Articles
Research Update – SowWeanWel
Research Update – SowWeanWel Martyna Lagoda, PhD student working on the SOWWEANWEL project, gives us an update on her research looking at the effects of chronic stress during pregnancy on sow welfare, reproductive performance, & on the resilience of offspring to stress. SowWeanWel Research Update (PDF) Background Suboptimal housing and management pose many […]
23 September 2022
Soil Carbon sequestration
Soil Carbon sequestration Soil carbon sequestration is an important mechanism that removes carbon dioxide from the air and stores it in the soil. This improves a number of aspects of soil health. Researcher Karl Richards outlines why soil carbon sequestration is important. Carbon stored in soils is often called soil organic carbon […]
22 September 2022
Using genetics to reduce methane output from cattle systems
Using genetics to reduce methane output from cattle systems Stuart Kirwan, David Kenny and Sinead Waters, Teagasc Grange, take us through the genetic selection of low methane emitting animals which has long been advocated as mitigation strategy for the ruminant livestock industry. Recent data from Teagasc Grange and ICBF has highlighted a […]
22 September 2022
Multiple Benefits of Trees on the Farm
Multiple Benefits of Trees on the Farm Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist, tells us how farm forests can provide many benefits New forest creation is an excellent pathway to develop an attractive and valuable resource on the farm. However, farm forests also provide the pathway for many other farm benefits. These are […]
22 September 2022
Autumn Grazing Management
Autumn Grazing Management Grass growth in Ireland is highly seasonal with little growth from November to February. Michael Egan and Deirdre Hennessy take us through some of the key points with regard to autumn grazing management. Irish grassland farmers must make careful decisions on grass allocation in autumn and spring to optimise […]
21 September 2022
Calving heifers at two years of age
Calving heifers at two years of age Beef Specialist Martina Harrington gives advice on producing beef sustainably. From ICBF figures we can see only 23% of heifers are calved between 22 – 26 months of age, a very low figure. The majority are calving > 30 months. This is despite the advantages […]
21 September 2022
Teagasc Dairy Fodder Survey September 2022
Teagasc Dairy Fodder Survey September 2022 Teagasc have completed an updated fodder survey based on 570 dairy clients nationally. This follows a similar exercise completed in early summer, when an average surplus of 119% was reported and 12% of dairy farmers were projected to be at risk of feed shortage. Regional differences […]
21 September 2022
White Clover and reducing chemical fertiliser usage
White Clover and reducing chemical fertiliser usage Researcher Michael Egan tells us why clover has an important role to play in reducing chemical fertiliser usage on grassland farms in Ireland. There is also advice on establishing a white clover sward. Recent research in Teagasc Moorepark has shown: increases in milk of +30 […]
21 September 2022
FEARGA Red Clover wins Sustainable Agriculture Award
FEARGA Red Clover wins Sustainable Agriculture Award FEARGA Red Clover has won the 2022 Sustainable Agriculture Award at the Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena hosted at this years World Ploughing Championships, in Ratheniska, County Laois. FEARGA is Ireland’s first bred Red Clover variety, developed by the Teagasc Forage Breeding Programme based at Teagasc […]
21 September 2022
Organic Farming – is it an option?
Organic Farming – is it an option? Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Organic Specialist, talks us through the considerations when making the transition to organic farming. Organic production is defined as “an overall system of farm management and food production that combines best environmental practices, a high level of biodiversity, the preservation of natural […]
21 September 2022