Articles

A celebration of our wetlands

0 A celebration of our wetlands World Wetlands Day will take place tomorrow, February 2. In this article, Environment Specialist at Teagasc, Ivan Kelly shares details of the importance of wetlands, the key wetlands present in Ireland, and activities planned as part of this awareness raising day. Each year on February 2nd, communities […]
1 February 2025

Switching off the (b)lights

0 Switching off the (b)lights Pesticide resistance is an increasing challenge in crop production. The Teagasc-led project IPMorama seeks to drive crop resistance to mitigate issues around heavy pesticide use. The European Commission’s Farm to Fork strategy aims to create a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. It sets ambitious goals to reduce, […]
1 February 2025

Focus on slurry management

Focus on slurry management Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, Head of Teagasc Pig Department, writes about some of the ongoing slurry management research taking place at Teagasc, aiming to test new strategies to ensure a sustainable future. One of the biggest issues for Irish pig farms in the last two years has been slurry […]
31 January 2025

Safety first when dealing with storm damaged trees

Safety first when dealing with storm damaged trees With many on-farm trees blown down following Storm Éowyn, safety should remain the top priority. Teagasc Forestry Advisor, John Casey provides guidance on safety when operating a chainsaw and reminds readers of ongoing Teagasc advisory supports for farmers and forest owners. Farmers and landowners […]
31 January 2025

Reducing the number of thin ewes makes management easier

Reducing the number of thin ewes makes management easier For a small investment in time, sheep farmers can make considerable improvements to the performance of their flock. That’s according to Dr. Frank Campion, pictured below, a Research Officer in the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, who […]
31 January 2025

Benefits and use of the new Mart Tracker

Benefits and use of the new Mart Tracker Chris Daly from ICBF joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Mart Tracker and the Commercial Beef Value (CBV). Chris outlines the benefit of the Mart Tracker and the impact that it will have for farmers. He also […]
31 January 2025

What the tillage sector needs to manage with reduced pesticide use

What the tillage sector needs to manage with reduced pesticide use More resistant varieties, changes in sowing dates and crop rotations, along with the need for additional decision support services are just some of the mitigation measures the Irish tillage sector must adopt to overcome the challenge of reduced pesticide usage. Addressing […]
30 January 2025

Time to plan for field actions

Time to plan for field actions Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops KT, tells us that despite the persistently poor weather in recent days and the now waterlogged soils, winter crops are holding up well, with most fields maintaining a relatively green hue. While little field work can be completed in the coming […]
30 January 2025

Cover crops – a practical solution to improve water quality

Cover crops – a practical solution to improve water quality Tillage farmers were reminded of the important role cover crops can play in the protection of water quality, more specifically nitrate capture, at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, held yesterday, January 29, in Co. Kilkenny. Addressing the gathered delegates, Senior Research Officer […]
30 January 2025

Reducing pesticide use will reduce yields

Reducing pesticide use will reduce yields Pesticide reductions and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) were standout topics discussed at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, held yesterday, January 29. Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights. Meghan conducted […]
30 January 2025