Articles
Clearing the air
0 Clearing the air Carbon sequestration, the capture of carbon into soil, can be an effective tool to combat climate change. Attaining more accurate measurements of soil carbon levels requires widespread and in-depth attention to land-use practices. Agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Sustainable soil management to increase storage of soil […]
4 February 2024
Pig throughput declines in 2023
0 Pig throughput declines in 2023 The Irish livestock sector witnessed shifts in 2023, with the most notable change being an 8.9% decrease in pig throughput, recent data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) has shown. Pig Slaughterings – A Significant Drop The most striking statistic from the report is the 8.9% […]
4 February 2024
CBVs expected for 85,000 mart-traded calves
0 CBVs expected for 85,000 mart-traded calves Following the publication of over 620,000 genotypes last week and ongoing sampling at farm level as part of the National Genotyping Programme (NGP), ICBF expects ~85,000 mart-traded calves to have a Commercial Beef Value (CBV) displayed at the time of sale this year. In a recent […]
3 February 2024
Converting to organic tillage
0 Converting to organic tillage Martin Bourke, Teagasc organic tillage advisor, speaks with Liam O’Toole about his experience, one year in. It was a no brainer to switch,” says Liam O’Toole who farms near Avoca, Co Wicklow. For the last 25 years, he had been conventionally farming winter and spring cereals, along with […]
3 February 2024
A worm welcome
0 A worm welcome As part of international efforts to safeguard soil health and biodiversity, Teagasc researchers have been assessing practical farm-scale measures to enhance soil biodiversity in intensively managed grasslands. New research from the Teagasc Environment Research Centre at Johnstown Castle shows that higher plant diversity of intensively managed multi-species swards enhances […]
3 February 2024
What do dairy-beef farmers want in potential calves?
0 What do dairy-beef farmers want in potential calves? Purchasing decisions made on calf to beef farms in the coming weeks can have positive or negative impacts on the level of performance achieved throughout the animal’s life cycle and the resulting profit returned from the venture. Speaking on his experiences of working with […]
2 February 2024
Careful assessment required before committing to re-sow
0 Careful assessment required before committing to re-sow Tillage farmers have been advised to assess their crops carefully before committing to re-sow. That was one of the key messages from Teagasc Crops Specialist, Shay Phelan who spoke at the Teagasc National Tillage Conference on January 31. Factors such as plant numbers, sowing date, […]
2 February 2024
Celebrating World Wetlands Day – the role of wetlands and human wellbeing
0 Celebrating World Wetlands Day – the role of wetlands and human wellbeing To celebrate World Wetlands Day, Mary Roache, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor, reminds us that all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of our wetlands. The Irish Ramsar Wetlands Committee invites you to celebrate World Wetlands Day today, February […]
2 February 2024
Buffer strips and tillage farming – the benefits and regulatory requirements
0 Buffer strips and tillage farming – the benefits and regulatory requirements All farmers have a role in the protection of water from nutrients and pesticides, writes Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist, and in a tillage context, one of the primary ways we can protect water is by the establishment of buffer strips […]
1 February 2024
Survey results: 38% of winter area unsown
0 Survey results: 38% of winter area unsown A survey conducted by the Teagasc Crops Department between December 18 and January 15 has highlighted the extent to which winter plantings have been delayed on tillage farms. Collating data from 414 farms, operating on a total of 30,000ha, the survey monitored the areas sown […]
1 February 2024