Articles
What you need to know about the new farm apprenticeship schemes
What you need to know about the new farm apprenticeship schemes Minister Simon Harris recently announced the launch of new farm apprenticeships. These new programmes mark an exciting stepping stone for both farms and farm staff, allowing the next generation of farmers access to the education they want and need, whilst still […]
25 August 2023
Tillage update: Focus turns to winter oilseed rape
Tillage update: Focus turns to winter oilseed rape Sowing winter oilseed rape this season? Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, offers advice on sowing winter oilseed rape, including a focus on establishment, seeding rates and variety selection. Drilling of winter oilseed rape is now underway, although it is unlikely that the same overall […]
24 August 2023
Plan your rotation to reduce risk and comply with Cross Compliance rules
Plan your rotation to reduce risk and comply with Cross Compliance rules Planning for the 2024 harvest has begun on many farms and farmers should bear in mind the crop diversification rule, or three crop rule, is in force for 2024. Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, are on […]
24 August 2023
Vacancy on Teagasc Authority
Vacancy on Teagasc Authority The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine invites applications from individuals who consider that they possess the skills, knowledge and experience to join the Teagasc Authority. The Teagasc Authority, consisting of 11 members, has representatives from farm organisations, the food industry, universities, the Department of Agriculture, Food […]
24 August 2023
Do perennial ryegrass swards persist on commercial grassland farms?
Do perennial ryegrass swards persist on commercial grassland farms? Maximising pasture intake of dairy cows is a key factor in determining profitability on Irish dairy farms. This is due to the low cost of producing pastures in Ireland where the most expensive aspect of pasture production is often reseeding, which is most […]
22 August 2023
Converting to organic sheep farming – the practical implications
Converting to organic sheep farming – the practical implications The increase in payment rates for the Organic Farming Scheme 2023, coupled with a reduction in the minimum stocking rate required, has led to an almost doubling of organic farmers in Ireland. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, tells us more on the practical […]
22 August 2023
Catch crop grazing options limited
Catch crop grazing options limited Changes introduced under Conditionality, specifically GAEC 6 – which aims to prevent/minimise soil erosion and soil degradation – will have knock-on effects on livestock farmers’ ability to graze catch crops on specialised tillage farms this winter. The changes being introduced this year, as outlined in the Department […]
22 August 2023
Calculating the breakeven milk price
Calculating the breakeven milk price In any downturn on milk price, some farms may experience cash flow difficulties. In this article, Patrick Gowing explains why it is important for each farm to establish the impact of low milk prices on their farm. A simple tool that can be used is calculating the […]
21 August 2023
Autumn reseeding – timing is crucial
Autumn reseeding – timing is crucial Most grassland reseeding traditionally takes place in the autumn (August/September), with about one-third of reseeding occurring in late spring (April/May). Autumn reseeding is the preferred option on many farms. This is due to reduced pressure on grass availability, increased availability of grazing ground after second-cut silage […]
21 August 2023
The MACC is back – what savings can be made on farms while meeting our climate targets?
The MACC is back – what savings can be made on farms while meeting our climate targets? Teagasc’s Professor Gary Lanigan joins Cathal and Deirdre to discuss the third iteration of the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) on this episode of the Environment Edge. For more episodes and information from the […]
21 August 2023