Environment
Tackling Soil Fertility on Your Farm
Tackling Soil Fertility on Your Farm The last 18 months have brought around exponential increases in the costs of production for many farmers, it is critically important farmers try and ensure they are as efficient as possible when it comes to farm operations. Damien Gibbons, Walsh Scholar tells us how managing soil […]
10 February 2023
Decarbonising Ireland’s farms
0 Decarbonising Ireland’s farms Teagasc researchers are exploring ways in which farmers can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and improve their energy efficiency. Fossil fuel costs are continuing to escalate along with future uncertainties in fuel supplies. As such, the use of renewable, home-grown biomass as a heating solution in agriculture is […]
7 February 2023
The one action that saves money and reduces emissions, without extra effort
0 The one action that saves money and reduces emissions, without extra effort What is the one action a farmer can start doing this year without any additional effort that will contribute towards reducing gaseous emissions but also save money? Donegal Signpost Programme dairy farmer, Richard Starrett, and his Teagasc advisor, Conor Maguire, join […]
6 February 2023
Caution advised as soil fertility levels remain stable in 2022
0 Caution advised as soil fertility levels remain stable in 2022 A recent review of the 2022 soil test results show that for the second year running the number of soil samples taken across Ireland has increased. The largest increase in soil sample numbers was on drystock farms, which increased by 19% in […]
3 February 2023
Eight week window for Nitrates Derogation applications
Eight week window for Nitrates Derogation applications Farmers availing of the Nitrates Derogation for 2023 have until March 31 to do so, with the application process now available through the Department of Agriculture’s Agfood.ie portal. The Nitrates Derogation is contingent on meeting water quality standards, and these measures are designed to protect […]
31 January 2023
Paving the way to improved nitrogen fertiliser use and soil health
Paving the way to improved nitrogen fertiliser use and soil health Grassland Agro has joined forces with Teagasc and University College Cork (UCC) to support FutureSoils, an innovative new research programme that will pave the way to improved efficiency in nitrogen fertiliser use and soil health on Irish farms. Grassland Agro, via […]
31 January 2023
What will the National Fertiliser Database mean for farmers?
What will the National Fertiliser Database mean for farmers? A National Fertiliser Database is in the process of being established by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), with legislation for its creation currently going through the Oireachtas. Dr. Finbarr O’Regan, DAFM inspector with responsibility for fertiliser, gave an overview […]
30 January 2023
Protecting our water habitats for future generations
Protecting our water habitats for future generations The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report recently on water quality in Ireland, which focused on years 2016-2021. The report looked at the ecological and chemical status of Ireland’s surface waters (rivers, lakes, canals and transitional and coastal waters) and ground waters. The report […]
29 January 2023
6 key changes to nitrates regulations for 2023
6 key changes to nitrates regulations for 2023 The Nitrates Action Programme – the means by which the Nitrates Directive is delivered in Ireland – has undergone a number of changes, with stronger measures introduced for the protection of water quality. Some existing measures were retained, some new measures were introduced and […]
26 January 2023
Getting the most out of your slurry
Getting the most out of your slurry We are starting to see slurry tankers out on the land over the last few days as the slurry spreading closed season ends in parts of the country – but are we getting it right or can we do better? Teagasc dairy advisors, Owen Power, […]
23 January 2023