Articles
Impact of housing environment on calf respiratory disease
Impact of housing environment on calf respiratory disease Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in preweaning dairy calves presents a challenge to many dairy farmers in Ireland. John Donlon, John Mee and Conor McAloon tell us how housing can help. Although calf housing environment is often cited as a major influence on the level […]
18 March 2024
Pasture, present and future
Pasture, present and future Is pasture-based Irish milk truly better than milk from conventional indoor feeding? To examine this question, researchers from Teagasc and Food for Health Ireland conducted one of the largest, most in-depth trials of its kind. There is a growing demand for dairy products produced from pasture-fed animals, as […]
17 March 2024
Shamrock, Irish Heritage and Biodiversity
Shamrock, Irish Heritage and Biodiversity The shamrock, a three-leafed clover, is a significant symbol associated with St. Patrick’s Day. Ivan Kelly discusses the shamrock’s significance in Irish culture and biodiversity, its role in St. Patrick’s Day traditions, and its ecological importance in supporting Ireland’s grassland ecosystems. It is believed that St. Patrick […]
17 March 2024
Why farmers are a group at risk of developing mental health issues
Why farmers are a group at risk of developing mental health issues Anna Donnla O’Hagan and Sandra Malone, DCU, and John McNamara, Teagasc, explain why tending to the mental well-being of our farmers is as crucial as cultivating the fields themselves. While a very fulfilling and rewarding occupation, farming is also high-pressure […]
17 March 2024
Silage quality improvements – Ten point plan
Silage quality improvements – Ten point plan On dairy calf to beef farms all animals are priority stock. It is essential that all animals are gaining weight every day. As silage can make up to at least 1/4 of the annual diet on these farms, animals should be fed very high quality […]
16 March 2024
Inflation and weather double whammy for vegetable sector
Inflation and weather double whammy for vegetable sector Irish field vegetable growers were hit with a double whammy of rising price inflation and extreme weather events in 2023, which has posed profitability challenges for the sector, the recently published Horticulture Crop Input Prices 2024 report has revealed. The report, which provides up-to-date […]
16 March 2024
Growing Wild – Shamrock and Primrose
Growing Wild – Shamrock and Primrose Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity. Shamrock Look out for shamrock, our national emblem. Plants with three usually stalkless leaflets are used. Lesser trefoil also known as yellow clover is grown commercially as shamrock. It […]
15 March 2024
Lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of pasture-based dairy production at Solohead Research Farm
Lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of pasture-based dairy production at Solohead Research Farm Owen Cashman, Phd Student, Solohead Farm, Teagasc, joined Mark Gibson, Head of the Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, on the latest Signpost Series webinar to discuss lowering the carbon and ammonia footprints of pasture-based dairy production at Solohead […]
15 March 2024
Forest Fires – Practical steps to minimise the risk
Forest Fires – Practical steps to minimise the risk Frances McHugh, Forestry Development Officer, discusses practical actions for forest owners that make significant impact to mitigate the risk and potential damage from forest fires It’s difficult to focus on the issue of Forest Fires after prolonged wet weather, however experience tells us […]
15 March 2024
Farmers leading the way in pig welfare with WelFarmers
Farmers leading the way in pig welfare with WelFarmers Edgar Garcia Manzanilla, tells us that the EU is on its way to produce new regulations in the area of animal welfare. These regulations are based on consumer demands and scientific evidence. However, farmers have protested on several occasions that the way that […]
15 March 2024