Articles
The hard questions answered on the highs and lows of farming in 2023
0 The hard questions answered on the highs and lows of farming in 2023 Kilkenny farmers John Fennelly and Kieran Condon join Cathal and Deirdre on the first Environment Edge podcast of the year to chat about the highs and lows of farming in 2023. More episodes and information from the Environment Edge
5 January 2024
Adding value to pig meat: What is important to consumers?
0 Adding value to pig meat: What is important to consumers? Molly Harrison, Teagasc Pig Development Department, discusses a study on consumer preferences for pig meat products, focusing on the impact of assurance labels, such as welfare and sustainability labels, on purchasing decisions. Consumers are increasingly conscious of how their food is produced, […]
5 January 2024
‘Knowledge gap’ in organic conversion to be addressed in new research project
0 ‘Knowledge gap’ in organic conversion to be addressed in new research project A new research project, which is a collaboration between Teagasc and UCD, and supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), aims to support the sustainable growth and development of the organic farming sector. A […]
4 January 2024
What to expect and planning for the year ahead
0 What to expect and planning for the year ahead Having an optimistic view is one of the cornerstones for all farmers. Undoubtedly, there will be challenges in 2024, there are plenty of areas that tillage farmers can still be positive about. On most farms, farmers are playing catch-up in terms of planted […]
4 January 2024
On the road to Carbon estimates: the Signpost Deep Soil Sampling Campaign
0 On the road to Carbon estimates: the Signpost Deep Soil Sampling Campaign Embarking on a four-month journey, spanning 12 counties in Ireland, our Signpost team covered 148 soil profiles, collecting 2,919 soil and bulk density samples up to 60cm depth. Our goal: build the baseline of our soil carbon observatory and investigate […]
4 January 2024
Avoiding poor winter thrive – the factors to consider
0 Avoiding poor winter thrive – the factors to consider Farmers often comment in the spring, when animals are returned to grass, that they are disappointed with how their animals have performed over the winter period, with average daily gains of as low as 0-0.3kg/day a common theme. In this article, Gordon Peppard, […]
3 January 2024
Livestock safety – understanding livestock behaviour
0 Livestock safety – understanding livestock behaviour Understanding the behaviour of livestock will facilitate handling, reduce stress, and improve both handler safety and animal welfare, writes Serena Gibbons, Education Officer, Teagasc Galway/Clare. Large animals can seriously injure handlers and/or themselves if they become excited or agitated. The renowned animal behaviourist Temple Gradin has […]
2 January 2024
Achieving 100 SCC in the first 100 days
0 Achieving 100 SCC in the first 100 days Somatic cell count (SCC) is a key indicator of intramammary infection, which compromises udder health. SCC of less than 100,000 cells/ml is the objective to maximise milk production and milk revenues. Any increase in SCC above 100,000 is associated with a reduction in animal […]
2 January 2024
Management at housing this winter
0 Management at housing this winter For this week’s OviCast, we hear from a recent Let’s Talk Sheep webinar with Sheep Specialist Damian Costello speaking about key management advice at housing this winter. Damian covered various aspects from some of the challenges faced this year to managing ewe condition to practical advice at […]
2 January 2024
Forage crops and store lambs proving a good fit
0 Forage crops and store lambs proving a good fit Increasing the area of forage crops sown has helped integrate the sheep and tillage systems on the Gavin farm in Co Carlow, Ciarán Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, and Frank Campion, Sheep Researcher, tell us more. Eddie Gavin, his wife Laura, their two young […]
2 January 2024