Grassland
Making quality silage – Factsheet
Making quality silage – Factsheet High-quality silage of 72-74 DMD (dry matter digestibility) is central to the success and profitability of all calf to beef systems. It can deliver the levels of animal performance needed without excessive meal feeding. Get the Teagasc Green Acres Calf to Beef ‘Making Quality Silage’ Fact sheet […]
22 June 2021
Silage Season Safety Check
0 Silage Season Safety Check We’re now in one of the busiest times on farms as silage is being harvested. It’s also one of the most high risk times due to increased movement of machinery and people on our roads and farms. Jacinta O’Neill, Teagasc Advisor, Westport, has a useful safety checklist to […]
6 June 2021
Getting Silage Quality Right in 2021
0 Getting Silage Quality Right in 2021 Silage makes up 25-40% of the annual diet on beef and dairy farms depending on the length of the winter across the county. Decisions made at farm level, over the coming weeks will have a huge impact on the quality of silage fed next winter. Drystock […]
5 June 2021
Building forage reserves
0 Building forage reserves Joe Patton, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, & Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Regional Manager recommend that farms build a rolling silage reserve of 2 bales/head or about 1 month’s feeding for a mature cow, into their silage plans, to offset against future shortfalls in fodder due to non-seasonal weather. In 2017–2018, most […]
4 June 2021
Getting the Spread Right
0 Getting the Spread Right Fertiliser is one of the most expensive inputs on the farm so you need to ensure that it is applied correctly, not only for your wallet but also for the environment. Here, Francis Quigley Teagasc Farm Machinery Specialist, talks about safety, checking the spreader, machine settings and calibration […]
3 June 2021
Get the Facts on Applying Lime
0 Get the Facts on Applying Lime Isn’t it about time you applied lime? Don’t rely on hearsay – stick to the facts. Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Johnstown Castle highlights 10 facts every farmer should know about applying lime. When is the ideal time to apply lime? What about lime and slurry? Can I […]
2 June 2021
Unlocking Silage Potential
Unlocking Silage Potential Silage quality ranges from 58% – 78% dry matter digestibility (DMD) nationally, but the average is poor at 65% DMD. Having silage of high quality (70% DMD+) will ensure good daily liveweight gains and cuts down on meal costs. Gabriel Trayers Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Tuam advises on high DMD […]
22 May 2021
Plan a Safe Silage Season in 2021
Plan a Safe Silage Season in 2021 The weather has been cold of late and that has delayed the silage season but as the season gets into ‘full swing’ attention to safety is critical at silage making. Plan a safe silage season is a key message from John McNamara and Francis Bligh, […]
14 May 2021
Why all the fuss about sulphur?
Why all the fuss about sulphur? Sulphur (S) is an important nutrient for grassland production, and is closely associated with nitrogen uptake and efficiency. If there is a sulphur deficiency present it will decrease the nitrogen use efficiency and reduce yield. Martina Harrington Beef Specialist outlines the importance of Sulphur As the […]
12 May 2021
Will it ever Grow?
0 Will it ever Grow? Mícheál Kelly, Advisor, Teagasc Galway is somewhat frustrated with the weather effect on grass growth currently but takes hope from Grass Growth Predictions for the week ahead. He stresses the importance of getting fertiliser out now, getting good grass utilisation and planning for silage making The weather had […]
9 May 2021