Articles
Watch: The multiple benefits of multispecies swards
0 Watch: The multiple benefits of multispecies swards High nitrogen fertiliser prices, combined with a drive to farm in a more environmentally sustainable way, has seen the interest in multispecies swards peak at farm level. These swards, as discussed by Dr. Shona Baker at the recent Farming for Soil Health event in Teagasc […]
5 April 2023
Grass 10 weekly checklist: Transitioning from the first to the second rotation
0 Grass 10 weekly checklist: Transitioning from the first to the second rotation With huge variability in the percentage grazed and regrowth across farms, it is important to calculate what area is remaining to graze in the first rotation. When starting the second rotation, the average pre-grazing yield on the first three paddocks […]
5 April 2023
3 tools to breed better beef from the dairy herd
0 3 tools to breed better beef from the dairy herd A historical preference of selecting beef sires for use on the dairy herd based solely on calving ease and short gestation resulted in the deterioration of the beef merit of the resulting calves. With additional cow numbers, a lessor requirement for replacement […]
4 April 2023
Watch: The advantages of sexed semen usage
0 Watch: The advantages of sexed semen usage Sex-biased semen is a revolutionary technology that provides many potential advantages for the Irish dairy industry, which Dr. Stephen Butler, Teagasc Principal Research Officer in reproductive physiology, discussed during Teagasc Breeding Week. One of the key advantages to sexed semen usage is that replacement heifer […]
4 April 2023
New study aims to get to grips with lameness
0 New study aims to get to grips with lameness On this week’s OviCast podcast, we’re joined by Jake Delaney, postgraduate student, and Dr. Frank Campion, Teagasc Researcher, to discuss a new project that aims to examine lameness and associated issues on Irish farms. Jake first outlines the common causes and issues around […]
4 April 2023
Tackling infectious lameness
0 Tackling infectious lameness With the majority of flocks experiencing cases each year, it’s unsurprising that infectious lameness is among the top health and welfare concerns for sheep farmers. Infectious lameness negatively impacts pregnancy rate, ewe body condition score (BCS) and lamb growth rate. Setbacks in any of these can result in significant […]
4 April 2023
Correct fertiliser application rates and cutting dates for first-cut silage
0 Correct fertiliser application rates and cutting dates for first-cut silage What happens on farm over the next few weeks will have a significant impact to silage stocks on dairy farms for next winter. James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, offers key advice on fertiliser application rates in this article. ‘Silage in the yard […]
3 April 2023
Breeding quality calves for repeat custom in Co. Meath
0 Breeding quality calves for repeat custom in Co. Meath Conor Smith milks 250 cows with his parents in Carlanstown, Co. Meath, producing 530kg of milk solids per cow last year from a herd of predominately high EBI Holstein Friesian cows. The herd’s average EBI value is €184. Split 75% spring and 25% […]
3 April 2023
One farmer’s tale of a fatal bull attack
0 One farmer’s tale of a fatal bull attack As of January 5th this year, 12 fatal farm workplace accidents were reported by the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland. Unfortunately this accounts for 50% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland, making farming Ireland’s most dangerous occupation. All farm accidents are tragic and […]
3 April 2023
What tree rings can tell us about climate change
0 What tree rings can tell us about climate change The rings of a tree are like a time capsule recording past environmental conditions and they provide an opportunity for scientists to understand how trees might respond to future climate change. Niall Farrelly, Hui Xing, Teagasc, and Brian Tobin, UCD, are currently conducting a dendrochronological study (a tree-ring dating […]
3 April 2023