Articles
Winter fodder situation on DairyBeef 500 farms
0 Winter fodder situation on DairyBeef 500 farms The dry spell in late May / early June affected participating farmers in the DairyBeef 500 Campaign across the country very differently, explains Gordon Peppard, DairyBeef 500 Advisor. Farmers in the north west and west saw little or no effect of the dry weather, whereas […]
2 August 2023
Designing a sheep handling unit
0 Designing a sheep handling unit Edward Egan, Teagasc Advisor, features on the latest OviCast episode to discuss designing a sheep handling unit. Having good handling facilities can reduce labour, improve both safety and welfare for handler and sheep alike and also encourages timely, preventative actions. Edward talks about the booklet he produced […]
2 August 2023
Wet weather management techniques back in play
0 Wet weather management techniques back in play After what has been described as the wettest July on record, which has resulted in grazing conditions becoming challenging on many farms, this week’s Grass 10 newsletter focuses on the implementation of wet weather management techniques. Grazing conditions have been hampered – especially on heavier […]
2 August 2023
Quarantine procedures for sheep coming onto the farm
0 Quarantine procedures for sheep coming onto the farm Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, outlines best practice for binging new animals onto farm. The July to September months each year see a lot of movement of breeding stock and store lambs between farms. The risk of buying in animals carrying infectious disease or […]
1 August 2023
Situation and outlook for feed and fertiliser
0 Situation and outlook for feed and fertiliser The Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department published its annual Situation and Outlook for Irish Agriculture last week, which provides an update on the forecast average margins and incomes which are likely across the agricultural sector in Ireland in 2023. Along with providing the […]
1 August 2023
Maximising the return from grass in autumn 2023
Maximising the return from grass in autumn 2023 Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, highlights the importance of autumn grassland management to maximise the value of your milk, save silage and keep your cost base lower. Autumn 2023 isn’t really different to any other autumn grazing season. Maximising the return from autumn grass, […]
31 July 2023
Milking interval effects on milk yield
Milking interval effects on milk yield Martina Gormley and Noirin McHugh explain how implementing a 16:8 milking interval may be beneficial for dairy farmers to shorten the standard working day, thus bringing benefits to the dairy farmer and employees alike. Farm structure in Ireland has seen a dramatic change in recent years. […]
31 July 2023
Flexibility granted for shallow cultivation rule
Flexibility granted for shallow cultivation rule In recognition of the recent unseasonably wet period of weather, an agreement has been reached to allow an extended period of time for farmers to complete the shallow cultivation measure required post-harvest of certain tillage crops. The current 14-day period to complete the shallow cultivation measure […]
31 July 2023
Is an Apprenticeship in Sportsturf Management a career option for you?
Is an Apprenticeship in Sportsturf Management a career option for you? The first apprenticeship in Sportsturf Management is due to commence in September 2023. It is a two year course leading to a Higher Certificate in Sportsturf Management QQI Level 6. Learners can apply via Teagasc and SOLAS. What does a Sportsturf […]
31 July 2023
Guide to Flock Biosecurity
Guide to Flock Biosecurity Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, tells us that good flock biosecurity protocol is important for the overall improvement in health, welfare and productivity of animals, and will reduce the incidence of disease on farms. There is a lot of movement of sheep between farms, and marts this time of […]
30 July 2023