{"articles":[{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast080526v2B.png","release_date":"2026-05-12","description":"Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello joins Ciaran Lynch on this episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss the key management priorities for sheep farmers.","main_body":"Practical advice on grassland management, maintaining lamb performance and planning ahead for first-cut silage is discussed. There’s also a timely reminder of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) deadline and what’s required to maximise payments.\r\n\r\nOn the flock health side, a focus is placed on seasonal risks including nematodirus, scald and blowfly strike, with clear guidance on prevention and treatment.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/4e2c8e45\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/teagasc-sheep-advisory-newsletter-may\/\">For more information, read the May Sheep Advisory Newsletter here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/ovicast-sheep-podcast\">For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page<\/a>.","id":"259985","title":"The key management prioritises for sheep farmers","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast080526v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jonathan-Catterson.png","release_date":"2026-05-12","description":"As fertiliser prices have increased significantly since late February 2026, it is more important than ever that farmers get the best value from their organic manures. Signpost Climate Advisor, Gary Fisher recently caught up with contractor, Jonathan Catterson to discuss the technologies available now to make best use of slurry.","main_body":"Over the last four years (2022 – 2025), 222,000 soil samples have been analysed by Southern Scientific for Teagasc. What do the results tell us? Over 50% of the samples were less than 6.2 for pH, 50% of the soils were index one and two for phosphorus (P) and 43% of the soils were index one and two for potassium (K).\r\n\r\nIn my experience, sorry to say this, but a lot of farmers are creatures of habit. That is, they spread the same fertiliser type regardless of the soil results and the slurry is applied to the fields closest to the farmyard!\r\n<h2>Act on soil samples<\/h2>\r\nGiven the dramatic increase in fertiliser in 2026, farmers need to seriously look at their soil results and act on the results. There’s no point in paying for soil samples and a nutrient management plan and not changing fertiliser type or liming plan accordingly.\r\n\r\nSo, the number one thing to correct on you farm is pH, i.e. spread the lime as per soil results to release the nutrients that are locked up in the soil – namely nitrogen and phosphorus, and to improve the efficiency of the chemical fertiliser (bagged fertiliser) applied to the soil.\r\n\r\nWe should not need a Minister for Agriculture to subside the spreading of lime. When the lime scheme was launched in March 2023, everybody seemed to want lime. The sad reality is that in my own county, farmers that got approval did not actually go ahead and apply the lime even after three extensions were given.\r\n\r\nIt is the cheapest nutrient that can be purchased for your farm. Correcting pH on your farm will reduce the requirement for expensive chemical fertiliser. Phosphorus and potassium indexes are difficult and expensive to improve. However, to maximise grass or silage yields on farm, it is money well spent through a longer grazing season and higher yields.\r\n<h2>Efficient use of slurry<\/h2>\r\nGiven rising fertiliser and diesel costs, it is essential that the slurry that is produced on your farm is used in the most efficient way as possible. i.e. to reduce the need to purchase expensive phosphorus and potassium in bagged form.\r\n\r\nIdeally spread slurry in the springtime, under damp, cool conditions to capture most of the organic nitrogen. Use low emission slurry spreading (LESS) to reduce ammonia loss to the atmosphere.\r\n\r\nGet your slurry tested. This costs approximately €70 and is money well spent because now you will know the dry matter of your slurry and the nutrient content of same. Not all slurry is the same. Comparing slurry in a beef finishing unit to a dry suckler cow shed is like comparing chalk and cheese.\r\n\r\nSo why do so many farmers leave slurry application to the autumn time – given the value that can be got from using it appropriately in the springtime?\r\n\r\nI recently caught up with local contractor, Jonathan Catterson to discuss how proper slurry management on farms can improve nutrient use efficiency and what technologies are available now to make best use of your slurry. If you want different results for your farm – you need to act on the soil results and apply the nutrients to where they are required so as to reduce the reliance on expensive chemical fertiliser and improve water quality also.\r\n\r\n<strong>Watch the full video below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iMlcu-XAgOM?si=u0rPD_3778Rz7paH\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","id":"260086","title":"Contractor’s view: Making every drop of slurry count","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Jonathan-Catterson.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-grass-with-whitethorn-in-flower.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-12","description":"Facing a low milk price year and rising farm input costs, focusing and executing the basics of grassland management will be an essential strategy for dairy farmers in 2026, especially as herds move into mid-season grazing.","main_body":"That was a key reminder issued by Professor Michael O’Donovan, Head of Grassland Science, and Dr. Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, when joining Teagasc Dairy Specialist, James Dunne on a recent episode of the Dairy Edge podcast.\r\n\r\n“Grazing management rules, supplementation rules, the fertiliser plan and the grassland management plan are the things that should not change too much based on milk price and costs. They might be the things that save us this year,” Dr. Patton reminded farmers.\r\n\r\nRegardless of the milk price, Professor O’Donovan highlighted the importance of being consistent with grazing management.\r\n\r\n“The more consistent you are at grass, the more consistent your milk production will be. The best grassland managers will show you that. The key thing is that farm cover is well monitored and the pre-grazing yield being offered to the cows is consistent. If they are inconsistent, intake is reduced, milk production is reduced and milk protein is reduced,” Professor O’Donovan commented.\r\n\r\nEssentials in this regard are entering paddocks at the correct pre-grazing covers (1,400-1,500kg DM\/ha), removing surpluses – when they occur – early, grazing to 4cm and feeding cows to their intake potential.\r\n<blockquote>“Going into higher pre-grazing covers in mid-season means you are losing yield, solids, protein and you are losing grass intake.”<\/blockquote>\r\nStressing the importance of maintaining a focus on grassland management, Dr. Patton reaffirmed that the most profitable farms tend to remain the most profitable in high or low milk price years.\r\n\r\n“Over high or low milk price years, we do not tend to see that much re-ranking of farms. Farms that have a good level of pasture production and utilisation, are sensible about concentrate supplementation and have a good-quality cow in place, do not tend to change their system or management practices based on milk price,” he added.\r\n\r\n“It’s been a tough year in terms of the economics of milk price, but if there is one thing that is going to save you, don’t change too much, get the right targets in place on grazing management and stick to them,” Dr. Patton added.\r\n\r\nAdding to this, Professor O’Donovan said: “People need to focus on residuals now, milk protein and the consistency of what they have in front of the cows.”\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights, listen to the full episode of the Dairy Edge podcast below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/c56bd17b\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>","id":"259976","title":"Managing grazing through 2026: Do the basics right","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-grass-with-whitethorn-in-flower.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/blowfly-treatment-1.png","release_date":"2026-05-12","description":"Blowfly strike is a condition that should be prevented rather than treated. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep KT, writes on the different options available to farmers to aid in the control of blowfly strike.","main_body":"Flystrike is a common, production limiting, costly and sometimes fatal condition in sheep in Ireland. It affects all ages of sheep and is caused when blowflies lay their eggs on the fleece of a sheep.\r\n\r\nThe flies are attracted by soiled areas on the fleece and once the maggots hatch, they secrete fluids which attract other flies to lay their eggs on the fleece also. Typically sheep are most at risk during the summer months; however, it is not unusual to see cases of blowfly strike in late spring and autumn also.\r\n\r\nBlowfly strike is a condition that should be prevented rather than treated. The disease causes significant pain and discomfort to affected sheep and, if untreated, can lead to more severe illness from secondary infections as well as death.  There are a number of different options that are available to farmers to aid in the control of blowfly strike. Some products prevent the condition only and some will both treat and prevent cases.\r\n<h2>1). Plunge dipping<\/h2>\r\nThis is effectively plunge dipping sheep in a suitable insecticide. The insecticide bonds to the wool and prevents future attacks for a period of time. For this process to be effective, it is important that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The dip solution is made up to the correct strength and that fresh dip concentrate is added into the dip bath periodically (follow manufacturer’s instructions).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The sheep remain immersed in the dip solution for a minimum of 60 seconds. This is where most dipping falls down in so far as the sheep are not retained in the bath for long enough time. There is a strong correlation between the length of time that the protection will last for and the length of time that the sheep remain in the dipping tank.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>2). Insecticidal pour-ons<\/h2>\r\nThere are a number of Pyrethroid based pour-ons which offer short term cover (6-8 weeks) from flystirke on the areas where they are applied. These products will also kill maggots if the product is applied directly to the larvae.\r\n<h2>3). Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)<\/h2>\r\nIGRs are sprayed onto the fleece of the sheep. They move around the entire body of the sheep in the lanolin on the wool. IGRs work by preventing the maggots from developing for the stage one (non-feeding larvae) to stage two larvae (feeding – damage causing larvae).\r\n\r\nMaggots that hatch from eggs laid after the application of an IGR will die as they cannot feed on the sheep. However, maggots that have hatched and developed to stage two larvae prior to IGR application will be unaffected and cause harm. It is therefore important to remember that IGRs are only useful as preventative management. There are a number of different products on the market with varying lengths of cover depending on the concentration of the active ingredient. The duration of cover ranges from; Clikzin (up to 8 weeks), Clik (up to 16 weeks) &amp; Clik Extra (up to 19 weeks).\r\n<h2>4). Shearing<\/h2>\r\nShearing will provide protection from maggots due to the inability of the flies to attach eggs to the fleece and for the maggots to have protection in the wool. However, this protection is only short lived (a number of weeks) and is not a reliable control method.\r\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\r\nFor season long control of blowfly, the best option is to use a long duration insect growth regulator pour-on. This needs to be applied before sheep are at risk of flystrike. For farmers aiming to sell lambs from the end of June onwards, it needs to be applied in mid-May to ensure that the 40-day meat withhold period has elapsed before lambs are ready to draft.\r\n\r\nFor shorter term control and shorter meat withhold periods, use a short acting IGR or Pyrethroid. These will provide 6-8 weeks cover with a 7-8 day meat withhold period.\r\n\r\nWhere sheep have already been struck or other external parasites also need to be controlled (e.g. ticks, lice etc.), then choose between plunge dipping or a Pyrethroid based pour – on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/ovicast-sheep-podcast\/\">For more information, click here for a series of podcasts on applying pour-on products<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>In this video Michael gives an overview of the different pour-ons on the market and also demonstrates the best way to apply the pour-on:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O7iFeI1eLok?si=NE7P9bbxlSO-ciSs\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","id":"259978","title":"Blowfly control in sheep flocks","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/blowfly-treatment-1.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Moorepark-23-cows-grazing-clover-sward-1.png","release_date":"2026-05-11","description":"Are you producing milk solids efficiently? Dairy Specialist at Teagasc, Patrick Gowing discusses some of the metrics available to measure performance.","main_body":"As we move into the main grass growing season and the weather seems to have settled to more favourable conditions, now is the time to produce your most efficient milk. We already know milk markets are depressed and the effects of the war in Iran could add at least 4c\/l to your cost of production in 2026. Given this, we need maximise our peak milk months to produce as much milk as possible efficiently.\r\n\r\nTo examine if you are efficient, we use a metric of kg imported feed per kg milk solids. This tells us how much imported feed it requires to produce a kg of milk sold. The lower the figure the more efficient the production is. That is, you are utilising more of your own grazed grass to drive the production.\r\n\r\nTo do the calculation for yourself, you take your cows daily milk solids production (milk litres\/cow\/day x 1.03 x (fat % + protein %).\r\n\r\nSo, for example a herd doing 28 litres at 3.65% protein and 4.3% fat would produce:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>((28 x 1.03) x (3.65 + 4.3)) = 2.16 kg MS\/cow\/day.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nNow if this cow is getting 3 kg meal\/ day then we convert to Dry Matter by multiplying by 0.88:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>(3 x 0.88) = 2.64 kg imported DM\/cow\/day<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf we divide the imported feed by the milk solids production, it will give us how many kg imported DM\/kg Milk solids.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>(2.65\/2.16) = 1.23 kg DM\/Kg milk solids.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBecause we divide the milk output into what we feed to be efficient, we need to have a strong production figure.\r\n\r\nThe most efficient farmers will be producing at 1kg DM\/kg MS. A low figure also indicates that you are maximising your grazed grass into your herd which will improve your grass utilised per hectare and improve your profitability. If your figure is high are you feeding too much? Is this due to a grass shortage? Or have you a grass quality issue on your farm.\r\n\r\nTake the test today and see how your own farm fairs out.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/dairy\/\">For more from Teagasc Dairy, visit here<\/a>.","id":"260074","title":"Measuring efficiency in the main grass growing season","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Moorepark-23-cows-grazing-clover-sward-1.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/surplus-silage-bales.png","release_date":"2026-05-11","description":"Heightened fertiliser and fuel costs will see silage production costs on farms rise this year. ","main_body":"As part of the recent <em>Gearing up for Silage 2026 Webinar<\/em>, Grassland Researcher at Teagasc Grange, Dr. Peter Doyle presented data from the Teagasc Grange Feed Costings Model to help producers assess the true cost of feed this year. A breakdown of the cost of producing a bale of silage, along with the costings associated with different silage cutting strategies were discussed.\r\n\r\nAlthough subject to change due to volatile fuel markets, the analysis used the Association of Farm &amp; Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) guideline prices from February, along with the average price of protected urea and 18:6:12 over March and April.\r\n\r\nThe following assumptions were used in determining prices and were inclusive of VAT: land rental costs of €300\/ac; protected urea at €740\/t and 18:6:12 at €600\/t; fertiliser spreading at €55\/t; slurry spreading, using a 2,500 gallon tanker and a dribble bar, at €100\/hour; pit silage at €210\/ac (complete job); and mowing at €33\/ac; bale and wrap including plastic at €20\/bale.\r\n\r\nBased on a two-cut system and using these assumed prices, Peter Doyle noted that the cost of producing a bale of silage will be €54\/bale when the land charge is included, or €44\/bale when the land charge is excluded. These costs were based on achieving 12 bales\/ac from the first cut and 9 bales\/ac from the second cut. Of this cost, €10 was attributed to fertiliser and slurry. Where no slurry is available to grow the crop and a fertiliser product such as 0:7:30 is used, the cost of producing a bale of silage increases by €3\/bale. The breakdown of harvesting costs was €20\/bale for bale and wrap (inc. plastic), €7\/bale for transport and stacking, €4.50\/bale for mowing and raking.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: How much does it cost to make a bale of silage in a 2-cut system?<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 35.2631%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\"><strong>Cost per bale (€<\/strong>)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\">Fertiliser + slurry (including spreading)<sup>1<\/sup><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\">10<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\">Harvesting<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\">Fixed costs (reseeding\/facilities)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\">3<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\">Total to make excluding land charge<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\">44<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 23.4251%;\">Total to make including land charge<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.931%;\">54<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<sup>1<\/sup>2500 and 2000 gallons\/acre of slurry was applied for the first and second cut, respectively, and the remainder of the requirements is applied via inorganic N.\r\n\r\nProviding a caveat on these costs, Peter Doyle said: “We are assuming that contractors do all the jobs. Some people will be making parts of their own silage so harvesting costs may differ on some farms depending on their individual scenarios.”\r\n<h2>Energy values<\/h2>\r\nAlong with providing an update on the cost of producing silage, Peter Doyle also examined the true cost of silage based on energy density or energy utilised, while also sharing considerations on cutting date.\r\n\r\nFarmers were advised to prioritise quality in the first cut, as it offers the best opportunity to achieve both quality and quantity. To achieve this, cutting is advised in mid to late May but will depend on the last grazing\/cutting date.\r\n\r\n“Really you have to aim to get good quality silage for your first cut because your first cut is the best chance of where you are going to get quality and quantity,” Peter Doyle said. “You can typically achieve over 5t DM\/ha and still get 75 DMD for your first cut, which is much harder to get in the subsequent cuts.”\r\n\r\nHowever, Peter Doyle noted that the target date for second cut will depend on the type of stock the silage is intended for. Where silage is being made for growing animals, farmers should aim to cut by July 17, while silage for dry cows could be cut later.\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights, view Peter Doyle’s full presentation to the <em>Gearing up for Silage 2026 Webinar <\/em>below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dUrVaFnID0I?si=zw0cWlBKOVqLIxBG\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nChaired by Teagasc Dairy Advisor Deirbhle Browne, the Gearing up for Silage 2026 Webinar featured contributions from Dr. Peter Doyle, along with David Argue, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Bernard Ging, a dairy farmer from Portlaoise, and Dave Davies, a UK based consultant with Silage Solutions Ltd.\r\n\r\nA full recording of the webinar is available to view on <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/dUrVaFnID0I?si=v7wWl4913e2DK6OZ\">YouTube<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/grounds-for-concern-silage-quality-on-beef-farms\/\">Grounds for concern: Silage quality on beef farms<\/a>","id":"259466","title":"The cost of making a bale of silage","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/surplus-silage-bales.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/Poppy-growing-in-crop-field-1024x618.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-11","description":"Effective broad-leaved weed control, especially in spring crops, has become a growing challenge. Vijaya Bhaskar, Teagasc Research Officer, gives an update.","main_body":"Monitoring of herbicide resistance in broadleaf weeds has been ongoing since 2022. To date, 19 populations have been confirmed as ALS-resistant (<strong>Figure 1<\/strong>), showing resistance to sulfonylurea (eg. Cameo Max, Pacifica) and triazolopyrimidine (eg. Boxer, Broadway Star) herbicides (<strong>Figure 2<\/strong>).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-259173\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/fig1-300x227.png\" alt=\"Map of Ireland showing locations of resistant plant species: Chickweed, Corn Marigold, Pale Persicaria, Poppy, and Speedwell, marked by colored dots\" width=\"500\" height=\"378\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1.<\/strong> Maps showing the known prevalence of ALS-resistant broadleaf weed populations, with marker colours indicating each species.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Chickweed: <\/strong>Six populations collected in Cork, Wicklow, Wexford and Northern Ireland were resistant to both ALS sulfonylurea and triazolopyrimidine All populations carried the Trp-574-Leu mutation, with three also possessing the Pro-197-Ser mutation. Previous research from Oak Park has confirmed several cases of ALS resistance in this species.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Poppy:<\/strong> Seven populations from Kildare and Meath were confirmed as ALS-resistant. All populations possessed a diversity of amino acid substitutions at the Pro-197 position (Leu, His, Arg, Thr) conferring resistance primarily to ALS sulfonylurea Two populations also carried the Trp-574-Leu mutation, which confers additional tolerance to ALS triazolopyrimidine herbicides. Some strains also showed reduced sensitivity to hormone-type herbicides (<strong>Figure 3<\/strong>).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Common field-speedwell:<\/strong> Two populations from Cork and Northern Ireland were resistant to both ALS sulfonylurea and triazolopyrimidine herbicides due to Trp-574-Leu mutations.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Corn marigold:<\/strong> Three populations from Cork and Wexford were resistant to ALS sulfonylurea herbicides due to multiple substitutions at the Pro-197 position (Leu, Thr, Gln, Ser).<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Pale persicaria:<\/strong> A population from Westmeath, received from the 2025 harvest, was confirmed resistant to both ALS sulfonylurea and triazolopyrimidine herbicides due to a Trp-574-Leu mutation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-259174\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/fig-2-300x156.png\" alt=\"plant growths under different treatments and regions. Labels show &quot;Ally Max,&quot; &quot;Pacifica,&quot; and others, with varying dosages\" width=\"500\" height=\"260\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 2.<\/strong> Ineffective weed control in suspect resistant broad-leaved weed populations following application of ALS herbicides.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-259175\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/fig-3-300x103.png\" alt=\"Side-by-side comparison of plant growth in Meath and Kildare trials under different treatments: untreated, Zypar, Galaxy, and Pixarro at 0.5x and 1x concentrations. Response of ALS-resistant poppy populations from Meath and Kildare following application of half and full label rates of the ALS + hormone herbicides Zypar (1x = 0.75 L\/ha) and Galaxy (1x = 1 L\/ha) and the hormone-type Pixarro (1x = 0.5 L\/ha). Each product was tested in six replicates (Rep). \" width=\"501\" height=\"172\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 3:<\/strong> Response of ALS-resistant poppy populations from Meath and Kildare following application of half and full label rates of the ALS + hormone herbicides Zypar (1x = 0.75 L\/ha) and Galaxy (1x = 1 L\/ha) and the hormone-type Pixarro (1x = 0.5 L\/ha). Each product was tested in six replicates (Rep).\r\n\r\nWeed resistance is becoming an increasing challenge in Irish tillage crops, with 11 species now confirmed as resistant: 6 grasses (blackgrass, Italian ryegrass, wild oats, annual meadow grass, rough-stalked meadow grass, and rye brome) and 5 broad-leaved weeds (common poppy, common chickweed, corn marigold, common field-speedwell and pale persicaria).","id":"259170","title":"Current status of broadleaf weed resistance","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-12 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/Poppy-growing-in-crop-field-scaled-e1778146866542.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2024\/Silage-One-of-farms-largest-cost-and-greatest-asset-for-winter-ahead-700x504.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-11","description":"From storing silage bales and effluent management, along with providing proper drinking points for livestock, the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign team share top tips to protect water quality on your farm over May.","main_body":"Improving water quality is a key priority for Irish agriculture, and the Better Farming for Water Campaign highlights simple, practical steps that farmers can take to protect rivers and streams.\r\n\r\nThe ‘5 Top Tips for May’ focus on everyday farm management actions that can significantly reduce pollution risks while maintaining productivity.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-259981\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFFW-Top-Tips-May-final.png\" alt=\"Top five water quality tips for May: 5 Top Tips for May Silage Bales Store Silage bales a minimum of 20 m from watercourse and max of 2 high? Clover Swards Reduce chemical N application and let clover do the work Silage effluent Keep channels clear and ensure all silage effluent is collected in tank Stream fencing and Drinking points Fence off watercourses (Min 1.5m) and provide alternative water supply for livestock Sulphur Use Ensure the 20 Kg Sulphur \/ Ha has been applied to max Nitrogen Use efficiency \" width=\"700\" height=\"494\" \/>\r\n<h2>1). Storing silage bales<\/h2>\r\nOne important measure is the correct storage of silage bales. Bales should be stored at least 20 metres away from any watercourse. This reduces the risk of leachate entering nearby streams or rivers, particularly during heavy rainfall. Wilt to reduce effluent production. Store bales a max of two high, if not stored on a concentrate base with effluent collection and storage facilities. Poorly located bales can release harmful runoff, which can quickly impact water quality.\r\n<h2>2). Using clover swards<\/h2>\r\nAnother key recommendation is the use of clover swards. By incorporating clover into grassland, farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical nitrogen fertilisers. Clover naturally fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere, improving soil fertility in a more sustainable way. This not only lowers input costs but also reduces the risk of excess nitrogen being washed into waterways. once clover is established, farmers should adjust and reduce chemical nitrogen applications, particularly in the main growing season (late spring to summer), because clover contributes biologically fixed nitrogen to the sward\r\n<h2>3). Managing silage effluent<\/h2>\r\nManaging silage effluent is also critical. Silage effluent is highly polluting and must be carefully controlled. Farmers are advised to keep channels clear and ensure that all effluent is properly collected in storage tanks.\r\n\r\nAny overflow or leakage can have serious consequences for aquatic ecosystems, leading to oxygen depletion and harm to fish and other organisms.\r\n\r\nEnsure grass is kept inside the channels when being ensiled.  Ensure tanks are emptied so that there is sufficient storage for the effluent. Also, it is critical that you check the silage base for its structural soundness, silage pits must be leakproof and fit for purpose.\r\n<h2>4). Stream fencing and proper drinking points<\/h2>\r\nProtecting watercourses through stream fencing and proper drinking points is another effective step. Fencing off streams with a minimum buffer of 1.5 metres prevents livestock from entering the water, which reduces bank erosion and direct contamination from animal waste. Providing alternative drinking points by installing solar pumps or nose pumps will ensure animals still have access to water without damaging the stream environment.\r\n<h2>5). Sulphur<\/h2>\r\nFinally, the correct use of sulphur is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency. Applying 20 kg of sulphur per hectare helps crops utilise nitrogen more effectively, reducing the likelihood of excess nutrients being lost to waterways. Efficient nutrient use is a key part of sustainable farming and water protection.\r\n\r\nIn conclusion, these five practical actions show how small changes in farm management can make a big difference. By carefully managing nutrients, protecting watercourses, and handling silage responsibly, farmers can play a vital role in improving and maintaining water quality across the country.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/water-quality\/better-farming-for-water\/\">For more on the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign, visit here<\/a>.","id":"259980","title":"Key actions: Protecting water quality on your farm","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2024\/Silage-One-of-farms-largest-cost-and-greatest-asset-for-winter-ahead-700x504.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Paddocks-fencing-and-water-Feature.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-11","description":"Common water supply problems on most farms centre on inadequacies in areas such as water source, pumping plant, pipe sizes, ballcocks and troughs. Teagasc Beef Specialist, Catherine Egan shares key recommendations and solutions to these problems.","main_body":"A good water supply is extremely important for production, health and welfare of livestock. The water supply system must be good enough to supply adequate water needs in the paddocks.\r\n\r\nOn most farms, the water system consists of a series of expansions or additions carried out over the years as requirements changed. Only when the system fails to cope, such as during a dry summer, do people realise how marginal their system has become. Common problems on most farms centre on inadequacies in areas such as water source, pumping plant, pipe sizes, ballcocks and troughs.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key requirements for a water system:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Water intake: 10-15 litres per 100kgs body weight per day.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Trough size: Allow 5-7 litres per livestock unit.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ballcock: Medium pressure gives flow rate of 32 litres\/min versus 8 litres\/min with high pressure.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Main pipe layout: Ring\/loop system preferable.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Water source<\/h2>\r\nA bored well is the most common source on farms. If the well is unable to meet peak demand, the installation of a reservoir of, for example 9,000 litres (2,000 gallons) which can be a pre-cast concrete tank, will rectify the situation. The tank can be buried in the ground or placed overground. A booster pump is then used to pump the water from the reservoir into the water supply system, at whatever flow rate and pressure are necessary. Modern frequency controlled centrifugal pumps will automatically maintain pressure and flow in response to demand. The pump speed will increase when an extra tap or ballcock comes into use and vice versa.\r\n<h2>Small pipe size<\/h2>\r\nThis is probably the most common problem with water supply on farms. Even on farms where piping was laid in recent years, under-sizing of pipes still occurs. This is illustrated in table 1 which shows the pressure loss in psi for different pipe bores over a range of flow rates for 100 metres length of water pipe.\r\n\r\nFor example, at a flow rate of 3m<sup>3<\/sup> per hour (50 litres\/min or 11 gallons\/min) with a 32mm (1¼ inch) pipe, the pressure is reduced by 4.83psi for every 100 metres of pipe. The reason the flow rate reduces is because of friction between the water and the inside surface of the pipe.\r\n\r\nTable 1 doesn’t take into account the extra pressure required if you are pumping uphill or the pressure gained pumping downhill. Pressure lost due to restrictions at ballcocks and fittings is also extra. Table 1 doesn’t show values for 12.5mm (½ inch) pipes because at any of the flow rates shown the pressure loss would be very high. Where 12.5mm pipes are used on farms the flow rate is reduced to a trickle due to pressure loss.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Pressure loss in psi for different pipe sizes at various flow rates for 100 meters length of water pipe<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 43.1571%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%; text-align: center;\"><strong>Pipe bore (mm)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 32.2112%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"5\"><strong>Flow rate m<sup>3<\/sup> per hour (litres per minute)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\"><strong>1 (17)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\"><strong>2 (33)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\"><strong>3 (50)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\"><strong>4 (67)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\"><strong>5 (83)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\">20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\">14.20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\">25<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\">3.27<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\">11.50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\">0.64<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\">2.27<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\">4.83<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\">7.60<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\">11.65<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\">58<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\">0.34<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\">1.21<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\">2.49<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\">4.05<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\">6.25<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.9462%;\">50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.60154%;\">0.11<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.02228%;\">0.38<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.96356%;\">0.88<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31185%;\">1.34<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31193%;\">2.06<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nRegarding pipe size, it’s the change in cross-sectional area in relation to its bore (diameter) that’s important. It’s hard to imagine that a 20mm (3\/4 inch) pipe has approximately twice the cross-sectional area of 12.5mm (1\/2 inch) pipe. Similarly, a 25mm (1 inch) pipe has four times the cross-sectional area of 12.5mm (1\/2 inch) pipe, although it’s only twice the bore.\r\n\r\nThe pressure loss is also affected by the pipe length. The pressure loss and the resultant reduced flow rate are directly proportional to the length of the pipe, i.e. if you double the length of the pipe. you double the pressure loss.\r\n\r\nYou can use table 1 to judge how much pumping pressure is lost with various pipe sizes and flow rates, while taking the pipe length into account. The net effect of pressure loss is reduced flow rates. Increasing system pressure to maintain flow rate is not a good solution. It would be extremely energy inefficient and give rise to damaging levels of pressure. The answer is to use the right pipe size.\r\n<h2>Ring system<\/h2>\r\nIf you are installing a new main line, incorporate the existing line as well if it’s in good condition and not too difficult to do. This is worthwhile where pressure is low or the main line is long and the end of the new line and the existing line are not too far apart. Connecting up the ends of two main lines (of the same size) to form a ring main will almost double the flow rate.\r\n<h2>Laying pipes<\/h2>\r\nIf you are using a mole plough to lay the pipe, do it in stages, using a digger to make holes at intervals where connections are going to be made. Try to get the pipe down to a depth of 450mm or more. Tractors with double-acting rams on the arms can add enough weight to the mole plough to get the depth. Do a ‘dummy run’ first before feeding in the pipe and allow the pipe time to recover from the stretching before making connections.\r\n<h2>Ballcock problems<\/h2>\r\nVery often the ballcocks are the weak link in an otherwise satisfactory water supply system. Ballcocks are frequently over restrictive, even on systems where the pipe sizes are adequate. A high pressure 12.5mm ballcock in the drinking trough is not capable of allowing an adequate flow rate, which is in most situations about 16 to 22 litres per minute (3.5 to 5 gallons\/min). In general, standard ballcocks are described by their size and pressure. Ballcocks can have high, medium or low pressure jets. The high, medium and low pressure refers to the pressure the ballcock can withstand without leaking when the trough is full.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258718\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/pressure-jets.png\" alt=\"Three various sized pressure jets with varying sized holes\" width=\"565\" height=\"150\" \/>\r\n\r\nPhoto 1: The high pressure jet has the smallest hole and the low pressure jet the biggest.\r\n\r\nThe high pressure jet in a standard ½ ballcock is only 1\/8 of an inch in diameter whereas the medium jet is ¼ of an inch in diameter. Other ballcocks are available that have openings of ½ inch or greater. In most systems, medium pressure ballcocks will provide an adequate flow rate (see table 2). In practice, most standard ballcocks are sold with high pressure jets in them, which is one reason why so many farms have flow rate problems. High or medium pressure jets will fit into all 12.5mm ballcocks (see photo 2). The low pressure jet will not fit up against the gasket in standard 12.5mm ballcocks. If you want the option of using a low-pressure jet get the 12.5mm ballcock that can take any size of jet. It has a bigger plunger and a bigger gasket (photo 3).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258719\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/ballocks-of-various-sizes.png\" alt=\"First photo: Two standard 1\/2 inch ballcocks, one showing a shorter float arm. High and medium pressure jets can be used with this type of ballcock. Photo 3. This is a bulkier version of the 1\/2 inch ballcock, in which fits the low pressure jet as well. Note the bigger seating gasket for the jet inside.\" width=\"608\" height=\"277\" \/>\r\n\r\nUsing a longer float arm or a larger float can solve the problem of leaking ballcocks by increasing the force on the gasket with the extra leverage. Longer float arms are available or they can be lengthened by braising on a piece. Ballcock jets should be checked from time to time to see that they are free flowing because they can become encrusted with lime scale or partially blocked with dirt.