Articles
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
Autumn heifer management
Autumn heifer management September and into October, is a crucial time in the rearing cycle for replacement heifers. Grass growth starts to slow and grazing conditions tend to become more difficult. Records show heifer growth rates can also slow substantially so Martina Gormley, Dairy specialist has heifer management advice Managing light weanling […]
20 September 2021
Organic dairy production
Organic dairy production There is currently strong market demand for organic milk. Joe Kelleher and Elaine Leavy, Teagasc Specialists, discuss how organic dairy production can be profitable. They suggest that good clover sward content and soil fertility are key to maintaining a higher stocking rate. Introduction Organic dairying is a relatively small […]
17 September 2021
Calf housing on commercial farms in Ireland
Calf housing on commercial farms in Ireland Dairy expansion with increased herd sizes, results in more calves being born on Irish dairy farms. Fit for purpose calf rearing facilities with appropriate ventilation and space allowance are linked to improved calf health and welfare. Alison Sinnott & Emer Kennedy, Teagasc Moorepark researched this […]
17 September 2021
Milk quality research focusing on chlorine related residues
Milk quality research focusing on chlorine related residues The use of chlorine-based detergents are very effective in maintaining hygiene of the milking machine and bulk talk. Residues, however, could potentially impact on milk powder as an ingredient for infant formula. Bernie O’Brien & David Gleeson, Teagasc, Moorepark discuss their research in this […]
17 September 2021