Articles

What fertiliser does your silage ground need?
0 What fertiliser does your silage ground need? Mark Plunkett, Specialist on the Teagasc Signpost Programme, joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to explore the nutrient requirements for this year’s silage crop. Mark provides valuable insights into the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) demands of a silage crop, detailing […]
1 April 2025

How to increase your grassland performance
How to increase your grassland performance Michael O’Donovan, Head of the Grassland Science Department at Teagasc Moorepark, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge. Michael discusses the grassland performance on Irish dairy farms over the last number of years, how farmers can increase the amount of pasture grown on farm and […]
31 March 2025

Take care of your bones and joints
Take care of your bones and joints Musculoskeletal disorders are among the main causes of disability in Irish farmers, according to data from the National Farm Survey, leading to farm income loss and reduced levels of part time employment. In this article, Health and Safety Specialist at Teagasc, Francis Bligh raises awareness […]
31 March 2025

Input price inflation up 50.6% in field vegetable sector since 2021
Input price inflation up 50.6% in field vegetable sector since 2021 Input price inflation in the field vegetable sector has continued at a rate of 5.4% during the period January 2024 – January 2025, and input costs have inflated 50.6% since March 2021. That was one of the key messages delivered in […]
31 March 2025

How to build the best dairy calf to beef system for your farm
How to build the best dairy calf to beef system for your farm A father-and-son farming partnership in Cavan are using two complementary beef systems to optimise the use of their farm’s buildings, DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Fergal Maguire tells us more. Over 60% of the beef produced in Ireland starts off as […]
31 March 2025

Fertilising first cut silage crops – correct application ensures correct cutting date
Fertilising first cut silage crops – correct application ensures correct cutting date What happens on farm over the next few weeks will have a significant impact to silage stocks on dairy farms for next winter. James Dunne discusses the importance of managing silage stocks, emphasizing the need for a good yield of […]
31 March 2025

A good start is half the work
A good start is half the work Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, discusses the key challenges of lambing season as the focus shifts from ewes to lambs. From nutrition and grass availability to disease threats, managing lamb health and performance is crucial for flock success. Lambing season is upon us and […]
30 March 2025

Fertilising first cut grass silage
Fertilising first cut grass silage The next few weeks are crucial for farm decisions that impact winter costs. High-quality silage boosts weanling weight gain and cuts finishing meal costs, Sean Mannion tells us more. In the coming weeks the decisions made on farm will determine the cost of production for up to […]
30 March 2025

Encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland
Encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland Jesmond Harding, Conservation Officer, Butterfly Conservation Ireland, joined Cathal Somers on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss encouraging Irish butterflies on farmland. Butterfly numbers have been declining since the 1970s, making conservation efforts more important than ever. Jesmond Harding of Butterfly Conservation Ireland […]
29 March 2025

Are you eligible for the 2025 Dairy-Beef weighing scheme?
Are you eligible for the 2025 Dairy-Beef weighing scheme? After its departure from the scheme ranks in 2024, the National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme has made a return for 2025. A scheme to support farmers rearing progeny from the dairy herd, and having been in operation in 2021, 2022 and 2023, its […]
29 March 2025