Articles
Reducing the use of antibiotics on dairy farms
Reducing the use of antibiotics on dairy farms There is growing interest in the potential to use selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) in low SCC cows i.e. cows with SCC less than 200,000 cells/mL, to reduce antibiotic use at dry-off. Researchers Pablo Silva Boloña, Clare Clabby and Sinead McParland give some relevant […]
14 September 2021
Grazing management to increase N use efficiency on Irish dairy farms
Grazing management to increase N use efficiency on Irish dairy farms Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE;%) is a key indicator of agricultural system efficiency. It is defined as the proportion of the total N inputs, in feed, fertiliser, organic manures etc. that are recovered in milk & meat exports from the farm. The […]
14 September 2021
Stores lambs – weighing up the options
Stores lambs – weighing up the options At this time of year many farms that run a breeding ewe flock are assessing their options for the remaining lambs on the farm. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses preparing a budget, targeting cheap weight gain from grass, and estimated slaughter date. At this […]
14 September 2021
PastureBase Ireland adds new functionality to benefit all grassland farms
PastureBase Ireland adds new functionality to benefit all grassland farms Farmers attending the Teagasc Moorepark ’21 dairy open day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week will hear about the increased functionality in PastureBase Ireland (PBI). PastureBase Ireland is the national grassland database and provides daily updates on grass growth across the […]
13 September 2021
Use COW rather than milk yield to cull cows
Use COW rather than milk yield to cull cows Milk yield alone is not a reliable measure to use when selecting cows for culling from a dairy herd. The culling tool, Cows Own Worth (COW), is a much more reliable means of identifying suitable cows for culling. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist […]
13 September 2021
Irish Dairying – Delivering Sustainability
Irish Dairying – Delivering Sustainability Exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients have increased from an average of €1.8 billion for the years 2007-2009 to over €5.2 billion in 2020. The expansion of the Irish dairy industry has contributed greatly to improve economic prosperity in rural Ireland. Pat Dillon Moorepark tells more […]
13 September 2021
Making dairy farms a more attractive place to work
Making dairy farms a more attractive place to work Many farmers are excellent employers offering decent employment opportunities with flexible working conditions for a fair wage. Marion Beecher, Beth Dooley and Abigail Ryan have information and advice on making dairy farms a more attractive place to work Irish dairy farmers are in […]
12 September 2021
Invest wisely following bumper harvest
Invest wisely following bumper harvest Will this be classed as a bumper year for tillage farmers in years to come? Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Crops takes a closer look and suggests wise options for spending the increased revenue coming through the farm gate while reducing the overall tax bill in the […]
12 September 2021
Lights Fantastic
Lights Fantastic Can we grow strawberries all year long? At least 40 hectares of heated glass in the Netherlands are now using LED lights to grow strawberries all year long. Dutch consumers are now able to buy strawberries for the lucrative Christmas market. Soft Fruit Specialist Eamonn Kehoe has more information A […]
11 September 2021
Legal requirements for felling trees with Ash Dieback
Legal requirements for felling trees with Ash Dieback Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus) is now widespread throughout our countryside and woodlands. It is estimated that up to 90% of ash trees will succumb to the disease. Forestry Advisor Kevin O’Connell outlines forestry owners responsibilities and the legal requirements with regard to this disease […]
10 September 2021