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 2: Flow rate l\/min (gal\/min) with a standard 12.5mm (½ inch) ballcock and a system pressure of 3.6 bar (52psi) for different jet size<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 47.2846%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.021%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 31.2636%; text-align: center;\" colspan=\"3\"><strong>12.5mm (1\/2\") ballcock<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.021%;\"><strong>Jet type<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\">Low pressure<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 11.097%;\">Medium pressure<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.1557%;\">High pressure<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.021%;\"><strong>Jet size mm (inch)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\">10mm (3\/8\")<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 11.097%;\">6mm (1\/4\")<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.1557%;\">3mm (1\/8\")<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 16.021%;\"><strong>Flow rate l\/min (gal\/min)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\">42 (9.25)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 11.097%;\">32 (7)<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.1557%;\">8 (1.75)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nTable 2 shows the effect of using different jet sizes on flow rate. We put the three different jets in turn into the same standard 12.5mm ballcock at a trough in a paddock. The system pressure at the trough with no water flowing was 3.6 bar (52psi). The most striking finding is the massive increase in flow rate between the high and medium pressure jets, going from 8 to 32 litres per minute.\r\n\r\nTable 3 shows the combine effect of pressure and ballcock jet size on flowrate. Note that quadrupling the static pressure will double the flow rate while quadrupling the jet size will increase flow rate by a factor of 16.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 3: Flow rate (gal\/min) through ballcock at varying static pressure and ballcock jet size<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 36.7125%; height: 336px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 48px;\" rowspan=\"2\"><strong>Static Pressure (PSI)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0985%; height: 24px;\" colspan=\"4\"><strong>Ballcock Jet Size<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\"><strong>1\/8\"<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\"><strong>1\/4\"<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\"><strong>3\/8\"<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\"><strong>1\/2\"<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">0.5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">0.82<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">1.84<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">3.28<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">1.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.29<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">1.16<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">2.61<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">4.65<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">2.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.41<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">1.65<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">3.69<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">6.57<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">4.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.58<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">2.33<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">5.22<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">9.29<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">7.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.77<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">3.08<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">6.90<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">12.30<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">10.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">0.92<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">3.69<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">8.27<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">14.70<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">15.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.13<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">4.52<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">10.10<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">18.00<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">20.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.31<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">5.22<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">11.70<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">20.80<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">25.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.46<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">5.82<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">13.00<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">23.20<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">30.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.60<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">6.40<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">14.30<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">25.50<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">35.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.73<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">6.90<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">15.50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">27.50<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 12.614%; height: 24px;\">40.0<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.45914%; height: 24px;\">1.85<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.80742%; height: 24px;\">7.38<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 5.51776%; height: 24px;\">16.50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.31423%; height: 24px;\">29.50<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<em>Note: The pressure is at the ballcock and NOT at the pump.<\/em>\r\n<h2>Water troughs<\/h2>\r\nCattle will drink 10 - 15 litres of water per 100kgs body weight per day. Adult cattle can drink at the rate of 14 litres a minute from a trough. Peak water intake generally coincides with peak grazing periods. Water flow rates must be capable of supplying these peaks of demand.\r\n<h2>Water trough locations<\/h2>\r\nCheck water troughs regularly to ensure that ballcocks are working properly and that there are no leaks; a leak at a water trough is a real disaster. Flow rate should be considered before trough size in ensuring adequate supply. However, large troughs provide more drinking space and can compensate a bit for poor flow rate at peak drinking time.\r\n\r\nThe main advantage of big troughs is they give more space for drinking. Each cow drinking at a trough needs 450mm of space measured along the trough rim. For large herds, it may be necessary to install a second trough in the paddock.\r\n\r\nSiting troughs underneath a paddock wire fence will more than halve drinking space. Young stock and timid cows may also get bullied if adequate drinking space is not available. The area around the trough should be able to take a lot of traffic i.e. a similar surface to a farm roadway and ideally have good drainage.\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kBju6G3hO8U?si=w5sSQHOc3WAHcqDz\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Portable water troughs<\/h2>\r\nIt may be necessary to use portable water troughs in some situations e.g. strip grazing. To provide a portable trough, use frost-proof gate valves and good quality non-restrictive quick-couplers. Connection points should ideally be away from fixed troughs because they can be damaged and some valve types can be opened by stock, causing leaks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key points <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Daily drinking water requirements vary but typically amount to 10-15 litres per 100kgs body weight. Weight gain and animal health are affected by inadequate water supply.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Many water systems are inadequate especially if poorly maintained.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Allow 450mm (18 inches) drinking space per cow so that close to 10% of your herd to drink at the same time.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The internal bore of main pipelines should be at least 20mm and 25 or 32mm for larger herds.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use 12.5mm medium pressure standard ballcocks or newer bigger types; avoid high pressure ballcocks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Correct siting of water troughs is important.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Beef-Farm-Infrastructure.pdf\">For further information, view the Teagasc Beef Farm Infrastructure Book here<\/a> (PDF)<strong>.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Related reading<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/grazing-focus-keeping-enough-spark-in-your-electric-fence\/\">Keeping enough 'spark' in your electric fence<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Related reading<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/growing-more-grass-with-the-wire-4-steps-for-beef-farmers\/\">Growing more grass with the wire: 4 steps for beef farmers<\/a>","id":"258713","title":"Grazing focus: Don’t let water be the weak link on your farm","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Paddocks-fencing-and-water-Feature.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/reproduction-board-newford.png","release_date":"2026-05-10","description":"As part of the recent Newford Demonstration Farm Open Day, Emily Sitko, Nicky Byrne and Stephen Frend discussed the measures being outlines to improve the herd’s reproductive performance.","main_body":"Reproductive performance in suckler herds is a major driver of both farm productivity and profitability. Careful management across several key areas, such as genetics, herd health, nutrition, and breeding practices, is essential to achieve high performance.\r\n\r\nTo optimise reproductive efficiency, farmers should monitor a range of key performance indicators (KPIs), including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Age at first calving<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Conception rate to first service<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Calving interval<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Calves per cow per year<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Six-week calving rate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Replacement rate<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAt Newford, all heifers calve at 24 months of age without any negative impact on lifetime cow performance or mature cow bodyweight. Calving heifers at 24 months is critical for farm profitability, as it reduces rearing costs, accelerates the return on investment in replacement heifers, increases the lifetime productivity of cows and ensures that non-productive animal groups are not hanging around the system.\r\n\r\nThe breed of the replacement heifer plays an important role in achieving this target. Beef × dairy animals, such as Angus and Hereford crosses, typically reach puberty up to six weeks earlier than larger continental breeds from suckler systems. Heifers should reach approximately 65% of their mature body weight by the start of the breeding season.\r\n\r\nAt Newford, where mature cows average 580 kg, this equates to a target breeding weight of approximately 370-380 kg. Achieving this requires high early-life and first-winter growth performance to ensure heifers reach their target breeding weight and calve successfully at 24 months of age.\r\n\r\nHeifers are bred to easy-calving bulls with high calving reliability figures to ensure they calve easily and return to oestrus without delay.\r\n\r\nAt calving, the body condition score (BCS) of Newford cows was 3.0-3.25 (on a 1–5 scale), which is recommended for suckler cows. Achieving this requires careful management during the dry period to increase or reduce BCS as necessary. Maintaining cows within this range helps minimise calving difficulty, particularly in over-conditioned cows, while ensuring sufficient energy reserves for early lactation and the resumption of oestrus. Cows in the correct BCS are more likely to return to oestrus within approximately 50–60 days post-calving, which is essential for maintaining high submission rates and the farm’s compact calving pattern.\r\n<h2>The breeding season<\/h2>\r\nThe Newford cow herd operates a 10-week breeding season, beginning on April 21st, and uses 100% artificial insemination (AI). In 2025, the herd achieved a six-week calving rate of 85%, a calving interval of 366 days, and 0.98 calves per cow per year. After the 10-week breeding period, 88% of the cow herd was confirmed in-calf. Heifers, managed under a shorter seven-week breeding season beginning April 18th, achieved an in-calf rate of 77%.\r\n<h2>Heat detection<\/h2>\r\nAt Newford, a combination of practical reproductive management strategies are used to maximise heat detection and submission rates during the breeding season. Tail paint is applied for approximately three weeks before the start of breeding to help identify non-cycling animals. This process helps identify cows or heifers that are not expressing heat activity and allows for early intervention, which may include a veterinary examination where necessary. Completing this three-week pre-breeding assessment is a valuable management step and likely contributes to the strong reproductive performance consistently achieved at Newford, where the six-week calving rate has exceeded 85% in recent years.\r\n\r\nThe farm’s breeding policy is relatively simple yet highly effective. Three vasectomised teaser bulls are purchased annually, arriving on-farm during the first week of April, and are quarantined for three weeks prior to use.\r\n\r\nDuring the breeding season, heat detection in the cow herd is supported through the use of tail paint and vasectomised teaser bulls fitted with both a chin-ball harness and a MooCall Heat collar. The chin-ball harness helps identify cows that have been mounted by leaving a visible paint mark on their backs. The MooCall Heat system is fitted to the teaser bull and works by recording the bull’s activity and interactions with cows. When the bull shows repeated interest in or mounting behaviour towards particular cows, this information can be used to help identify animals that are likely in heat. The combined use of teaser bulls and tail paint helps minimise the risk of heats being missed.\r\n<h2>Heifer management<\/h2>\r\nIn the replacement heifers at Newford, reproductive management is more intensive to maximise conception early in the breeding period. Heifers are synchronised and bred using fixed-time AI for the first service, reducing reliance on heat detection at the beginning of the season and ensuring that a high proportion are served promptly. Following the first service, heifers are then monitored for returns to heat and inseminated based on observed heat activity. This approach helps improve submission rates within a shorter breeding window and supports the target of calving heifers at 24 months of age.\r\n<h2>AI<\/h2>\r\nAt Newford, AI is carried out daily at midday. If a cow is inseminated at 12 noon and continues to display standing heat that evening, she is inseminated again the following day. This approach helps ensure that insemination timing aligns with ovulation, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful conception. Maintaining a compact breeding season is essential to support a tight calving pattern, which is aligned with the grazing season and ensures that calving is completed before the next breeding season begins.\r\n<h2>Automated monitoring systems<\/h2>\r\nA range of automated behaviour-monitoring technologies fitted directly to cows or heifers are now available to assist reproductive management in suckler herds, although these are not currently in use at Newford. Unlike the MooCall Heat system, which relies on the behaviour and activity of a teaser bull, these technologies monitor the cow herself. They typically consist of collars, ear tags, leg tags, or rumen boluses equipped with accelerometers that continuously record behavioural changes associated with heat, such as increased movement, mounting activity, and changes in feeding or rumination patterns. As a result, they can detect heat independently of a teaser bull and provide continuous monitoring throughout the breeding season. These technologies have been shown to achieve high levels of heat detection accuracy and may improve submission rates and reproductive performance, particularly where visual observation is difficult or labour availability is limited.\r\n\r\nFor suckler systems, these types of automated monitoring systems may offer significant labour-saving benefits, especially where cows are managed in larger groups or where labour demand during the breeding season is high. These systems generally involve a relatively high upfront cost, and some may also require ongoing subscription or maintenance charges. For many suckler farms, the financial return must therefore be weighed against the scale of the enterprise, labour availability, and potential improvement in reproductive performance as well as the potential costs and health and safety implications of a bull in the system. Many of these technologies can provide benefits beyond heat detection alone. Depending on the system, they may also support health monitoring, calving alerts, and in some cases, virtual fencing. This wider functionality may enhance their overall value, particularly where improvements in labour efficiency and health management may be achieved alongside reproductive performance gains.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/newford-suckler-breeding-open-day-2026\/\">For further insights from the Newford Demonstration Farm Open Day, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/why-newford-places-such-an-emphasis-on-bull-selection\/\">Why Newford places such an emphasis on bull selection<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/eip-measures-implemented-on-newford-farm\/\">EIP measures implemented on Newford Farm<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/a-new-focus-for-newford\/\">A new focus for Newford<\/a>","id":"259215","title":"Newford reproductive performance","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-10 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/reproduction-board-newford.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/beef-photos\/Calves-on-the-Tipperary-Dairy-Calf-to-beef-demonstration-Farm-1.PNG","release_date":"2026-05-10","description":"A course for new entrants and a new manual on all aspects of dairy calf-to-beef systems could help boost your profits. Alan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef500 Campaign Manager, tells us more.","main_body":"Dairy-bred calves now make up over 60% of beef processed. While dairy calf-to-beef systems can be highly efficient and profitable when well-managed, they demand strong technical ability, careful financial planning and close attention to detail.\r\n\r\nTo support farmers entering this sector, and those already in it, Teagasc has developed the Dairy Calf to Beef New Entrant Course, a targeted programme designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to build environmentally sustainable and profitable systems.\r\n\r\nDairy calf-to-beef production differs in important ways from traditional suckler systems, with success depending heavily on achieving excellent performance in the first 12 months. Calf quality, health status and genetic merit all influence lifetime performance, and poor decisions in the first few weeks of the calf arriving on farm can have lasting consequences.\r\n\r\nThe Teagasc course places strong emphasis on understanding calf sourcing and selection, helping participants identify animals with the potential to meet processor specifications for carcass weight, conformation and age at slaughter by using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icbf.com\/commercial-beef-value-cbv\/\">Commercial Beef Value<\/a> (CBV).\r\n\r\nDeveloping relationships with dairy farmers and encouraging dairy farmers to gain a greater understanding of the beef merit of beef bulls within <a href=\"https:\/\/www.icbf.com\/dairy-beef-index-dbi\/\">Dairy Beef Index<\/a> (DBI) are also explored, ensuring a more consistent and predictable supply of suitable beef calves.\r\n<h2>Calf rearing<\/h2>\r\nCalf rearing is the foundation of dairy calf-to-beef profitability. Achieving target liveweights at weaning and maintaining steady daily gains through the first grazing season are critical to finishing animals efficiently at 20 - 24 months with low meal input.\r\n\r\nThe course covers best practice in milk feeding systems, concentrate introduction and rumen development, alongside practical guidance on housing design, ventilation and disease prevention.\r\n\r\nHealth planning, including vaccination protocols and biosecurity measures, is addressed in detail, as reducing mortality and underlying health issues in calves has a direct impact on financial performance.\r\n<h2>Grass<\/h2>\r\nGrazed grass remains the most cost-effective feed available, and maximising its utilisation throughout the year, especially at the shoulders of the year, is central to maintaining margins.\r\n\r\nParticipants will develop practical skills in measuring grass supply, budgeting throughout the grazing season and implementing paddock grazing systems.\r\n\r\nSoil fertility, reseeding strategies and extending the grazing season are also discussed. By improving grassland management, farmers can reduce concentrate inputs, increase liveweight gain from forage and enhance overall system efficiency. This element of the course is delivered in collaboration with the <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/grassland\/grass10\/\">Teagasc Grass10 team<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Finance<\/h2>\r\nFinancial planning is integrated throughout the course. New entrants often underestimate the working capital required for calf purchase, feed, housing and labour before sale income is realised after around two years.\r\n\r\nThrough detailed budgeting exercises, participants assess cashflow requirements, capital investment needs and cost structures specific to their own farms.\r\n\r\nSensitivity analysis is used to test systems against changes in beef price or input costs, helping farmers understand risk and build resilience into their plans. Benchmarking performance and focusing on margin per head and per hectare allows participants to identify the key drivers of profitability within their chosen system.\r\n\r\nThe results of the Teagasc <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/dairy-calf-to-beef\/dairybeef-500\/\">DairyBeef500<\/a> demonstration farm Profit Monitors will also be presented and discussed in detail.\r\n<h2>Environment<\/h2>\r\nThe course highlights how reducing age at slaughter, improving feed conversion efficiency and optimising nitrogen use can simultaneously improve profitability and reduce environmental footprint.\r\n\r\nSlurry management, nutrient planning and the role of high-quality forage are all addressed, reinforcing the link between good technical performance and environmental compliance.\r\n<h2>Who is it for?<\/h2>\r\nThe Dairy Calf to Beef New Entrant Course is particularly relevant for:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>New entrants establishing a drystock enterprise<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dairy farmers considering retaining calves for finishing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Existing suckler or beef farmers evaluating a transition towards dairy-bred animals<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor younger farmers seeking to build scale without the capital demands of a suckler herd, the system can offer flexibility and potential for strong output per hectare, provided it is carefully managed.\r\n\r\nBy combining technical training, financial planning and environmental awareness, the course ensures participants establish systems that are competitive, adaptable and aligned with market requirements.\r\n\r\nIn a sector where small changes in liveweight gain, mortality or grass utilisation can significantly influence margins towards profit or loss, informed management decisions make a substantial difference.\r\n\r\nCalf prices have soared since March 2025 in Ireland, and the investment and risk\/reward element of the enterprise is at a far greater level than before. The Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef New Entrant Course provides that foundation, supporting farmers to build efficient, profitable and sustainable systems in an evolving industry.\r\n<h2>First-hand experience<\/h2>\r\nDwayne Stanley, who farms near Thurles in Co. Tipperary, has a suckler herd but also buys 120 dairy-bred calves each spring and sells them on as steers to the factory around two years old.\r\n\r\nDwayne has recently built a state-of-the-art calf rearing shed benefiting from TAMS support. He says the course is not just for new entrants:\r\n\r\n“I have done a fair few bits and pieces over the years and I thought that the course would be a revision of all that, but on each of the days I picked up something new. The course was brilliant, very practical and useful.”\r\n<h2>When is it on?<\/h2>\r\nThe course is run over five individual days from late November until early summer. It includes visits to the Teagasc Grange Research Centre, DairyBeef500 demonstration farms and a meat processor. Three courses were run in 2025\/2026 - one each in the North, South and West of Ireland - so farmers won’t have too far to travel.\r\n\r\nThe course expression of interest form will appear on the <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/dairy-calf-to-beef\/dairybeef-500\/\">DairyBeef500 page of the Teagasc website<\/a> in the autumn.\r\n<h2>New Teagasc Dairy Calf to Beef Manual<\/h2>\r\nThe Teagasc DairyBeef500 team have recently launched a new Calf to Beef Manual for purchase. The manual complements the course and provides updated technical material following the lifespan of the calf from birth to slaughter. It was edited and written by the DairyBeef500 team and is an essential tool for farmers considering entering this enterprise to any degree.\r\n\r\nIt covers:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Dairy calf-to-beef systems<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sourcing calves<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Calf nutrition and health<\/li>\r\n \t<li>First and second grazing seasons<\/li>\r\n \t<li>First and second winter<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe manual is farmer-friendly and includes timely tips for practical tasks with a strong focus on profitability. It is available now in local <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/contact\/\">Teagasc offices<\/a> at a cost of €50 per manual. You can order your copy at any Teagasc regional advisory office.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/Todays-Farm-Web-Access-Edition-Apr-Jun-2026.pdf\">This article was first published in Today's Farm<\/a>","id":"256322","title":"Dairy calf-to-beef course &#8211; invest in yourself","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-10 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/beef-photos\/Calves-on-the-Tipperary-Dairy-Calf-to-beef-demonstration-Farm-1.PNG"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dairy-Beef-animals-behind-an-electric-fence-at-Grange-1.png","release_date":"2026-05-09","description":"With the grazing season now in full swing, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Catherine Egan shares some essential reading and some areas to troubleshoot if your fencer isn’t working as it should.","main_body":"On many farms, a mains fencer is used on the home block and perhaps battery or solar options are used on outblocks if there is no electricity available. When selecting a fencer, also choose one with a capacity greater than the area needed to be fenced to ensure that adequate power is supplied. There are many benefits of each fencer type, as outlined in table 1 below.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Installation, use and key benefits with mains, battery and solar fences<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 78.8559%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.8863%;\"><strong>Mains<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.3932%;\"><strong>Battery<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.5655%;\"><strong>Solar<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\"><strong>Installation<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.8863%;\">Easy-medium<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.3932%;\">Simple<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.5655%;\">Medium<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\"><strong>Use<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.8863%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Perimeter of farm<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Temporary fencing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.3932%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Strip grazing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.5655%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Temporary fencing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Temporary fencing on out farm<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\"><strong>Key benefits<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.8863%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Longevity if maintained correctly<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Suitable for larger areas<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Greater strength<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.3932%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Easy to install<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Relatively inexpensive<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Greatest flexibility and portability<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.5655%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Easy to install<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Suitable when no power source on farm<\/li>\r\n \t<li>No re-charging of battery<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.0109%;\"><strong>Caution<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 21.8863%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Dependent on electricity supply<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.3932%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Risk of theft<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Battery recharged regularly<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.5655%;\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Risk of theft<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Maintenance over winter<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>What size fencer?<\/h2>\r\nFencers are mainly advertised in terms of output joules and stored joules. Don’t get these confused and be aware of which is on the charger. A charger may advertise 30 joules but only refer to the stored joules (a fence charger will always store more joules than it outputs). Stored joules represent the amount of power stored inside your charger. This is ran through an output transformer, which converts the power to a higher voltage. Some of the power is lost during this conversion.\r\n\r\nOutput joules refer to the actual output of the charger – the power available to shock the animal. The size of fencer depends on the area to be fenced. Always choose a fencer to match the area. It is better to choose a fencer greater than your requirement rather than less than recommended and expect it to cover more area than advertised.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 2: A guide to mains fencer output and area covered<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 38.6676%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\"><strong>Output joule<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\"><strong>Distance (km)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\"><strong>Area (acres)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\"><strong>Earthing rods<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">0.12<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">1.5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">1<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">1.6<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">10<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">1<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">1.10<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">10<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">30<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">2<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">2.5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">11<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">1-2<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">3.3<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">15<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">3<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">4.9<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">22<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">75<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">4<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">6.1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">110<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">4<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">7<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">100<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">3<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">15<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">72<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">200<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6626%;\">33<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.2281%;\">145<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.27295%;\">300<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.50403%;\">6<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<em>Note: This is a guide. Always read and follow the manufacturer's guidelines<\/em>\r\n<h2>Battery fencers<\/h2>\r\nBattery fencers are used for short or temporary fences where portability and flexibility are the main considerations. A dry battery is used in many cases. While a wet 12V Battery allows rechargeable batteries to be used and facilitates a more powerful battery powered fencer.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 3: A guide to battery fencer output and area covered<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 51.3351%; height: 144px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Output joule<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Distance (km)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Area (acres)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Earthing rods<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\"><strong>Recommended use<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\">0.2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\">1.5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\">4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\">Strip grazing<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\">0.35<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\">4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\">12<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\">Small\/medium area<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\">0.43<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\">5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\">14<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\">Medium area \/ strip grazing<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\">8<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\">25<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\">2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\">Small\/medium area<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.4113%; height: 24px;\">2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.7377%; height: 24px;\">11<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 9.73105%; height: 24px;\">40<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.5347%; height: 24px;\">1-2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.3392%; height: 24px;\">Medium\/large area<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<em>Note: This is a guide. Always read and follow manufacturer's guidelines<\/em>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2018\/Beef-Farm-Infrastructure.pdf\">For further insights, view the Teagasc Beef Farm Infrastructure Book here<\/a> (PDF).\r\n\r\n<strong>Related reading<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/growing-more-grass-with-the-wire-4-steps-for-beef-farmers\/\">Growing more grass with the wire: 4 steps for beef farmers<\/a>","id":"258701","title":"Grazing focus: Keeping enough &#8216;spark&#8217; in your electric fence","category":"Grassland","release_date_time":"2026-05-09 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dairy-Beef-animals-behind-an-electric-fence-at-Grange-1.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Sheep-dipping-Featured.png","release_date":"2026-05-09","description":"Along with outlining the key actions, Anne O’ Malley, Teagasc Mayo, reminds sheep farmers that the deadline for the National Sheep Welfare Scheme is fast approaching. ","main_body":"Targeting practical actions to enhance animal health and welfare on sheep farms, application for the 2026 National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) is open online and will close on the 15<sup>th<\/sup> of May 2026.\r\n\r\nCompletion of three chosen actions are mandatory for full payment of up to €13. When combined with the Sheep Improvement Scheme, total payments of €25 per ewe are delivered.\r\n\r\nActions undertaken are in respect of the payable number of eligible ewes selected at application, which is determined on previous years (2023-2025) census numbers.\r\n\r\nFarmers must complete actions by the chosen date of either the 13<sup>th <\/sup>of October 2026 or the later date of 24<sup>th<\/sup> of November 2026. Applicants should note that this later date will result in later processing of payment. Complete actions in full, retain all dockets or receipts, Scheme Action Record Sheet, and all supporting documentation for the one-year duration of the scheme plus one additional year.\r\n<h2>Scheme actions<\/h2>\r\nThere are five actions in the scheme and farmers must complete two actions from Category A, which are mandatory, and one action from Category B which is voluntary. If a farmer does not wish to undertake a voluntary or optional action, they can still apply by selecting and completing two mandatory actions, in which case they receive a lower payment of €8 per ewe.\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 75.2481%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 45.3643%;\"><strong>Category A (Mandatory)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 29.884%;\">Category B (Optional)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 45.3643%;\">1). Shearing<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 29.884%;\">1). Foot bathing<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 45.3643%;\">2). Body condition scoring ewes and appropriate follow-on management<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 29.884%;\">2). Plunge dipping to control external parasites<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 45.3643%;\">3). Vaccination of ewes<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 29.884%;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nFarmers opting for the Shearing Action must complete in full by completion date chosen at application stage and provide documentary evidence of its completion, including completion of the Scheme Actions Record Sheet provided.\r\n\r\nBody Condition Scoring (BCS) of breeding ewes has a significant effect on performance and productivity and farmers who choose this action must conduct scoring on all ewes twice, with an interval of eight weeks between assessments. Complete the first BCS between 15<sup>th<\/sup> of April and 15<sup>th<\/sup> of July 2026 and the second BCS between 1<sup>st<\/sup> of August 2026 and completion date chosen at application stage. BCS identifies ewes that are thin and not thriving and these ewes can receive preferential treatment, including housing, access to better quality grass, forage and\/or supplementation.\r\n\r\nApplicants to the NSWS 2026 can choose to complete either Clostridial or Bluetongue vaccination in consultation with their vet. Clostridial diseases affect sheep of all ages depending on the strain and vaccination will help protect from potentially fatal bacterial infections. Farmers must complete action by the selected date chosen at application stage. If breeding ewes are not in receipt of a clostridial vaccination, you may vaccinate lambs as an alternative, from 3 weeks of age and a second booster no later than 4-6 weeks after the first vaccination.\r\n\r\nBluetongue is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges and can cause significant economic losses, particularly in sheep and vaccination reduces severity and virus levels but may not give complete protection. Vaccinations that are currently available for purchase in Ireland will only be effective against bluetongue serotype-3 (BTV-3) and there are three BTV-3 vaccines authorised for use in Ireland under licence. Farmers may obtain BTV vaccines from their veterinary practitioner, under licence from the Department.