Articles
Signpost cattle farms lead the way
Signpost cattle farms lead the way Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Programme Communications & Engagement Specialist, discussed the Signpost Programme, which aims to help cattle farmers adopt sustainable practices to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia emissions at the Teagasc Beef Conference 2023. Summary The Signpost cattle farmers have adopted many of the […]
29 December 2023
Five steps to get started in forestry
Five steps to get started in forestry Planting land is a major decision and you should be satisfied that the establishment option you choose is right for you, explains Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Advisor, who highlights five steps to get started in forestry. 1. Talk to your local Teagasc forestry advisor This […]
29 December 2023
Insights from the Finnish pig industry
Insights from the Finnish pig industry Johannes Vugts, Senior Advisor with HKScan Finland Oy, tells us how Finnish producers already have more than 20 years of experience with keeping undocked pigs, as tail docking has been totally forbidden in Finnish pork production since 2003. Finnish production is mainly for the local market. […]
29 December 2023
Pre-calving feeding impacts on calf health – latest findings
Pre-calving feeding impacts on calf health – latest findings The effects of dairy cow feeding on calf health are mediated through colostrum formation and, consequently, calf immunity, and, ultimately, mortality. The nutritional adequacy of the forage and supplementary diet fed and the metabolic status and body condition score (BCS) of the dam […]
28 December 2023
Black grass and how to eliminate it from your farm
Black grass and how to eliminate it from your farm Grass weeds are a problem on almost all farms in Ireland and the scale of the increase and the measures necessary to control them is less well known. Black grass is in every county in the country and while it can be […]
28 December 2023
Weed control and monitoring the BYDV challenge
Weed control and monitoring the BYDV challenge Very few winter cereal crops have received any herbicides so far in 2023. In this article, Shay Phelan, Teagasc Crops Specialist, looks at the options for weed control in winter barley, wheat and oilseed rape. While many will opt for spring applications for winter barley, […]
28 December 2023
Managing out blocks to ensure overall farm performance
Managing out blocks to ensure overall farm performance Growing and utilising high-quality, home-produced feed rather than depending on purchased in concentrates or bought in feed remains the most cost effective option for dairy farms. Over the last number of years, feed costs have increased by approximately 30% on farms. Fertiliser, contractor, spray […]
27 December 2023
An ideal time to review performance on your beef farm
An ideal time to review performance on your beef farm Now is the time to reflect on the strengths of your beef farming enterprise in 2023, and to identify any changes or improvements that can be made in the year ahead, writes Catherine Egan, Teagasc Beef Specialist. Like many years, 2023 has […]
27 December 2023
Sheep grazing forage crops
Sheep grazing forage crops Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, discusses the utilisation of forage crops for feeding sheep during the winter months. He highlights suitable crops, grazing management practices and considerations for maximising crop utilisation. Forage crops are available for feeding mainly from October to February, replacing grass which is either closed off […]
27 December 2023
Planning for winter housing of sheep
Planning for winter housing of sheep Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Programme, Mellows Centre, Athenry, highlights the key factors to consider when housing ewes over the coming weeks. The high rainfall, particularly in the second half of the year, has made 2023 a difficult year on […]
26 December 2023