Environment
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
Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations
Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations Mark Plunkett and Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Signpost Programme, take a closer look at how fertiliser use changed on farms over 2024, examine the possible environmental impacts and share a number of key recommendations for the year ahead. The National Fertiliser Use Report 2024, stemming […]
19 December 2024
Minding the soil for the next generation
Minding the soil for the next generation Next generation considerations are never too far from James O’Keeffe’s mind, an organic tillage farmer from Crossakiel, Co. Meath who was crowned the winner of the Improving Soil Health Category of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2024. In this article, Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost […]
19 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
Enhancing biodiversity – Ken Gill’s approach
Enhancing biodiversity – Ken Gill’s approach Operating an organic suckler system in Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly, Ken Gill was crowned the winner of the Enhancing Biodiversity category of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2024. Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications and Engagement Specialist, takes a closer look at the actions being taken […]
13 December 2024
Early insights point to reductions in river nitrogen concentrations
Early insights point to reductions in river nitrogen concentrations A new report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided early insights into the nitrogen concentrations in 20 major rivers across Ireland from January to June 2024. Published in advance of the EPA’s more comprehensive annual water quality assessments in June […]
12 December 2024