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine\/publications\/bluetongue-virus\/\">Details on the licence requirements, as well as general information on the disease, are available here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFoot bathing and Plunge Dipping to control external parasites are optional Category B actions. Complete Foot bathing action at least twice over the period from 1<sup>st<\/sup> April 2026 to completion date chosen at application stage and leave a two-week interval between events. The updated 2026 NSWS Terms and Conditions allows the use of Copper Sulphate or Zinc Sulphate to improve overall hoof health and thus reduce lameness in sheep. Where the primary purpose of the footbath is to control harmful organisms and prevent infection spreading, it must contain an appropriate registered biocidal product. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie\/registers\/biocidalproductregisters\/\">Details of registered biocidal products for NSWS are available here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFollow all label instructions and precautions when using biocidal products to protect human, animal health and the environment.\r\n\r\nPlunge dipping can be carried out on farm where the flock owner has their own plunge dip or by a mobile plunge dipping service operator. Plunge showering will not be acceptable as an alternative to Plunge Dipping. Check out best practice sheep dipping guidelines under Sustainable Use Directive (SUD), DAFM Cross Compliance requirements and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) well in advance of operation. Follow all label instructions and precautions when using sheep dip products to protect human, animal health and the environment.\r\n\r\nApplications can only be made online at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.agfood.ie\">www.agfood.ie<\/a> either by the applicant or their FAS advisor by 15<sup>th<\/sup> May 2026 and any queries regarding the National Sheep Welfare Scheme please contact your local Teagasc office.","id":"258340","title":"Deadline approaching for National Sheep Welfare Scheme","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-05-09 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-11 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Sheep-dipping-Featured.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mushroom-Innovation-Day-Session-1-1024x768.jpeg","release_date":"2026-05-08","description":"Growers, researchers, and technology providers in the mushroom sector gathered from a Mushroom Innovation Day, hosted by the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department on May 6, to hear the latest on automation, sustainability and peat-free growing systems.","main_body":"Opening the Mushroom Innovation Day, Dr Michael Gaffney, Acting Head of the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, highlighted the 78% increase in input costs the mushroom sector has faced since 2020. He noted that labour continues to be the most important input, comprising 45.6% of the production costs of mushrooms in Ireland and this highlights why advancements such as automation are critical to maintaining competitiveness.\r\n\r\nSpeaking from the event, Teagasc’s Donal Gernon, a Teagasc Mushroom Specialised Advisor, emphasised that “while the industry is facing significant change due to rising input costs, labour pressures and sustainability requirements, Irish mushroom growers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to adapt”.\r\n\r\n“Automation and peat-free production are the next big changes. Investing in harvesting automation will no longer be optional if the Irish mushroom industry wants to maintain and grow its strong presence in the UK,” he added.\r\n<h2>International mushroom-harvesting technologies<\/h2>\r\nThe opening session, chaired by Donal Gernon, Teagasc Mushroom Specialised Advisor, showcased the leading international mushroom-harvesting technologies. Presentations from Rick Deryx (GTL\/Limbraco), Sean O’Connor (4AG), Alan Edwards (Mushroom Machine), Jan-Emiel Tack (TLT Automation), and Stefan Glibetic (Myconics) highlighted the most advanced harvesting solutions currently available globally, offering Irish growers a valuable insight into how automation can support labour efficiency and long-term competitiveness.\r\n<h2>Research facilities<\/h2>\r\nAttendees at the Innovation Day visited Teagasc’s Mushroom Research Facility to view practical demonstrations on advancements from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine funded ‘Beyond Peat’ project in developing peat free mushroom production, and developments in the use of biocontrol and biostimulants to manage disease in mushroom crops, illustrating how Teagasc research is closely aligned with industry needs.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_259485\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-259485\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mushroom-Innovation-Day-Session-2-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"Presentations in the Teagasc Mushroom Research Unit by Dr. Eoghan Corbett, Dr. Joy Clarke and Brian McGuinness\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" \/> Presentations in the Teagasc Mushroom Research Unit by Dr. Eoghan Corbett, Dr. Joy Clarke and Brian McGuinness[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Sustainable innovation<\/h2>\r\nInnovation has been a key feature of the development of Ireland’s Mushroom sector. Dr. Lael Walsh, Senior Research Officer with Teagasc, delivered a presentation outlining how sustainability in its current context of sustainable innovation is a combination of three aspects: business, sustainability and innovation. Dr Walsh said: “There is an opportunity for Irish companies to refocus efforts on building brand recognition to reach the consumer directly, exploiting sustainable innovation credentials to promote product, diversify distribution channels and generate a better price in the marketplace.”\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_259486\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"1000\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-long-alt size-full wp-image-259486\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mushroom-Innovation-Day-Session-3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Pictured at the Innovation Day industry panel were Dr. Michael Gaffney with Padraic O’Leary (Walsh Mushrooms), Dessie McGuigan (Goldcircle Mushrooms), Leslie Codd (Codd Mushrooms), and Paul Wilson (Monaghan Mushrooms)\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" data-warning=\"Long alt text\" \/> A Mushroom Innovation Day, hosted by Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, took place on Wednesday, 6 May at the Ashtown Research Centre in Dublin. Pictured at the Innovation Day industry panel were Dr. Michael Gaffney with Padraic O’Leary (Walsh Mushrooms), Dessie McGuigan (Goldcircle Mushrooms), Leslie Codd (Codd Mushrooms), and Paul Wilson (Monaghan Mushrooms)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nAn industry panel session featuring Paul Wilson, Monaghan Mushrooms, Padraic O’Leary, Walsh Mushrooms, Dessie McGuigan, Goldcircle Mushrooms and Leslie Codd, Codd Mushrooms, provided practical perspectives on the challenges facing the sector, including rising costs, labour availability, and market pressures, while also identifying pathways for adaptation and growth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/horticulture\/\">For more from Teagasc's Horticulture Development Department, visit here<\/a>.","id":"259524","title":"Automation and peat-free production: Big changes coming for mushroom sector","category":"Horticulture","release_date_time":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mushroom-Innovation-Day-Session-1-scaled.jpeg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/feature_pigsresearch_scaled.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-08","description":"Spain’s pig industry faces a serious challenge from African Swine Fever. Michael McKeon, Teagasc Pig & Poultry Specialist, tells us more.","main_body":"Over the past two decades, Spain has transformed its pig industry into one of the most dominant forces in global pigmeat production and export. In 2010, Spain’s pigmeat exports to destinations outside the EU were comparable to those of Ireland, now they are one of the biggest exporters in the world. Despite this remarkable growth, the recent emergence of African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease similar in impact to ‘foot &amp; mouth’, presents a significant threat to this success story, raising concerns for producers and exporters, not only in Spain but across the wider EU.\r\n<h2>Expansion of the Spanish Pig Industry<\/h2>\r\nSince the early 2000s, Spain’s pig sector has undergone rapid expansion, driven by a combination of efficiency gains, integration, and strong international demand. The country is now the largest pig producer in Europe, with a highly modernised and export-oriented industry.\r\n\r\nThe rapid growth of their export pigmeat market has been particularly striking. In 2005 they exported 160,000 tonnes and twenty years later they now export 1.34 million tonnes, an increase of approximately 800% in 20 years. Today, Spanish pigmeat exports account for aboutn32% of total EU pigmeat exports, which stands at approximately 4.2 million tonnes.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-259492\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/pigs-amp-poultry\/Spanish-Pigmeat-Export-Growth-2005-2025-Eurostat-2026-300x180.png\" alt=\"Spanish Pigmeat Export Growth 2005-2025 Eurostat 2026- export increases from 0.16 million tonnes in 2005 to 1.86 in 2020, then 1.34 in 2025.\" width=\"700\" height=\"420\" \/>\r\n\r\n<em>Spanish Pigmeat Export Growth 2005-2025 (Eurostat 2026)<\/em>\r\n\r\nHowever, the size of the Spanish herd, and more importantly the importance of its export market to provide product demand, means that any disruption, particularly from disease, can have far-reaching consequences for the whole of the EU market.\r\n<h2>Current ASF Situation in Spain<\/h2>\r\nAfrican Swine Fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar and has become one of the most serious threats to global pig production. While it poses no risk to human health, its economic impact is severe due to high mortality rates and strict trade restrictions imposed on affected regions.\r\n\r\nSpain experienced its first outbreak of ASF in November 2025. Since then, they have implemented geographical zonal control measures to restrict disease spread. To-date they have experienced:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>232 total positive ASF cases<\/li>\r\n \t<li>40 different confirmed outbreaks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>cases spread across 10 municipalities<\/li>\r\n \t<li>5 new cases reported in recent weeks<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEncouragingly, all recent cases have been detected within the restricted area and have been found in wild boars rather than commercial pig units. This suggests that the containment measures are having some effect and that the disease has not yet spread beyond the initial control zone. Maintaining this containment will be critical in preventing wider dissemination across the country. However, the presence of ASF in wild boar populations adds complexity to containment efforts. Wild boars act as a natural reservoir for the virus, making eradication significantly more difficult. The high density of pig farms in nearby regions further compounds the risk. This underscores the importance of strict on-farm controls and monitoring.\r\n<h2>Implications for the EU pigmeat trade<\/h2>\r\nThe detection of ASF cases in Spain had immediate implications for its export-driven pig industry. Many countries impose strict import bans on pork from regions affected by ASF, even if outbreaks are regionalised. Given the sheer scale of Spain’s exports, any disruption to trade flows have significant economic consequences for the whole EU pigmeat sector.\r\n\r\nThe EU sow herd declined between 2020 and 2025 by 13%, equivalent to around one million sows. This resulted in a downward trend in EU pigmeat self-sufficiency, which was forecast to have declined from a peak of 126% in 2021 to a low of 115% in 2026 (Eurostat). The expectation for the sector was that pig supply would remain quite tight and therefore pig price would remain relatively stable. However, the Spanish ASF outbreak caused an 18% year-on-year contraction in Spanish pigmeat exports outside the EU. For the months of December and January alone, this has resulted in an extra 38,000 tonnes of pigmeat (Eurostat) remaining within the EU market, thereby depressing the average EU pig price. In today’s world, a disease outbreak in Barcelona can have a direct effect on the Ballyjamesduff pig price!\r\n\r\nLooking forward it is important that the Spanish ASF cases are eliminated and the country regains its ‘ASF free’ status. However, this can only be declared 12 months after the last ASF case is reported, so unfortunately, we will be waiting a bit longer for this to happen. The Spanish case also re-emphasis the important of keeping Ireland ‘ASF-free’ through continued stringent national bio-security measures.\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt alignnone wp-image-259500\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/pigs-amp-poultry\/Predicted-wild-boar-density-across-Europe-2-×-2-km-grid-cells.-The-location-of-the-African-swine-fever-outbreak-in-Catalonia-is-indicated-300x171.jpg\" alt=\"Map of Europe shows wild boar density, with red indicating high density in the northeast. Spain has 2.4 million wild boars. wild boar image.\" width=\"700\" height=\"398\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/><\/div>\r\n<em>Wild boar concentration (boars\/km<sup>2<\/sup>) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irec.es\/en\/featured-posts\/first-European-high-resolution-map-of-wild-boar-density\/\">(Institute for Game and Wildlife Research)<\/a><\/em>","id":"259319","title":"African Swine Fever in Spain &#8211; Industry growth meets emerging disease risk","category":"Pigs &amp; Poultry","release_date_time":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/feature_pigsresearch_scaled.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/forestry-photos\/Irish-ash-grafts-growing-in-the-glasshouses-at-the-Teagasc-Ashtown-Research-Centre-e1778155695936.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-08","description":"Ricardo Pimenta, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Dheeraj Rathore, Research Officer, provide an update on progress in the AshforFuture project.","main_body":"Over the past 15 years, common ash (<em>Fraxinus excelsior<\/em>) in Ireland has been severely impacted by ash dieback, caused by the fungus <em>Hymenoscyphus fraxineus<\/em>. While most trees show significant damage, a small proportion appear to have a higher level of tolerance. These trees offer an important opportunity for recovery and management.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/research\/ashforfuture\/\">AshforFuture research project<\/a>, launched in November 2024, is an all-island initiative funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland. It brings together research across four areas: communication (AshComm), genetics (AshGen), silviculture (AshSilva) and plant pathology (AshPath), all aimed at supporting the long-term future of ash in Ireland.\r\n<h2>Citizen science supporting tree selection<\/h2>\r\nPublic engagement is an important part of the AshforFuture project. Through outreach activities, the team has raised awareness of ash dieback and encouraged people to <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/research\/report-a-healthy-ash-tree\/\">report healthy ash trees<\/a> through a citizen science initiative. Teagasc sincerely thanks all who have and continue to respond.\r\n\r\nSince the project began, over 400 ash trees have been reported across the country. These reports supported scion wood collection during the winters of 2024\/25 and 2025\/26. In the first season, just over 200 ash genotypes were collected, resulting in approximately 2,400 successful grafts. A further 190 genotypes were sampled in 2025\/26, producing around 1,700 grafts.\r\n\r\nThese grafted plants are currently being monitored in Teagasc facilities. Once established, they will be used in future field trials to assess disease tolerance.\r\n<h2>Genetic work underway<\/h2>\r\nWork is ongoing to better understand the genetic basis of tolerance to ash dieback. Alongside Irish material, a broader European collection is being analysed.\r\n\r\nWhole-genome DNA sequencing data has been generated for nearly 200 ash genotypes from 15 countries. This is being used to examine their genetic diversity and identify markers linked to tolerance. In parallel, these trees have been assessed in field trials over the past four years, with regular scoring of disease severity across seasons.\r\n\r\nThese datasets will help build a clearer picture of how tolerance is expressed and how it can be used in breeding programmes.\r\n<h2>Exploring management options<\/h2>\r\nThe project is also examining how forest management can reduce the impact of ash dieback.\r\n\r\nClonal trials have been established at three locations, including a site in Co. Dublin in 2024 and additional plantings in Wexford and Cavan in 2026. These trials will allow comparison of different genotypes under field conditions.\r\n\r\nAn admixed species trial is also being developed. This will assess whether growing ash alongside other tree species can influences disease progression. In addition, several ash regeneration hotspots identified in 2025 are being monitored to better understand natural regeneration under disease pressure.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-259211\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/forestry-photos\/Ash-clonal-trial-established-in-Co.-Dublin-in-2024-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"Ash clonal trial established in Co. Dublin in 2024\" width=\"651\" height=\"488\" \/>\r\n\r\nAsh clonal trial established in Co. Dublin in 2024\r\n<h2>Understanding the pathogen<\/h2>\r\nA key element of the research focuses on the ash dieback fungus itself and how it varies across Ireland.\r\n\r\nSamples have been collected from multiple locations, with over 30 isolates confirmed through molecular analysis. Additional isolates from European collaborators are being included to support comparison.\r\n\r\nEarly observations suggest difference in virulence between isolates. This may be important when testing ash material for tolerance under controlled conditions.\r\n<h2>Next steps<\/h2>\r\nOver the coming year, work will continue on analysing sequencing data alongside field trial assessments to improve understanding of tolerance.\r\n\r\nMonitoring of existing trials will continue, alongside further public engagement to support the reporting of healthy trees. Another round of scion sampling is planned for the coming winter, followed by grafting.\r\n\r\nAdditional clonal and mixed-species trials are also expected to be established, supporting future field evaluation of ash under Irish conditions.","id":"259210","title":"AshforFuture project &#8211; breeding common ash for dieback disease tolerance","category":"Forestry","release_date_time":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/forestry-photos\/Irish-ash-grafts-growing-in-the-glasshouses-at-the-Teagasc-Ashtown-Research-Centre-e1778155695936.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Harvesting-silage-38-1024x520.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-08","description":"The quality of silage being made on beef farms nationally is a significant cause for concern, forcing beef farmers to spend out on additional meal or deal with lower levels of animal performance over the winter months.","main_body":"That was a key message delivered by Teagasc Beef Specialist David Argue, when he presented on the recent Teagasc webinar: <em>Gearing up for Silage 2026<\/em>.\r\n\r\nThrough his presentation, the Teagasc Beef Specialist shared data from the silage testing campaign conducted through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s National Beef Welfare Scheme in 2025.\r\n\r\nFrom these results, Argue explained, only 11% of samples submitted were greater than 74% DMD, and a further 18% were between 70% DMD and 74% DMD. Worryingly from a beef performance perspective, 44% of the silage samples were between 65% and 69.9% DMD and again, 27% were less than 65% DMD.\r\n\r\n“That is concerning knowing the fact we have a huge number of weanlings, store cattle and replacement animals to be fed on farms over the winter period,” Argue said, noting that 65% DMD silage will just about maintain body condition score on dry cows over the winter months.\r\n\r\nDetails were also shared on the crude protein contents of the silage tested, with 23% of samples being between 13.6% and 16.5% crude protein, 29% were between 12.1% and 13.5%, while almost half were less than 12% crude protein.\r\n\r\nAs to the importance of quality silage for beef production systems, Argue noted that every 5 unit drop in DMD will require an additional 1.5kg of concentrate to be fed to finishing steers, targeting a daily liveweight gain of 1kg\/head\/day, over the course of a 100-day finishing period.\r\n<blockquote>“Moving from a 65% DMD silage to 75% DMD silage will save 3kg of concentrate per head per day for finishing steers, or at a meal cost of €340\/t, that’s a saving of almost €100\/head.”<\/blockquote>\r\nLikewise for dairy-beef producers, Argue noted, significant savings can be made on concentrate spend when high-quality silage is prioritised over poorer quality material. For a dairy-beef farmer carrying 40 weanlings and 40 finishing animals, where high quality silage is available (74% DMD) versus low quality silage (66% DMD), the total difference in meal requirements is €5,018.\r\n\r\nConcluding his presentation, Argue explained: “Farmers may assume silage cutting date needs to be adjusted this year with higher contractor and fertiliser costs, however, quality and quantity combined is still a priority.\r\n\r\n“To maximise quality and quantity across the silage growing season, farmers should target to cut the crop in mid-late May to ensure both yield and quality targets are achieved across both first and second cuts.\r\n\r\n“A quality first cut will help maximise margins next winter by reducing the cost of concentrates needed to supplement poorer quality feed and also by improving the daily liveweight gain on animals.”\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights, watch David Argue’s full presentation below:<\/strong>\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dUrVaFnID0I?si=QiLSMNhZTlSzzey6&amp;start=952\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nChaired by Teagasc Dairy Advisor Deirbhle Browne, the <em>Gearing up for Silage 2026 Webinar<\/em> featured also featured contributions from Dr. Peter Doyle, Grassland Researcher, Bernard Ging, a dairy farmer from Portlaoise, and Dave Davies, a UK based consultant with Silage Solutions Ltd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/dUrVaFnID0I?si=KXOHF_Gm9X7OuxxF\">A full recording of the webinar is available to view on YouTube<\/a>.","id":"259232","title":"Grounds for concern: Silage quality on beef farms","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Harvesting-silage-38-scaled-e1776779585989.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Robyn-Dowling.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-08","description":"Robyn Dowling, Skerries, County Dublin, is the overall winner of the Teagasc \/ FBD Student of the Year 2025 award.  The awards were presented in Kilkenny today, Thursday 7 May, by Mr Noel Grealish TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.","main_body":"The awards, sponsored by FBD, were presented to the top graduates of Teagasc Level 6 agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry training programmes in 2025.\r\n\r\nThe overall winner, Robyn Dowling completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship (Equitation) at the Teagasc Kildalton College in Piltown, County Kilkenny. In addition to winning the Overall Teagasc \/ FBD Student of the Year 2025 award she was also successful in the ‘Other Land Based Category’.\r\n\r\nTwo other category awards were presented.\r\n\r\nEdmund Motherway from Ladysbridge, Midleton, County Cork won the ‘Full-Time Agriculture Category’.  He completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture (Dairy Herd Management) in Teagasc Kildalton College in Piltown, County Kilkenny.\r\n\r\nBernadette Donohoe, from Kildavin, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, was successful in the ‘Part-Time and Distance Education Category’. She completed the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Agriculture at the Teagasc Tinahely.\r\n\r\nCongratulating all the finalists in today’s awards, Teagasc Chairperson, Liam Herlihy said; “This is a proud day for you and your families and I want to congratulate you on being finalists in these awards.\r\n<blockquote>\"The agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry sectors need young people with new ideas and the right skill sets and knowledge to drive the development of the Irish land-based sectors. You epitomise the high calibre of student emerging from Teagasc education courses. I would like to thank FBD for their ongoing support for these awards,\" the Teagasc Chairperson said.<\/blockquote>\r\nSpeaking at the awards, Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust, said; “FBD have been supporting the student of the year awards since their inception and are proud of our involvement in these awards. We value education as a vital contributor to a progressive, sustainable farming sector, which we have in Ireland today.\r\n<blockquote>\"The Teagasc\/ FBD Student of the Year finalists are wonderful ambassadors for this sector, and we are proud to sponsor these awards which highlight their accomplishments. On behalf of the team at FBD, I would like to congratulate Robyn Dowling and all the finalists on their achievements and wish them every success in the future,\" Michael Berkery said.<\/blockquote>\r\nDr Anne-Marie Butler, Head of Education in Teagasc said; “This is a great occasion for all the finalists, as we celebrate their achievements, and their learning journey with Teagasc. These awards showcase the agriculture, horticulture, equine and forestry courses and the best students that have come through those.  In Teagasc, we continuously strive to improve our education offering and it’s on days like this we see how you, the students, have embraced our education programme and blossomed as individuals ready to move to the next stage of your career. I congratulate all the finalists and wish you all the best in your future careers.”\r\n\r\n<strong>Finalists <\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe other finalists in the awards were:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Eileen Collins, Douglas, Co. Cork<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Róisín Corkery, Kinsealy, Co. Dublin<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Audrey Dunne, Drumcondra, Dublin<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Aoife Jones, Naas, Co. Kildare<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Jason Kelleher, Innishannon, Co. Cork<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Martha Langford, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Eoin Loftus, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Shane McAuliffe, Dromagh, Mallow, Co. Cork<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Charmaine McDermott, Redcastle, Co. Donegal<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Colin Mullahy, Claremorris, Co. Mayo<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Oscar Ó Marcaigh, Blackrock, Co. Dublin<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Jack Stevenson, Lifford, Co. Donegal<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Beth Thornton, Mallow, Co. Cork<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Christina Tobin, Castletownroche, Co. Cork<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/education\/going-to-college\/student-of-the-year\/\">For more information on the Teagasc\/FBD Student of the Year, visit here<\/a>.","id":"259251","title":"Robyn Dowling is the Teagasc\/ FBD Student of the Year for 2025","category":"","release_date_time":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Robyn-Dowling.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Crop-damage-from-spraying.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-07","description":"Good sprayer hygiene is essential during busy spray periods to prevent crop injury and subsequent yield loss, Teagasc Crops Specialist, Ciaran Collins tells us more.","main_body":"Every year agronomists and advisors encounter cases where crop damage occurs because a sprayer was not cleaned out properly between applications.\r\n\r\nIn many situations, the issue is caused by residues from a previous tank mix remaining in the sprayer and contaminating the next crop sprayed. The consequences can be costly in terms of crop injury, lost yield and farmer frustration.\r\n\r\nOne of the most common examples is sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide damage in broad-leaved crops such as beans, beet or oilseed rape. Even small traces of SU herbicides left in the tank, pipework, filters or boom ends can cause significant crop damage. Another common issue occurs where herbicides designed specifically for winter wheat remain in the sprayer and subsequently damage a barley crop. However, perhaps the most common issue encountered on farms is glyphosate residue remaining in the sprayer, particularly where poor clean out occurs before moving into other crops. Even low levels of glyphosate contamination can result in significant crop damage.\r\n\r\nGood sprayer hygiene is therefore essential during busy spray periods to prevent crop injury and subsequent yield loss.\r\n<h2>Sprayer calibration<\/h2>\r\nAccurate sprayer calibration is one of the first steps in avoiding problems. A properly calibrated sprayer should finish the field with little or no spray solution remaining in the tank. Any small quantity left over can then be safely applied back onto the target crop at a low rate, provided the maximum approved product rate per hectare is not exceeded.\r\n\r\nOnce spraying is complete, the tank should be sprayed empty in the field.\r\n\r\nCleaning should begin immediately after spraying while residues are still suspended in water and easier to remove. Leaving spray solution sitting overnight in the tank greatly increases the risk of residues sticking to internal surfaces.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-259247\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/damaged-crops-e1778171136845.png\" alt=\"Damaged crops from spraying\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" \/>\r\n<h2>Sprayer clean out procedure<\/h2>\r\nModern crop protection products are highly active at low dose rates and thorough cleaning is essential.\r\n\r\nKey steps in a proper clean out procedure include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Spray the tank empty in the field after finishing the job<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Begin cleaning immediately after spraying<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Never leave spray liquid standing overnight in the sprayer<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Triple rinse the sprayer using clean water, with approximately one-third of the total rinse volume used in each rinse<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Each rinse should include circulated rinse water through the tank agitation system to remove any trapped spray mix and flushing rinse water through the induction hopper and associated pipework, where residues can often remain trapped<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use the sprayer’s internal washing system during each rinse cycle<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Spray rinse washings out onto the treated field in accordance with product label requirements<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Remove and clean filters, nozzle screens and filter housings<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Rotate nozzle bodies during washing to ensure all internal surfaces are cleaned<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Pay particular attention to boom ends, dead ends in pipework and other areas where residues can accumulate<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Pay particular attention to SU herbicides<\/h2>\r\nSulfonylurea herbicides are very important in cereal crops but require careful management from a sprayer hygiene perspective. Active ingredients such as metsulfuron, tribenuron, florasulam and mesosulfuron (Ally Max, Cameo Max, Harmony Max etc.) can cause severe crop damage at very low residue levels.\r\n\r\nBeans and beet are especially sensitive to SU contamination. Where a sprayer has previously been used to apply cereal herbicides, growers should ensure a complete washout procedure is carried out before entering broad-leaved crops.\r\n<h2>Use a dedicated tank cleaner<\/h2>\r\nWater alone is often not enough to remove SU herbicides. A dedicated cleaning product such as All Clear Extra can significantly improve the removal of residues from tanks, pipework and booms. All Clear Extra is specifically formulated as a liquid sprayer cleaner for use following SU herbicides and can help remove difficult residues from the sprayer. Follow manufacturer guidelines when carrying out the cleaning procedure to ensure adequate contact time, dilution and rinsing of the entire sprayer.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/teagasc-tillage-advisory-newsletter-may\/\">For key management tips, read the Teagasc Advisory Crops Newsletter for May here<\/a>.","id":"259245","title":"Avoiding crop damage: The importance of sprayer hygiene","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-08 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Crop-damage-from-spraying.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/TE070526v2B.png","release_date":"2026-05-07","description":"Jim McCarthy, who is farming a large tract of land in Romania, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about the progress on his farm over the past few months.  ","main_body":"Jim talks about the change in establishment system and how this is helping maintain yields by trapping more moisture and allowing him to reduce fertiliser inputs. However, Jim remains cautious about the outlook for prices and expresses concern about overall costs rising and eroding profitability of the sector.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen to the episode:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/fce6a3b9\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/the-tillage-edge-podcast\/\">More episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast<\/a>","id":"259208","title":"Cover crops and cashflow &#8211; Jim McCarthy on farming in Romania","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/TE070526v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Charolais-store-cattle-behind-polywire.png","release_date":"2026-05-07","description":"Improving grazing infrastructure on farm allows for better control of grass, increased grass growth and improved animal performance, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Catherine Egan shares 4 practical steps beef farmers can follow this grazing season.","main_body":"On many drystock farms, there are too few paddocks per grazing group. As a result, cattle are grazing paddocks for too long. The productivity is then significantly reduced. In this scenario, farmers often find that regrowths are not protected and are continually grazed, thus hindering growth rates. On the other hand, cattle are grazing excessively high covers resulting in poor utilisation. As a result, fields have to be topped to clean off the heavy residual.\r\n\r\nDividing fields into paddocks need not be an elaborate or high-cost project. In the majority of cases, reels and poly wire can be used to temporarily split fields for grazing. Having adequate drinkers in fields is very important to allow subdivision.\r\n<h2>1). Create a farm map with precise areas<\/h2>\r\nThe first step is to create a map of the farm. Ungrazeable areas, walls, ditches and hedgerows will influence where paddocks and farm roadways will go. Talk to your advisor about developing a farm map or use your own paper map, alternatively you can use the farm mapping software available through <a href=\"https:\/\/pasturebase.teagasc.ie\/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F\">PastureBase Ireland<\/a>.\r\n<h2>2). Paddock size<\/h2>\r\nThe aim on beef and sheep farms is to grow grass in three weeks and graze it in three days. Three-day paddocks are the goal. A common question is: How large should paddocks be? As a rule of thumb, a group of 40 suckler cows and 40 weanlings grazing on free-draining, productive ground should be allocated a 2ha paddock. The plan is to have seven to eight paddocks per grazing group. Avoid creating long narrow paddocks to minimise poaching. Aim for a ratio of 2:1 so that paddocks are twice as long as they are wide.\r\n<h2>3). Plan out drinking points when dividing fields<\/h2>\r\nTrough location in the paddock is very important. Avoid locating troughs near gateways. Ensure to position water troughs in a central location in the field, which means each one can serve a minimum of two paddocks. Ensure the drinker is positioned on level ground and balanced with some hardcore where necessary. In some cases, splitting fields like the spokes of a wheel from the drinker will ensure that cattle continue to have access to water while getting regular allocations of grass. Alternatively, you could divide larger, square fields, into four, with one drinker serving many paddocks. This option is shown in Figure 1.\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1: Paddock divisions<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-60206\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Paddock-divisions-options-816x325-1.png\" alt=\"Examples of block grazing, strip grazing and spokes of a wheel\" width=\"816\" height=\"325\" \/>\r\n<h2>4). Farm roadways<\/h2>\r\nRoadways allow more efficient access to paddocks. They enable easier movement and management of livestock around the farm. Roadways also allow for easier management of grass during difficult grazing conditions. Ultimately, farm budgets will determine which roadway type is chosen.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Beef-Farm-Infrastructure.pdf\">For further information, view the Teagasc Beef Farm Infrastructure Book here<\/a> (PDF).","id":"258696","title":"Growing more grass with the wire: 4 steps for beef farmers","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Charolais-store-cattle-behind-polywire.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BASELINE_Logo_EIP-scaled-e1773074449462.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-07","description":"Project BASELINE is inviting farmers across Ireland to share their views on regenerative agriculture through a short online survey, and your voice matters.","main_body":"<a href=\"https:\/\/projectbaseline.ie\/\">Project BASELINE<\/a> is a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project consisting of a network of farmers, agronomists and agriculture professionals committed to advancing regenerative practices, Dr Pippa Hackett, Manager, Project BASELINE, European innovative Partnership, and Dr Meritxell Grau Butinyac, Project Manager, FarmBioNet, tell us more.\r\n\r\nThe project, which runs until 2029, takes a soil-first approach, aiming to work with nature to restore ecosystem health while supporting profitable, resilient farming.\r\n\r\nWith €1.45 million in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Project BASELINE is measuring the real-world impacts of regenerative practices on soil health, farm biodiversity and farm finances.\r\n\r\nThe work of Project BASELINE is closely aligned with that of <a href=\"https:\/\/farmbionet.eu\/\">FarmBioNet<\/a>, a three-year EU-funded project under the Horizon Europe programme, coordinated by Teagasc and spanning 13 countries across Europe.\r\n\r\nBoth projects recognise that farmers are central to reversing biodiversity loss and improving the health of Irish land. Where Project BASELINE focuses on the measurable impacts of regenerative practices, including soil restoration, farm biodiversity and financial resilience; FarmBioNet works to identify and promote biodiversity-friendly farming practices and encourage knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning through its 12 Farming and Biodiversity National Networks.\r\n\r\nBoth also share a commitment to understanding the economic case for biodiversity-friendly farming: Project BASELINE is examining whether regenerative agriculture can deliver better farm finances, while FarmBioNet is conducting cost-benefit analyses to develop a calculator tool associated with biodiversity-friendly farming practices implementation and farm productivity. Together, the two projects form part of a broader, evidence-led movement to show that farming productively and farming for nature are not in conflict.\r\n\r\nThis survey is a key part of that effort. By understanding what practices farmers are currently undertaking, and what their interest is in taking a different approach, knowledge can be stimulated and shared for more nature-friendly farming across Ireland. Whether you are already practicing regenerative agriculture, considering a change, or simply curious, your perspective is valuable.