Articles
Growing cover crops to reduce N losses and improve soil quality
Growing cover crops to reduce N losses and improve soil quality Conor O’Callaghan, Teagasc Tillage advisor to Kepak Tillage Signpost Farm in Co. Meath discusses progress to date on establishing 270 acres of cover crops on the farm. Cover crops are very effective at taking up any remaining nitrogen (N) and phosphorus […]
23 October 2022
Growing wild – Haws and Spindle
Growing wild – Haws and Spindle Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist takes a closer look at some of our native Irish biodiversity to look out for in the countryside. Haws Look out for haws, the red berries of the whitethorn. They are rich in antioxidants and are eaten by birds, such […]
22 October 2022
Why are farmers engaging with climate change
Why are farmers engaging with climate change Farmers right across the country are engaging with climate change and taking action to reduce the impact that their farming system has on the environment. With the help of all partners to the Signpost Programme, they are putting plans in place to adopt the many […]
21 October 2022
Engaging with children on trees and forestry
Engaging with children on trees and forestry 2022 has once again given the Forestry Development Department the opportunity to meet and reengage with people. The return to events and shows gave the opportunity to ask children ‘What to trees and forests do for us?’ Forestry advisor Frances McHugh tells us more This […]
21 October 2022
How Teagasc are Supporting Farmers to Improve Sustainability
How Teagasc are Supporting Farmers to Improve Sustainability Teagasc are supporting farmers to improve sustainability in a number of ways. Tom O’Dwyer, Head of Signpost Programme, Teagasc, and Pat Murphy Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, give details on some of the resources available. The Signpost Programme The Signpost programme is a […]
21 October 2022
Addressing Volatility
Addressing Volatility The rapid spike in feed cost and lag in pig price movement has resulted in Irish pig producers suffering unprecedented losses, writes Michael Mc Keon, however there are tools that can be used to reduce this volatility and maintain a more determinable income. Irish pig producers are currently (October 2022) […]
21 October 2022
Improving Water Quality in Ireland
Improving Water Quality in Ireland The challenges of Water Quality, Biodiversity and Climate Change will influence farming practices and profitability into the foreseeable future. The agriculture industry is working hard to meet these challenges head on. A team of 36 advisors (20 Teagasc and 16 Co-op) are working on the ground to […]
20 October 2022
Steps to improving the sustainability of Irish tillage farms
Steps to improving the sustainability of Irish tillage farms The recently published Teagasc Farm Sustainability Report shows that tillage farms have the lowest carbon footprint at 2.5 t/ha, compared to other farming enterprises. Under the tillage Signpost programme a number of farm practices are been implemented to further improve the sustainability of […]
20 October 2022
Bees and food production: chaos, corruption and dodgy honey
Bees and food production: chaos, corruption and dodgy honey Laura Healy is a Teagasc PhD student and Walsh Scholar in Food Chemistry and Technology at TU Dublin, she writes about the ‘Rotten’ TV show’s portrayal of how some of the bee-keeping industry operates. The title of the first episode of Netflix’s Rotten sounds more […]
20 October 2022
Energy and Biosecurity Key Considerations for the Poultry Industry
Energy and Biosecurity Key Considerations for the Poultry Industry Teagasc organised an ‘Energy and Biosecurity – Considerations for the Poultry Industry’ event this week which took place in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan. This event was run in conjunction with IFA, Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the […]
20 October 2022