Articles
Ireland’s plant protein potential: what is holding us back?
Ireland’s plant protein potential: what is holding us back? In a world where concerns mount over food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability, it’s hard to overlook the potential of protein crops to help tackle such issues simultaneously, writes Alan Fahy, Research Officer at Teagasc Johnstown Castle. The humble family of protein crops […]
15 May 2024
Management advice for late-sown spring barley
Management advice for late-sown spring barley The majority of spring barley will emerge in May. This brings different management challenges compared to barley emerging in March/April, writes Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist. Disease levels in late-sown barley tend to be lower. Nitrogen (N) rate needs to be managed in line with yield […]
15 May 2024
Make safety a priority this silage season
Make safety a priority this silage season As the silage season edges closer, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists, Francis Bligh and John McNamara highlight what you should keep in mind to ensure safety on farm. Advance planning Silage season calls for advance planning and even farmers and contractors with years of experience […]
15 May 2024
Key tips on building a fodder reserve this summer
Key tips on building a fodder reserve this summer Following a wet spring and a prolonged winter housing period, silage and fodder reserves on many farms are now completely exhausted. Silage stocks will need to be replenished to provide adequate fodder for next winter and for any unplanned times of wet weather […]
14 May 2024
Flukicide residues – observing withdrawal dates and correct usage
Flukicide residues – observing withdrawal dates and correct usage For this week’s OviCast, Terry McElvaney, Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins host Ciaran Lynch to discuss some issues that have occurred with flukicide residues in lamb carcasses. They discuss the problems encountered and the follow up […]
14 May 2024
Lameness in sheep – don’t allow your profits to limp away
Lameness in sheep – don’t allow your profits to limp away How easy sheep farming would be if we didn’t have to deal with lame sheep! Lameness is a significant issue on many sheep farms, writes Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Programme at Teagasc, who questions is it time you made some […]
14 May 2024
A reminder on silage bale stacking rules
A reminder on silage bale stacking rules With the harvesting of first-cut silage crops edging ever closer, farmers need to make themselves aware of the Conditionality rules – the baseline requirements for farmers in receipt of CAP payments – relating to the stacking of silage bales. Coming into force in 2023, the […]
14 May 2024
Fertiliser sales at lowest point in two decades
Fertiliser sales at lowest point in two decades Recently released data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shed light on the volume of fertilisers sold over the 2023 crop year, which ran from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. During this timeframe, total fertiliser sales decreased by 18% for the […]
14 May 2024
John Pringle: Preparations for winter silage after a challenging spring
John Pringle: Preparations for winter silage after a challenging spring Spring 2024 has been long and hard, and has tested the resolve of most farmers in Ireland. John Pringle will be ensuring he has enough silage for the coming winter. Spring 2024 was long, testing the resolve of many Irish farmers, particularly […]
13 May 2024
The principles of reseeding
The principles of reseeding Reseeding levels in Ireland are low. Less than 2% of our national grassland area is reseeded annually. As grass is our dominant feed during the main grazing season, and the primary source of winter forage in the form of grass silage, the low level of reseeding must be […]
13 May 2024