Articles
Spraying accurately
Spraying accurately Spraying plant protection products (fungicides, insecticides and herbicides) is a critical operation on most crop producing farms. Dermot Forristal, Teagasc Research Officer has practical advice here on application rate, nozzles, correct spraying pressure & forward speed, and developing technology The annual spend of a standard programme of plant protection products […]
25 April 2021
Tree and hedge management in Ballyhaise College
Tree and hedge management in Ballyhaise College Steven Meyen, Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc talks from experience about how trees can add so much to farm hedges. Benefits include shelter, biodiversity, improvement in microclimate, carbon sequestration and landscape value. We also get a glimpse of tree and hedge management at Ballyhaise (Field corners […]
23 April 2021
Low milk fat at grass – explained
Low milk fat at grass – explained Cows in most cases are often milking very well, have good appetites and look otherwise healthy. So, why the low milk fat?John McNamara, Co-ordinator of the Teagasc/Carbery Joint programme, explains why low milk fat at grass can arise. John also has some key management guidelines […]
23 April 2021
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves?
Could Coccidiosis be holding back your Calves? Like cryptosporidia, coccidiosis is caused by protozoa but rather than present as a problem in calves shortly after birth, coccidiosis will tend to show in calves that are slightly older. Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist has more information on the signs, treatment and prevention of […]
21 April 2021
Thoughts Turn to Breeding
Thoughts Turn to Breeding As end of calving season arrives on many farms, focus now turns to preparation for breeding. Management of the herd in the weeks prior to breeding ultimately has a detrimental effect on the success. John Greaney, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Dairy Advisor outlines the objectives Breeding objectives The objective […]
19 April 2021
The future is kelp!
The future is kelp! Did you know the word ‘kelp’ originally described the burnt ash of brown seaweed? Maria Hayes Research Officer, Teagasc Food Research Centre, together with Cawthron Institute Researchers, New Zealand, are looking at bio-product isolation from native Irish and New Zealand macro-algal species here. One of the last remaining […]
18 April 2021
70 years of grassland research in Ireland
70 years of grassland research in Ireland TEAGASC grassland research has enabled the transformation of Irish agriculture since the 1950s. The importance of grassland to Irish Agriculture is indicated by over 70% of agricultural output (monetary terms) coming from grassland as cattle, milk, & sheep products, Teagasc researchers reminisce Pat Dillon Teagasc, […]
17 April 2021
Bull Safety
Bull Safety The breeding season has started on many farms and that brings increased risks associated with close contact with animals. HSA figures show bulls were involved in over 18% of livestock related deaths on Irish farms in 2011-2020. John McNamara & Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialists report here Many farm […]
16 April 2021
How Does Grass Grow?
How Does Grass Grow? Perennial ryegrass (PRG) is the most commonly sown grass species in Ireland. As a perennial plant it’s characterised by having the growing point close to the ground and it regrows after each grazing & cutting, without the need for frequent reseeding. Patricia Lynch, Teagasc Advisor Westport has more […]
15 April 2021
Heat activity in pasture based dairy cows
Heat activity in pasture based dairy cows During the recent Teagasc/ICBF breeding week three key reproductive targets were identified as being critically important in seasonal calving dairy herds. George Ramsbottom, Dairy Specialist has details, plus breeding guidelines for spring 2021 and advice on managing late calving dairy cows here Key reproductive targets […]
15 April 2021