Articles
Selecting beef heifers for breeding
0 Selecting beef heifers for breeding The breeding of suckler cows is changing significantly, explains Colm Kelly, B&T Drystock Advisor, Galway/Clare. Like many changes it is slow at first and then a lot happens very quickly. The new Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) and climate targets are placing an ever keener emphasis on […]
2 May 2023
4.5m tonnes of lime sought under National Liming Programme
0 4.5m tonnes of lime sought under National Liming Programme Farmers have shown huge interest in the new National Liming Programme, with 4.5m tonnes sought by 41,000 farmers before the programme’s deadline on 20th April. With support in respect of over 4.5m tonnes of lime sought, the average tonnage sought per applicant under […]
2 May 2023
Overcoming the pathogen hurdle
0 Overcoming the pathogen hurdle Climate change, the energy crisis and the drive for agricultural sustainability have moved anaerobic digestion centre stage. Teagasc researchers are investigating and eliminating bacterial, viral and parasitic pathogens in feed stock and digestate. Anaerobic digestion will sanitise organic waste while providing cheap, sustainable energy and fertiliser. Wastewater treatment […]
2 May 2023
Managing the dairy herd for a successful breeding season
0 Managing the dairy herd for a successful breeding season With the dairy breeding season currently in full swing on most Irish dairy farms, Kevin O’Hara, Teagasc Ballinrobe, looks at some of the key targets farmers need to achieve over the coming weeks. Most dairy herds in Ireland typically start breeding from May […]
1 May 2023
Why you must use less bagged nitrogen
Why you must use less bagged nitrogen Farmers are being tasked with reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but what steps can be taken at farm level to achieve this? In this article, Siobhan Kavanagh, Teagasc Signpost Programme, and Seamus Nolan, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, detail how the steps taken on your farm affect […]
30 April 2023
Establishment of multispecies swards
Establishment of multispecies swards Many farmers may be establishing multispecies swards for the first time in 2023. These swards – which contain a mixture of grasses, herbs and legumes – offer a range of benefits, including: improved soil health; enhanced biodiversity; and increased livestock productivity. When identifying fields for such swards, grazing […]
30 April 2023
Developing an Irish apple sector
Developing an Irish apple sector A research orchard has been established in Teagasc Oak Park to support the development of an Irish apple sector. Planted in April, one third of the orchard consists of a variety trial with 48 apple genotypes, including sports of Gala, Jonagold, Elstar and several apple scab resistant […]
30 April 2023
A journey to improve dairy beef profits in Donegal
A journey to improve dairy beef profits in Donegal Operating a combined dairy beef and tillage enterprise in Drumlougher, Co. Donegal, Gareth Peoples is on a journey to improve the profitability of his beef farming business. Over the coming years, Gareth will follow a plan as part of the DairyBeef 500 Campaign […]
29 April 2023
Growing Wild: Dandelions and cowslips
Growing Wild: Dandelions and cowslips Now is the time to look out for Dandelions and Cowslips, according to Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, who takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity. Dandelions Look out for dandelions – not too hard to find. While this perennial plant keeps […]
29 April 2023
Forestry and Direct Payments – availing of positive interactions
Forestry and Direct Payments – availing of positive interactions Now is the time to focus on your Direct Payments, Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist, tells us. With the new CAP 2023-2027 in place, the Direct Payments for 2023 includes a number of new schemes which replace previous schemes. For example, the new […]
28 April 2023