Articles
Traditional fertiliser programmes no longer cut it
Traditional fertiliser programmes no longer cut it A combination of maintaining and increasing grass/crop yields, environment challenges pertaining to reducing emissions and losses to water, along with targeting improvements in soil fertility, has brought about a change in the fertiliser programmes required on farms. This was a key message from Pat Murphy, […]
28 February 2024
How to correctly set up a fertiliser spreader
How to correctly set up a fertiliser spreader When focusing on improving fertiliser use efficiently, one often overlooked aspect for the return on investment is the fertiliser spreader itself. For this episode of OviCast, Ciaran Lynch is joined by Francis Quigley, Teagasc Machinery Specialist, who takes us through some of the practical […]
27 February 2024
Grass Tetany prevention in ewes
Grass Tetany prevention in ewes Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Programme, Mellows Centre, Athenry, writes on grass tetany, the factors that predispose ewes to the condition and the preventative measures available. The lambing of mid-season flocks is upon us and with it comes the welcome site […]
27 February 2024
PGRs and tillering in malting barley
PGRs and tillering in malting barley A trial conducted as part of the Teagasc/Boortmalt Joint Programme looked at the effectiveness of plant growth regulator (PGR) to promote tiller production in spring malting barley crops when sown at optimum and sub-optimum seeding rates. Joint Programme Advisor, Rebecca Bayley presented the key findings of […]
27 February 2024
Deadline for hedge cutting approaches
Deadline for hedge cutting approaches Farmers are being reminded that the prohibited period for hedge cutting comes into force from March 1. As contained within the Wildlife Act 1976, the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch between March 1 and August 31 is prohibited. […]
27 February 2024
Over 50,000 tonnes of organic feed needed next winter
Over 50,000 tonnes of organic feed needed next winter There’s been a boom in organic farming, with the number of organic farmers doubling to 4,000 in 2023, and an additional 1,000 farmers signing up for the Organic Farming Scheme in 2024. This growth means that, by 2024, organic farms will cover 5% […]
27 February 2024
Organic beef finishing systems to be explored at Johnstown Castle
Organic beef finishing systems to be explored at Johnstown Castle Plans are in place to develop an organic beef research farm at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford. Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Specialists, tells us more. There has been an unprecedented increase in the number of farmers converting to organics over the past two […]
26 February 2024
Beans make sense
Beans make sense Ciarán Collins highlights the growing popularity of beans due to their role as sustainable protein sources and the advantages of crop rotation, making beans an economically viable and environmentally friendly choice. The increasing interest in beans in recent years stems from two main factors. Firstly, there’s the influence of […]
26 February 2024
Virtual Soil Fertility Conference
Virtual Soil Fertility Conference The Teagasc Soil Fertility Conference 2024 takes place virtually across three Mondays commencing on Monday, 26 February. The theme of this virtual conference is ‘challenge to maintain productivity, reduce losses and stay within limits‘.All three webinars will commence at 10am, a questions and answers session will take place at […]
26 February 2024
New biodiversity pilot project brings Dexter cows to Galway City
New biodiversity pilot project brings Dexter cows to Galway City Joanne Masterson, Soils & Environment Advisor, tells us about a new biodiversity pilot project which is being run by Galway City Council bringing eight Dexter cows to graze the headland east of Ballyloughnane Beach in Renmore until March 2024. The name ‘Buaile’ […]
25 February 2024