\r\n\r\n<strong>Take part in the survey at <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/scanner.topsec.com\/?d=1452&amp;r=show&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.cloud.microsoft%2FPages%2FResponsePage.aspx%3Fid%3D6l-OoNK7BUChv7sD3GnZKtk_sbsG4RxMsJLey95BOyFUM0NaRkdDMFFKUlhWRTA4TU5CQUpNNzNMMy4u&amp;t=ce5c0bfb50c5db23583c9341ef66ac01fee44a03\"><strong>Project BASELINE Survey<\/strong><\/a><strong>. The survey remains open until Sunday, 17<sup>th<\/sup> May.<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258670\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/QR-code-for-project-baseline.png\" alt=\"QR Code for Project Baseline farmer survey\" width=\"249\" height=\"249\" \/>","id":"258669","title":"Have your say: What are your thoughts on Regenerative Agriculture?","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BASELINE_Logo_EIP-scaled-e1773074449462.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denis-Hickey-Signpost-graphic.png","release_date":"2026-05-07","description":"Participant in the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 and Signpost Programmes, Denis Hickey writes on calf purchasing and rearing this spring, and why he’s placing more of a focus on the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) when sourcing calves.","main_body":"After a slower than usual start to the purchase of calves, I now have all my calves purchased for 2026. Despite the initial challenges of sourcing calves and the significant price rise of calves earlier in the spring, I am delighted that I was able to reach my target of 100 calves purchased.\r\n\r\nCurrently, we have 101 calves on farm, there are 63 bull and 38 heifer calves. The table below outlines the different breeds and numbers that I bought this spring.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Breeds and numbers purchased – spring 2026<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 44.0381%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98127%;\"><strong>Breeds<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.47131%;\"><strong>Angus <\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.9446%;\"><strong>Belgian Blue<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 2.83252%;\"><strong>Hereford<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98128%;\"><strong>Friesian<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.87813%;\"><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98127%;\"><strong>Bull<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.47131%;\">29<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.9446%;\">2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 2.83252%;\">-<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98128%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.87813%;\">63<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98127%;\"><strong>Heifer<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 8.47131%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 13.9446%;\">2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 2.83252%;\">4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.98128%;\">-<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.87813%;\">38<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Calf rearing<\/h2>\r\nThe calves’ date of births ranges from 19<sup>th<\/sup> January to the 22<sup>nd<\/sup> March, with an average date of birth of the 16<sup>th<\/sup> February 2026.  Most of the calves bought in this year are Aberdeen Angus, but I also bought in 32 Friesian bull calves. Twenty three of the Friesian bull calves came in reared and they currently have access to grass during the day and can come in and out to a shed where they receive two kilograms of concentrates per day whilst also having access to straw and water.\r\n\r\nMost of the rest of the calves are still being reared on the blue teat feeders. I have started weaning the stronger calves and these are on a step-down diet and only being fed milk once a day. Their concentrate intake has increased significantly, and I will be happy to remove milk fully when they are eating at least 2kg for a couple of days in a row.\r\n<h2>Following the Commercial Beef Value<\/h2>\r\nEach year, I am trying to place more emphasis on buying calves with good commercial beef values (CBV). The CBVs of the 2026 calves are outlined in the table below.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Commercial Beef Value of 2026-born calves<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 54.0562%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 14.2857%;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.58702%;\"><strong>One-star<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.85767%;\"><strong>Two-star<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.56802%;\"><strong>Three-star<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.28235%;\"><strong>Four-star<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.71948%;\"><strong>Five-star<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.75602%;\"><strong>Total<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 14.2857%;\">Dairy x Beef<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.58702%;\">4<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.85767%;\">13<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.56802%;\">21<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.28235%;\">20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.71948%;\">11<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.75602%;\">69<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 14.2857%;\">Dairy x Dairy<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.58702%;\">1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.85767%;\">12<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.56802%;\">6<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 7.28235%;\">11<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.71948%;\">2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 3.75602%;\">32<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\nWe have found over the last few years that the CBV is a good indicator of how the animals will perform during their lifetime. You will always have an odd animal that will make a mockery of the values.  But on the law of averages, the average five-star animals will be well ahead of the average one-star animals in terms of slaughter weight and age.\r\n\r\nLooking at my group of calves for 2026, the Friesian bull calves (Dairy X Dairy) are averaging 3.5 star, with the Dairy X Beef heifers averaging 4 star and Dairy X Beef bull calves averaging 4.25 star. It will be interesting in two years’ time to analyse these animals to see if the higher star animals perform better with the same management.\r\n<h2>Weighing performance<\/h2>\r\nThe yearling cattle are out grazing in two separate groups. There are 48 steers in one group and 45 heifers in the other. These animals were weighted on the 20<sup>th<\/sup> of April and the heifers are currently averaging 380kg with the steers averaging 410kg. There is quite a range in weights with 144kg of a difference between the heaviest and lightest heifer and a 136kg difference in the steer group.\r\n\r\nThis range of weights in groups of cattle on farms across the country is a common trend. Much of it can be attributed to purely a difference in age of the animals but also some of it can be due to the difference in genetic potential of the animal to grow and perform. In a smaller number of cases, it could be simply down to an individual animal getting sick and requiring treatment when they were younger.\r\n\r\nThe above first appeared in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishexaminer.com\/farming\/\"><em>Farming Examiner<\/em><\/a> as part of a Signpost Programme update.\r\n\r\nFarming just outside Middleton, Co. Cork, Denis Hickey is a participant in the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme, working closely with advisor Gordon Peppard.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more from the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/dairy-calf-to-beef\/dairybeef-500\/\">For more from the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme, visit here<\/a>.","id":"258317","title":"Signpost update: Seeing value in the CBV in Co. Cork","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Denis-Hickey-Signpost-graphic.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/images\/uploads\/Teagasc-Clonmel-Opening-2-1024x683.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-06","description":"The newly refurbished Teagasc advisory office in Clonmel, County Tipperary, was officially opened by the Teagasc Chairman, Liam Herlihy. The ribbon was cut on the half million-euro investment, following a meeting of the Teagasc Authority today, Wednesday, 6 May 2026. ","main_body":"The Clonmel advisory office, which serves 1,500 farmer clients, is one of three advisory offices in the Tipperary Advisory region, with the others being Thurles and Nenagh.\r\n\r\nLiam Herlihy, Teagasc Chairman said; “It is important that Teagasc continues to invest in its facilities to ensure we have modern, energy efficient up to date offices. I am delighted to declare this newly renovated office here in Clonmel, officially open.”\r\n\r\nDonal Mullane, Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager in Tipperary said; “I am really pleased that the Clonmel office has been upgraded for the farming community in the surrounding area. We have previously upgraded the Thurles and Nenagh offices, so we now have modern facilities for our staff to work in, and for our farmer clients to visit when conducting their business with us.”\r\n\r\nThe advisory programme in County Tipperary, delivered through the three advisory offices and the advisory clinic in Tipperary town, complements a significant overall Teagasc programme in the Tipperary region. The Teagasc advisory services works together with other Teagasc initiatives including the Research farm at Solohead, the Tipperary Dairy Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm at Ballyvadin, and the Regional and full-time Teagasc Education Programmes being run in both the Advisory Offices and through our collaboration with Gurteen and Kildalton Colleges.\r\n\r\nPhoto caption: Pictured at the official opening of the newly refurbished Teagasc advisory office in Clonmel, County Tipperary are Tom Curran, Teagasc Head of Advisory Services; Donal Mullane, Teagasc Tipperary Regional Advisory Manager; Liam Herlihy, Teagasc Chairman; Catherine Power, Administrator, Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director and Dr Stan Lalor, Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer.  Picture: O'Gorman Photography.","id":"259160","title":"Newly refurbished Teagasc Clonmel Office officially opened","category":"Other","release_date_time":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-07 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/images\/uploads\/Teagasc-Clonmel-Opening-2-scaled.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Michael-O-Donnell-Signpost-Cover.png","release_date":"2026-05-06","description":"Michael O’Donnell, a farmer in the Dairy Beef500 Programme from Clerihan, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, was out of the traps early this year to update his farm’s AgNav. Leonard Betts and Sarah McPherson, Teagasc, outline some of the result benefits.","main_body":"AgNav is a free digital sustainability platform developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF, with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), that helps Irish farmers measure, understand and improve their farm’s sustainability.\r\n\r\nLike Profit Monitor, Michael finds it useful to update AgNav early in the year so he can assess how his farm has performed the previous year and to make a plan for the year ahead.\r\n\r\nTo have the previous production year’s figures shown on AgNav, Michael needed to complete his Bord Bia Sustainability Survey. This is the survey that all Quality Assured livestock farmers complete for their Bord Bia audits every 18 months, although farmers also have the option of submitting it in non-audit years.  This survey forms the basis of the information in AgNav. While many view it with dread, farmers like Michael see the value in completing it to help him assess their farm.  He takes great care to complete it accurately, knowing that the value of the information coming out of AgNav is only as good as the data entered.\r\n\r\n<strong>In the video below, Michael O’Donnell explains how AgNav is helping him make decisions on his farm:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/G-ECfXt1C3I?si=0BqvkdACB6EVfQ9I\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Useful metrics<\/h2>\r\nOn AgNav’s Forecaster page, in addition to his farm’s sustainability metrics, Michael can also see many production metrics that impact profitability.  These include stocking rate, beef output, age at finish, days at grass, concentrate usage and fertiliser use, including protected urea and lime. Having this information in the one place allows Michael to evaluate performance and make informed decisions for 2026.\r\n<h2>Fertiliser choice<\/h2>\r\nIn 2025, Michael’s farm produced 384 tonnes CO<sub>2 <\/sub>eq. and 8.8 kg CO<sub>2 <\/sub>eq.\/ kg LW gain.  He used 100% NBPT protected urea and low-emitting 18-6-12 fertiliser.  Protected urea was cheaper than CAN in 2025 so in addition to lowering his emissions, Michael also saved money, although 2026 prices are slightly different. He has had no issues using protected urea and finds it performs well.\r\n<h2>Age at finish<\/h2>\r\nAge at finish is an important metric for profitability and reducing emissions.  According to AgNav data, Michael finished steers at 21.5 months and heifers at 22 months in 2025.  This reduces his total emissions by at least 10%, compared to the national average finishing age of 26.5 months. Michael is a big believer in finishing animals as young as possible without compromising carcass weight.\r\n<h2>Priorities for the year ahead<\/h2>\r\nAfter reviewing his AgNav output and profit monitor for 2025, Michael worked closely with his local advisor, Sean Cooney, Teagasc, Clonmel and DairyBeef 500 Programme Advisor Gordon Peppard to identify priorities for 2026.\r\n\r\nMichael currently operates at a stocking rate of 2.13 LU\/ha and applies 101 kg chemical N\/ha.  There is limited scope to reduce this further. However, improving soil fertility through lime application would help support sustainability and grass growth on the farm, something that Michael is focussing on in 2026.\r\n<h2>Higher Commercial Beef Value calves<\/h2>\r\nHe sources reared and vaccinated calves from his sister, Joan, and works closely with her on breeding decisions. They focus on selecting bulls with a high Dairy Beef Index (DBI), a good beef sub-index and good carcass weight traits whilst also ensuring Joan is satisfied with calving difficulty and gestation length. This helps produce higher Commercial Beef Value (CBV) calves with greater carcass weight potential. Buying good quality healthy well reared calves is helping to reduce his age at finish.\r\n<h2>Animal performance<\/h2>\r\nImproving animal performance over the first winter is another priority. This includes maintaining a good vaccination plan, feeding high quality silage with 1.5 to 2 kg concentrate. Protein levels are matched to silage protein levels to meet the protein requirements of growing animals. Ensuring adequate lying and feeding space for all animals in pen etc is also essential to support performance.\r\n<h2>Carbon sequestered<\/h2>\r\nIn AgNav, Michael had the option to fill out a quick soil carbon survey, which required information on his farm’s land area, soil types and land use types. Once completed, AgNav calculated the amount of carbon sequestered in the soil and offset his farm’s carbon emissions by that amount.\r\n\r\nAgNav calculated that 19.4 tonnes CO<sub>2<\/sub> eq. was sequestered on his farm in 2025, offsetting his total emissions by 5% and reducing his carbon footprint from 8.8 to 8.5 kg CO<sub>2<\/sub> eq.\/kg LW gain. In the future, AgNav is expected to expand its capabilities to include above-ground carbon sequestration, such as forestry. This could be beneficial under potential carbon farming programmes.\r\n\r\nAll the information in this article is taken from Michael’s AgNav account.  Dairy and beef farmers can review their own figures by visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.agnav.ie\">www.agnav.ie<\/a>, click ‘Login’ and enter their ICBF login details (email or herd number and password).  Tillage farmers must register for AgNav, even if they already have a dairy and beef account, by selecting ‘Tillage Registration’ and following the steps provided.  Talk to your local Teagasc Signpost advisor for assistance with this.\r\n\r\nThe above first appeared in the <em>Farming Independent<\/em> as part of a Signpost Programme update.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more from the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>Related reading:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/a-no-brainer-for-the-land-brian-nicholsons-agroforestry-journey\/\">'A no-brainer': Brian Nicholson's agroforestry journey<\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/driving-farm-profitability-through-effective-nutrient-management\/\">Driving farm profitability through effective nutrient management<\/a>","id":"258328","title":"Measuring What Matters: Using AgNav to Boost Profit and Cut Emissions","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Michael-O-Donnell-Signpost-Cover.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast010526v2B.png","release_date":"2026-05-06","description":"Jake Delaney, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, joins this episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss scald in lambs and why it’s such a common challenge at this stage of the season. ","main_body":"Joining Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Ciaran Lynch, Jake explains what causes scald, how it affects animal performance and welfare, and why it should never be ignored.\r\n\r\nAlso explored is how scald can act as a gateway for more severe conditions such as footrot and CODD, making early detection and treatment essential.\r\n\r\nThe episode covers practical treatment options and outlines best-practice approaches for managing and preventing foot issues in your flock this season.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/321a3a35\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/ovicast-sheep-podcast\">For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page<\/a>.","id":"258315","title":"Don&#8217;t be on the hind foot when tackling scald","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast010526v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Angus-bull-with-cows-at-Teagasc-Grange-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-06","description":"Managing breeding in a suckler herd during late spring\/early summer has a direct impact on the herd’s performance and profitability for the following year, Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue outlines some key tips to ensure it's a success.","main_body":"<h2>Body condition score<\/h2>\r\nBody condition score is one of the most important factors to get right in the run up to breeding. Correcting this starts the previous autumn when cows are housed and batched and fed accordingly to condition score. Correct management of this allows the cow to calve down at the correct BCS, which will have a knock-on effect on getting cows geared up for breeding.\r\n\r\nCows should be between 2.5 and 3.0 when being bred. The most effective way in achieving this is ensuring that they are not calving down thin and that nutrition around the time of calving is adequate. Cows with a low BCS will be slower to cycle and this is particularly evident in young first-time calving heifers.\r\n<h2>Heat detection<\/h2>\r\nOnce we are happy that the cows are in good condition and are cycling, the next step to a successful breeding season is heat detection. Aim to walk through cows 3-4 times a day to detect heats.\r\n\r\nMost activity is usually seen early in the morning or late in the evening. Where this is not possible, heat detection aids are essential for example, tail painting, scratch cards, vasectomised bull or smart technologies (collars or tags).\r\n\r\nA teaser bull should not be underestimated. Having your vet vasectomise a young bull prior to the breeding season is a good idea as they can be difficult to source when breeding starts.\r\n<h2>Feeding the cow<\/h2>\r\nGetting cows cycling within the first 6 weeks is important in achieving the target calving interval of 365 days.  This is largely influenced by nutrition and the animal’s diet. At this time of year, high-quality leafy grass is the cheapest and most effective way to drive performance. Breeding cows should be prioritised to high quality grass.\r\n<h2><strong>Bull management<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nDon't forget the bull. It is easy to assume he is ready to work when needed but finding this there is a problem in the lead up to the breeding season is both costly and stressful.\r\n\r\nAgain, like the cows, ensure the bull is in a good BCS before breeding. Check that he is moving well on all feet and legs, and if there are any issues with feet ensure they are addressed well in advance of breeding.\r\n\r\nCheck testicles for abnormalities and when breeding does start monitor the bull for the first couple of weeks to make sure he is mounting and serving the cow correctly. This can often be a problem with young bulls until they get the hang of it. Do not overwork the bull. Ideally 20-30 cows to a mature bull or 1 cow for every month of age in a young bull e.g. (15 cows to a 15-month bull).\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/stronger-prices-drive-suckler-profits-in-2025\/\">Stronger prices driver suckler profits in 2025<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/what-should-be-the-paddock-size-on-beef-farms\/\">What should be the paddock size on beef farms?<\/a>","id":"258312","title":"Management tips for a successful suckler breeding season","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Angus-bull-with-cows-at-Teagasc-Grange-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-landscape-behind-featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-06","description":"Spring 2026 has been one to forget on nearly all farms due to the very wet weather. Michael Donoghue, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, outlines key priorities for the weeks ahead.","main_body":"This rainfall has created a lot of extra work, increased costs and reduced production on all farms, especially farms with heavy soils. However in the last week or so the rain has stopped and temperatures are improving. How we react in the next few weeks is critical to making a success of the rest of 2026.\r\n<h2>Grass<\/h2>\r\nMany dry farms are broadly on track with 60 - 70 units of N spread and maybe half way through the 2<sup>nd<\/sup> round of grazing. For these farmers its about keeping pre grazing covers at 1,400Kg\/Ha, cover per cow between 160 and 190 and managing supply and demand as we enter into rapidly increasing growth rates.\r\n\r\nOn heavy farms grazing for many is only getting going in the last week or so, they might have 30% to 50% grazed. The next few weeks is going to be about trying to correct grass quality for the summer ahead. Aim to graze lower covers, less the 1,200 Kg\/Ha if possible as this will help to get through ground, cows will do less damage and they are easier clean out, thus regrowth will be quicker and better quality. The reality is that on these heavier farms the 1<sup>st<\/sup> round of grazing is unlikely to be finished before regrowths get ahead for the cows. So as we head into May, the heaviest covers should be cut for bales. Do not let them go in with the 1<sup>st<\/sup> cut as the ground will be out too long. June is often one of the poorest months for Protein % on farms and this is down to cows grazing poor quality grass. So make sure to have after grass coming into the cow’s diet in June.\r\n\r\nOn the fertiliser side of things, hopefully 20 or 30 units of N went out in March or early April and now it's a matter of topping this up to around 70 units. If no fertiliser has been spread go with 50 units of N. This vital as all farms especially heavier farms needing to maximise growth over the next 5 months.\r\n<h2>Silage<\/h2>\r\nSilage reserves have been significantly run down or exhausted on many farms after an early autumn and very late spring. Between this and higher silage costs the temptation will be to “go for a bit of bulk” with the 1<sup>st<\/sup> cut. However if you intend milking off this silage, quality is paramount.\r\n\r\nMeal required for 27L of Milk with Average v Good silage:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Average Silage: 69 DMD + 8 Kg ration = 27L<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Good Silage: 75 DMD + 4 Kg ration =  27L<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n4 kg of extra ration was required for the same milk yield because of poorer quality silage.\r\n\r\nThus high quality silage is a must for milking cows but also replacement heifers. There are many factors that affect silage quality; soil fertility, grass varieties, weather etc. but short term, cutting date is the most critical. So aim for mid May when weather allows for 1<sup>st<\/sup> cut.\r\n<h2>Breeding<\/h2>\r\nMost spring calving dairy herds are 1 to 2 weeks away from breeding. High dairy EBI straws and high DBI beef straws should be in the pot. Bulls should be fertility tested, get them checked out as the next 3 months represents a heavy work load for them. Remember bull ratios, a young bull should be good for 15 cows\/heifers, while mature bulls should be good with 25 cows\/heifers.\r\n\r\nBody Condition Score (BCS) on most farms has held up reasonably well, probably better than production. This is critical to the success of the 2026 breeding season. Leafy grass is the best quality feed cows can get, so avoid heavy swards and feed 2 to 3 kg meal. If BCS is less than required put these cows on Once A Day milking. Leave them with the herd, just mark them and only milk them in the morning or evening. This should be done as soon as possible, for about 4 to 6 weeks.\r\n\r\nSpring 2026 has been one to forget in the main but the milk season is only really getting going now. So getting cows back in calf, managing grass to maximise quantity and quality, while also building silage reserves for the winter of 2026\/2027 is the name of the game now.","id":"257666","title":"Grass and breeding on dairy farms after a hard spring","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-05-06 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-landscape-behind-featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Selection-of-calves-born-spring-2026-250x.png","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Beef Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Martina Harrington brings you timely tips on getting your suckler cows back in calf, pre-breeding advice and managing grass – both grazed and silage – through the month of May.","main_body":"<h2>Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme deadline<\/h2>\r\nThe National Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme (NDBWS) application deadline is May 15<sub>th<\/sub>, 2026.\r\n\r\nThe NDBWS pays €20 for each eligible calf you weigh and record. Calves must be dairy‑bred males or beef‑sired calves from dairy dams. You must weigh a minimum of 5 calves and payments are capped at 50 calves per herd. Calves must be born between 01 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, be at least 12 weeks old, and have been on your farm for at least 10 days. Calves must be weighed on a registered weighing scales and the weights submitted to ICBF within 7 days and before 1 November.\r\n\r\nCheck your agfood.ie application carefully before you submit, you cannot amend it afterwards.\r\n<h2>Grassland management<\/h2>\r\nSpring 2026 has been very mixed. Some farms have cattle out early, fertiliser spread and a full rotation completed, while others still have stock indoors or only recently turned out with little or no fertiliser applied. This creates very different grass situations from farm to farm.\r\n\r\nWhere fertiliser has already gone out, keep the programme moving. Grass remains the cheapest feed available, and timely nitrogen after grazing will help maintain quality and supply. Target 18-23 units N\/acre after each grazing.\r\n\r\nWhere allowances permit, applying a compound fertiliser will greatly improve response by supplying phosphorus and potassium as well as nitrogen. If planning a second cut, avoid using slurry on grazing ground.\r\n\r\nWhere little or no fertiliser has been applied, increase first-round rates to 27-35 units N\/acre to drive recovery and build covers quickly. Again, if possible, apply in a compound form. Like above, follow up with 18-23 units N\/acre after each grazing.\r\n\r\nMay often delivers the biggest flush of grass of the year and keeping quality grass in May drives animal performance for the rest of the season, so walk paddocks weekly, remove surplus paddocks early as bales, and avoid carrying heavy stemmy covers into June.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257549\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/fertiliser-spreading-200x.png\" alt=\"A close up of fertiliser leaving a fertiliser spreader\" width=\"700\" height=\"200\" \/>\r\n<h2>Get your cows back in calf<\/h2>\r\nA calf per cow per year remains the foundation of profitable suckler farming. With the breeding season starting on many farms in early May the key factors to get right this month are:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Rising plane of nutrition,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Calf-cow bond,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Mineral supplementation,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Vaccination before breeding,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Heat detection and records, and,<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Bull fertility.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>Rising plane of nutrition<\/h3>\r\nFertility and nutrition are closely linked. Cows need to be on a steady or rising plane of nutrition at breeding. Good grass quality is the cheapest way to achieve this. Where grass supply is tight, supplement with silage rather than allowing cows lose condition.\r\n<h3>Pre-breeding vaccines<\/h3>\r\nVaccination is an important part of breeding preparation. Discuss timing with your vet now so cows are protected before service.\r\n<h3>Leptospirosis<\/h3>\r\nLeptospirosis can reduce fertility, cause early embryo loss and lead to abortions. Heifers need a primary course of two injections, 4–6 weeks apart. Cows require a one‑shot booster.\r\n<h3>Bluetongue – new for 2026<\/h3>\r\nBluetongue vaccination is a new consideration this year. Reports from Europe is illness in cattle is not severe but infertility can be a huge issue with some herds reporting 20-25% infertility.\r\n\r\nThe primary course is two injections three weeks apart. If planning to vaccinate, start early enough so both doses are complete before breeding or peak midge season.\r\n<h3>Mineral supplementation<\/h3>\r\nIf you had slow calvings, retained placentas or similar problems this spring, you might have a mineral deficiency. Talk to your vet, blood‑test about 10 cows, and correct any deficiency based on the results.\r\n\r\nKeep magnesium buckets in front of suckler cows, particularly where weather remains changeable and grass is lush. Tetany risk can remain high during cool, wet periods and rapid growth flushes.\r\n<h2>Heat detection and bull fertility are key<\/h2>\r\nIf you use AI, check cows three to four times a day and record heats carefully. Simple aids like tail paint, a vasectomised bull fitted with a chin‑ball harness, or activity monitors can all improve submission rates.\r\n\r\nIf you’re using stock bulls, make sure they are sound on feet and legs, fit but not over‑fat, and are seen serving cows. Remember around 20–25% of bulls can be sub‑fertile, so watch for repeat heats and act quickly if repeats rise - bring in another bull or switch to AI.\r\n\r\nBull power: a mature bull can serve up to 40 cows. A good rule of thumb for young bulls is one female per month of age up to 30 months. Watch them closely to make sure mating is actually taking place.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257550\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/cow-mounting.png\" alt=\"A Limousin cow mounting another cow\" width=\"699\" height=\"300\" \/>\r\n<h2>How to pull back late calvers<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Restrict suckling<\/h3>\r\nSeparate the cow and calf from about day 30 after calving, then allow twice‑daily suckling for two weeks. This method will bring around 85–90% of cows into heat within 18–22 days. Keep the cow and calf at least 50m apart when separated- sight and smell help maintain the bond.\r\n<h3>Synchronisation<\/h3>\r\nA simple PRID\/CIDR programme can bring cows not cycling back into heat. Use this on cows that calved more than 35 days ago. Example programme:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Day 0 (e.g. Monday at 10:00) - insert the PRID\/CIDR and give a GnRH injection.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Day 7 (same time, one week later) - remove the PRID\/CIDR and give prostaglandin plus PMSG. PMSG is helpful if cows are not cycling or are thin.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nCows will often start to show heat the Tuesday evening. You can use the AM\/PM rule (inseminate about 12 hours after heat detection) or use fixed‑time AI at 72 hours after PRID\/CIDR removal (e.g. Thursday at 10:00 if removed Monday at 10:00). If using stock bulls, ensure you have enough - treated cows will come into heat over a 2–3 day period.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257551\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/bull-and-cows-grange.png\" alt=\"An Angus bull standing between two cows\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h2>Calving heifers at 24 months<\/h2>\r\nWith weanling prices where they are, can you afford not to calve heifers at 24 months? Over 80% of the heifers in the Future Beef Programme calve at 24 months with no problems, but it does require planning.\r\n\r\nHeifers need to be approximately 60% of their mature cow weight at bulling. For the average suckler cow (700kg), that is 420kg. Heifers bred lighter than this may have issues calving, going back in calf next year, and reaching their mature body weight.\r\n\r\nBull choice is critical, especially if it’s your first time calving heifers at 24 months. Use an AI bull with a heifer calving‑difficulty of &lt;7% and a reliability of &gt;80%, select short‑gestation sires, and aim to calve to grass early next year.\r\n<h2>Silage planning - timing is everything<\/h2>\r\nTarget cutting in mid–late May for better quality and to leave time for a strong second cut. Wilt for 24–36 hours in dry weather to improve preservation and intake but avoid over‑wilting.\r\n<h3>Second cut<\/h3>\r\nIf you couldn’t apply slurry to first cut, save it for the second. Apply around 3,000 gallons\/acre, ideally diluted and ahead of light rain - this will supply much of the crop’s P and K needs. Top up N with 1.5 bags of protected urea (38% N) plus sulphur, or 2 bags CAN plus sulphur per acre if protected urea is unavailable. Aim for 12–15 units sulphur\/acre on silage ground.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257554\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/cattle-lying-at-grass.png\" alt=\"Cattle lying in a grass paddock\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h2>Date for the diary<\/h2>\r\nThe Future Beef Programme will host two farm walks over the coming weeks on:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>John Pringles’ farm, Aughrim Co. Wicklow, May 29<sup>th<\/sup> at 6.30pm<\/li>\r\n \t<li>John and James Dunne’s farm, Portarlington, Co. Offaly, June 5<sup>th<\/sup> at 6.30pm<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe will have a deep dive into the farms performance to include financials, breeding, calving at 24 months, grassland management, health, meeting factory specs, water quality, biodiversity and much more.\r\n<h2>Research update<\/h2>\r\n<strong><em>Paul Smith, Mark McGee and Paul Crosson of Teagasc, Grange, provide an update on the national performance of prime beef cattle from 2018 to 2025.<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257558\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerieal-view-of-Grange.png\" alt=\"An aerial view of the Teagasc Grange research centre\" width=\"699\" height=\"150\" \/>\r\n\r\nIn 2018, 1.27 million prime cattle (steers, heifers, young bulls) were finished at an average of 26.0 months and 338 kg carcass weight. By 2025, throughput had fallen to 1.16 million head, reflecting a declining cow herd, while finishing age was 26.5 months and carcass weight remained broadly similar.\r\n\r\nAlthough finishing age initially improved to 25.6 months between 2018 and 2022, progress has since slipped due to weather impacts (2023 &amp; 2024) and a reduction in the proportion of male cattle being finished as young bulls. In 2025, young bulls on average were finished 238 days earlier than steers and at heavier weights. Indeed, if the contribution of young bulls to the prime beef kill was maintained at 2018 levels (14.6 vs 8.5%), the national finishing age in 2025 would have been reduced by approximately 14 days.\r\n\r\nHerd composition has also shifted significantly. Suckler-bred animals accounted for 49% of prime cattle finished in 2018 but just 38% in 2025. Encouragingly, since 2018, carcass spec compliance (i.e. <strong>≤<\/strong>30 months of age, carcass fat score of 2+ to 4= and carcass conformation score ≥O=) has increased from 54% to 61%, showing continued progress, especially in suckler and beef x dairy cattle, despite system and environmental challenges.\r\n<h2>The Beef Edge Podcast<\/h2>\r\nThe Beef Edge is Teagasc’s weekly beef podcast for farmers. Presented by Catherine Egan the podcasts will cover the latest news, information and advice to improve your beef farm performance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in to the latest episodes below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Podcast Player\" src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/the-beef-edge\/playlist\" width=\"100%\" height=\"390\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Demonstration Farm Programmes<\/h2>\r\nThe Teagasc Drystock Knowledge Transfer Department run dedicated demonstration farm programmes in the areas of suckler and dairy beef.\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-image-missing-alt alignnone wp-image-245997 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/FutureBeef-and-DairyBeef-500-logos.png\" alt=\"DairyBeef 500 and Future Beef logos\" width=\"700\" height=\"196\" data-warning=\"Missing alt text\" \/><\/div>\r\n<div><\/div>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/64oy5.r.sp1-brevo.net\/mk\/mr\/sh\/SMJz09SDriOHUOioIpEDnyEGfIA7\/qPqyvJEFFgFx\">For the latest from the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme, view its e-newsletter here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/64oy5.r.sp1-brevo.net\/mk\/mr\/sh\/SMJz09SDriOHUOioIpEDnyEGfIA7\/C2C8Kw3Qhswu\">For the latest from the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, view its e-newsletter here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nTo keep up to date with the latest happenings from both programmes, <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/about\/our-organisation\/newsletters\/\">sign up to their frequent e-newsletters here<\/a>.","id":"257548","title":"Teagasc Beef Advisory Newsletter – May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Selection-of-calves-born-spring-2026-250x.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/cows-on-farm-road.png","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Dairy Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer, Dr Joe Patton shares his top five tips for the month ahead, along with practical advice on grassland management, breeding and making the best quality silage.","main_body":"<h2>Top 5 tips for May<\/h2>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Identify any cows calved more than 30 days and not detected in heat. Draft, check and treat any cows with issues.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Continue to assess body condition score (BCS). Put any thin cows on once-a-day milking until they are mated. Low somatic cell count (SCC) is essential for this.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ensure that calves are consuming 2kg concentrate plus ad lib roughage post weaning and prior to turnout.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Biosecurity: Provide disinfectant for any visitors to your farm e.g. AI technician, vet, scanner etc. Quarantine any purchased bulls for one month prior to breeding.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Walk silage paddocks twice per week. It can be easy to miss the correct window for making quality silage. Do not delay based on nitrogen application date - if conditions are good, test for sugars and cut at the right time for high quality.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Managing peak grass growth in May<\/h2>\r\nA settled spell in April has allowed many farms to get back on track with this year’s grazing. Some farms did not manage to get all of the first round grazed. Instead, they took the right decision to skip the heaviest covers at the end, baling these out and moving on to the second round.