Articles
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly Do you know the origin of holly and its many traditions? Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, tells us all about the traditions and myths around the holly tree, from Roman times to pagans and druids. More episodes and information from the Environment Edge
20 December 2024
The Next Generation: Planning for Farm Succession
The Next Generation: Planning for Farm Succession In this first episode of a four-part series on The Tillage Edge, how families can best plan for succession on the farm is explored. James McDonnell, a Farm Management Specialist with Teagasc, discusses the key aspects of family farm succession. This episodes focused on how […]
19 December 2024
Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations
Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations Mark Plunkett and Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Signpost Programme, take a closer look at how fertiliser use changed on farms over 2024, examine the possible environmental impacts and share a number of key recommendations for the year ahead. The National Fertiliser Use Report 2024, stemming […]
19 December 2024
Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network
Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network January 2025 sees the launch of the Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and agricultural knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Project. The project, led by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is funded by the European Union under the €93.5 billion Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation. FarmBioNet aims […]
19 December 2024
Minding the soil for the next generation
Minding the soil for the next generation Next generation considerations are never too far from James O’Keeffe’s mind, an organic tillage farmer from Crossakiel, Co. Meath who was crowned the winner of the Improving Soil Health Category of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2024. In this article, Dr Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost […]
19 December 2024
The correct feed to the right animal
The correct feed to the right animal John Pringle’s efforts to make excellent quality silage earlier in the year have borne fruit, allowing for flexibility and ensuring all animals on the farm are offered the most appropriate diet over the winter months. Having recently visited the farm in Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, Manager […]
18 December 2024
No chlorine, No problem
No chlorine, No problem The implementation of minimum chlorate technologies across the dairy chain has facilitated the production of milk and dairy products with levels of chlorate residue superior to European Union and customer demands, whilst maintaining microbiological quality. Chlorate is a degradation byproduct of chlorine that can disrupt proper functioning of […]
18 December 2024
Listen: Key advice for housing sheep
Listen: Key advice for housing sheep Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, joins Ciaran Lynch on this episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss winter housing. Damian talks about some of the key considerations at housing, penning and space allowances. Straw usage, alternative bedding and keeping slats clean during the winter are […]
17 December 2024
Methane emission on sheep farms
Methane emission on sheep farms Sustainable sheep systems are being researched at Teagasc, Athenry. Eoin Dunne tells us more on this interesting research which can help reach future emission targets, while still focusing on breeding animals that increase profitability in a sustainable manner. Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), and […]
17 December 2024
New EU project to bring healthier, minimally processed plant-based foods to Europe
New EU project to bring healthier, minimally processed plant-based foods to Europe Teagasc has partnered with experts from across Europe to deliver the EU-funded Sustain-a-bite project, a new project aiming to bring healthier, minimally processed plant-based foods to Europe. Sustain-a-bite, an EU Horizon supported initiative involving 19 partners from 13 different countries, […]
17 December 2024