Articles
Farm fresh turkey production for the Christmas market
Farm fresh turkey production for the Christmas market Turkey production can be an additional enterprise to many farms and can increase farm income, writes Rebecca Tierney, Teagasc Poultry Advisor. Farm fresh turkey production refers to the growing of turkeys in smaller units, when compared to the large-scale contract commercial all-year-round production. Turkeys […]
23 December 2023
Reforestation – how to get it right
Reforestation – how to get it right Forests planted in the 1990s or earlier have reached maturity and been felled. Establishing the second rotation brings a new set of challenges and opportunities, writes Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer. Getting the reforestation job right first time is key. Tasks such as ground […]
22 December 2023
The Christmas tree – a festive focus
The Christmas tree – a festive focus As you decorate and admire the festive centrepiece that is your Christmas tree, you may not realise that its tradition originated in central Europe, particularly in Germany and the Baltic countries in the sixteenth century. Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Development Department, tells us more. At […]
22 December 2023
The strengths & opportunities for the Irish pig sector in 2024
The strengths & opportunities for the Irish pig sector in 2024 On this our 50th episode of the Pig Edge podcast, we reflect on the strengths of our industry and look to the opportunities that lie ahead. Heather Peppard, Nutritionist with Brett Brothers, and Roy Gallie, pig and tillage farmer and Chair […]
22 December 2023
Getting weaned pigs drinking water earlier
Getting weaned pigs drinking water earlier Weaned pigs suffer a growth setback in the first week after weaning. Peadar Lawlor tells us that something as simple as providing supplementary water in a cube or turkey drinker can be of immense benefit during this time. Just before weaning piglets can be growing at 400g/day. […]
22 December 2023
Stay Safe this Christmas
Stay Safe this Christmas Christmas brings great excitement and activity with family returning home and friends visiting. Keeping a focus on safety on the farm and around the farmyard is very important. Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist tells us how we can stay safe during this time. Rushing and tiredness […]
21 December 2023
Looking back on the tillage year & the learnings from it
Looking back on the tillage year & the learnings from it As the end of the year approaches, most tillage farmers will want to forget 2023. Unfortunately it will be remembered as a year of weather extremes and the resulting difficulties. But it is beneficial to look back on how we dealt […]
21 December 2023
Tillage advice: The importance of soil sampling
Tillage advice: The importance of soil sampling Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist, tells us why an up-to-date soil test report is important, while highlighting legislation changes which make soil sampling mandatory and essential when fertiliser planning for the year ahead. A former colleague once said: ‘trying to grow a crop without an […]
21 December 2023
Time to act on your paddock system
Time to act on your paddock system If you are thinking of putting a paddock system in place or even modifying your existing paddocks, now is the time to take action, Fergal Maguire, DairyBeef 500 Advisor, tells us more. For the first time, cattle (bovine) fencing is now grant aided under the […]
20 December 2023
The potential of grass-based, dairy-beef heifer systems
The potential of grass-based, dairy-beef heifer systems Dr. Ellen Fitzpatrick presented findings on low-input, high-output, grass-based, dairy-beef heifer systems at the Teagasc National Beef Conference 2023. Ellen highlighted the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the increasing number of heifers, particularly from the dairy herd, due to technologies like sexed semen. The […]
20 December 2023