\r\n\r\nSome farms closed such paddocks for a heavier silage crop. In many cases, these now need to be cut sooner rather than later and brought back into the grazing rotation. Experience shows that farms who close up too much area through April and May, and then have a delayed first cut, end up being very tight for grass through June.\r\n\r\nThat said, May is generally the month when the rate of grass growth reaches its peak for the year and grass supply can change fast. How you respond to grass growth is the key. Grass grows at a rate of 60-70kg DM\/ha\/day during May. So, a 20-day rotation will result in 1300 to 1400 kg\/ha of grass being grown in this 3-week period. Every effort must be made to get cows to graze the right cover of grass. Keeping the sward green from top to bottom is important for both grass quality but also the level of regrowth. The grass plant is right for grazing when it is at the 2-3 leaf stage. Of course, if grass starts growing the ‘fourth’ leaf – the rotation is now getting too long! Also, the first leaf starts to die and more stem starts to appear. This reduces the grass quality and the cows do not perform as well. Milk protein content in particular is very sensitive to grass quality.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Every 4% reduction in grass digestibility will reduce milk solids yield by 5%<\/em><\/strong>\r\n\r\nAverage farm grass cover should be maintained at 160-180kg DM\/cow. This is equivalent to an average farm cover of around 600 to 700 kg DM\/ha. Paddocks with too strong of grass covers, or those where the rotation length is too long, should be removed as surplus grass for silage.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257917\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/dairy-herd-at-grass-250x.png\" alt=\"dairy herd grazing May grass\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h2>Breeding<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Use the ICBF weekly fertility report to track your progress<\/h3>\r\nThe ICBF weekly fertility report is a tool for monitoring and improving breeding performance on your farm. With AI techs using handhelds to record serves as they happen, or indeed farm software packages that are used by DIY farmers, the weekly fertility report allows for real-time charting of your progress with submission rate and bull usage.\r\n<h3>Submission rate:<\/h3>\r\nThe target is <strong><em>90% of eligible cows in 3 weeks<\/em><\/strong>, or approximately 30% of eligible cows each of week 1-3 in breeding to achieve the target. Tracking submission rate can allow you to adapt if not achieving the required submission rate. For example, are there anoestrus cows that should have been bred not yet seen in heat? The fertility report will identify these individuals, and action can then be taken.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257916\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/dairy-cow-lying-250x.png\" alt=\"Dairy cows during the breeding season lying in a paddock\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h3>Balanced bull teams:<\/h3>\r\nFurthermore, dairy bull team usage can be monitored via the weekly fertility report, to avoid overuse of individual bulls above the <strong><em>15% maximum usage per bull<\/em><\/strong> from both a genetic and fertility perspective.\r\n\r\nConsistency is important. Running the report regularly establishes a routine that keeps breeding performance to the fore throughout the season. Ideally, pick one morning per week to run the report and then make any decisions on actions required at that time.\r\n\r\nThis year’s breeding season will have a big influence on next year’s cashflow and profit margins. Maximise your season performance by using the tools available to you. To access: log in to your ICBF account, click Reports, then click Fertility and select Weekly Fertility Report. You can also access the report on your phone through the HerdPlus App, making it even more accessible than ever.\r\n<h2>First cut silage<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Silage cutting date versus quality<\/h3>\r\nFirst cut is the best opportunity to make high quality silage, and every effort should be made to secure a sufficient supply of silage with &gt;72% DMD feed value now.\r\n\r\nTo achieve this, cutting before the seed head emerges is key, as DMD will drop by about 0.5 units every day after seed head emergence, and even faster if the crop is lodged.\r\n\r\nDelaying cutting to allow crops to bulk up will lead to a substantial drop in quality and is likely to also reduce second cut yields giving very little overall gain in tonnage harvested. Therefore, crops should be cut based on their growth stage and, due to the large variation across many farms this year, this may require staggering the first cut rather than harvesting all at once.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-253078\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/teagasc14-grange-5140.png\" alt=\"Silage being harvested at Teagasc Grange\" width=\"700\" height=\"200\" \/>\r\n<h3>Nitrogen and cutting date<\/h3>\r\nMany will be concerned whether there has been enough time for late applications of fertiliser nitrogen to be taken up.\r\n\r\nExcess N levels in the grass plant increases its buffering capacity, making preservation more difficult. While the rule of thumb that 2 units of N will be used up on average every day is often quoted, this is highly variable and the only way to be sure of the N levels in the crop is to have a sample tested.\r\n\r\nThe importance of low N levels in grass before ensiling is often overstated, with sugar levels being of far more importance. Where adequate sugars are present, grass can be successfully ensiled with nitrate levels in excess of 600 ppm.  Where N levels are found to be high, discuss with your advisor the options available to you such as wilting the crop or using additives, as delaying cutting date is likely to also result in a loss in silage quality.\r\n<h2>The Dairy Edge Podcast<\/h2>\r\nThe Dairy Edge is Teagasc’s weekly dairy podcast for farmers. Presented by James Dunne and Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialists, the podcasts will cover the latest information, insights and opinion to improve your dairy farm performance.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen to recent shows from the Dairy Edge podcast below:<\/strong>\r\n<iframe title=\"Podcast Player\" src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/the-dairy-edge\/playlist\" width=\"100%\" height=\"390\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Keep up to date with Teagasc<\/h2>\r\nTeagasc offers a suite of digital products - ranging from insightful podcasts, trusted eNewsletters, social media, website and mobile app channels - to provide you with the latest news, information and knowledge.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/digital\/\">To see our full range of digital products, visit here<\/a>.","id":"257914","title":"Teagasc Dairy Advisory Newsletter – May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/cows-on-farm-road.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/ewes-and-lambs-Athenry.png","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Sheep Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello shares management notes on flock health and grassland management and provides a reminder on the fast approaching National Sheep Welfare Scheme deadline.","main_body":"<h2>Grassland management<\/h2>\r\nFlock performance is at its optimum when a constant supply of fresh, high-quality grass is readily available to ewes and lambs. If grazing group size is not sufficient to graze out an area in about 3 to 4 days, one option is to increase the group size. Where this is not practical, temporary electric fencing should be used to subdivide paddocks to the appropriate size for the grazing group. Where overall grass supply on your farm is adequate, take out grass covers that have gone over 8cm as high-quality silage bales.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257567\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/temporty-fencing.png\" alt=\"temporary fencing on a sheep farm\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n\r\nDespite the poor weather delaying closing for silage in April, the aim should still be to harvest designated first cut silage in late May, especially where lower chemical nitrogen (N) levels were spread. The general rule of thumb is that applied N is used up at a rate of 2 units\/day in good growing conditions. If in doubt, contact your advisor before harvesting to test the grass for nitrate and sugar levels.\r\n<h2>National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) deadline<\/h2>\r\nIt is important to note that the National Sheep Welfare Scheme runs separately to the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS), and all intending applicants need to apply annually online via their own Agfood portal or through an approved FAS advisor authorised to act on their behalf. A new application must be submitted for all intending applicants, even if they participated in the 2025 NSWS, before the <strong>15<sup>th <\/sup><\/strong><strong>of May 2026<\/strong> deadline. The application screen is pre-populated with the payable number of ewes, and this can be adjusted down if applicable.\r\n\r\nApplicants must complete two mandatory actions for which they will receive €8 per ewe from the following Category A options:\r\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\r\n \t<li>A. Shearing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>B. Body Condition Scoring Ewes and appropriate follow-on management<\/li>\r\n \t<li>C. Clostridial vaccination of ewes or Blue Tongue vaccination of ewes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nApplicants have the option to top up their payment to €13 per ewe if they choose to complete a further one voluntary or optional Category B option from either:\r\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: circle;\">\r\n \t<li>D. Footbathing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>E. Plunge dipping to control external parasites<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nActions selected must be completed by 13<sup>th<\/sup> October 2026, however applicants who are unable to compete their chosen actions by this date can select the later date of 24<sup>th<\/sup> November 2026 when completing their application form online. Farmers should note that should they choose the later completion date, payment will not issue until January 2027 at the earliest.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine\/services\/2026-national-sheep-welfare-scheme\/\">Further information, including full terms and conditions, is available here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Flock health<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Nematodirus<\/h3>\r\nLambs born in early March or before have probably been dosed for Nematodirus in mid to late April. For later lambs, treat with a white drench at five to six weeks of age once they are eating sufficient quantities of grass to ingest the infective larvae or as soon as any symptoms such as scouring are observed.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257584\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Texel-lambs.png\" alt=\"Two texel lambs\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h3>Scald<\/h3>\r\nAvoid any setback in lamb performance due to scald. Early intervention is key as it will spread rapidly. A whole flock approach is best and footbathing all sheep in a 10% zinc or copper sulphate solution will both treat and prevent scald.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257582\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/footbath-Athenry.png\" alt=\"A footbath in Athenry\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" \/>\r\n<h3>Blowfly strike<\/h3>\r\nAs we get into the month of May, any warm and humid weather conditions will increase the risk of blowfly strike, particularly on soiled fleeces. The most common prevention of blowfly strike are topical pour-ons which, depending on product used, provide cover from 7 weeks up to 19 weeks.\r\n\r\nThe products providing longer protection are generally dicyclanil based and act as insect growth regulators (IGRs), which prevent development of larvae. These must be used before flystike occurs with application technique important for efficacy – ensure equipment is calibrated to deliver correct rate and apply to a clean fleece following manufacturer’s instructions for correct application.\r\n\r\nThe products providing the longer cover come with a withdrawal period of up to 40 days, which is an important consideration in terms of not using these products on lambs that are getting close to drafting.\r\n\r\nMany farmers will treat lambs with a long cover product in mid-May meaning the 40-day withdrawal period ends in late June, coinciding with weaning and the first draft of lambs for sale. On the cover side, 19 weeks from mid-May will take you to late September when hopefully a good proportion of lambs will be drafted and we are approaching a lower risk time of the year for blowfly strike.\r\n\r\n<strong>In the video below, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, Michael Gottstein gives an overview of the different pour-ons on the market and also demonstrates the best way to apply the pour-on:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/O7iFeI1eLok?si=N5LPDWafhFezk45l\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>The OviCast Podcast<\/h2>\r\nThe Teagasc OviCast podcast is presented by Ciaran Lynch and brings you the latest advice, insights and technical updates for the sheep industry. Listen to the latest episodes below or via <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ie\/podcast\/ovicast\/id1463890269?ign-mpt=uo%3D4\">Apple Podcasts<\/a>  or  <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/42nCyiheXUG3XcycZPhldT\">Spotify<\/a>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Podcast Player\" src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/ovicast\/playlist\" width=\"100%\" height=\"390\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Keep up to date with Teagasc<\/h2>\r\nTeagasc offers a suite of digital products – ranging from insightful podcasts, trusted eNewsletters, social media, website and mobile app channels – to provide you with the latest news, information and knowledge.\r\n\r\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/digital\/\">To see our full range of digital products, visit here<\/a>.<\/strong>","id":"257566","title":"Teagasc Sheep Advisory Newsletter – May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/ewes-and-lambs-Athenry.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/winter-barley.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Tillage Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Crops Specialist, Ciaran Collins shares key considerations for the month of May, focusing on spring and winter barley, winter wheat and spring bean agronomy.","main_body":"<h2>Key considerations for May<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Spring barley sown in mid-April faces a significantly higher risk of BYDV compared to crops planted in mid-March. The most effective control is a single insecticide application at growth stage 14 (4-leaf stage).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Prioritise early weed control in spring barley to achieve the most effective results.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Applying the flag leaf fungicide at full flag leaf emergence is critical for septoria control. Being 7 days early or late can significantly reduce effectiveness under high disease pressure.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Teagasc experiments on the control of ramularia in barley shows that the best timing for the control comes between GS 45 (boots swollen) and GS 49 (first awns visible).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The first fungicide on beans should be applied as soon as symptoms are detected, but before the start of flowering.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Spring Barley<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Weed control<\/h3>\r\nLater sown crops this season will move through the growth stages quickly. As a result, early weed control is essential to prevent competition before the crop canopy closes. Where required, this timing also allows for the inclusion of a wild oat herbicide from growth stage 12 onwards.\r\n\r\nHerbicide resistance to broad leaved weeds is an increasing issue for spring barley growers. Sulfonylurea herbicides (like Cameo, Ally, Harmony, etc.) have reduced effectiveness in some cases.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Always use an alternative mode of action.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Make sure the alternative product you're using has activity on the target weed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor example, if you suspect resistance in chickweed, don’t rely on sulfonylureas alone. Use a partner product like Fluroxypyr (e.g. Hurler 0.75L\/ha) for better control.\r\n\r\n<strong>Think you have resistant weeds?<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIf you suspect you have resistant weeds on your farm, contact your local tillage advisor who can arrange resistance testing of your suspect weed.\r\n<h3>BYDV<\/h3>\r\nSowing date remains the single biggest driver of BYDV risk in spring barley, although factors such as field location and the presence of a green bridge should also be considered. In general, crops sown in mid-March are at low to moderate risk (around 1–6% infection), while those sown in mid-April face a moderate to high risk, with infection levels potentially reaching up to 20%.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_257939\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"698\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-257939\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Aphids-in-on-barley-leaves.png\" alt=\"Aphids on barley leaves\" width=\"698\" height=\"313\" \/> April planted crops are at higher risk of BYDV[\/caption]\r\n\r\nWhile resistance to pyrethroids has been detected in grain aphid populations, other aphid species can also transmit BYDV and remain susceptible. As a result, pyrethroids are generally still providing effective control in the field. The key timing for application is at the 4-leaf stage of the crop, and there is no advantage to applying more than one spray. There are currently no alternative insecticides approved for use in spring barley at this timing, and later applications are unlikely to have a meaningful impact on BYDV control.\r\n<h3>Disease control<\/h3>\r\nThe average yield response from a two-spray fungicide program in Teagasc trials is 1.3t\/ha but can range from 0.5 – 2.75t\/ha, depending on season. With the exception of RGT Planet, current spring barley varieties have excellent resistance to disease, but sowing dates and weather conditions needs to be factored when deciding on product choice and rate. Later sown crops will be at the lower end of the yield response from fungicides.\r\n\r\nOak Park trials have shown two half rate fungicides (combined product) will give the maximum economic return. The first fungicide should be timed <u>before<\/u> growth stage 30.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Spring barley disease control strategies 2026<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 91.5561%; height: 102px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 56px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 56px;\"><strong>Target disease<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 56px;\"><strong>Early\/mid tillering <\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>(GS 21 – 23) <\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 19.2881%; height: 56px;\"><strong>Mid\/late tillering<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>(GS 23 – 29)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.2682%; height: 56px;\"><strong>Awn emergence (GS 45 – 49)<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Targeting Ramularia<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 23px;\">High disease pressure eg. RGT Planet<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 23px;\">PTZ (Proline or generic) 70% or\r\n\r\nNavura 1.0L\r\n\r\n+\r\n\r\nComet 200\/LS Pyrac 0.6L or Imtrex 0.7L<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 19.2881%; height: 23px; text-align: center;\">-<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.2682%; height: 23px;\" rowspan=\"2\"><strong>Folpet 1.5L<\/strong>\r\n\r\n+\r\n\r\nRevystar XL 1.0L,\r\n\r\nMacfare Xpro 0.8L,\r\n\r\nElatus Era 0.65L,\r\n\r\nAvestel 0.7L,\r\n\r\nBalaya 1.0L + Imperis 1.0L etc.<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 23px;\">All other varieties<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 23px; text-align: center;\">-<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 19.2881%; height: 23px;\">PTZ (Proline or generic) 50%\r\n\r\n+\r\n\r\nComet 200\/LS Pyrac 0.5L<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Winter Wheat<\/h2>\r\nSeptoria will be the priority at the flag leaf timing on winter wheat. Accurate timing and alternation of products from the leaf three applications are crucial to management of septoria.\r\n\r\nA fully emerged leaf 1 (flag leaf) and leaf 3 (T1) are the key timings. Research has shown that +\/- 7 days of a fully emerged flag leaf can make a significant difference in high disease pressure situations.\r\n\r\nFolpet should be the first product into the tank. As a multi-site fungicide, it not only helps with disease control but also plays a key role in slowing fungicide resistance.\r\n\r\nIt is important to alternate fungicides to protect their effectiveness.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If you used Revystar or Ascra Xpro at the leaf 3 timing, then switch to an Inatreq-based product at the leaf 1 timing.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Or, if you used Inatreq at the leaf 3 timing, use a different product like Revystar or Ascra Xpro for the flag leaf application.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Important reminder<\/strong>: You can only use Inatreq-based products <em>(Univoq<\/em>, <em>Aquino, Peacoq, Questar, Jessico One<\/em>) once per crop – this is a legal requirement.\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 2: Product choice for control of septoria at flag leaf timing<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 62.3331%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.1026%;\"><strong>Product used at leaf 3 timing<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.4757%;\"><strong>Flag leaf<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.1026%;\"><strong>Revystar or Ascra Xpro<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.4757%;\"><strong>Folpet 1.5L<\/strong>\r\n\r\n+\r\n\r\nInatreq (<em>Univoq, Aquino, Peacoq, Questar<\/em>) 2.0L + Azole 100% or\r\n\r\nInatreq (<em>Jessico One<\/em>) 1.7L + Jettano 1.0L<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 22.1026%;\"><strong>Inatreq based product<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 39.4757%;\"><strong>Folpet 1.5L<\/strong>\r\n\r\n+\r\n\r\nRevystar XL 1.5L or\r\n\r\nAscra Xpro 1.5L<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Winter Barley<\/h2>\r\nThe latest stage to safely use a PGR is the awns peeping stage. Terpal 1.2-1.5 L\/ha or Cerone 0.6-0.7 L\/ha are options but watch latest timing.\r\n\r\nThe final fungicide needs to be timed at the awns emerging stage. It should consist of an Azole plus a SDHI\/Strob and 1.5L\/ha of Folpet to assist in the control of ramularia.\r\n\r\nTeagasc experiments on the control of ramularia show that the best timing for the control of ramularia comes between GS 45 (boots swollen) and GS 49 (first awns visible). An application of Folpet at GS 59 (ear emergence complete) did not contribute to control. Revystar, Macfare Xpro, Folpet and Prothioconazole based products give some control of ramularia in Teagasc experiments when applied before heading of barley.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_257940\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt size-full wp-image-257940\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/ramularia-winter-barley.png\" alt=\"A side by side image of winter barley crops suffering from ramularia\" width=\"700\" height=\"299\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/> Best timing for the control of ramularia comes between GS 45 (boots swollen) and GS 49 (first awns visible).[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Spring Beans<\/h2>\r\nChocolate spot remains the primary disease risk in spring beans. Later planting and dry weather conditions both help to reduce this risk. The first fungicide should be applied as soon as symptoms are detected, but before the start of flowering.\r\n\r\nThe main products available are Elatus Era and Signum. Application rates will depend on disease pressure but typically range from 0.5–0.75 L\/ha for Signum or 0.66 L\/ha for Elatus Era.\r\n\r\nA second fungicide application, approximately three weeks later, should be based on prevailing weather conditions and ongoing disease risk. Given the experience of greener, later maturing crops in 2024, reduced rates may be appropriate where crops are late sown and disease pressure remains low.\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-full wp-image-246014\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Spring-beans.png\" alt=\"A field of established spring beans\" width=\"700\" height=\"300\" \/>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\n<h2>Teagasc Tillage Edge Podcast<\/h2>\r\nFor all the latest tillage news the Teagasc tillage podcast is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/the-tillage-edge-podcast\/\">Teagasc website<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ie\/podcast\/the-tillage-edge\/id1506790551\">Apple Podcasts<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/729PDD7VzlKP2tDJgo3H7K\">Spotify<\/a>. Listen to some recent episodes below:\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Podcast Player\" src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/the-tillage-edge\/playlist\" width=\"100%\" height=\"390\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\"><\/span><\/iframe>\r\n<h2>Keep up to date with Teagasc<\/h2>\r\nTeagasc offers a suite of digital products - ranging from insightful podcasts, trusted eNewsletters, social media, website and mobile app channels - to provide you with the latest news, information and knowledge.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/digital\/\">To see our full range of digital products, visit here<\/a>.","id":"257938","title":"Teagasc Tillage Advisory Newsletter &#8211; May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/winter-barley.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2024\/Acres_scheme_hedgerow_and_tree_planting.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Environment Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Signpost Communications Specialist, Siobhán Kavanagh points out some of the familiar plants growing in our ditches to heighten our awareness of biodiversity on our farms.  You can also sign up for the free Signpost Advisory Programme and AgNav today.  We get tips on how to get the most from your nitrogen spend and reduce the risk to water quality.      ","main_body":"<h2>Life in the ditches: The plants growing around your farm<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Lady's Smock<\/h3>\r\nLook out for Lady’s smock also called cuckooflower and cuckoo spit, with four petalled pale lilac flowers in a spike. It is one of the few flowers that can persist in ryegrass fields as it tolerates moderately fertile soil, and flowers before grass growth takes off.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258267\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ladys-smock-700x430-1.png\" alt=\"Lady's Smock\" width=\"700\" height=\"430\" \/>\r\n\r\nIt grows in wetter areas. It is the main larval foodplant and source of nectar for orange-tip butterflies. The male is distinctively coloured white with bright orange tips on forewings. The female is less conspicuous with black tips on forewings. Lady’s smock and orange-tip butterflies are a good example of plants and invertebrates co-existing for the past ten thousand years – part of our native Irish biodiversity.\r\n<h3>Meadow Foxtail<\/h3>\r\nLook out for meadow foxtail in flower. This early flowering grass has a tight cylindrical spike hosting many invertebrates, which in turn are prey for invertebrate eating birds. Meadow foxtail is found in old unimproved grasslands.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258263\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Meadow-Foxtail-3.5.24-1-700x430-1.png\" alt=\"Meadow foxtail\" width=\"700\" height=\"430\" \/>\r\n\r\nSeed mixtures for improved grassland will not include it and such fields are grazed or cut before grasses head out or go to seed which is important for efficient food production. This shows the ecological benefit of retaining grass margins around improved grass fields, as well as leaving other grassy ‘waste’ areas left unsprayed in the countryside and delaying cutting until autumn. Meadow foxtail nó fiteog léana is part of our native Irish biodiversity.\r\n<h2>May Climate Actions<\/h2>\r\nEach month, the Teagasc Signpost Programme shares six climate action tips for the month ahead. This month, you should:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Assess clover content in swards and reduce chemical nitrogen (N) applications accordingly.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Split crop N application based on crop growth and weather conditions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>For dairy herds, use high Dairy Beef Index (DBI) sires with a high beef sub-index.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improve performance of beef animals, graze grass at 8-10cm.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Only set clover on high phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) soils with a pH of 6.5+.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Apply sulphur fertiliser to grazing and cereal fields.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258266\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Signpost-May-Climate-Actions.png\" alt=\"Assess clover content in swards and reduce chemical nitrogen (N) applications accordingly. Split crop N application based on crop growth and weather conditions. For dairy herds, use high Dairy Beef Index (DBI) sires with a high beef sub-index. Improve performance of beef animals, graze grass at 8-10cm. Only set clover on high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) soils with a pH of 6.5+. Apply sulphur fertiliser to grazing and cereal fields.\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" \/>\r\n<h2>Sign up to the Signpost Advisory Programme<\/h2>\r\nThe Signpost Advisory Programme is a free programme available to all farmers. It provides enhanced advisory and training support to farmers to help them to select and implement climate and sustainability actions that are appropriate and impactful on their farms.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/signpost-advisory-programme\/sign-up\/\">Farmers can get support with AgNav by signing up to the free Signpost Advisory Programme here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>'Your Farm, Your Data, Your Plan – Get Started with AgNav'<\/h2>\r\nAgNav is a farmer-focused digital sustainability platform developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia, and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), with support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. It enables farmers to view key sustainability metrics for their own farm, explore how management changes may impact these metrics, and develop a tailored sustainability action plan. AgNav is free and voluntary to use, and is currently available for beef, dairy and tillage farmers.\r\n<h3>Dairy and Beef<\/h3>\r\nDairy and beef farmers do not need to register for AgNav, as access is available through their existing ICBF account. To get started, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.agnav.ie\">www.agnav.ie<\/a>, click ‘Login’ at the top right of the page, and enter your ICBF login details (email or herd number and password).\r\n<h3>Tillage<\/h3>\r\nTillage farmers must register for AgNav, even if they already have a dairy and beef account. To do so, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.agnav.ie\">www.agnav.ie<\/a>, select ‘Tillage Registration’ at the top right of the homepage, and follow the steps provided.\r\n<h2>5 Top Tips<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Nitrate Losses to Water<\/h3>\r\nThe cost of one kilogram of nitrogen (as protected urea) has increased from €1.24 to €1.85 since the start of the year. It makes sound financial sense to use nitrogen (and phosphorous and potassium) as carefully as possible and avoid wasting nutrient and money.\r\n\r\n<strong>To improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce nitrate losses to water: <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Use your Nutrient Management Plan to correct soil fertility and maximise N efficiency.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reduce crude protein in concentrate fed to dairy cows and bovines over two years at grass to a max of 14% between April 15<sup>th<\/sup> and September 30<sup>th<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Maximise slurry nutrient utilisation through LESS technology and precision timing.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Apply nitrogen little and often, while matching application rate to growth and weather conditions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use clover and multispecies swards to reduce chemical nitrogen requirements.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-255206\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFFW-Top-Tips-To-Improve-Nitrogen-Use-Efficiency-and-Reduce-Losses-to-Water-final-scaled-e1776419742215.png\" alt=\"Top Tips to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Losses to Waters • Soil Fertility &amp; Planning: Use your Nutrient Management Plan to correct soil fertility and maximise N efficiency • Animal Nutrition: Reduce crude protein in concentrate fed to dairy cows and bovines over 2 Yrs at grass to a max of 14% between 15th April and 30th Sept • Organic Manure Management: Maximise slurry nutrient utilisation through LESS technology and precision timing, thereby lowering fertiliser inputs • Chemical Fertiliser: Apply nitrogen little and often, while matching application rate to growth and weather conditions • Pasture Management: Use clover or multispecies swards to reduce chemical nitrogen requirements\" width=\"700\" height=\"495\" \/>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/getting-more-from-your-nitrogen-spend\/\">For further tips on getting more from your nitrogen spend, visit here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Diary dates<\/h2>\r\n<h3>Farming for a Better Future 2026<\/h3>\r\nJoin us on Wednesday, 10<sup>th<\/sup> June at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford for a <em>Farming for a Better Future 2026<\/em> event.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258078\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Johnstown-Castle-Open-Day.png\" alt=\"Lots of people standing in a field at the Johnstown Castle Open day in 2024\" width=\"700\" height=\"277\" \/>\r\n\r\nThe theme of this year’s open day is‘Innovating for Healthy Soils and Clean Water’ and will focus on protecting soil health and improving water quality at the farm systems level.  The Open Day will demonstrate how to build resilient soils and improve water quality across dairy-beef, organic, spring and winter milk and tillage farming systems.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/event\/farming-for-a-better-future-2026\/\">For further details, visit here<\/a>.\r\n<h3>A Somers Evening Farm Walk<\/h3>\r\nJoin us on Wednesday, 17 June at 6:30pm for a Somers Evening Farm Walk – <em>Tillage Farming and Nature Working Together<\/em> in Oylgate, Co. Wexford, Y21 TR80.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-258276\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Picture4.png\" alt=\"A graphic for Don Somers farm walk. The event will take place on June 17 at 6.30pm in Oylegate, Wexford, Y21 TR80\" width=\"602\" height=\"430\" \/>\r\n\r\nHosted by Don Somers, from Oylegate, Co. Wexford – overall winner of the <em>Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Award 2025<\/em> and winner of the water quality category – this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at a working tillage farm leading the way in sustainability.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/event\/a-somers-evening-farm-walk\/\">For further details and to register to attend, visit here<\/a>.","id":"258261","title":"Teagasc Environment Advisory Newsletter &#8211; May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2024\/Acres_scheme_hedgerow_and_tree_planting.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Forestry-newsletter-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-05","description":"Welcome to the Teagasc May Forestry Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, Frances McHugh brings you the latest on the 2026 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, felling licence requirements and the supports available for forests affected by ash dieback.","main_body":"<h2>Winners of the 2026 RDS Farm Forestry awards announced<\/h2>\r\nTeagasc is delighted to announce that the overall winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer, Stephen Morrison.\r\n\r\nStephen was presented with his award in Dublin on the 16 April by John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_255170\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-long-alt size-full wp-image-255170\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/rds-pic.jpeg\" alt=\"The winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer Stephen Morrison. Pictured at the awards: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Ben Morrison, Stephen Morrison (winner), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" data-warning=\"Long alt text\" \/> The winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer Stephen Morrison. Pictured at the awards: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Ben Morrison, Stephen Morrison (winner), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nFarming 120 hectares near Kill, County Kildare, Stephen Morrison has an organic herd of spring calving suckler cows, bringing all progeny to beef. Stephen converted to an organic farming system three years ago.\r\n\r\nOver the last six years, 24 hectares of native forestry have been planted. This along with the establishment of hedgerows, digging of farm ponds and the preservation of a unique fen has really enhanced the biodiversity on the farm.\r\n\r\nThe 2027 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, incorporating the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, will open soon for entries.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/winners-of-the-2026-rds-teagasc-farm-forestry-award-announced\/\">For more information on this year’s award winners and on the RDS Forestry awards visit here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Felling trees: Do you need a licence?<\/h2>\r\nFelling trees in Ireland is regulated under the Forestry Act 2014, which states that trees cannot be cut down without obtaining a felling license from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. While there are exemptions to this rule, under the current legislation a licence is required in order to fell any tree.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding when a felling license is needed and when an exemption applies can help forest and landowners avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance with forestry legislation. In preparation for felling trees, a felling licence should be applied for well in advance of when works are planned to commence.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/felling-trees-do-you-need-a-license\/\">Padraic O’Leary, Teagasc Forestry advisor explains the ins and outs of Tree felling licences here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Ash dieback supports<\/h2>\r\nDo you have an ash forest affected by ash dieback and haven’t yet availed of supports to clear and replace it?\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257606\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ash-dieback-clearfell.jpg\" alt=\"Clearfelled ash logs\" width=\"700\" height=\"347\" \/>\r\n\r\nFarmers with ash plantations affected by ash dieback have access to a number of options and supports including a grant for the removal of affected ash trees, preparing the site for replanting and then the replacement of the ash trees with alternative species.\r\n\r\nIf you have already participated in the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027, or if you replanted your ash forest under one of the three previous Department reconstitution schemes due to the impacts of ash dieback, then you can be eligible for additional support (€5,000 per hectare) under the Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/staff--contact-us\/\">Teagasc forestry advisors<\/a> are happy to discuss your options with you and explain how to access both the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023–2027 and the additional Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme. <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/ash-dieback-options-and-support-for-farmers\/\">Read more about the opportunities and supports here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Upcoming events<\/h2>\r\nTeagasc Forestry is looking forward to meeting forest owners and those interested in planting trees at many further events over the summer.