Articles
Scale of seed shortage becomes apparent
Scale of seed shortage becomes apparent Planting delays in spring 2023, challenging harvest conditions and a reduction in the winter planted area have combined to create seed shortages for tillage farmers this spring. This was a key message from Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, who addressed a recent meeting […]
26 January 2024
Early grazing key to stretching fodder reserves
Early grazing key to stretching fodder reserves The National Fodder and Food Security Committee reconvened on Wednesday, January 24th, to assess the situation on farms in terms of fodder supplies and to quantify the challenges facing tillage growers this spring. Teagasc Livestock Knowledge Transfer Specialists, Joe Patton and Pearse Kelly reviewed the […]
26 January 2024
ForestMoocForChange is back with a new session!
ForestMoocForChange is back with a new session! ForestMoocForChange is a new educational project, co-financed by the European Union, whose co-ordination is shared between four European forestry development agencies involved in close-to-nature forestry development. Jonathan Spazzi tells us more. The European forestry development agencies involved are; Teagasc Forestry Development Department in Ireland, ANW […]
26 January 2024
Farmers encouraged to carefully manage their winter-feed requirements
Farmers encouraged to carefully manage their winter-feed requirements An online meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) took place Wednesday, 24th January to update members on the livestock fodder and feed situation on farms. Challenges around the availability of straw was also a strong recurring message. The meeting included […]
25 January 2024
Mapping the direction of travel of dairy beef systems
Mapping the direction of travel of dairy beef systems An increase in the national dairy herd since milk quota removal in 2015 has changed the dynamic within the Irish beef industry. Animals of dairy origin now account for ~60% of Ireland’s beef throughput. Through a combination of the correct genetics, calf health […]
25 January 2024
Action needed to avoid ‘uphill battle’ on future nitrates derogations
Action needed to avoid ‘uphill battle’ on future nitrates derogations The future of Ireland’s nitrates derogation is dependent on farmers making the right choices and implementing measures to improve water quality, according to Eoghan O’Brien, Teagasc Sustainability Advisor. Speaking as part of an ASSAP / Signpost Programme webinar for farmers in the […]
25 January 2024
Plan your nutrients to maximise your spend
Plan your nutrients to maximise your spend Fertiliser is one of the largest variable costs every year on tillage farms. On the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Veronica Nyhan, a tillage advisor in Teagasc, chats through the benefits of planning the correct nutrients for each crop in 2024. Veronica explains that the […]
25 January 2024
How much fertiliser can I buy?
How much fertiliser can I buy? ‘How much fertiliser can I buy?’ is a frequently asked question by farmers recently, writes Sean Mannion, B&T Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, who tells us more on the National Fertiliser Database, the importance of calculating your stocking rate and soil sampling requirements. 95% of farmers have signed […]
25 January 2024
Answering the key questions on the National Genotyping Programme
Answering the key questions on the National Genotyping Programme ICBF is writing to farmers, providing an information booklet, to answer the key and frequently asked questions they may have in relation to the National Genotyping Programme (NGP). The programme, operated by the ICBF, offers farmers the opportunity to genotype their herd at […]
24 January 2024
Sustainability focus areas for 2024
Sustainability focus areas for 2024 Dr Siobhan Kavanagh from the Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what areas you can focus on to make your farm more sustainable in 2024. The Signpost Programme is a multi-annual campaign to lead climate action by all Irish farmers. The programme […]
24 January 2024