Articles

What lies ahead for tillage margins?

What lies ahead for tillage margins? As part of the Teagasc Outlook 2025, Economic Prospects for Agriculture, Dr. Fiona Thorne of the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department provided a forecast for 2025 tillage margins. The forecast for net margins on tillage farms in 2025 is for an increase in margins, […]
26 December 2024

Planning for farm succession: Tax implications of farm transfers

Planning for farm succession: Tax implications of farm transfers For the second of the four-part series on farm succession, James McDonnell, a Farm Management Specialist with Teagasc re-joins Michael Hennessy to take a closer look at the various tax implications when planning for the farm transfer. James talks about the tax exposure […]
26 December 2024

Careful planning pays off for new finishing shed

Careful planning pays off for new finishing shed A new finishing shed constructed on Charlie Smyth’s DairyBeef 500 farm is ticking a lot of boxes for labour efficiency, animal performance, nutrient storage and location. DairyBeef 500 Advisor to the farm, Fergal Maguire tells us more. Charlie Smyth and his father Charles have […]
26 December 2024

Weather Trends Over the Past 60 Years

Weather Trends Over the Past 60 Years At the Signpost Conference 2024, Mary Curley, Ciara Ryan, and Barry Coonan from Met Éireann discussed the latest insights on Ireland’s climate, revealing key trends in temperature, rainfall and sunshine. Climate long-term averages (LTA), or normals, are the mean or average values of a climate […]
24 December 2024

Diversifying the farm business

Diversifying the farm business Kilkenny sheep farmer, Brian Nicholson joins this episode of the OviCast podcast to talk about the changes to his farm system in recent years. Joining podcast host Ciaran Lynch, Brian describes how he has converted part of his farm over to an organic system. A discussion takes place […]
24 December 2024

The story behind your Christmas turkey

The story behind your Christmas turkey Rebecca Tierney, Poultry Advisor, outlines the historical and cultural significance of turkey in Irish Christmas dinners, and shares insights into the dedication and tradition behind producing the perfect bird for your Christmas dinner. Turkey and ham are the staples of any Irish Christmas dinner. However, turkey […]
24 December 2024

Get the transition right to set the herd up for success in 2025

Get the transition right to set the herd up for success in 2025 During the dry cow period, there are a number of key pillars to get right to ensure the successful transition of the herd into early lactation, Aisling Claffey, Teagasc Ruminant Nutrition Specialist, tells us more. Body condition score Ensure […]
23 December 2024

The story behind your Christmas potatoes

The story behind your Christmas potatoes Most of the potatoes on Irish tables this Christmas will come from local farms, showcasing the country’s rich agricultural heritage. Shay Phelan explores potato cultivation, popular Christmas varieties, and the thriving local market for this festive staple. Counties such as Meath, Dublin, Louth, Donegal, Cork, and […]
23 December 2024

Reviewing yields with Signpost farmer Tom Barry

Reviewing yields with Signpost farmer Tom Barry After a challenging year, Tom Barry, a Signpost tillage farmer from Co. Cork, takes a look back at the yields obtained on his farm. Tillage farming in 2024 was one of the most challenging years; many of us did two years’ work in one, along […]
23 December 2024

Farm safety during the Christmas holiday period

Farm safety during the Christmas holiday period The Christmas holidays bring a buzz to farms, with family home and friends visiting. Amid the festive hustle, it’s vital to prioritise safety. Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialist, shares essential tips to keep you and your farm safe during this busy time. Help with […]
22 December 2024