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257607\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Teagasc-forestry-tent-Tullamore.jpg\" alt=\"Teagasc presence at the Tullamore Show 2025\" width=\"700\" height=\"479\" \/>\r\n\r\nAfter a busy spring, Teagasc Forestry are organising many more events where we can discuss all things forestry with existing forest owners or anyone who is thinking of planting trees.\r\n\r\nOur day-to-day advisory service continues but our next large event will be our presence at Bloom in the Phoenix Park Dublin, from the 28<sup>th<\/sup> May to 1<sup>st<\/sup> June.\r\n\r\nWe look forward to meeting you at <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/event\/farming-for-a-better-future-2026\/\">Farming for a Better Future 2026<\/a> in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford on June 10<sup>th<\/sup> as well as the Beef2026 Open Day in Grange, Co Meath on July 1<sup>st<\/sup>.\r\n\r\nWe are also looking forward to, once again, coordinating the Forestry and Energy Village at the popular Tullamore Show on the 9<sup>th<\/sup> of August.\r\n\r\nYou can keep an eye on our <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/events\/\">events calendar<\/a> to see upcoming events as they are arranged.\r\n\r\nYou can also subscribe to the Teagasc Forestry e-Newsletter, which will give details of all our upcoming forestry events while also keeping you on top of the latest Irish forestry news, forestry grants, valuable forest management tips, research updates and much more via e-mail directly to your inbox.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/forestry-e-news\/\">Sign up to the Forestry e-Newsletter here<\/a>.","id":"257603","title":"Teagasc Forestry Advisory Newsletter &#8211; May","category":"Newsletters","release_date_time":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Forestry-newsletter-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE300426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-05-04","description":"Tom O’Connell, dairy farmer in Inniscarra, near Cork city, and John Maher of Grass10 join Stuart Childs to discuss the importance and management of reseeding on this episode of the Dairy Edge podcast.","main_body":"A negative for the industry, John first outlines the poor national average figures for the area reseeded annually. Differing from the national average, however, Tom reseeds parts of his grazing platform and silage ground annually. This allows for responsive, productive swards to meet herd demand while he waits for the reseeded ground to slot back into the grazing rotation. Reseeding 10% of the area annually, Tom splits the reseeded area and generally takes the second piece out when he knows the first bit is ready to come back in. This is an insurance policy against having too high a stocking rate with all ground out at the same time.\r\n\r\nTom has also reduced his overall milking platform stocking rate through land acquisition and a slight reduction in cow numbers. Now his stocking rate with reseeded ground out is where his stocking rate was before he took out ground for reseeding in the past. This is making the whole thing easier to tackle as at the higher stocking rate, he could be tight for grass at times and this was adding cost as well as compromising production. For Tom, reseeding is an essential element of each year’s work.\r\n\r\nJohn finishes up by highlighting that people often do a lot of the things right but fail to get the post emergence spraying and early grazing of the sward right. Tom is doing this very well as evidenced by his lack of need to spray for weeds between reseeding events in his paddocks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/ca0dd429\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/dairy\/the-dairy-edge-podcast\/\">For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page<\/a>\r\n\r\nThe Dairy Edge is a co-production with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>","id":"258082","title":"How reseeding supports higher performance","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-05-04 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE300426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Calves-at-Newford-2026.png","release_date":"2026-05-04","description":"Originating from the dairy herd and thus boasting excellent milk and fertility figures, the Newford cow has one downside – their ability to pass on beef ‘power’ to their progeny.","main_body":"Lying within the top 2% nationally for Replacement Index, with an average value of €156, the task of outlining the strategy to overcome this challenge was handled by Chris Daly, ICBF and Dr. Cliona Ryan, Teagasc Beef Geneticist, at the Newford Demonstration Farm Open Day on April 22.\r\n\r\n“Every farmer will have different systems and different cow types. The important thing is to focus on what you are trying to produce, because that dictates what you are going to breed,” Chris Daly told the farmers in attendance.\r\n\r\nBy identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your cows, he added, farmers can make improvements through proper sire selection.\r\n\r\n“The Newford herd’s strengths are milk and fertility,” Chris Daly explained, “but the herd’s carcass weight and conformation figures are on the low side, and this is being countered by selecting sires with high carcass weight and conformation.”\r\n\r\nDespite this obvious challenge, Chris Daly noted that the herd does have many positives:\r\n<blockquote>“The Newford cow is quite efficient, with excellent fertility and an average calving interval of 366 days. Milk performance is good, and the adjusted 200-day weanling weight is 310kg for the males. Eighty-five per cent of the cows calve within six weeks, making for a compact calving pattern, which is important for efficiency and for managing stock together.<\/blockquote>\r\n“The docility of these cows is also very good, and they are a moderate-sized cow - not too big and not too small - with an average mature cow weight of 640kg,” the ICBF representative explained.\r\n<h2>Selecting sires<\/h2>\r\nAlso addressing the farmers in attendance and expanding upon Newford’s sire selection policy, Dr. Cliona Ryan commented: “Bull selection is critical for the Newford herd to make up for what the cows do not have. This farm is 100% AI, allowing for a wide range of sires to be selected to match each individual cow or heifer.”\r\n\r\nWith replacement heifers – a mix of Angus, Hereford and Aubrac – sourced from the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration farm, Dr. Ryan added: “Newford focuses solely on high Terminal Index sires that are five-star both within and across breed. Improving the carcass weight of the progeny is a key target. The sires being used have at least 24kg for carcass weight, ranging from 24kg up to 52kg for carcass weight in 2025.”\r\n\r\n“Conformation is also considered when selecting sires, with a minimum of 2 for cows and 1.9 for heifers. Last year, the range for the bulls used was between 2.0 and 3.2 for conformation,” Dr. Ryan added.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256759\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt size-full wp-image-256759\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Newford-genetics-and-breeding.png\" alt=\"Pictured on the Genetics and Breeding Stand at the Open day were : Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc and Chris Daly ICBF.\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/> Pictured on the Genetics and Breeding Stand at the Open day were : Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc and Chris Daly ICBF.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nGiven the labour efficiency focus at Newford, Dr. Ryan also noted that reducing the risk of difficult calvings is a priority for the breeding programme.\r\n<blockquote>“For cows, sires with a calving difficulty figure of less than 7% are used, while for heifers the target is less than 5.2% for heifer calving difficulty. Sires selected have high reliability figures, especially for calving difficulty, because we really do not want any trouble at calving, particularly with the heifers,” Dr. Ryan added.<\/blockquote>\r\nThe results of this breeding policy were discussed by Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats at the Open Day. In 2025, heifers finished at Newford produced an R=3= carcass of 331kg at 20.7 months of age, while their steer counterparts finished at 372kg, R=3= grading carcasses at 21.8 months of age.\r\n\r\n<strong>Teagasc Advisor, Keith Fahy spoke to Dr. Ryan at the Newford Open Day to find out more about her presentation: <\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"Newford Open Day 2026: Genetics of the Newford Cow\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tFZz-9Ei2fc\" width=\"442\" height=\"785\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/NewfordOpenDay-2026.pdf\">For full insights from the Newford Open Day, access the event proceedings here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/a-new-focus-for-newford\/\">A new focus for Newford<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/successful-newford-open-day\/\">Successful Newford Open Day<\/a>","id":"257826","title":"Why Newford places such an emphasis on bull selection","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-04 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Calves-at-Newford-2026.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/beef-photos\/Cows-and-calves-on-John-Dunnes-farm-in-April-2025.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-03","description":"In a recent Today's Farm article, Aisling Molloy, Teagasc Future Beef Programme Advisor, visited John and James Dunne in Co. Offaly to see how they are making the best use of synchronisation when breeding their 80-cow suckler herd.","main_body":"John Dunne farms with his son James in Co Offaly just over the River Barrow from Portarlington in Co Laois. This spring they are calving over 80 suckler cows in a system where all the progeny are sold around 24 months as forward stores to the mart or finished for factory sale. They also rear over 140 dairy bred calves per year and will be growing over 15ha of spring barley which is fed back on the farm.\r\n\r\n“Over the last five years we have had difficulties with stock bulls due to sub-fertility and an unexpected mortality in the middle of the breeding season,” says John. “This had a cumulative effect on our herd with cows not in calf, buying in replacement heifers that had low\/poor milk yield when trying to keep to keep up cow numbers and subsequently trying to rebuild the maternal traits in the cows and heifers.”\r\n\r\nThis year they are finally back to the cow numbers and are very focused on improving the herd quality. They are taking a structured approach towards this through:\r\n<h2>1. What to improve?<\/h2>\r\nMilk Yield and Carcass Weight\r\nMilk yield is a core focus for John and James. The herd average is 4kg and they would like to increase this to over 6kg. Carcass weight is moderate at 16kg and they are targeting 18–20kg. Fertility is okay in the herd at 0.82 days and docility is good at 0.03 so their aim is to maintain these.\r\n\r\n“We would also like to improve the Eurostar index from €99 to over €110 (4 stars),” adds James.\r\n<h2>2. How to improve genetics?<\/h2>\r\nArtificial insemination opens up a new opportunity to select bulls and match them directly to the most maternal cows in the herd for breeding replacements. Last year they chose three Simmental bulls; Lisnacrann Fifty Cent (SI2469), Lis-Na-Ri-Gucci (SI4250) and Rubyjen Here’s Johnny (SI4350).\r\n\r\nThe bulls have the following key traits:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>14–25kg on carcass weight<\/li>\r\n \t<li>8.1–10.1 kg on daughter milk<\/li>\r\n \t<li>&lt;5% cow calving difficulty at &gt;90% reliability<\/li>\r\n \t<li>€165–171 on the replacement index<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n“We matched the sire to each cow based on her milk and carcass weight figures,” says John. “The lighter carcass weight cows got the higher carcass weight bull and vice versa.”\r\n\r\nJohn and James looked for an easy calving AI bull for the heifers but found none that matched their own Angus stock bull. He is 6.5% for heifer calving difficulty at 80% reliability, 10.8kg for carcass weight and 6.1kg for daughter milk.\r\n\r\n“Our priority is to get live calves from the heifers so that they go back in calf again, but this bull has also produced potential replacement heifers this year too,” says John.\r\n\r\nThe rest of the cows were bred to the Charolais stock bull who is sired by Voimo (VMO). He is 32.4kg for carcass weight and 2.31 for carcass conformation and his progeny have performed well over the last few years.\r\n\r\nThe poorest cows for milk were culled and John and James will have the opportunity to do the same this year.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256487\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"461\"]<img class=\" wp-image-256487\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/beef-photos\/Nov-25-Evaluation-300x196.jpg\" alt=\"Nov 25 Evaluation on John Dunnes farm, details in caption\" width=\"461\" height=\"301\" \/> <strong>November 2025 Evaluation<\/strong><br \/>€99 Herd Replacement Index (Cows)<br \/>16 kg Carcass Weight. 4 kg Daughter Milk. 0.03 scale Docility. -0.82 days Daughter Calving Interval.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>3. Where does synchronisation fit in?<\/h2>\r\nLabour is a key restraint on the Dunne farm and synchronisation of breeding cycles is a key technology used to help with AI. Synchronisation allows cows and heifers to be brought into heat at the same time. By tightening the window of reproductive activity, John and James are significantly reducing the day-to-day hands-on time normally required for heat detection, artificial insemination, and calving management.\r\n\r\n“What was once a constant round of individual animal checks has been replaced with a more predictable, efficient schedule,” says John. “That frees up time for other critical tasks on farm.”\r\n\r\nLast year John and James employed this simple protocol:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Day 0 – Progesterone device (P4) inserted + GnRH injection<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Day 7 – P4 device removed + prostaglandin &amp; ecG injection<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Day 10 – Fixed Time AI<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThis means that the cows are handled three times on pre-selected days when James was available to help.\r\n\r\n“We made sure to confirm with the AI technician that he was available on day 10 for AI,” says James.\r\n\r\nLast year 45 cows were fixed-time inseminated and 35 of these were scanned in calf after one serve (78% conception rate) which was exceptional. The target was over 70% so John and James were delighted.\r\n\r\n“Synchronisation isn’t a silver bullet, however,” John says. “Cows have to be right – good nutrition, good health, and cycling naturally. If the basics aren’t in place, it won’t deliver.”\r\n<h2>4. How does artificial insemination of 45 cows on one day help workload this year?<\/h2>\r\nWhile the thought of 45 cows calving on one day would send shivers down anyone’s spine, it is important to note that they tend to calve over a 10 day period. “Cows are not machines and they will naturally vary in their gestation period,” says John. This year John and James calved the cows over a spread of 12 days and took it all in their stride.\r\n\r\nThe benefit of synchronisation is that the need for calving supervision is more predictable. Batches of calves can be tagged, vaccinated, and weighed together. Instead of constantly switching tasks, work flows in organised phases.\r\n\r\nFor a family-run farm balancing multiple enterprises and responsibilities, that structure is invaluable. “The tight calving spread suits us as we can really focus on it and are around the yard to supervise cows calving,” say John. “It gets more difficult with the later calved cows as there are lots of other jobs going on at the same time and the same focus isn’t there.”\r\n<h2>5. Tracking KPIs<\/h2>\r\nAs part of the Future Beef programme, John and James regularly track key performance metrics which are linked to their profit, see Table 1.\r\n\r\nThe calving interval and spring six week calving rate in the herd are well on target. Reducing mortality will help to increase the calves per cow per year.\r\n\r\nJohn and James’s biggest focus area will be reducing the age at first calving. In order to build the herd numbers they were selecting two year old heifers to breed from instead of buying in animals. “From next year we expect to be in a position where a higher percentage of the heifers will be bred at 15 months of age for calving at 24 months,” says James.\r\n\r\nGood weaning weights and maternal genetics are central to selecting these, while also matching them to an easy calving bull.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key breeding metrics on the farm<\/strong>\r\n<table id=\"table_1\" class=\"table table-bordered table-hover\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.95\">KPI<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.82\">John &amp; James' Herd 2025<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">Target<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.95\">Calving interval (days)<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">366<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.99\">&lt;365<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.97\">Mortality at 28 days<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">6.3%<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.93\">&lt;5%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=95.74\">Calves per COW per year<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">0.89<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">0.95<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.72\">Heifers calved at 22-26 months (%)<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">45%<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">100%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.96\">Spring 6 week calving rate<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=100\">70%<\/td>\r\n<td title=\"Character Accurarcy=99.8\">&gt;70%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Future plans<\/h2>\r\nLooking ahead, John and James see synchronisation as part of a broader shift towards precision management. Compact calving improves grassland utilisation, aligns peak milk demand with peak grass growth for suckler cows, and produces more uniform cattle for sale. Each element feeds into the next, creating a cohesive system built around efficiency.\r\n\r\nIn an industry where time is as valuable as output, the Dunnes’ synchronised approach shows that smarter breeding may well be the key to a more resilient and sustainable beef enterprise.\r\n<h3>Date for your diary<\/h3>\r\nJohn and James are hosting a Future Beef farm walk on <strong>Friday 5th June<\/strong> 2026. All are welcome to attend.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/Todays-Farm-Web-Access-Edition-Apr-Jun-2026.pdf\">This article was first published in Today’s Farm<\/a>","id":"256352","title":"Synchronising sucklers for AI","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-03 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/beef-photos\/Cows-and-calves-on-John-Dunnes-farm-in-April-2025.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/Clonakilty-dairy-cows-Feature.png","release_date":"2026-05-03","description":"Nationally, milk fat percentage consistently declines from spring to summer in Irish dairy systems.","main_body":"As part of the Moorepark Open Day, Christopher Heffernan and Michael Dineen examined some of the possible causes, read their full paper below:\r\n\r\nMilk fat contributes to the economic value of milk, as it can be processed into various food ingredients, including butter, cheese, cream, and whole milk powder. Milk fat is the most variable component of milk, with fluctuations driven by nutritional, environmental, and genetic factors.\r\n\r\nIn Ireland, there is a consistent annual reduction in milk fat percentage from spring (i.e. February\/March) to summer (i.e. May\/June), with a 0.44% reduction observed nationally during 2023 (CSO, 2024; Figure 1). The predominantly spring-calving system employed in Ireland likely contributes to a proportion of the annual reduction as it coincides with peak lactation.\r\n\r\nHowever, previous research suggests that the reduction occurs typically in May for both spring- and autumn-calving cows, suggesting that the time of year may influence milk fat more than the stage of lactation. Therefore, this seasonal decline in milk fat percentage may be associated with dietary factors (e.g. pasture fibre concentration) or environmental influences (e.g. day length) during this high-risk period.\r\n<h2>Nutritional impacts<\/h2>\r\nDuring the high-risk period (i.e. April\/May\/June), reductions in milk fat production have been suggested to be driven by nutritional factors such as low fibre and high fat concentrations in pasture.\r\n\r\nFibre digestion provides building blocks for milk fat production while also maintaining stable rumen conditions. If rumen conditions are unfavourable and too much unsaturated fatty acids are consumed, compounds can be formed in the rumen that reduce milk fat production.\r\n\r\nTwo recent observational experiments conducted on commercial Irish dairy farms did not find evidence linking these factors to reduced milk fat percentage. In both experiments, pasture fibre and fat were maintained at satisfactory concentrations across the high-risk period to maintain milk fat production.\r\n\r\nIt is possible that milk fat percentage is reduced when this pasture nutritive value interacts with concentrate supplementation. However, the impact of concentrate supplementation on milk fat in pasture-based systems remains inconsistent, with substantial effects likely requiring high levels of concentrate supplementation (e.g. &gt; 5 kg\/day) or significant changes in concentrate formulation (e.g. high starch content).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257488\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/milk-fat-profile.png\" alt=\"A graph showing the seasonal decline and rise in milk fat profiles\" width=\"602\" height=\"281\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1. Fat percentage of milk supplied to Irish milk processors each month from 2014 to 2023 (CSO, 2024)<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Genetic factors<\/h2>\r\nSelection for high milk fat percentage predicted transmitting ability (PTA) has proven effective in increasing average milk fat percentage. Experiments have demonstrated that for every 0.1% increase in PTA, there is an associated 0.25–0.29% increase in actual milk fat percentage. However, it appears that the reduction in milk fat percentage during late spring to early summer may still occur in herds with high milk fat percentage PTA, suggesting that genetics can raise the baseline but may not prevent the observed decline.\r\n<h2>Environmental factors<\/h2>\r\nRecent studies from Penn State University suggest that milk fat fluctuations across the year may be influenced by natural biological rhythms within cows, specifically circannual rhythms, which can be regulated by changes in photoperiod (i.e. day length). These rhythms appear to operate independently of feed quality or heat stress and could explain a considerable proportion of the seasonal variation in milk fat. Furthermore, the magnitude of the effect is possibly influenced by latitude and hence its connection with a change in day length. Interestingly, countries in the southern hemisphere appear to experience an inversed annual rhythm to Ireland. Though the mechanisms are not fully understood, these biological cycles may be important contributors to milk fat fluctuations and could be an important factor to take into account when making management decisions on farms.\r\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\r\nThe decline in milk fat from spring to early summer presents a substantial economic concern for producers and processors. While genetics and nutrition both influence overall milk fat, they do not seem to explain or resolve the seasonal milk fat reduction. Emerging evidence points towards a consistent annual biological rhythm as a key factor which may be largely outside the control of management.\r\n<h2>Acknowledgements<\/h2>\r\nWe thank the participating commercial farmers and acknowledge the research funding by the Irish Dairy Levy via Dairy Research Ireland.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Moorepark-2025-Open-Day-Book.pdf\">For more insights, view the full Moorepark Open Day book here (PDF)<\/a>.","id":"257484","title":"Understanding the seasonal milk fat reduction","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-05-03 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/Clonakilty-dairy-cows-Feature.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/filtration-ponds-at-Newford.png","release_date":"2026-05-02","description":"Following the relocation of Newford Farm to Scrine, Co. Roscommon, Alana Coyne of Dawn Meats writes, a strong emphasis was placed on ensuring that the farmyard and roadway infrastructure was designed and managed in a way that protects local water quality, reduces environmental risk and improves overall farm efficiency. ","main_body":"To support this objective, the farm availed of funding through the Farming for Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP), which enabled the implementation of a number of practical, targeted measures.\r\n\r\nThe primary driver behind these measures was the need to separate clean rainwater from contaminated yard water and to manage surface water flows more effectively. Uncontrolled rainwater entering the yard increases the volume of grey water that must be treated and significantly raises the risk of nutrient and sediment losses to nearby watercourses, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.\r\n\r\nA series of concrete water bars were installed on the farm roadway to divert surface rainwater away from the yard and back into adjoining fields. This reduces the volume of water entering the yard, minimises wear and tear on the roadway surface, and lowers the overall quantity of grey water generated. The EIP contributed €213 per water bar installed.\r\n\r\nClean rainwater from roofs and roadways is diverted into a separate drainage system, ensuring that only contaminated water enters the treatment system. This separation improves the effectiveness of downstream filtration and reduces the risk of overloading the yard water management infrastructure.\r\n\r\nGood yard management is also critical. The use of a bucket and brush to regularly remove silage residues, soil and organic material from the yard helps keep runoff as clean as possible before it reaches the treatment system. Cleaner runoff improves the efficiency of sediment capture and reduces maintenance requirements. The farm availed of €2,000 from the EIP towards the bucket and brush.\r\n\r\nAt the centre of the system are the farmyard settlement tanks, which collect yard runoff and allow heavier sediment and solids to settle out before the water moves on for further treatment. The two chamber settlement tank system, with a combined capacity of 7,000 gallons, plays a key role in protecting the downstream treatment features. Routine monitoring and periodic cleaning of the tanks are essential to maintain performance and prevent sediment carryover. The funding available for one farmyard settlement tank is €6,500 through the Farming for Water EIP.\r\n\r\nFollowing the settlement tanks, water flows into a series of three shallow ponds, each measuring 15 × 15 metres and approximately half a metre deep. These ponds are designed to slow water movement and facilitate the removal of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus through natural biological processes. The ponds will be planted with aquatic vegetation, which enhances nutrient uptake, improves filtration efficiency during the growing season, and delivers an additional biodiversity benefit. The EIP assisted with €800 towards each of the small-scale wetland ponds.\r\n\r\nAfter passing through the ponds, water enters a vegetated bunded drain, which provides a final polishing stage. This drain further slows the flow of water, allowing remaining nutrients to be absorbed back into the soil profile before the water exits the farmyard system. The EIP contributed €1,000 towards the vegetated bunded drain.\r\n\r\nOverall, these EIP measures deliver multiple benefits to the Newford system. They significantly reduce the environmental risk associated with farmyard runoff, help protect local watercourses, and demonstrate strong environmental stewardship. From a farm management perspective, they also reduce the volume of contaminated water requiring treatment, improve yard durability, and provide a practical, replicable example of how environmental protection and efficient farm operation can be achieved together.\r\n\r\nNewford availed of the Farming for Water EIP funding which was available at the time. The EIP is currently closed with hopes to reopen in Late May dependant on funding. It is a €60 million initiative launched in 2024 which was co-funded by the EU and Ireland to directly fund farmers for water quality improvements beyond regulatory compliance. Priority is given to specific catchments where water quality has declined and areas with significant agricultural pressures.\r\n\r\nThe above was first published as part of the Newford Open Day. <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/NewfordOpenDay-2026.pdf\">For further insights, view the Newford Open Day book (PDF) here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/a-new-focus-for-newford\/\">A new focus for Newford<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/successful-newford-open-day\/\">Successful Newford Open Day<\/a>","id":"257451","title":"EIP measures implemented on Newford farm","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-02 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/filtration-ponds-at-Newford.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beef-bull-with-calf-Featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-02","description":"As calving season winds down, it’s time to shift your attention to breeding. Some preparation now can make all the difference later. Sarah Lily James tells us more.","main_body":"<h2>Bull<\/h2>\r\nYour bull significantly impacts the genetic make-up of your herd. Look for good legs and feet with no sign of lameness. He should also have a strong drive to mate and be producing enough healthy sperm. If you had any problems last year, it's worth getting a fertility test done - it's a small cost compared to carrying empty cows through the winter.\r\n<h2>Cows<\/h2>\r\nEnsure cows receive adequate mineral supplementation before breeding commences. If problems have occurred in the past, consult with your vet and blood test 6-8% of cows at least three weeks before breeding and take corrective action as needed.\r\n\r\nCow condition is another vital factor - cows should be at a BCS of 2.5 at breeding for both spring and autumn calving herds. Cows in good condition conceive faster and calve down easier next year.\r\n<h2>Heifers<\/h2>\r\nReplacement heifers are the future of your herd. Breeding your own replacements reduces disease and if done well, improves genetics and saves money. Look for good feet and legs - you can often get a sense of this by looking at her dam. The dam is also a useful guide for milk production, temperament, and fertility. For the sire, look for positive figures for daughter milk and negative figures for daughter calving interval.\r\n\r\nGood body shape without excess muscle on a small animal helps reduce calving difficulty. Weight for age also matters - aim for 1.1 kg per day from birth, achieving a pre-breeding target of 60% of their mature live weight. A Eurostar rating of 4 or 5 stars is recommended, with positive figures for milk and temperament, and negative figures for calving interval to keep calving compact.\r\n\r\nGetting the bulls, cows and replacement heifers right sets you up for a smooth breeding season, and a successful calving season next year.\r\n<h2>Watch out for grass tetany<\/h2>\r\nWith most herds now out grazing, keep a close eye out for grass tetany, also known as staggers. This is caused by a magnesium deficiency and tends to happen when animals graze heavy, lush paddocks that are high in potassium and phosphorus but low in fibre and magnesium.\r\n\r\nSigns to watch for include muscle twitching, staggering, and nervousness.\r\n\r\nFor prevention, consider:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Adding CalMag to meal<\/li>\r\n \t<li>High-mag buckets or blocks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Magnesium boluses<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Dusting pasture with CalMag powder<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Making the most of your first silage cut<\/h2>\r\nCutting silage removes far more nutrients from the soil than grazing. For every tonne of grass per hectare, 3.2 units of phosphorus (P) and 24 units of potassium (K) is removed. When land is grazed however, around 60% of the P and 90% of the K is returned to the soil through animal dung. Aim to cut in May to hit a dry matter digestibility (DMD) of 75%. Teagasc research shows that leaving cutting beyond late May can reduce DMD by 2–3% per week.\r\n\r\nTo get the best from your first cut, slurry should be used as efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, the wet conditions this year may have made grazing silage ground difficult, leaving heavy covers of 1,000–1,200 kg DM\/ha that are unsuitable for slurry application. In that case, a good compound fertiliser high in P, K, and sulphur is your best option, something like 13-6-20+S or 12-8-20+S at 3 bags per acre. Top this up with protected urea and sulphur (e.g. 38+7 or 40+7) at 1.5–2 bags per acre. Sulphur can help plants to use nitrogen more efficiently and supports higher yields. Of course, nutrient application should always be dictated by the result of your soil samples.\r\n\r\nSome useful information to note is that a typical first cut of 5 T DM\/ha (or 10 T fresh grass per acre) needs approximately 80 -100 units of nitrogen, 16 units of phosphorus, 100 units of potassium, and 15 units of sulphur.\r\n<h2>BISS - don't miss the deadline<\/h2>\r\n<strong>Make sure your BISS application is submitted before 15<sup>th<\/sup> May. <\/strong>\r\n\r\nYou can make changes to your application, such as correcting your claimed area or adding new land parcels, up until 31<sup>st<\/sup> May without any penalty. Late applications and changes are accepted until 9<sup>th<\/sup> June 2026, but a penalty of 1% per working day late will apply for each day beyond the deadline.","id":"256695","title":"Getting ready for the breeding season","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-02 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-05 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Beef-bull-with-calf-Featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Field-of-silage-with-cows-in-background-Featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-01","description":"The cost of silage production is set to rise this year given current pressures on input and service prices. However, the difficult spring period again underlined the value of having adequate quantity, and quantity of silage in place.","main_body":"To help farmers in this regard as the silage season kicks into gear, Teagasc will host a webinar ‘<em>Gearing up for Silage 2026’<\/em> on Tuesday, 5<sup>th<\/sup> May at 8pm. Tuesday’s webinar will address some key management issues for dairy and drystock farmers in this context.\r\n\r\n“Farmers across the country are understandably concerned about the cost of making winter feed this year. That said, demand for silage next winter will be largely unchanged so the overall silage plan on farms has to meet the budget targets,” Teagasc Dairy Advisor and host of the webinar, Deirbhle Browne explained.\r\n<blockquote>“Our webinar will seek to answer practical questions such as the cost of pit silage versus bales, does bulking first cut make sense this year, if fertiliser was delayed can silage still be harvested early, and what effect will silage strategy have on feed costs next winter?”<\/blockquote>\r\n<h2>Silage costs<\/h2>\r\nTo discuss these points and more, Deirbhle will be joined by an expert panel on the night. Dr Peter Doyle, grassland researcher in Teagasc Grange, has done extensive work on different silage cropping systems; he will present the comparative costs for a range of silage harvesting strategies for different beef and dairy systems, with updated input prices factored in.\r\n<h2>Balancing quality and quantity<\/h2>\r\nBernard Ging, dairy farmer from Portlaoise, will share his real-world experience of balancing good silage yields and quality across multiple silage cuts. Bernard places a big emphasis on having excellent silage in stock for his high performing spring-calving dairy herd. He uses this home-grown feed to maintain diet quality and keep feed costs down during early and late lactation, and also during periods of summer drought.\r\n<h2>Beef feeding considerations<\/h2>\r\nDavid Argue, Teagasc Beef Specialist in Ballyhaise, will look at the effect of silage Dry matter Digestibility (DMD) on animal performance in calf-to-beef and suckler systems. He will also look at the costs of balancing diets with concentrates for different stock types on beef farms.\r\n<h2>Achieving good preservation<\/h2>\r\nFinally, Dave Davies, a UK based consultant with Silage Solutions Ltd, will talk through the key practical points on achieving a good preservation of the silage crop, including the effect of Nitrogen fertiliser on cutting dates, testing the crop for sugars, the value of wilting, and decisions on use of silage additives.\r\n\r\nThere will be plenty of opportunity for audience members to submit their questions on the night, so please register in good time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/event\/silage-2026\/\">To register for the ‘Gearing up for Silage’ webinar, visit here<\/a>.","id":"258334","title":"Answering the key questions on silage 2026","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Field-of-silage-with-cows-in-background-Featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Picture1-On-Welll-Pig-e1777639572542.jpg","release_date":"2026-05-01","description":"The OneWelPig project, which aimed to advance sustainable and high-welfare pig production systems across the island of Ireland, hosted its final project event on 29th April 2026 at Teagasc Ashtown. A highlight of the event was the launch of a cross-industry Roadmap for Higher Welfare Irish Pig Farming.","main_body":"The event showcased key findings from the four-year collaborative project funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland (NI) under the Competitive Research Funding Programme (2021R600). The project brought together researchers from Teagasc, University College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute.\r\n\r\nA unique approach of the project was that it applied a ‘One Welfare’ framework, recognising the interconnected health and welfare of animals, people and the environment they share. The project evaluated alternative systems for producing pigs indoors and is the first on the island of Ireland to study pasture-based and agroforestry production systems. In all cases, the research was approached from social, animal and environmental perspectives.\r\n\r\nThe most significant output for the Republic of Ireland (ROI) is the publication of a plan for transitioning parts of the industry towards higher-welfare systems, which was co-designed with stakeholders. The Roadmap for Higher Welfare Pig Farming presents a vision of an enlarged outdoor\/free range pig production sector, a new higher welfare indoor sector and standard good welfare pig production. In addition, 5-year and 20-year aims are presented, along with recommendations for how to achieve this change.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt alignnone wp-image-258183\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OneWelPig-Final-Project-Event-Launch-of-Roadmap-for-Higher-Welfare-Irish-Pig-Farming-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Pictured at the launch of the OneWelPig Event and Launch of the roadmap for higher welfare Irish pig farming\" width=\"700\" height=\"467\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/>\r\n\r\nLaura Boyle, Teagasc, OneWelPig Principal Investigator, explained: “The true cost of conventionally produced pigmeat is higher than what we pay at the till with associated negative impacts on humans, animals, and the environment. These ‘One Welfare costs’ make it incumbent on us to investigate sustainable alternatives.\r\n<blockquote>“OneWelPig demonstrated that these systems deliver One Welfare benefits though there are some trade-offs. Our final event disseminated years of rigorous research translating it into valuable lessons learned for producers, policymakers, and the wider supply chain.”