Articles
A closer look at Brussels sprouts
A vegetable that often divides opinion, William Deasy, Specialised Vegetable Advisor, takes a closer look at the much loved or loathed vegetable - the Brussels sprout.
22 December 2025
Support needed to bring small-scale biogas into the mainstream
Barry Caslin, Teagasc Energy and Rural Development Specialist, with contributions from Dr. Shaun Connolly, Research Officer, Teagasc Johnstown Castle, and Dr. Adriana Ferreira Maluf Braga, Research Technologist, Teagasc Grange, explores the opportunities that exist in small-scale biogas production.
22 December 2025
Winter nutrition and parasite control – Gareth Peoples’ approach
With winter feeding being a big cost to his system, DairyBeef 500 and Signpost Programme participant, Gareth Peoples outlines why a focus on silage quality, housing space and parasite control is key to keeping cattle thriving.
21 December 2025
Poinsettia: The vintage Christmas flower
Behind the vintage Christmas plant decorating your home is a high‑tech nursery business operating on thin margins. As part of a recently published RTÉ Brainstorm article, Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc Nursery Stock Advisor, delved into poinsettia production in Ireland.
21 December 2025
An Appreciation of Our Native Holly
Holly (Ilex aquilium) is one of our most familiar and easily recognisable native trees and has deep roots in Irish folklore and Celtic tradition. Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Development Department, tells us some more about this popular native tree species.
20 December 2025
Why pre-calving minerals are a non-negotiable this winter
Mineral deficiencies can lead to weak calves that struggle to suck, higher disease susceptibility and cows that are slow to go back in calf. Here, Manager of the Future Beef Programme, Martina Harrington writes on the importance of pre-calving minerals.
20 December 2025
Not all potatoes are equal
Potatoes are one of the world’s most popular foods, loved for their versatility. In Ireland, they hold a special place on the plate, and no Christmas dinner is complete without them. Rose Edwin, Food Programme Communications Officer, digs into the research to see how the way we cook potatoes affects what our bodies absorb.
20 December 2025
From farmyard to festive table – Christmas ham
For many Irish households, Christmas dinner wouldn’t feel complete without a glazed ham sharing centre stage with the turkey. Ciarán Carroll describes the journey of your Christmas ham, from farm to fork.
19 December 2025
2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award remains open for entries
Applicants are reminded that the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award continues to welcome entries. Part of the highly attractive suite of 2026 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards, it recognises the dedication, innovation, and stewardship that shape Ireland’s forests.
19 December 2025
Bluetongue explained: What cattle and sheep farmers need to know
For a special joint podcast on bluetongue, with Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge and Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, this week’s Beef Edge is joined by vet John Donlon to find out more about bluetongue.
19 December 2025