Articles
Study finds barber’s pole worm is widely distributed in sheep flocks
Preliminary findings from a research study underway at Teagasc Athenry have highlighted the distribution of barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) on Irish sheep farms. The blood-feeding parasite can produce between 5,000 and 15,000 eggs per day and cause significant production losses in affected sheep.
6 October 2026
Teagasc launches Farm Enterprise Factsheets and Farm Survey Final Results
Teagasc has published its National Farm Survey (NFS) Farm Enterprise Factsheets for 2025, providing a clear picture of the financial and technical performance of a range of farm enterprises in Ireland last year.
5 October 2026
September Evaluation Update and the COW Index with Margaret Kelleher, ICBF
Dr. Margaret Kelleher, Genetics Operation Manager at ICBF, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the most recent update in September and to learn more about the COW index that farmers should be using more in their herd to identify the cows that require career changes.
5 October 2026
Sheep Management Notes – October 2026
With October being an extremely busy time on sheep farms, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Michael Gottstein focuses on the key tasks for the month ahead, including finishing lambs, breeding, vaccination for bluetongue and the correct practices when dipping your flock.
5 October 2026
Best practice on winter sheep dipping – keep water quality in mind
Many sheep farmers will be considering winter dipping in the weeks ahead. Shaun Roarty, ASSAP Advisor, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal, writes on the importance of following best practice and the potential hazards to water quality if not followed.
5 October 2026
Preparation and planning for drying off
As a new month begins, the start of drying off is only around the corner for many spring-calving dairy herds. In this article, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Mark Treacy reminds farmers that now is the ideal time to start preparing for drying off.
5 October 2026
One in three farmers haven’t spread lime in the last five years
There is currently a large lime requirement nationally across both grassland and tillage farms, with soil test results showing that approximately 60% of drystock farms are sub-optimal for soil pH and would benefit from an application of ground limestone.
4 October 2026
How can we make Irish beef even more valuable?
Teagasc scientists are developing techniques to ensure consumers have the optimum eating experience and farmers get paid for the high quality of their product. Through a recent Today’s Farm article, Mary Ann Kent, Meat Science Technologies, explains how provable, predictable, tenderness and flavour in beef will benefit both farmers and consumers.
3 October 2026
TAMS 3: Plan the investment, not just the grant
The best TAMS projects leave a farm safer and simpler to operate, John Galvin, Specialist Schemes Advisor in Teagasc Galway/Clare writes on the importance of planning the investment.
3 October 2026
The winning balance – why William Dennehy’s farm stood out
William Dennehy, a dairy farmer from Currow, Co. Kerry, has won the overall Teagasc/FBD Environmentally Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2026.
2 October 2026