<\/blockquote>\r\nSiobhan Mullan, UCD, Lead project partner and Chair of the Roadmap Working Group, added: “I’m delighted that representatives from DAFM, IFA, AHI, Bord Bia, Veterinary Ireland and Teagasc, as well as conventional and outdoor pig farmers, considered both scientific evidence and experiences of other countries, and reached a consensus in proposing this clear pathway to achieve an increase in alternative pig production in Ireland.\r\n\r\n<strong>“We believe the mechanisms required are achievable through effective incentives and advisory support, and we hope that before too long consumers will have ready access to higher welfare pork products across the country.”<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIlias Kyriazakis, Queen’s University Belfast, Lead project partner, continued: ‘‘Queen’s led the assessment of the environmental and social impacts associated with the system changes proposed by OneWelPig. Outdoor pig farms carry a higher carbon footprint, yet they deliver substantially lower terrestrial and aquatic pollution impacts compared with conventional indoor systems.\r\n<blockquote>“At the same time, we found that farmers and workers in outdoor enterprises report greater job satisfaction, even though they face greater financial insecurity than their conventional counterparts.<\/blockquote>\r\n“These findings highlight the complex trade-offs inherent in transitioning to alternative pig systems and underscore the need for balanced, evidence-based policy and investment decisions,” said Ilias Kyriazakis.\r\n\r\nStephanie Buijs, AFBI, Lead project partner, explained: “It was great to see how the pigs thrived in the outdoor environments that we evaluated at our test facility at Loughgall. They made good use of the opportunity to go out to root and explore their surroundings, had very few health issues and grew well.\r\n\r\n“We were quite surprised to see that even in the local climate, heat may be a bigger challenge for pigs than cold or wet weather. However, environmental impacts like nutrient leaching were challenging and required adapted management during wet periods,” Stephanie Buijs added.\r\n\r\n<strong>Event highlights: <\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Presentation of major research findings in terms of animal, human, and environmental lessons learned.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Lesson learned about the potential of high welfare pig production from study tours abroad.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stakeholder panel discussions on One Welfare Trade-offs: barriers and opportunities for adoption of alternative systems.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Networking opportunities with researchers, farmers, industry representatives, and policymakers.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Launch of the OneWelPig Roadmap (ROI only), outdoor pig producers map and consumer facing video.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>What’s next for OneWelPig? Threats associated with the lack of local abattoirs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt alignnone size-full wp-image-258181\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OneWelPig-Logo.png\" alt=\"OneWelPig Logo\" width=\"431\" height=\"211\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/><\/div>","id":"258309","title":"OneWelPig Final Project Event and launch of a Roadmap for Higher Welfare Pig Farming","category":"Pigs &amp; Poultry","release_date_time":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Picture1-On-Welll-Pig-e1777639572542.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BE290426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-05-01","description":"DairyBeef 500 Advisor, Tommy Cox is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss transitioning calves to grass.","main_body":"When calves underperform during their first season at pasture, it makes it difficult to achieve key performance targets, irrespective of systems further down the line.\r\n\r\nFailing to hit average daily gain targets of 0.7-0.8 kg\/day results in delayed slaughter, the production of lighter carcasses and\/or the introduction of additional concentrates to try and recover the loss in performance recorded over the first grazing season. Therefore, ensuring calves perform to their optimum over the first 12 weeks of life is important.\r\n\r\nTommy highlights the fact that the majority of calf-to-beef producers opt to wean their calves prior to moving them from the calf shed to the field. During this period, calves may suffer a post-weaning growth check and subsequently disease outbreak as a result of: the low intake of dry feed up until weaning; the high intake of low-energy, bulky forages; or stress when feeds are changed.\r\n\r\nHe advises to feed concentrates before, during and after weaning to limit the level of growth check experienced.\r\n\r\nCalves should be offered concentrates (1-2 kg\/day) for 2-3 weeks post-turnout. Concentrate supplementation provides the calf with adequate time to become accustomed to grazing before an all-grass diet is offered.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/318c174e\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/dairy-calf-to-beef\/dairybeef-500\/dairybeef-500-factsheets\/the-first-12-weeks-at-grass-for-dairy-beef-calves\/\">For further information on managing dairy-beef calves at grass, read a factsheet from the DairyBeef 500 team<\/a>.\r\n\r\nFor regular updates, <a href=\"https:\/\/715b076b.sibforms.com\/serve\/MUIEAOtu4NEwccPdhx3ZkW6P1Peds3AY5Ytio9NpRo6s8CTzkocoSbOuu8VtqEbhYQrwj4OwQxSkAL_LzKiwm3mFaN8g3HRvs_FAnssfjJhjKuxDXgJeH32zXND2ucsYLayaIFQ23s1NkplWT41oUdYE2QJshye_SB-Dmym8E42uyBK-7wEDyCtL881MEPoT7Cpsh4wkHeUP75B7\">sign up to the DairyBeef 500 e-newsletter here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nProduced on behalf of Teagasc by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>, more episodes and information are available on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/thebeefedge\">the Beef Edge podcast show page<\/a>.","id":"257988","title":"Transitioning calves to grass","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BE290426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Alder-sapling.png","release_date":"2026-05-01","description":"The ExAl project investigates how naturally occurring microorganisms can enhance alder resilience to dieback disease. Teagasc PhD student, Emma Fuller and Dheeraj Singh Rathore, Tree Improvement Research Officer at Teagasc, tell us more.","main_body":"Ireland’s common alder (<em>Alnus glutinosa<\/em>) is an important species in wetland ecosystems, where it supports biodiversity and enhances soil fertility through its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. However, alder populations are increasingly threatened by dieback disease caused by <em>Phytophthora alni<\/em>, posing a significant risk to wetland ecosystems. This decline affects biodiversity as well as reduces the ecological and economic value of alder within Irish forestry systems. In Ireland, alder occupies approximately 19.65 thousand hectares, representing about 2.8% of the total forest area and around 9% of the broadleaf forest area (National Forest Inventory, 2022)\r\n\r\nThe ExAl project, launched in September 2022 as part of the tree improvement programme at Teagasc in collaboration with the South East Technological University, Carlow, aims to deepen our understanding of the relationship between alder trees and the microorganisms that live on and within them. By exploring these interactions, the project investigates how beneficial microbes could be used to improve tree health and enhance disease resilience.\r\n<h2>Why the microbiome matters for tree health<\/h2>\r\nTrees are closely associated with diverse communities of microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These microbes can play important roles in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion and protection against pathogens.\r\n\r\nUnderstanding which microorganisms are consistently associated with healthy trees, often referred to as the core microbiome, can help identify beneficial microbes that may support disease tolerance and overall tree health. For example, certain bacteria such as <em>Pseudomonas<\/em> and <em>Bacillus<\/em> species can produce antimicrobial compounds or volatile organic compounds that suppress pathogen growth, while also stimulating plant defence responses that help the tree resist infection.\r\n\r\nHarnessing these naturally occurring microbes offers a sustainable, nature-based approach to managing tree diseases, reducing reliance on chemical intervention and supporting more resilient forest ecosystems.\r\n<h2>Investigating alder-associated microbial communities<\/h2>\r\nThe ExAl project combines field sampling, laboratory experiments and controlled glasshouse studies to investigate alder-associated microbiome and identify potential bio-agents for disease management.\r\n\r\nKey areas of research include:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Investigating the core microbiome of alder trees in Ireland, across tissues, seasons and locations.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Isolating culturable microbes and screening them for antagonistic activity against <em>Phytophthora alni <\/em>using laboratory-based inhibition assays.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Evaluating potential bio-agents to assess their ability to reduce disease development under controlled conditions.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h3>Key findings from ExAl research - from microbiome analysis to disease control<\/h3>\r\nA major focus of the project has been the development of robust methods to analyse microbial communities across different tree compartments and associated soil. This has enabled large-scale sequencing of alder-associated microbiomes, helping to identify key microbes linked to tree health.\r\n\r\nIn parallel, more than 500 microbes have been isolated from alder tissues, with 257 screened for their ability to suppress <em>Phytophthora alni<\/em>. Several strains have shown strong inhibitory activity and have been further characterised using genetic and biochemical approaches.\r\n\r\nThe most promising candidates are currently being evaluated in controlled glasshouse experiments, where early results indicate their potential to reduce disease symptoms and slow disease progression in alder seedlings.\r\n<h2>Supporting sustainable forest health<\/h2>\r\nThe ExAl project highlights the potential of microbiome-based solutions for managing tree diseases in a sustainable way. By identifying and utilising beneficial microbes naturally associated with alder, this research supports the development of environmentally friendly strategies to protect alder.\r\n\r\nThis work contributes to the establishment of more resilient forests and the long-term sustainability of Ireland’s wetland ecosystems, particularly in nursery production systems and future planting programmes.\r\n<h2>Next steps<\/h2>\r\nOngoing work focuses on completing microbiome analyses to define the core microbial communities associated with healthy alder trees, alongside further evaluation of candidate bio-agents under controlled conditions.\r\n\r\nFuture research will explore how these beneficial microbes can be effectively applied within forestry systems, contributing to the development of resilient planting material and supporting the long-term health of Ireland’s wetland ecosystems.\r\n\r\nThis research forms part of a wider effort to develop innovative, sustainable approaches to tree health, combining microbiology, plant pathology and forestry science, ultimately translating research findings into practical forestry applications.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/research\/exal-project\/\">Further information on Teagasc’s ExAl project is available here<\/a>","id":"257861","title":"The ExAl project: Exploring common alder’s resilience to dieback disease","category":"Forestry","release_date_time":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Alder-sapling.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/uncontrolled-corn-marigold-in-winter-wheat.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-30","description":"Weed control in spring cereals is a key priority for growers, writes Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops Knowledge Transfer, who shares practical steps growers can take when coping with the challenge of herbicide resistance.","main_body":"Over the last 30 years, we have had access to some excellent herbicides, which meant many farmers did not have to worry too much about product choice - just one or two key products usually did the job.\r\n\r\nThe backbone of that control has been the sulfonylurea\/ALS group (HRAC Group 2) - products such as Ally Max, Cameo Max and Harmony M. Given how effective these products are, they were relied on to do the heavy lifting of control.\r\n\r\nProducts in this group act in a similar way, although there are small differences in their relative strengths and weaknesses on particular weeds. Because they share similar mode of action, it was always recommended to apply them with a partner product from a different chemistry group - typically a hormone type herbicide (MCPA, 2,4 D, MCPP, mecoprop, etc.). Some farmers implemented this strategy more consistently than others, and its effectiveness varies by weed species.\r\n\r\nResistance to the sulfonylurea\/ALS products is now widespread. It is very common to find ALS resistant chickweed across many farms. Other resistant broadleaves include corn marigold, poppy, and there are suspected cases in speedwells and other weeds. Where resistance exists, weeds often survive and go on to set seed, making the problem worse year on year.\r\n\r\nFirst steps to identifying resistant weeds in your tillage ground is to check your spray records and review which weeds were poorly controlled: Did you see them flowering or heading in the crop or at harvest? If you took time to identify those problem weeds previously, that knowledge is extremely valuable now. Use those records to build a herbicide programme targeted at the species you failed to control, with the aim of reducing seed return.\r\n\r\nAdding a hormone based herbicide to a sulfonylurea can be important for controlling many resistant broadleaved weeds. Examples:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>For chickweed, consider add mecoprop-P(CMPP), fluroxypyr or Pixxaro.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>For resistant poppy populations, Pixxaro, florasulam or MCPA may give control (control is population specific to that field).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>For corn marigold, clopyralid (products such as Gartrel or Galaxy) can be effective.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>A few important points<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>If a population is already resistant to an ALS herbicide, do not assume another Group 2 product will work - cross resistance within the group is common.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Confirm the resistance where possible: use bioassays or lab testing through your local diagnostic service or Teagasc advisor to understand the mechanism and likely cross resistance patterns.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Integrate non-chemical measures (rotation, competitive crops, timely cultivation) and utilise herbicides with genuinely different modes of action rather than switching between similar products.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Always follow product labels and legal requirements when selecting and mixing herbicides, and seek local advice for tailored control programs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Further insights<\/h2>\r\nOn this episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, join Michael Hennessy to explain how to get good weed control in spring cereals, even where resistance is an issue.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/532ede14\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>","id":"258121","title":"Spring cereals – coping with herbicide resistance","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/uncontrolled-corn-marigold-in-winter-wheat.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/TE300426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-30","description":"Weed control is becoming more difficult, with herbicide resistance of one or more weeds now on most farms.  For this episode of the Tillage Edge, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan explain how to get good weed control in spring cereals, even where resistance is an issue. ","main_body":"Shay says that sequencing weed control around wild oats can be effective in ensuring good control of all weeds, while Ciaran says that tank mixing of a number of products in the same tank is possible, with some care, but he emphasises a strong growing plant is key to minimising damage to the plant.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/532ede14\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/the-tillage-edge-podcast\/\">For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\nProduced on behalf of Teagasc by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>.","id":"257983","title":"Controlling weeds and wild oats in spring cereals","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/TE300426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/kay-o-sullivan-Signpost-graphic.png","release_date":"2026-04-30","description":"Kay O’Sullivan, organic farmer and participant in the Teagasc Future Beef and Signpost Programmes, has been managing red clover silage swards successfully for the past number of years. In this update, she shares some of the key management tasks involved.","main_body":"Once red clover is managed correctly, it should last 5 to 6 years. In the first year of establishment, it is important to let the plant flower before cutting. When harvesting red clover, I aim for 48 hours of dry weather to allow the clover to wilt. To avoid damaging the growing point when mowing, it is very important to keep the blades of the mower the height of a mobile phone off the ground. I don’t ted out the silage, and I just leave in rows and bale, as some of the leaves could break. Typically, I get an average 8 to 9 bales to the acre with three cuts per year. As red clover is a nutrient hungry crop, slurry is spread using the dribble bar after each cut.\r\n<h2>Reseeding<\/h2>\r\nThe redstart area, where cattle were outwintered, will be reseeded. I plan on putting in 5 acres of multi-species into that ground. I also have another 5 acres earmarked to reseeding with red clover silage. I selected this paddock based on grass measurement conducted throughout 2025 and early 2026. The data indicates that this paddock has consistently underperformed in terms of grass growth and productivity compared to the rest of the farm.\r\n\r\nI operate a minimum-till reseeding programme every year on my farm. As part of this approach, I use a false seedbed system to help control weeds before reseeding. This involves preparing the seedbed in advance to encourage weed seeds to germinate and then discing for a second time to eliminate these seedlings prior to sowing the new sward. I find this works really well in my organic system, where I am not permitted to use any herbicides.\r\n\r\nI am also reseeding a small area with Egyptian clover, Persian clover, and a Westerwolds silage mix this year.  I have grown this previously and found it to be a very fast growing crop, which gives a very high yield of high-quality silage with a high protein content.\r\n<h2>The suckler herd<\/h2>\r\nAll calves were weighed at birth with an average weight of 45kg, with one calf from a first calver weighing 63kg (sired by Tubridmore Twomey). I only used one AI straw from this bull.  It will be very interesting to see how this calf performs compared to his comrades over the next 12 months.\r\n\r\nThe cows and calves are out full time in sheltered paddocks, and they are moved to fresh grass every three days. They have access to a hi-mag \/ high fertility mineral lick. The cattle finished grazing the Redstart in March and they were weighed and moved to last year’s reseed of multi species. The first grazing rotation is almost complete, with slurry being applied to a few grazing paddocks low in P, with additional slurry being applied to the silage ground. I did the 5th grass walk of 2026 last week and the measures were uploaded to PastureBase. The farm cover was 1,082kg DM\/ha or 644kg DM\/LU with 40 days grass ahead of stock.\r\n<h2>Moth monitoring programme<\/h2>\r\nI got involved with the Farmer Moth Monitoring Programme with the National Biodiversity Data Centre last year. The first survey for 2026 has taken place. It involves putting down two traps on selected nights in two selected areas of the farm. The trap consists of a bucket with an LED light attached and egg cartons inside the bucket. Early morning, the traps are inspected and photos are taken of the moths and sent to Tim at the National Biodiversity Data Centre for recording. For April, I had a good result, one moth I got was called an oak beauty. It is a lovely moth with camouflage similar to a lichen covered tree trunk. The moths in the trap are then released by a hedge once all have been recorded.\r\n\r\nThe above first appeared in the <em>Farming Examiner<\/em> as part of a Signpost Programme updated and was adapted for use on Teagasc Daily.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">Find out more about the Teagasc Signpost Programme here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/demonstration-farms\/future-beef-programme\/\">Learn more about the Teagasc Future Beef Programme here<\/a>.","id":"257894","title":"Managing red clover under an organic farming system","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/kay-o-sullivan-Signpost-graphic.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/suckler-cows-and-calves-at-Grange.png","release_date":"2026-04-30","description":"With the grazing season now in full swing, Teagasc Beef Specialist, Niall Kerins takes a closer look at paddock sizes on beef farms. ","main_body":"Grazed grass is the cheapest and most valuable feed on a beef farm, so making the most of it really pays off. Walk your farm weekly to assess grass availability.\r\n\r\nThe aim during the grazing season is to grow grass in each paddock in three weeks and graze it within three days. Where this isn’t an option just yet, start by moving stock twice a week and build from there – use strip wires to divide up bigger fields on farm. This approach of moving cattle regularly ensures they always have access to fresh, leafy grass, which helps drive better liveweight gain and overall performance.\r\n\r\nAim to graze paddocks when grass covers are between 1,300kg DM\/ha and 1,500kg DM\/ha – approximately the height of three fistfuls of grass. At this stage, grass is at its best for energy and protein content.\r\n\r\nTo achieve a three-day grazing per group with a cover of 1300-1500 kg DM\/ha pre grazing, the tables below give an indication as to the size of paddock depending on your system:\r\n\r\n<strong>Table 1: Paddock sizes required for 500kg cattle<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 40.483%; height: 136px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.48379%; height: 23px;\"><strong>500kg animal<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3265%; height: 23px;\"><strong>Paddock size for three days<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.48379%; height: 23px;\">20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3265%; height: 23px;\">0.53ha (1.3 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.48379%; height: 23px;\">30<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3265%; height: 23px;\">0.75ha (1.9 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.48379%; height: 23px;\">40<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3265%; height: 23px;\">0.96ha (2.4 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.48379%; height: 23px;\">50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.3265%; height: 23px;\">1.2ha (2.9 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<strong>Table 2: Paddock sizes required for 300kg animals<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 41.11%; height: 115px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.0707%; height: 23px;\"><strong>300kg animal<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%; height: 23px;\"><strong>Paddock size for three days<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.0707%; height: 23px;\">20<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%; height: 23px;\">0.36ha (0.90 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.0707%; height: 23px;\">30<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%; height: 23px;\">0.49ha (1.2 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.0707%; height: 23px;\">40<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%; height: 23px;\">0.6ha (1.5 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.0707%; height: 23px;\">50<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%; height: 23px;\">0.75ha (1.9 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<strong>Table 3: Paddock sizes required for suckler cows and calves<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 41.2118%;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.1717%;\"><strong>Cows and calves<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%;\"><strong>Paddock size for three days<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.1717%;\">10 cows and calves<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%;\">0.36ha (0.9 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.1717%;\">20 cows and calves<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%;\">0.7ha (1.8 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.1717%;\">30 cows and calves<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%;\">1.1ha (2.7 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"width: 17.1717%;\">40 cows and calves<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 24.0404%;\">1.5ha (3.6 acres)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<strong>The moto is simple for managing grass in 2026:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>3 weeks growing<\/li>\r\n \t<li>3 fist full high<\/li>\r\n \t<li>3 days grazing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nRemember, small changes in grazing management can deliver high daily growth rates, improved animal health and farm profitability over time.","id":"257868","title":"What should be the paddock size on beef farms?","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/suckler-cows-and-calves-at-Grange.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Farmers-attending-Safer-workshop.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-30","description":"Featuring updates on the FarmBioNet and Safer Projects, assessing the effects of agroecology on biodiversity, a hedge planting demonstration and a guided tour of native flowering plants, the FarmBioNet and SAFER projects teamed up to host a one-day workshop on Kim and Mireille McCall’s Farm in Calverstown, Co. Kildare.","main_body":"Beth Bryan, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agroecologypartnership.eu\/en\/projects\/safer\">SAFER<\/a> project PhD student; Claudia Barry, Biodiversity Research Technician; Niall Walshe <a href=\"https:\/\/farmbionet.eu\/\">FarmBioNet<\/a> Research Officer; Meritxell Grau Butinyac, FarmBioNet Project Manager; Saorla Kavanagh FarmBioNet Project Coordinator &amp; Research Officer, report on some of the key activities from the event.\r\n\r\nThirty-six people, including roughly 15 farmers, came together to share knowledge on farming, biodiversity and agroecology. The participants included representatives from farming (arable, beef, dairy, mixed, sheep and upland), industry (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ornua.com\/\">Ornua<\/a>), policy (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine\/\">DAFM<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment\/\">DECC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage\/\">DHLGH<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npws.ie\/\">NPWS<\/a>), advisory (<a href=\"https:\/\/acresireland.ie\/breifne\/\">ACRES Breifne<\/a>), research (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/\">UCD<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tcd.ie\/\">TCD<\/a>), the <a href=\"https:\/\/biodiversityireland.ie\/\">NBDC<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heritagecouncil.ie\/\">Heritage Council<\/a> and representatives from <a href=\"https:\/\/projectbaseline.ie\/\">Project BASELINE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sceene-eip.com\/\">SCEENE-EIP,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/refarm.ie\/\">ReFarm<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/restpoll.eu\/\">RestPoll<\/a>.\r\n\r\nAfter a cup of tea and catch up among the Farming and Biodiversity National Network, Dr Saorla Kavanagh, kicked off the day with a presentation on some of the results from the FarmBioNet project.\r\n\r\nPhD student Beth Bryan introduced the SAFER project. SAFER, short for Strengthening Agricultural multiFunctionality through expansion of agroecology in EuRope, aims to understand and predict how increased use of agroecological farming practices could affect farmers and nature.\r\n<h2>Biodiversity sampling<\/h2>\r\nThe SAFER team are looking for sites for their biodiversity sampling campaign this summer and are looking for more farms in Co. Kildare and the surrounding counties. If you’re interested in being involved, please get in touch with Beth (<a href=\"mailto:beth.bryan@teagasc.ie\">beth.bryan@teagasc.ie<\/a> \/ +353892090437). The biodiversity sampling will involve earthworm counts, pollinator surveys, natural pest control evaluation and soil health assessments.\r\n<h2>Assessing the effects of agroecology on biodiversity<\/h2>\r\nWorking with a network of partners across Europe, the SAFER Irish team will assess the effects of agroecology on biodiversity and benefits derived from nature. They will work with farmers to understand the drivers of, and barriers to uptake of these agroecological practices. Postdoctoral researcher Aisling Moffat guided attendees through exercises and group discussions to share their views on how interested different groups are in land management and what level of influence they felt they had. The exercises concluded with an interesting discussion on the importance of different benefits derived from nature within the region.\r\n\r\nWorkshop participants were asked two specific questions:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Who is interested in and has influence over land use change in your area?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Which ecosystem services do you think are most important in your area?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Hedgerow planting demonstration<\/h2>\r\nThe afternoon continued with a practical hedgerow planting demonstration led by host farmer, Kim. His approach is refreshingly straightforward, no chemical herbicides, minimal labour and highly effective results. Using a ripper on the back of his tractor, Kim rips two lines into the soil to minimise soil disturbance before planting. This method, he explains, keeps soil disturbance to a minimum while naturally suppressing species like thistles and nettles that might outcompete the saplings. Replacing the sod eliminates the need for plastic membranes, mulching or herbicides.\r\n\r\nKim favours a mix of native and carefully selected non-native deciduous and coniferous trees that are proven to thrive under local conditions, ensuring a resilient and productive hedgerow over time. He also highlighted that saplings 30-60cm in height offer the best value for money, as they are tall enough to compete with surrounding grasses without requiring excessive maintenance.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257823\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Kim-McCall-Safer.jpg\" alt=\"A Zetor tractor and ripper being used to establish a bed prior to hedge planting\" width=\"694\" height=\"463\" \/>\r\n\r\nFor this demonstration, Spindle (<em>Euonymus europaeus<\/em>), Mirabelle Plum (<em>Prunus domestica<\/em>) and a few Field Maple (<em>Acer campestre<\/em>) were planted. Kim then fences off the newly-planted hedgerow with an electric fence, with a fencer with a high voltage, this means he can walk away from the hedge and not have to worry about any further maintenance to the hedge or the need to mechanically or chemically remove any plants that might grow tall enough to reduce the shock of the fence.\r\n\r\nThen it was time to get stuck in. Participants rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257821\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Hedge-planting-demonstration-Safer-workshop.jpg\" alt=\"Farmers participating in the hedge planting demonstration at the FarmBioNet\/Safer project workshop\" width=\"541\" height=\"680\" \/>\r\n\r\nParticipants were treated to an up-close look at a newly installed sand martin house on the farm, overlooking a newly dug pond, one of the many biodiversity ponds installed on the farm. The house will provide future nesting sites for sand martins and roosting sites for bats on the farm.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257820\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sand-martin-house-Safer-workshop.jpg\" alt=\"A sand martin house along side a pond\" width=\"700\" height=\"478\" \/>\r\n<h2>The vital role of native flowering plants<\/h2>\r\nPaul Galvin, a passionate native plant enthusiast guided participants through the vital role that native flowering plants play in supporting pollinators. Paul shared his knowledge on seed collection and plant propagation, demonstrating how to propagate native species including primroses, cowslips, ragged robin, knapweed and bird’s-foot trefoil.\r\n\r\nBy the end of the session, participants left with a goody bag filled with native plants, to bring a little more biodiversity back to their own gardens and farms, along with a new appreciation for the beauty and importance of Ireland’s native wildflower species. Feedback from the day was very positive with lots of opportunity for peer-to learning.\r\n\r\nThe Farmer-Focused Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network (<a href=\"https:\/\/farmbionet.eu\/\">FarmBioNet<\/a>) is a knowledge sharing agricultural European network aiming to reverse biodiversity loss by promoting biodiversity-friendly farming (BFF) practices across Europe. The network connects farmers, foresters, researchers, advisors and other stakeholders to exchange both traditional and evidence-based knowledge about farmland biodiversity.\r\n\r\nSAFER is funded through the Agroecology partnership Call 1 and in Ireland it is co-funded by The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Teagasc.\r\n\r\nFarmBioNet is co-funded by European Union’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme and SERI.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.agroecologypartnership.eu\/en\/projects\/safer\">For more on the SAFER Project, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/farmbionet.eu\/\">For more on the FarmBioNet Project, visit here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Related reading:<\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/have-your-say-what-are-your-thoughts-on-pollinator-conservation-in-agriculture\/\">Have your say: What are your thoughts on pollinator conservation in agriculture?<\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/exploring-a-new-baseline-for-irish-agriculture\/\">Exploring a new BASELINE for Irish agriculture<\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/farmbionet-workshop-brings-farmers-together-to-share-biodiversity-knowledge\/\">Biodiversity-friendly farming practices <\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/insights-from-farmbionets-second-workshop\/\">Insights from FarmBioNet’s second workshop<\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/biodiversity-and-productivity-can-go-hand-in-hand\/\">Biodiversity and productivity go hand in hand<\/a>","id":"257818","title":"Projects working together – news from the FarmBioNet and SAFER workshop","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Farmers-attending-Safer-workshop.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/NDC-farm-walk-2025-Ryan-family.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-29","description":"Winners of the 2025 NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards, the Ryan family of Lisheen, Moyne, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, will host a farm walk on June 24, 2026.","main_body":"Centred on the theme of ‘A Tradition of Excellence in Dairy’, Tom, Mary and, their son, Michael Ryan will host the event in association with Teagasc, Centenary Thurles Co-op, National Dairy Council (NDC) and Ornua, proud owners of the Kerrygold brand.\r\n\r\nFifth generation farms, the Ryans supply milk to Centenary Thurles Co-op and excelled through a comprehensive judging process that evaluated a range of topics including: Animal health and welfare, hygiene standards, dairy and parlour facilities, pride and passion, continuous improvement, sustainability and the environment, quality milk, nutrient management, livestock management, business management and farm infrastructure.\r\n\r\nThe Ryan’s have a herd of exceptional quality, a system grounded in science and sustainability, and a family united by pride in their land and livestock.\r\n\r\n“We are really proud of Tom, Mary and Michael’s achievement in winning this award and we thank them for hosting this upcoming farm walk in June. They produce milk of the highest quality for Centenary Thurles and are a great example of a family farm producing high-quality food,” said Joe Kerrigan, CEO, Centenary Thurles Co-op.\r\n\r\nDonal Mullane, Teagasc Regional Advisory Manager in Tipperary said: “The Ryan’s are doing an excellent job, and there is much to be seen and discussed on this farm that will help other producers from right around the country. “\r\n<blockquote>“All milk suppliers, not just those in county Tipperary, should make it their business to attend this farm walk on 24 June.”<\/blockquote>\r\nThe farm walk is organised jointly by Teagasc, Centenary Thurles Co-op, National Dairy Council and Ornua, and celebrates the excellence of Irish Dairy Farming, highlighted annually, by the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Awards.\r\n\r\nThe farm walk is open to all farmers, industry representatives, and anyone interested in the future of Irish dairy farming.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/milkwalk\">Find out more about the event or register to attend the event here<\/a>.","id":"257851","title":"Award winning dairy farming family to host national walk","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/NDC-farm-walk-2025-Ryan-family.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/McCarthy-spring-calving-cows-and-calves.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-29","description":"Suckler beef farms recorded a welcome improvement in profitability in 2025, as stronger beef prices helped offset input costs. Future Beef Programme Advisor, Aisling Molloy reports on the profit monitor results from the Teagasc Future Beef Programme farms.","main_body":"The profit monitor results from the Future Beef farms show a strong increase in profit margins, with a good spring, output gains and tighter cost control also playing a role.\r\n\r\nThis analysis includes 22 farms; 21 commercial farms plus the Newford herd in Co. Roscommon. The systems vary from suckler to weanling, store and\/or finish, combined with some dairy calf to beef operations. The farms are located right throughout the country and also include two organic farms. The average farm size in the programme is 50ha and the average herd size is 48 cows.\r\n\r\nThe main benchmarking figures include:\r\n<h2>1). Output per livestock unit: 368 kg\/LU (+4%)<\/h2>\r\nThis is a measure of everything that affects daily live weight gain on the farm, including bull fertility, cow fertility, mortality, grass management, animal health, silage quality, ration fed etc. The target is over 350 kg\/LU for a suckler system and 500kg\/LU for a dairy calf to beef system. The bull beef systems continuously rank the highest for this figure. This figure increased from 353kg\/LU in 2024, mainly due to an early spring which got grass into the diet and extra ration fed to increase weight at sale.\r\n<h2>2). Stocking rate: 1.87 LU\/ha (+1%)<\/h2>\r\nThe focus of the Future Beef Programme is to improve the individual performance of each animal rather than driving up stock numbers. Only one farm in the programme is in derogation. Other limitations to increasing stocking rate include land, labour and housing. Most of the farms are content with the stock numbers that they are at and while they plan to increase slurry storage on their farms, few intend to move past the stock numbers they are currently at. It increased slightly from 1.85 LU\/ha in 2024.\r\n<h2>3). Gross output: €3,007\/ha (+39%)<\/h2>\r\nThe gross output figure is calculated from cattle sales minus cattle purchases and add\/subtract any changes to the inventory. This is the main ‘money in the pot’ to cover variable and fixed costs on the farm. This figure clearly shows the benefit of a suckling system in 2025 where programme farmers had their stock born at cost price and weren’t competing with the live trade to buy in cattle at high prices. The higher prices resulted in a 39% higher gross output figure, up from €2,018\/ha in 2024.