Articles

Breeding to develop Ash genotypes tolerant to dieback disease

Breeding to develop Ash genotypes tolerant to dieback disease The European common ash is one of our most important native broadleaf tree species. In Teagasc, an ash-breeding programme to develop dieback tolerant genotypes started in 2015. Dr. Dheeraj Rathore, Teagasc Forestry Researcher has more information. The European common ash (Fraxinus excelsior; Irish: […]
29 October 2021

Assessing soil fertility to reduce Impacts of increasing fertiliser Costs

Assessing soil fertility to reduce Impacts of increasing fertiliser Costs In the last number of week’s fertiliser price predictions for 2022 are reaching unprecedented highs due to skyrocketing fuel and gas prices. Gas is a key ingredient in the production of all nitrogen sources. Tillage Specialist Mark Plunkett gives some advice on […]
28 October 2021

Best practice for sheep dipping

Best practice for sheep dipping Kevin O’Sullivan, Teagasc ASSAP Advisor highlights the key areas to pay attention to when using sheep dip. He also takes us through the correct procedure for disposal of spent sheep dip in order to ensure our watercourses are protected. Sheep dip is highly effective at controlling external […]
26 October 2021

Forests and farming – working together to protect water quality

Forests and farming – working together to protect water quality Trees and forests offer an array of positive environmental functions. Protecting water quality is one of the most important and one that can hugely benefit farming. Noel Kennedy, Forestry Development Officer discusses how farming and forestry can benefit and improve water quality. […]
22 October 2021

Improving The Appearance of your Farm

Improving The Appearance of your Farm At various times of the year farms are very busy places of work, and can quickly become untidy and unsafe. However, no matter how busy you are, you must be safety conscience and aim to keep your farm and farmyard neat and tidy at all times. […]
21 October 2021

Managing BYDV Risk

Managing BYDV Risk Planting a mix of crops, having a range of sowing dates and applying fungicides to control disease are all examples of how tillage farmers can manage risk to their income. This autumn has demonstrated how people view risk. Ciaran Collins, Teagasc Crops Specialist has advice on BYDV risk management […]
21 October 2021

Staggering improvements in pig performance

Staggering improvements in pig performance Irish herds are bigger, and animals more productive, than ever before. That’s the summary from Gerard McCutcheon Teagasc Pig Development Department, Oak Park, in this interesting article, first published in Today’s Farm, looking at pig performance and the changes in the Irish pig sector since 1959 In […]
21 October 2021

Nutrient Loss & the Closed Period for Spreading Manure

Nutrient Loss & the Closed Period for Spreading Manure The regulated closed period for spreading organic manures is often a source of frustration and annoyance for farmers. This is not surprising given the cost of manure storage and variation in Irish weather. Edward Burgess, Teagasc explains the research supporting the closed period […]
19 October 2021

Successfully Breeding Ewe Lambs

Successfully Breeding Ewe Lambs The average replacement rate in a breeding flock is 22% or five lambings per ewe. The current cost of replacements to the breeding flock is 25% of the value of each lamb sold per ewe during her lifetime in the flock. Vincent Ronayne, Teagasc Advisor Ballinrobe, makes savings […]
19 October 2021

Prevent lameness at housing

Prevent lameness at housing Preventing lameness in first place is the most important means by which lameness in your herd may be reduced according to lameness experts Ger Cusack, Comeragh Vets and Ned Dunphy, FRS, Dungarvan. George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist discusses this here As we approach the housing and drying off […]
18 October 2021