Articles
Slight easing of catch crop lie-back rule
Slight easing of catch crop lie-back rule The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed changes to GAEC 6 of Conditionality in relation to the catch crop lie-back rule. Initially under GAEC 6, tillage farmers who intended to graze catch crops this winter were required to have a lie back […]
25 August 2023
Stubble cultivation and its role in controlling problem grass weeds
Stubble cultivation and its role in controlling problem grass weeds Stubble cultivations should be seen as a very useful integrated pest management (IPM) tool to control weeds. There has been a significant increase in the cases of problem grass weeds like bromes, wild oats and blackgrass being reported to Teagasc advisors again […]
25 August 2023
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
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