Articles
The multiple benefits of a horticultural apprenticeship
The multiple benefits of a horticultural apprenticeship John Mulhern, Teagasc College Principal at the National Botanic Gardens, speaks to Aisling O’Connell and Martin Tully, Tully Nurseries, on the benefits of Aisling’s undertaking of the horticultural apprenticeship programme. “I was initially drawn to the apprenticeship programme because it was a way to learn, […]
20 March 2025
Broiler litter as a fertiliser in tillage systems
Broiler litter as a fertiliser in tillage systems Broiler litter boosts soil fertility and structure while cutting costs for tillage farmers. Rich in key nutrients, it must be managed carefully to maximise benefits and minimise risks. Veronica Nyhan highlights its role in sustainable farming with proper application. Broiler litter is composed of […]
20 March 2025
The role of phosphorus in grass growth
The role of phosphorus in grass growth Phosphorus plays a critical role in grass growth, but its management is essential to avoid losses to watercourses. Colm Kelly, Climate Action & Sustainability Advisor at Teagasc Galway/Clare, offers key advice on P’s importance for grassland performance and how to reduce the risk of losses. […]
20 March 2025
Spring fertiliser plan delivering grass at Newford
Spring fertiliser plan delivering grass at Newford A combination of making the best use of cattle slurry and applying protected urea only when the conditions were correct have formed the bedrock of Newford Farm’s spring fertiliser plan, Michael Fagan tells us more. As our grazing year commenced on February 1 with the […]
19 March 2025
Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, on managing grass this spring
Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, on managing grass this spring Teagasc Future Beef farmer, Proinnsias Creedon, and his advisor, James Mullane, are on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast with an update on the farm and how Proinnsias is managing grass this spring. Proinnsias also explains his calf-to-beef system and how he manages […]
19 March 2025
Benefits of AI and the use of Synchronisation in Suckler Herds
Benefits of AI and the use of Synchronisation in Suckler Herds The calving season is coming to an end on farms and the focus will soon turn to the breeding season. Currently AI usage is low on beef farms with only 20% of all calves born to suckler herds by AI sires. […]
19 March 2025
‘Grass grows grass’ – protecting farm cover a priority on Teagasc/Tirlán Farms
‘Grass grows grass’ – protecting farm cover a priority on Teagasc/Tirlán Farms March’s improved weather has allowed a return to day and night grazing on the Teagasc/Tirlán Future Farms. However, Co-ordinator of the Programme, Sandra Hayes explains why monitoring average farm cover has now become a priority for the farmers enrolled. As […]
19 March 2025
Getting the calf rearing basics right
Getting the calf rearing basics right The increased price of restocking farms this spring may entice more farmers to look at rearing calves. For farmers contemplating such a move, Drystock Advisor in Teagasc Mullingar, Stephen O’Callaghan provides a refresher on the basics of calf rearing. Calf health Calf health is an important […]
19 March 2025
Advancing environmental science
Advancing environmental science As part of our Teagasc Thought Leaders series, Catriona Boyle spoke with Karen Daly recently about her research priorities for driving the adoption of sustainable agriculture systems and strengthening climate resilience. Dr Karen Daly was recently appointed Head of the Environment, Soils and Land Use (ESLU) Research Department in […]
19 March 2025
5 ways viruses can help plants
5 ways viruses can help plants Like all other types of microbes, viruses have the potential to be neutral or even beneficial to their host. As part of a recent RTÉ Brainstorm Article, Marta Niedzicka identified 5 ways viruses can help plants. When we hear the word ‘virus’, we typically think ‘disease’. […]
18 March 2025