bought […]
22 December 2024
Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network
Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network January 2025 sees the launch of the Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and agricultural knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Project. The project, led by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is funded by the European Union under the €93.5 billion Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. FarmBioNet aims […]
19 December 2024