Focus

Don’t forget the next generation

With grass supplies remaining tight on many farms and supplementary feeding having been introduced, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Stuart Childs discusses the importance of keeping young stock thriving.
5 August 2026

What happens to worm burdens during and after a dry spell?

Amanda McEvoy joins the OviCast podcast to discuss the impact of recent weather conditions on worm burdens in sheep flocks.
4 August 2026

Early harvest opportunity for forage crops

The earlier than normal harvest has created an opportunity for the establishment of forage crops on tillage farms, suited to carrying store lambs or ewes over the winter months.
1 August 2026

Disease control in fodder beet

Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Tillage Specialist outlines the benefits of disease control in fodder beet, while reminding growers not to apply fungicides to crops suffering from drought stress. Where crops are under moisture stress, fungicide application should be delayed until rainfall has allowed the crop to recover and resume active growth.
30 July 2026

Managing stock in drought or near drought conditions

Colman Purcell, Nutritionist with Dairygold Agri Business, joins Stuart Childs to discuss managing stock in drought or near drought conditions.
27 July 2026

Practical steps for farmers during this dry spell

The past few weeks have seen exceptionally high temperatures and low rainfall across all parts of the country. Padraig Glynn, Teagasc Advisor, discusses the key management priorities for drystock farmers during dry conditions.
23 July 2026

What happens beneath your feet when the rain stops?

After weeks of warm, dry weather it's easy to assume that the soil beneath our feet has become lifeless. Crops are under increasing moisture stress, the soil feels hard and dry, and life beneath the surface appears to have all but disappeared. Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, tells us this isn't the case.
23 July 2026

Six Steps to Protect Dairy-Beef Cattle’s Performance During Dry Weather

The current spell of prolonged dry weather has significantly reduced grass growth on many farms, particularly across the south and south-east of the country. While grass supplies remain adequate in other regions, some farmers are already supplementing cattle at grass with silage and concentrates. Gordon Peppard, DairyBeef 500 Programme Advisor, shares his top tips to protect performance during dry weather.
22 July 2026

Top tips to avoid nutrient losses during drought conditions

Philip Murphy, Teagasc Better Farming For Water Campaign Blackwater Catchment Coordinator, shares his top tips for dealing with drought conditions.
21 July 2026

Managing reduced grass growth on dairy farms

Soil moisture availability is limited across much of the South and South‑East and there is little to no rain forecast in the coming days across the country. Several farms are experiencing below average growth rates, and MoSt grass growth predictions are reducing across most of the country. Dr Caitlin Looney, Teagasc Moorepark, tells us more.
20 July 2026