Articles
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
Accelerating genetic gain in the dairy herd
Accelerating genetic gain in the dairy herd The calving season in the dairy herd is coming to an end and the breeding season is fast approaching. In this article, Séamus Nolan, Dairy Advisor in Teagasc Castlerea, outlines technologies farmers can use to accelerate the genetic gain in their dairy herd. Animal performance […]
28 April 2023
Planning your silage strategy – tips for making quality bales of silage
Planning your silage strategy – tips for making quality bales of silage Although grazing conditions were excellent on many farms during the month of February, with many taking the opportunity to get stock out to grass early, unsettled conditions in March and April did delay grazing plans for many. As a result, […]
28 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
The Irish pig sector and the environment
The Irish pig sector and the environment On this episode of The Signpost Series, Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT, was joined by Ger McCutcheon, Specialist Pig Development Officer in Teagasc, to discuss the Irish pig sector and the environment. A questions and answers session took place at the end of […]
28 April 2023
Critical crop agronomy for late April and early May
Critical crop agronomy for late April and early May Planting of spring crops continues at pace, but there is still a substantial amount of planting to be completed. This is especially the case in the north east of the country. Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, join Michael […]
27 April 2023