Articles
Cleaning without chlorine
Cleaning without chlorine Chlorate residues in milk are a no-no for processors. Farmers, in turn, are concerned about heat-resistant ‘thermoduric’ bacteria. Fortunately ‘chlorine-free’ cleaning has now proven to be very effective in controlling thermoduric bacteria levels in milk. Bernadette O’Brien, David Gleeson and Lorna Twomey, Teagasc Moorepark, tell us more. Extensive research by […]
14 April 2024
Close up fields now for quality silage in May
Close up fields now for quality silage in May John Galvin, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, discusses the challenges faced by farmers due to excessive rainfall and poor weather conditions impacting silage making, emphasising the importance of planning and quality silage production to meet livestock needs. How can you close what has […]
14 April 2024
Crop establishments, silage supplies and slurry storage pressures continue
Crop establishments, silage supplies and slurry storage pressures continue The convening of the National Fodder and Feed Security Committee on April 9 heard that pressures relating to spring crop establishments, silage supplies and slurry storage are continuing to create significant challenges at farm level. Addressing the committee, Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of […]
13 April 2024
Treating scour challenges after an extended housing period
Treating scour challenges after an extended housing period A wet start to 2024 has delayed the turnout of spring-born calves and their dams to grass – heightening the risk of health issues developing. As the indoor period extends, rain continues to fall and straw supplies diminish or exhaust, the risk of a […]
13 April 2024
Overcoming the adverse weather challenges on sheep farms
Overcoming the adverse weather challenges on sheep farms Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, discusses challenges faced by sheep farmers during lambing season due to adverse weather, including maintaining hygiene, ensuring strong ewe-lamb bonding, managing grass supplies and preventing health issues. Lambing of mid-season ewes is near completion on many farms and […]
13 April 2024
Crop establishment in a difficult spring
Crop establishment in a difficult spring Recent conditions are extremely challenging for soil cultivation and leave the soil prone to traffic damage too. Dermot Forristal, Crops and Mechanisation Researcher in Teagasc Oak Park, has some key advice on crop establishment in a difficult spring. Growers will seek to balance the need to […]
12 April 2024
Cropping decisions for the coming weeks
Cropping decisions for the coming weeks The continuing poor weather is forcing many farmers to change their cropping decisions. On this week’s Tillage Edge, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, discuss the benefits and risks of making cropping changes. Shay explains that the choice between planting seed which […]
12 April 2024
Ability to rapidly analyse soil samples advanced in Terra Soil project
Ability to rapidly analyse soil samples advanced in Terra Soil project Results of the five-year Terra Soil project, a collaboration between Teagasc and Geological Survey Ireland, were released at its final conference, today, April 12. As part of the project, over 10,000 soil samples were analysed and investigated to help better understand […]
12 April 2024
Forestry and Direct Payment Interactions 2024
Forestry and Direct Payment Interactions 2024 It’s that time of year again to focus on your Direct Payments and online application. In this article, Teagasc forestry specialist Tom Houlihan considers some key Direct Payment interactions with regard to forestry and trees on the farm. Completing and submitting the online Basis Income Support […]
12 April 2024
Maximising the sow daily lactation feed intake
Maximising the sow daily lactation feed intake Michael McKeon writes about the continuous challenge for pig producers to maximise the sow daily lactation feed intake. The feed intake in the farrowing room is the ‘engine’ for the unit. If intakes are high and the ‘engine is purring’ then milk yield, weaning weights […]
12 April 2024