Articles
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
Calculate fodder demand for winter
Calculate fodder demand for winter Fodder budgeting requires assessing current feed reserves on farm and forward planning now for the winter months ahead. On farms across the country, additional fodder may have been fed during drought conditions and wet weather. This has depleted reserves on some farms. It is important to complete […]
20 August 2023
Red clover a winner on suckler farms
Red clover a winner on suckler farms Red clover for silage is being established on four farms in the Future Beef Programme for the first time this year. It is not a new crop to Ireland, so why is it increasing in popularity now? Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Future Beef Programme, tells us […]
20 August 2023
Sizing up the National Beef Welfare Scheme
Sizing up the National Beef Welfare Scheme A new one year scheme aimed at suckler farms was announced by the Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue recently and will remain open for applications until September 12th, James FitzGerald, Drystock Advisor in Ballina, expands on the scheme’s details. This scheme, with a total budget […]
19 August 2023
Signpost update: Measuring carbon and rewetting in Gurteen College
Signpost update: Measuring carbon and rewetting in Gurteen College Ken Flynn, Farm Manager and Lecturer in Gurteen College, highlights some of the interesting findings seen at the college since an Eddy covariance tower was installed. A little over a year ago we started a conversation with the Teagasc research team from Johnstown […]
19 August 2023