Articles
Hot water systems for farmyards
Hot water systems for farmyards Having access to some source of hot water in the farmyard is essential, especially in spring. For some farms, however, there is a requirement to supply larger volumes either for artificial rearing of lambs or calves or for general farm use. So what are the options and […]
21 March 2023
Horticultural input price inflation continues in 2023
Horticultural input price inflation continues in 2023 In recent years, input price inflation in the horticulture sector in Ireland has taken a firm hold. It has its roots in Brexit, the Covid pandemic, and more recently the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. Teagasc has taken a snapshot of input prices in March […]
21 March 2023
How pedigree herds are preparing for future challenges through their breeding
How pedigree herds are preparing for future challenges through their breeding Laurence Feeney, CEO of the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), is on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how pedigree herds are preparing for future challenges through their breeding. Laurence started by telling us a little bit about his background […]
20 March 2023
Teagasc Dairy Breeding Week 2023
Teagasc Dairy Breeding Week 2023 The breeding season on Irish dairy farms has become increasingly concentrated in the late April to June period. Teagasc and ICBF have organised a series of 14 information events during ‘Dairy Breeding Week’ which is running from today, Monday, 20 March to Friday, 24 March. These online […]
20 March 2023
Butchering a Heifer for the Freezer
Butchering a Heifer for the Freezer For the majority of beef farmers in Ireland we all produce vast volumes of beef to feed large numbers of people. It is however very rare for farmers to consume their own beef produce. Keith Fahy, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare tells us more. The numbers […]
20 March 2023
Lamb mortality: the main causes and timing
Lamb mortality: the main causes and timing The number of lambs reared per ewe joined is a key determinant of productivity and profitability in sheep systems and lamb mortality is a key factor influencing ewe productivity. Nationally, if lamb mortality levels were to be reduced by 3%, it would equate to 100,000 […]
20 March 2023
What will the cow of the future look like?
What will the cow of the future look like? With calving season well under way, it’s now time to turn our attention to breeding. Teagasc advisor, John McCabe, working on the Aurivo Joint Programme joins us to discuss EBI, carbon emissions, profitability and what the cow of the future will look like. […]
20 March 2023
New TB regulations and measures to reduce spread
New TB regulations and measures to reduce spread New TB regulations have recently come into effect from the 1st of February 2023, Ciaran Beatty, drystock advisor in Castlerea, outlines what they mean. It is important to note that these rule changes only apply to cows and male cattle over 36 months of age. […]
19 March 2023
Make full use of Cattle Slurry
Make full use of Cattle Slurry Reducing chemical N use on farms will reduce nitrous oxide emissions, Mark Plunkett, Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford, tells us more. Nitrous oxide is one of the main greenhouse gases we need to reduce. It is important that where farmers are capturing more N from slurry […]
19 March 2023
Planning for good grazing infrastructure
Planning for good grazing infrastructure Improved grassland management relies upon robust grazing infrastructure; suitably sized and shaped paddocks with multiple access points, serviced by roadways of sufficient quality and adequate drinking water. It is vital to consider the quality of your grazing infrastructure and acknowledge where deficits have arisen in recent years. […]
18 March 2023