Articles
Improving animal performance from grazed pasture
Improving animal performance from grazed pasture A pre-requisite to exploiting improvements in the nutritive value of pasture is the optimisation of pasture management practices. Researchers Michael Dineen and Micheal O’Leary discuss the methods of improving animal performance from grazed pasture. PastureBase Ireland (PBI) The farm-level adoption of grazing technologies, such as PastureBase […]
30 September 2021
Preparing for lowland and hill flock mating
Preparing for lowland and hill flock mating With mating time on the Teagasc BETTER sheep farms looming quickly on the horizon, particularly for the lowland flocks, preparations are well under way. Frank Campion, Teagasc Research Officer, discusses this and the mating of hill flocks further into the year. Lowland A key part […]
30 September 2021
Transferring family farm – Where do I start?
Transferring family farm – Where do I start? Transferring the family farm is so much more than just a simple business transaction; there are a number of complex issues to be addressed. Catherine Egan, Beef Specialist, discusses how to handle family farm transfers, with insight from Teagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell. […]
29 September 2021
Is SCC rising in your herd?
Is SCC rising in your herd? Gráinne Hurley PhD, Teagasc/Dairygold Joint Program Advisor asks the question: Is Somatic Cell Count (SCC) rising in your herd? She has seen a noticeable increase in SCC across some herds within discussion groups recently. She gives reasons why SCC and mastitis cases increase in herds and […]
28 September 2021
The Suckler Cow of the future? Five key areas to improve on
The Suckler Cow of the future? Five key areas to improve on The Irish Suckler herd has some major challenges facing it over the coming years. Charlie Devaney, Beef Advisor, Teagasc Castlerea discusses the five the main KPI’s (Key performance Indicators) areas that need to be focused on in order for it […]
28 September 2021
Creating an amenity hedge near a rural house
Creating an amenity hedge near a rural house Paddy Smith, Lecturer, Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture, National Botanic Gardens, has advice here on creating an amenity hedge near a rural house as bareroot season approaches and hedgerow planting takes place. Photo above: A trencher poistioned 1.2m away from boundry fencing planting 3 […]
26 September 2021
What’s on our Nature table? A lesson in integrating biodiversity
What’s on our Nature table? A lesson in integrating biodiversity Integrating biodiversity into every landscape type is important for many reasons; creating & protecting habitats, supporting pollinator efforts, capturing carbon, and so on. Frances McHugh, Forestry Adviser, reminisces about the primary school ‘Nature Table’ & discusses improving local biodiversity. Reminiscing about the […]
24 September 2021
The dark mysteries of the soil beneath our feet
The dark mysteries of the soil beneath our feet Soil is a complex matrix and its chemical composition often depends on the location in the landscape, the parent material underneath, and the influence of the management above. This article by Senior Research Officer, Dr Karen Daly, Teagasc Johnstown Castle first appeared on […]
23 September 2021
Prebreeding Vaccination against Toxo and Enzo in Sheep
Prebreeding Vaccination against Toxo and Enzo in Sheep Infectious abortion causes serious losses at farm level, with the loss of young ewes from the flock, veterinary bills, disposal of carcasses as well as a lot of stress. Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor, discusses this and prebreeding vaccination against toxoplasmosis and enzootic abortion in […]
22 September 2021
Checking condition of Hill ewes
Checking condition of Hill ewes Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist discusses the importance of assessing the body condition of ewes coming up to mating at a recent sheep open day on the farm of Teagasc BETTER Farm sheep programme participant John Joe Fitzgerald, Dingle, Co. Kerry. In both hill and lowland sheep […]
21 September 2021