Environment
Quantifying habitats and carbon stored on Signpost Farms
0 Quantifying habitats and carbon stored on Signpost Farms Stuart Green writes on a project that sets out to establish the percentage of biodiversity and carbon stored on the Teagasc Signpost Programme farms. Two of the goals for Signpost farms is to protect and enhance carbon storage and biodiversity on the farm. Biodiversity […]
7 April 2025
Plan for your ACRES low-input grassland score now
0 Plan for your ACRES low-input grassland score now Martina Donnelly explores how farmers can improve their low input grassland (LIG) scores under ACRES. The payment rate is based on your score, up to a maximum of €450 per hectare, including a bonus of €50 for late-mown meadows. Many farmers participating in ACRES […]
5 April 2025
Encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland
Encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland Jesmond Harding, Conservation Officer, Butterfly Conservation Ireland, joined Cathal Somers on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland. Butterfly numbers have been declining since the 1970s, making conservation efforts more important than ever. Jesmond Harding of Butterfly Conservation Ireland […]
29 March 2025
Farming and Biodiversity National Network launched
Farming and Biodiversity National Network launched The three-year Farmer-focused Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Horizon project launched in January 2025. FarmBioNet aims to help farmers and foresters to provide habitats for biodiversity on their land. A core activity within the FarmBioNet Research Project is the creation of Farming and Biodiversity National […]
28 March 2025
Protecting farmland biodiversity without even realising it
Protecting farmland biodiversity without even realising it Claudia Barry and Dr. Saorla Kavanagh highlight a visit by SETU final-year Agricultural Science students to Teagasc Johnstown Castle. Through interactive sessions, students discovered they were already practicing biodiversity-friendly farming, without even realising it. Dr David Wall, Head of Enterprise at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle and […]
27 March 2025
Schemes and grants available in forestry and agroforestry
Schemes and grants available in forestry and agroforestry Teagasc Forestry Specialist, Frances McHugh, joins us to chat about the financial supports which encourage people to develop and manage sustainable forests – and you don’t have to be a farmer to apply. Read more about Schemes and Grants in Forestry & Agroforestry More episodes […]
25 March 2025
Adhering to buffer zones
Adhering to buffer zones When farmers are applying fertilisers and pesticides, they need to be aware that they are required to utilise riparian buffer zones to minimise any potential losses to water, Teagasc Soils and Environment Advisor in Castlerea, Kieran Kenny reminds us of the key buffers. A riparian buffer zone is […]
22 March 2025
Why LESS gives more
Why LESS gives more Low emissions slurry spreading (LESS) is a precision technology that reduces nitrogen losses to the air and allows for greater nitrogen use efficiency, Eamonn Dempsey, Advisor in Teagasc Tralee, tells us more. Low emissions slurry spreading is precision technology which reduces nitrogen losses in the form of ammonia […]
21 March 2025
Advancing environmental science
Advancing environmental science As part of our Teagasc Thought Leaders series, Catriona Boyle spoke with Karen Daly recently about her research priorities for driving the adoption of sustainable agriculture systems and strengthening climate resilience. Dr Karen Daly was recently appointed Head of the Environment, Soils and Land Use (ESLU) Research Department in […]
19 March 2025
The shamrock: More than just a symbol of Ireland
The shamrock: More than just a symbol of Ireland Synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, the three-leaved shamrock is deeply ingrained in Irish culture, biodiversity and ecology, Biodiversity Specialist at Teagasc, Ivan Kelly tells us more. The word ‘shamrock’ comes from the Irish term ‘seamair óg’, meaning young clover. The plant typically […]
17 March 2025