Articles

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities in cattle

Detecting chromosomal abnormalities in cattle DNA information collected at birth can now be used to detect chromosomal abnormalities in livestock, helping avoid the costs and challenges of rearing infertile cattle. Chromosomal abnormalities in humans, such as having an extra or a missing chromosome, are known to cause various genetic disorders – many […]
16 February 2025

Agroforestry – integrating farming and forestry

Agroforestry – integrating farming and forestry The Agroforestry option in the National Forestry Programme offers benefits including dual income streams, carbon sequestration and extended grazing/ forage opportunities. Paul Butler and Padraic O’Leary tell us more. As part of Ireland’s Forestry Programme (2023-2027), the Forest Type 8 (FT8) Agroforestry option promotes the sustainable […]
16 February 2025

From the ground up: ten years of SIS

From the ground up: ten years of SIS Ten years ago, the Irish Soils Information System (SIS) was launched. Senior Research Officer Réamonn Fealy reviews its historical context, development and usage – and considers emerging demands for soil data and how these may be met by technology. Due to the legacy of […]
15 February 2025

Genotyping gains

Genotyping gains Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, tells us how genotyping is enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the main dairy breeding indexes. In 2023 the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConologue, launched the National Genotyping Programme. Since then, the share of the national dairy herd that is genotyped […]
15 February 2025

Exploring farm diversification: Speciality Crops

Exploring farm diversification: Speciality Crops Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, explores how speciality crops can be a valuable option for farm diversification, especially for farmers looking to expand their product range and tap into niche or high-value markets. With growing consumer interest in low gluten or gluten free cereals and […]
15 February 2025

Agenda set for Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference

Agenda set for Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference Taking place next Wednesday, February 19, the Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference will hear topics ranging from upland management in the Comeraghs, unexplained lamb losses, to the main findings of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Thin Ewe Scheme. Opening the conference […]
14 February 2025

Replacement & Culling Rate

Replacement & Culling Rate Louise Clarke discusses how gilt management impacts sow productivity and farm profitability. With 32% of Irish gilts culled by their third litter, producers face rising costs and declining efficiency. A good culling strategy and good gilt development are key to maximizing herd longevity. Performance from, and management of […]
14 February 2025

Grazing update with Lauren Kinsella Co Carlow

Grazing update with Lauren Kinsella Co Carlow On this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses getting grazing allocations correct and has a grazing update from Lauren Kinsella, Co. Carlow. This week’s Grass10 newsletter More episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast
14 February 2025

Managing recent forestry storm damage

Managing recent forestry storm damage Storm Éowyn, which passed over Ireland on January 24, caused severe impacts on many forests. In the aftermath of this unprecedented weather event, work to quantify the extent of storm damage is progressing and the provision of support to impacted forest owners is a top priority. Tom […]
14 February 2025

Winter barley fertiliser and establishing spring beans

Winter barley fertiliser and establishing spring beans As ground conditions improve, Teagasc Crops Specialist, Shay Phelan looks at the optimum time to apply fertiliser to winter barley crops and shares key advice on establishing spring beans and managing pigeon damage in winter oilseed rape crops. Winter barley Winter barley crops are now […]
13 February 2025