\r\n<h2>4). Variable costs: €1,294\/ha (+13%) &amp; 43% of gross output<\/h2>\r\nThe highest variable costs across the farms continue to be purchased concentrate, fertiliser and contractor bills, accounting for 67% of total variable costs. Other variable costs include purchased forage, veterinary, breeding, young stock costs, seed &amp; spray, other forage conservation costs, bedding and sundry costs. The variable costs can also be looked at in terms of the percentage of the gross output and this year’s figure was 43% which is well below the target of less than 50%. While variable costs were up 13% from €1,132\/ha in 2024, it was not a cause for concern with the higher output prices as they were 56% of the gross output figure in 2024.\r\n<h2>5). Gross margin: €1,713\/ha (+64%)<\/h2>\r\nThis is the most comparable figure across suckler beef farms as fixed costs tend to vary dramatically depending on the level of hired labour and depreciation because of investment on the farm. This is the highest group figure achieved in the programme to date. However, there was a significant range even within the programme of €346\/ha to €2,711\/ha. The lowest range bought in cattle at high prices and struggled to get a return on them, while the higher gross margin systems sold cattle at the peak of the beef prices - either as finishing bulls to the factory or commercial weanlings from their yard. Overall, the figure was 64% higher than €886\/ha in 2024.\r\n<h2>6). Fixed costs: €828\/ha (+14%)<\/h2>\r\nThe fixed costs include machinery running &amp; repair (which tends to be higher for farms with low contractor costs), machinery leases, hired labour, farm car, electricity, water, depreciation of machinery and buildings, repairs &amp; maintenance, insurance, professional fees and land lease charges. There is a wide range across the Future Beef Programme as it ranges from €458\/ha to €1,255\/ha and is expected to rise again due to investments in handling units, slurry storage and automated systems across the farms. Some of this investment was seen in 2025 as fixed costs increased from €720\/ha in 2024.\r\n<h2>7). Net margin (exc. direct payments): €884\/ha (+137%)<\/h2>\r\nWhen the fixed costs are taken away from the gross margin figure, this results in a net margin of €884\/ha, significantly higher than €166\/ha in 2024. When cattle only direct payments are included, this rises to €1,064\/ha which is a significant increase on 2024 margins of €313\/ha. Other direct payments are added such as BISS, CRISS and the eco scheme are then added to this.\r\n<h2>8). Grass utilised per ha: 7.89 t DM\/ha<\/h2>\r\nA new figure included in the 2025 profit monitor system is the grass utilised per hectare. This is calculated based on the stock numbers for the year and their feed demand, minus the imported feeds such as purchased forage and ration. When one outlier from the group is removed, it shows that every 1t of grass dry matter utilised\/ha was worth €107\/ha in net profit.\r\n\r\nThe most profitable farms had an output per livestock unit of &gt;359 kg\/LU, produced 814 kg\/ha of beef, had a gross output €3,724\/ha and kept variable costs low at €1436 (38% of gross output).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_257749\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-257749\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/heifers-born-from-sexed-semen-on-shane-keavenys-farm.jpg\" alt=\"A group of heifers born from sexed semen on Shane Keaveney's farm in Co. Roscommon\" width=\"700\" height=\"399\" \/> A group of heifers born from sexed semen on Shane Keaveney's farm in Co. Roscommon[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Focus on the basics<\/h2>\r\nWhile beef price and a good live trade largely contributed to excellent margins across the Future Beef Programme in 2025, the basics remained as important as ever. Maintaining a 365-day calving interval, aiming for one calf per cow per year, calving heifers at 24 months, focusing on maternal and terminal genetics at breeding, maintaining grass quality throughout the year, following a herd health plan, making &gt;72% DMD silage and having sufficient lying &amp; feeding space and ventilation for stock over winter remained crucial. Controlling costs also helped to retain profits and strategic investments are being made into 2026 from this to improve labour efficiency across the programme.\r\n<h2>An outlook for the year ahead<\/h2>\r\nInput costs such as fertiliser, feed, diesel and silage plastic are already higher on farms this year. Soil fertility, clover, good silage quality and maximising cheap weight gain from grass will play a role in reducing some of these costs, as well as the management practices outlined above. The forecast for beef prices is positive in comparison to previous years, but margins were predicted to be back in 2026 from the ‘Outlook 2026: Economic Outlook for Irish Agriculture’ Conference. Ultimately, farmers can only control what’s inside their own gate and that will continue to be the case going forward. For now, the beef trade is on solid ground, offering a welcome boost of confidence and optimism across the suckler sector.\r\n\r\n<strong><em>Aisling Molloy is an Advisor on the Teagasc Future Beef Programme. For full details of the programme and the farmers enrolled, <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/demonstration-farms\/future-beef-programme\/\">visit the Future Beef Programme webpage<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong>","id":"257746","title":"Stronger prices drive suckler profits in 2025","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/McCarthy-spring-calving-cows-and-calves.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hedgerows-in-countryside.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-29","description":"The annual SCSI\/Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026, published on April 28, provides a county-by-country breakdown of the prices of good and poor-quality land last year.","main_body":"A valued reference point for farmers, landowners, advisors and policymakers, the survey found that Wexford has the most expensive land in the country, with an average price of €19,226 per acre across the three main size holding categories. This was just ahead of Kildare on €19,200. Leitrim has the lowest average poor quality land prices at €3,772 per acre across the three holding sizes.\r\n\r\nAt a provincial level, the survey shows, Leinster has the highest average land prices with good quality land fetching €16,603 per acre up 9%, while the average price for an acre of poor-quality land remained unchanged at €8,344.\r\n\r\nIn Munster, average prices remained stable with an acre of good quality land fetching €15,404 an acre while the average price for an acre of poor-quality land is €6,868.\r\n\r\nWhile prices are lower on average in Connacht\/Ulster, the region recorded the strongest annual growth rates. Good quality land averaged €10,372 per acre, representing a 17% increase while poor quality land averaged €5,677 per acre, a 20% increase. Roscommon, Donegal, and Monaghan were the counties which recorded the largest price increases.\r\n<h2>Holdings less than 50 acres<\/h2>\r\nThe Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026 report also examined the cost of land on holdings less than 50 acres. Kildare had the most expensive land at €19,100 per acre, with Tipperary second on €18,779 and Meath in third place at €18,364, just ahead of Carlow on €18,300. In Wexford, the average price of good quality land on holdings of less than 50 acres is €18,260 per acre; while rounding off the top six places is Laois on €17,750.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-257726\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/land-prices-scaled.png\" alt=\"A map showing the price of good quality and poor quality land by county in 2025\" width=\"693\" height=\"1000\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1: Average price per acre in 2025 for non-residential land less than 50 acres<\/strong>\r\n\r\nIn Leinster, sales prices for good land in 2025 on holdings of less than 50 acres range from Kildare’s high of €19,100 – up from €18,680 the previous year – to €11,625 in Longford, while the prices for poor-quality land range from a high of €11,063 in Meath to €6,000 in both Offaly and Longford.\r\n\r\nIn Munster, sales prices for good quality land on holdings under 50 acres range from €18,779 in Tipperary to €11,333 in Clare. Prices for poor quality land ranged from an average of €8,750 in Cork to €6,250 in Limerick.\r\n\r\nIn Connacht\/Ulster, sales prices for good land on holdings under 50 acres ranged from an average of €14,750 per acre in Monaghan to €8,167 in Leitrim. Prices for poor quality land ranged from an average of €7,125 in Cavan – up from €6,500 - to €3,675 per acre in Leitrim, the lowest price in the country for holdings under 50 acres.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/annual-agricultural-land-market-review-and-outlook-2026\/\">For further insights, access the full Annual Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026 here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/agricultural-outlook-2026-a-more-challenging-year-in-store\/\">Agricultural outlook 2026 – a more challenging year in store<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/agricultural-land-prices-and-rents-forecast-to-rise-by-4\/\">Agricultural land prices and rents forecast to rise by 4%<\/a>","id":"257725","title":"National and regional land sales prices","category":"Farm Business","release_date_time":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Hedgerows-in-countryside.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-grass-with-whitethorn-in-flower.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-29","description":"How much feed are dairy cows eating? This has been a regularly asked question over recent years. Ronan Mulligan, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, explains why getting stocking rate right is crucial.","main_body":"If we look back to 10 years ago, cows were eating 17–18 kg of dry matter (DM) per day on average. Since then, there has been significant progress made on farms in relation to genetic potential, therefore herds are capable of producing higher levels of performance. As a result, herd-level intakes have increased to 19–20 kg DM per cow on a daily basis.\r\n\r\nRecent analysis of <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/grassland\/pasturebase-ireland\/\">PastureBase Ireland<\/a> figures shows that milking platform stocking rates exceed 3.5 LU\/ha on 55% of farms for the months of May and June combined. Another 20% of these farms are exceeding 4 LU\/ha for this period. We know average growth rates across that period are in the region of 60–65 kg DM\/ha. Overstocking your grazing area to a position where growth can’t meet demand during this period results in grazing covers that are too strong, reduced intakes due to poor grass quality, and feeding higher levels of concentrate, all of which result in sub-optimal herd performance.\r\n\r\nPastureBase Ireland data has also shown that, on average during the mid-season, grass allowance has been set at 15 kg DM per cow. Even with a concentrate feeding rate of 3–4 kg, it falls short of the required level of intake to optimise performance. Feeding high levels of concentrate to meet herd demand is a costly exercise and leaves the farm in a position where it is buying expensive concentrate to try to maintain output.\r\n\r\nAs we approach peak grass growth over the coming weeks, many farms will soon make the decision to close up parts of the milking platform for long-term silage or reseeding, with the milking platform stocking rate possibly being set at 4–4.5 LU\/ha. This would increase demand to 76–86 kg DM\/day (grass allowance of 19 kg DM per cow per day). Farmers need to ask themselves: can they consistently grow 80 kg+ per day for a 10–12 week period while silage and reseeding are taking place? On many farms, the answer will be no. Those levels of growth only happen for approximately 2–3 weeks of the year. This then begs the question: what is the most appropriate stocking rate throughout the mid-season?\r\n\r\nFirst things first, the ideal pre-grazing yield that we want cows going into is 1300–1400 kg DM\/ha. Grazing covers in excess of 1600 kg DM increases the stem content in the sward and therefore reduces intake, while also jeopardising clean-outs. There is no point allocating extra grass when it is of poor quality. Ideally, we want to stock the milking platform at a rate where growth matches demand for as long as possible in the season, with grazed grass being the primary form of feed.\r\n\r\nOptimal stocking rate will vary from farm to farm depending on the growth rate. A stocking rate of 3.0–3.5 LU\/ha seems to be the most appropriate on many dairy farms. So, if the farm was stocked at 3.4 LU\/ha and allocated 19 kg DM\/day during the mid-season, this would mean a herd demand of 65 kg DM\/day. The first thing this ensures is that the cows can be fed adequately. It also leaves some capacity to take some paddocks out as surplus silage in order to maintain grass quality. This is a luxury that would not be afforded in a higher-stocked scenario, where the farmer has no choice but to graze that stemmy, poor-quality 2000 kg DM cover that would otherwise be skipped. Short increases in stocking rate to manage periods of high growth (2–3 weeks), where surpluses are taken and the paddocks are returned to the rotation (wedge), are not a problem; in fact, it is what should happen, but not for 10–12 weeks.\r\n\r\nThe number one cause of underperforming herds in the summer period is a grass allowance and grass quality issue. With this in mind, three simple tips to maximise performance and profitability this mid-season are:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Plan your mid-season stocking rate now and examine the previous year’s growth rates if you are grass measuring.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Try to arrange to have multiple contractors who could potentially come in and take out any short-term surpluses and get the paddock back into the wedge as soon as possible.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Aim to graze paddocks at 1300–1400 kg DM\/ha.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","id":"257465","title":"Mid-season stocking rate &#8211; sometimes less is more","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-29 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dairy-cows-grazing-grass-with-whitethorn-in-flower.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/view-of-the-countryside-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-28","description":"Modest growth in land prices and rental rates is forecast for 2026, with both the price of agricultural land and rental values expected to increase by 4% on average this year.","main_body":"That was a key finding from <em>the SCSI\/Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026,<\/em> published today, April 28.\r\n\r\nIn the report, auctioneer and valuer members of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI), operating in the agricultural sales and rental market, describe an active and competitive market with prices underpinned by strong demand and a continued scarcity of available land.\r\n\r\nThe report found that the average national price for good quality agricultural land in 2025 was €14,126, an increase of 7% on the previous year. Meanwhile, the average national price for poor quality agricultural land was €6,963 per acre, an increase of 5% on the previous year. At provincial level, rental prices are expected to rise by 3% on average in both Leinster and Munster and by 5% in Connacht\/Ulster.\r\n\r\n<strong>Key points<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>National average farmland sales prices and rental prices forecast to rise by 4% in 2026<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Average national price for good quality agricultural land in 2025 is €14,126 an increase of 7% on 2024<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Average national price for poor quality agricultural land was €6,963 per acre up 5%<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The most expensive land overall is in Wexford where the average price of an acre of good quality land is €19,226<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The least expensive land is in Leitrim where the average price of an acre of poor-quality land is €3,772<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Last year average land rental prices increased by 2% in Leinster, 17% in Munster and 18% in Connacht\/Ulster<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>A cautious outlook<\/h2>\r\nHowever, while land prices are expected to continue a steady upwards trajectory, the outlook this year is notably more cautious than in recent years. SCSI auctioneers and valuers say their caution reflects uncertainty over output prices, rising costs and broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties.\r\n\r\nCommenting at the launch of the report and providing a land market outlook, Dr. Frank Harrington, Chair of the SCSI’s Rural Agency and Discipline Lead of Real Estate and Valuations at TU Dublin, said strong demand for agricultural land coupled with continued low supply is underpinning strong prices.\r\n\r\n“According to the Central Statistics Office the share of agricultural land, which transacts for sale annually is only around 0.5% of agricultural area. Not surprisingly therefore this report finds that succession and probate sales are among the most common sources of land coming to market. In a competitive market, dairy farmers continue to be identified by agents as the most active buyer group in the agricultural land market, followed by drystock farmers and tillage farmers.”\r\n\r\nDr. Frank Harrington noted that although favourable conditions in the dairy and beef sectors supported increased sales activity during 2025, the report also highlights emerging constraints that are increasingly influencing decision making across the sector.\r\n<blockquote>“Price volatility, rising input costs, regulatory requirements and wider geopolitical uncertainty are now central considerations for many farmers as they plan for the future.”<\/blockquote>\r\nAdditionally, Dr. Harrington said that farm consolidation is an ongoing trend being witnessed, noting: “this reflects the operational efficiencies and long-term security larger holdings can provide within modern farming systems. Allied to this is the growing importance of long-term leasing which has become a central pillar of the Irish agricultural land market rather than a peripheral feature.”\r\n<h2>Regional variation<\/h2>\r\nRegional variations remain pronounced, commented Dr. Harrington, noting: “While Leinster continues to record the highest average land values, Connacht and Ulster experienced the strongest growth in 2025, reflecting a combination of previously lower value levels, changing demand patterns and the influence of nontraditional buyers in some areas.\r\n\r\n“SCSI members reported demand for poorer and marginal land has been supported in some areas by forestry-related activity. In border counties such as Monaghan and Donegal, agents also reported evidence of cross border demand with purchasers from Northern Ireland active in the market for both farming and investment purposes. These buyers were noted to have strong purchasing capacity.\r\n\r\n“The relatively modest percentage increases in land values in Munster may reflect a period of stabilisation following strong increases recorded in 2020 and 2024 and the rising input costs and risks in the sector.”\r\n\r\nDr Harrington says that while 2025 was a strong year overall for the market, this year will be more challenging with increased uncertainty expected to pressure farm profitability.\r\n\r\n“Energy and fertiliser prices have increased sharply driven by the war in the Middle East. The heightened risks and uncertainty are expected to influence land market behaviour, with farmers adopting a more cautious approach to land purchases.”\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/annual-agricultural-land-market-review-and-outlook-2026\/\">For full insights, view the Annual Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026 here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/agricultural-outlook-2026-a-more-challenging-year-in-store\/\">Agricultural outlook 2026 – a more challenging year in store<\/a>","id":"257718","title":"Agricultural land prices and rents forecast to rise by 4%","category":"Farm Business","release_date_time":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/view-of-the-countryside-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Generic-landscape-featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-28","description":"The outlook for agriculture is significantly more challenging this year due to uncertainty and higher input costs by war in the Middle East.","main_body":"This was one of the messages delivered in the recently published SCSI\/Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026, which reported that elevated costs are likely to persist this year and into next year with farmers expected to adopt a more cautious approach towards land purchase.\r\n\r\nCommenting at the launch of the publication, Teagasc economist, Dr. Jason Loughrey said that while agricultural performance last year was strong overall, particularly in the dairy and cattle sectors, 2026 will be significantly more challenging.\r\n\r\n“Last year, cattle enterprises recorded exceptional performance, with finished cattle prices rising by 39% and weanling prices increasing by 70%. Dairy farm profitability also improved, supported by higher milk prices – up 3% - and increased production – up almost 5% - with only modest increases in production costs. Sheep sector margins strengthened modestly, with higher lamb prices helping to offset rising input costs.”\r\n\r\n“However, the outlook for Irish agriculture in 2026 is significantly more challenging, with unfavourable weather conditions, rising input costs, softer output prices and increased uncertainty expected to place pressure on farm profitability. Disruptions to energy markets arising from the US-Israeli war with Iran have contributed to increases in fuel, fertiliser, machinery hire and other input costs, with knock-on implications for farm profitability.”\r\n<h2>The impact of higher prices<\/h2>\r\nWhile the impact of higher prices will affect all parts of the economy, Dr. Loughry noted, the impact on agriculture will be particularly acute given the large share of the costs of production on Irish farms that are directly or indirectly tied to energy and fertiliser prices.\r\n<blockquote>\"While the outcome and duration of the war remain uncertain, it is likely that elevated fertiliser and energy prices will persist through 2026 and into 2027. These developments also highlight the extent to which Irish agriculture remains exposed to global supply chains and external economic shocks.”<\/blockquote>\r\n“In addition, dairy margins are expected to decline substantially in 2026, as lower milk prices and higher fertiliser, fuel and feed costs reduce profitability relative to 2025. Overall, Irish dairy margins net margins could be in excess of 50% lower compared to last year as a result of lower prices and higher costs. Beef sector incomes are expected to moderate, although prices are forecast to remain above long term averages. Sheep producers face increasing cost pressures, with higher feed and fertiliser costs weighing on margins despite some recovery in lamb prices.”\r\n<h2>Risk<\/h2>\r\nA key feature of this year’s report is the inclusion of a special analysis on risk in Irish agriculture, with particular focus on dairy farming.\r\n\r\n“Dairy farmers in Ireland are operating under increasing risk and uncertainty with commodity price movements and rising production costs leading to higher farm income volatility. Insights from Teagasc NFS data indicates that dairy farmers consider these market risks as being highly important in affecting their farm.\r\n\r\n“At the same time, almost one-third of dairy farmers in Ireland consider personal risks as being most important with such risks including those related to farm succession, health and farm safety. In addition, approximately one-quarter of farmers consider institutional risks as most important including risks associated with policy changes and environmental obligations. Understanding how these risks translate into land market outcomes is essential for informed decision making, and this analysis provides valuable insight at a time of heightened uncertainty,” Dr. Loughrey concluded.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/annual-agricultural-land-market-review-and-outlook-2026\/\">For further insights, read the Annual Agricultural Land Market Review and Outlook 2026 here<\/a>.","id":"257697","title":"Agricultural outlook 2026 &#8211; a more challenging year in store","category":"Farm Business","release_date_time":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Generic-landscape-featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Silage-harvesting.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-28","description":"Farmers are invited to a Teagasc webinar, next Tuesday, May 5, focused on preparing for the 2026 silage season.","main_body":"Starting at 8pm, the <em>Gearing up for Silage 2026<\/em> webinar will be chaired by Deirbhile Brown, Teagasc Kerry\/Limerick Advisor, who’ll be joined live in the studio by David Argue, Teagasc Beef Specialist; Dr Peter Doyle, Teagasc Researcher; Dave Davies of Silage Solutions Ltd UK; and Bernard Ging, a dairy farmer from Portlaoise.\r\n\r\nTaking place before machines start to roll, the webinar will focus on silage costs in 2026, the effects on yield and quality of varying the first-cut date, target silage quality for dairy and beef systems, along with key advice on fertiliser applications for second cuts.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/us02web.zoom.us\/webinar\/register\/WN_WBuRRLqURZGKTRlUHyDMkQ#\/registration\">Click here to register for the webinar<\/a>","id":"257502","title":"Gearing up for silage focus on upcoming webinar","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Silage-harvesting.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/50-participants-from-the-horticulture-sector-visted-the-Experimental-Orchard-at-Teagasc-Oak-Park-1024x768.jpeg","release_date":"2026-04-28","description":"Apple growers and others from the horticulture sector visited the Experimental Orchard at Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, recently where Teagasc researchers provided an Apple Research Update on the latest developments in Irish apple production.","main_body":"“We were delighted to welcome around 50 participants, a record attendance across all the events we’ve organised so far, including growers, advisors, researchers, students and stakeholders interested in apple production,” Dr Alberto Ramos Luz, Teagasc researcher said.\r\n\r\nThe event showcased the latest research and practical developments in Irish apple production. It featured short, industry-focused presentations followed by an orchard walk to explore ongoing trials and discuss results directly in the field.\r\n\r\nAs highlighted by Dr Alberto Ramos Luz, these are still preliminary results, but they are already pointing towards important directions for the future of apple production in Ireland.\r\n\r\nAhmad Hassan Chaudhry, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, demonstrated how contrasting climatic conditions between 2024 (cooler and wetter) and 2025 (warmer and drier) influenced the phenological development of the different cultivars under study. Despite these variations, most cultivars showed satisfactory performance, with excellent fruit quality on both seasons, as detailed by Jean do Prado, Teagasc Walsh Scholar.\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-image-missing-alt alignnone wp-image-257498 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Experimental-Orchard-at-Teagasc-Oak-Park-Carlow-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Crowds visiting the experimental orchard\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" data-warning=\"Missing alt text\" \/><\/div>\r\nDr Alberto Ramos Luz also emphasised that different training systems are being evaluated, and that the experimental orchard is playing a key role in identifying the details needed to achieve balanced orchards with high productivity, consistent performance, and excellent fruit quality. He expressed confidence that, in the coming years, more refined and efficient recommendations will be developed based on these results.\r\n\r\nThe indoor session covered key topics including varietal performance, fruit quality, rootstocks, disease management, consumer preferences particularly among Gen Z, and the role of flowering physiology in orchard management. A dedicated session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) highlighted current adoption levels in Irish orchards, along with practical challenges and opportunities.\r\n\r\nIn the beautiful sunny weather, participants also had the opportunity to visit the orchard and see the trees entering their 4<sup>th<\/sup> leaf, with flowering just beginning across different varieties, training systems, and rootstocks. Growers were able to directly observe the performance of these combinations and engage with researchers to get practical answers and insights around orchard management.","id":"257497","title":"The latest developments in Irish apple production","category":"Horticulture","release_date_time":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/50-participants-from-the-horticulture-sector-visted-the-Experimental-Orchard-at-Teagasc-Oak-Park-scaled-e1777286675169.jpeg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Sheep-with-two-lambs-featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-28","description":"Focused on the peak hatching period, clinical signs and treatment options, Dr. Orla Keane, Senior Researcher in the Animal & Bioscience Department in Teagasc, shares key advice on controlling Nematodirus in lambs.","main_body":"Nematodirus is an intestinal worm that causes disease in young lambs. It usually affects lambs between 6 and 12 weeks of age. It is a lamb crop to lamb crop disease, i.e. the Nematodirus worm larvae that are picked up by this year’s crop of lambs are hatched from eggs that were deposited by last year’s lambs.\r\n\r\nWhen the weather conditions are favourable, there is synchronised mass hatching of Nematodirus eggs, with lots of larvae then available to infect naïve lambs. When this hatch coincides with a time when lambs are beginning to consume significant amounts of grass, it can result in severe disease including damage to the gut that may prevent the lambs from thriving in the future.\r\n\r\nSigns include sudden onset of scouring, dull and depressed lambs that may stop suckling, dehydration and weight loss. Lambs may gather around water troughs due to dehydration, while ewes are unaffected. Nematodirus can occur at the same time as coccidiosis and the diseases are easily confused.\r\n\r\nAs Nematodirus is a lamb crop to lamb crop disease, grazing lambs on pasture that was grazed by lambs last year is a risk, albeit a risk that is difficult to avoid. Lambs consuming more grass such as those being reared as twins or triplets or lambs from ewes with poor milking ability will also be at increased risk, as will lambs under stress due to other diseases such as coccidia.\r\n\r\nThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in collaboration with Met Éireann produce a Nematodirus forecast each year that predicts when peak hatching of Nematodirus will occur around the country and when lambs should be treated. This year, the peak hatch was predicted to be in late March for much of the west coast and early April for the rest of the country.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine\/press-releases\/nematodirus-forecast-2026\/\">The Nematodirus forecast is available to view here<\/a>.\r\n<h2>Treatment<\/h2>\r\nLambs should be treated approximately two weeks after the peak hatch. The recommended treatment for Nematodirus is a benzimidazole (white wormer) anthelmintic. While resistance to white wormers is common among other gut worms, it is rare in Nematodirus.\r\n\r\nOn some farms two treatments for Nematodirus may be needed, for example if lambs are treated too early before the hatch or in mixed age groups where younger lambs may not be eating significant quantities of grass at the time of the initial treatment as no wormer has persistent activity against Nematodirus.\r\n\r\nBy the time lambs are about three months of age they usually have developed sufficient immunity and do not require further treatment for Nematodirus. Faecal egg counts are of limited value for Nematodirus as the larval stage of the parasite can cause significant damage before any eggs are produced.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/flock-health\/\">For further insights on parasite control in sheep, visit here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/understanding-coccidiosis-in-lambs\/\">Understanding coccidiosis in lambs<\/a>","id":"257494","title":"Nematodirus in lambs","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-30 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Sheep-with-two-lambs-featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Spreading-lime-featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-27","description":"Better nutrient management and planning, correcting soil fertility through liming, making full use of organic manures and incorporating clover into grazing swards are all strategies farmers can employ during a year of heightened fertiliser prices.","main_body":"To aid farmers in this regard, the Teagasc Soils, Nutrients and Fertiliser Factsheets have been re-issued in response to the increase in fertiliser prices being seen this year. Maximising the efficiency and return on fertiliser inputs will be a critical factor in managing farm output and margins in the year ahead.\r\n\r\nA compendium of 20 factsheets has been assembled by Teagasc to provide the latest technical advice. They cover soil testing, lime application, organic manures, clover, P and K advice, and protected urea. There are also detailed enterprise factsheets with practical advice for farmers with cattle, sheep, dairy and tillage businesses. The importance of growing enough grass this year and securing enough fodder for next winter are also addressed in individual factsheets.\r\n\r\nProfessor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director said: “Teagasc is encouraging farmers to prioritise nutrient management planning, make lime application a priority, make best use of organic manures and increase the incorporation of clover in swards to help reduce reliance on chemical N.\r\n<blockquote>“Our advisory team will continue to provide the expertise and support needed to help farmers respond to the current fertiliser market and make well-informed decisions,” Professor O’Mara added.<\/blockquote>\r\nDr. Stan Lalor, Head of the Knowledge Transfer Programme in Teagasc said: “Right now many farmers are coming into Teagasc offices for derogation and BISS (Basic Income Support for Sustainability) consultations. Take the time during this visit to get your soil analysis interpreted so that you know best how to efficiently use lime, fertiliser and organic manures.\r\n\r\n“A cost-effective shopping list as part of a nutrient management plan for the farm is critical for 2026. Decisions around application timing, appropriate rates, and the selection of chemical fertilisers and organic manures all play a key role in farm profitability.\r\n\r\n“Careful use of nutrients is a ‘win win’ as it can also help to reduce the risk of greenhouse gas emissions and limit nutrient losses to water,” Dr Lalor added.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/soils-nutrients-and-fertiliser-factsheets\/\">The factsheets are available for all farmers and agri-professionals to view and download here<\/a>.","id":"257512","title":"Practical advice: Making the best use of nutrients in 2026","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Spreading-lime-featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Moorepark-23-cows-grazing-clover-sward-1.png","release_date":"2026-04-27","description":"For the majority of the country, the first 100 days of the year were extremely challenging. Continued wet weather caused havoc for ground and grazing conditions and has added a lot of work to farmers’ loads with extended winter feeding. The last week, and the forecast going forward, looks to be the change in the tide as the first extended spell of dry weather has arrived, and with it improved grazing conditions. However, this doesn’t magically make everything perfect. There are many challenges that must be approached with proper planning to ensure grazing is optimised for the summer ahead. A lot of grazed swards didn’t get cleaned as well as they should be. Every effort now must be made to enter the right grass so clean-out is made as easy as possible.","main_body":"<p data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"762\">For the majority of the country, the first 100 days of the year were extremely challenging. Continued wet weather caused havoc for ground and grazing conditions and has added a lot of work to farmers’ loads with extended winter feeding. The last week, and the forecast going forward, looks to be the change in the tide as the first extended spell of dry weather has arrived, and with it improved grazing conditions. However, this doesn’t magically make everything perfect. There are many challenges that must be approached with proper planning to ensure grazing is optimised for the summer ahead. A lot of grazed swards didn’t get cleaned as well as they should be. Every effort now must be made to enter the right grass so clean-out is made as easy as possible.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"764\" data-end=\"1569\">May is generally the month when the rate of grass growth reaches its peak for the year, so grass supply can change extremely quickly. How you respond to grass growth is key; you need to be aware of what is happening on your farm in terms of grass growth. In general, the aim is to ensure that from now on paddocks are entered at optimum grass quality to keep grass and animal production high. This is when grass plants are at the 2–3 leaf stage, as a grass plant only has three live leaves. When the fourth leaf starts to appear, the first leaf starts to die and more stem appears, reducing the quality of the grass. It is critical that growth rates and re-growths on farms are monitored so that this stage isn’t missed in paddocks coming back, in an effort to get everything grazed. Action must be taken.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"1571\" data-end=\"2143\">On farms where pasture supply is low, the imminent increase in growth will be very welcome and much easier to manage. Ensure pasture supply (AFC) doesn’t drop below the critical point of 500 kg DM\/ha or 160 kg DM\/LU; otherwise, growth rates will remain low even when conditions are favourable, as “grass grows grass,” and you will struggle to then hit growth rates that match demand. Keep a level of supplementary feed in the diet to ensure pasture on the farm doesn’t drop below this point until growth rates exceed demand and the extra supplementary feed can be removed.<\/p>\r\n<p data-start=\"2145\" data-end=\"3337\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">A lot of farms across the country, both dairy and drystock, are facing a situation where there is excess pasture on the farm due to being unable to graze significantly so far this year. While the improvement in weather is welcome and more stock will be able to be turned out to graze or remain grazing full time, the issue of what to do with all the pasture, especially when growth rates are to increase, is the next challenge. Target reducing AFC to 600–700 kg DM\/ha or 180–200 kg DM\/LU. A number of approaches can and should be taken. After the extended winter feeding period, a lot of silage stocks will be depleted. Replacing these when conditions allow should be one of the farm’s priorities. However, be cautious about taking too much silage out as bales at once, as these paddocks will all return to the grazing platform at once and the same issue will be faced again. A combination of short- and long-term silage could overcome this issue. Alternatively, grazing some paddocks and then removing them for reseeding will also benefit your farm in terms of increasing overall pasture quality and growing capacity, and it will further stagger when paddocks return to the grazing platform.<\/p>","id":"256973","title":"A turn in conditions","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Moorepark-23-cows-grazing-clover-sward-1.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sexed-semen-handling-feature-Facebook-1024x538.png","release_date":"2026-04-27","description":"Relative to 2021, the use of sex-sorted semen on Irish dairy farms has increased 400%. To optimise conception rates from this technology, there are several important factors dairy farmers need to consider. ","main_body":"As part of the recent ‘<em>Countdown to Breeding Webinar’<\/em>, Professor Stephen Butler shared some of the key considerations for maximising success with sex-sorted semen.\r\n\r\n“We’ve really had a sudden and marked increase in the usage of sexed semen in Ireland in the last few years,” Professor Butler said.\r\n\r\nUsing sexed semen on maiden heifers is an obvious choice, particularly when combined with synchrony programmes to reduce heat detection and the drafting of animals that do not visit the yard every day.\r\n\r\n“When we think about our heifers in seasonal calving systems,” Professor Butler explained, “they are really on the clock. The first calving is going to occur at 22-24 months of age and that means they need to be pregnant by 13-15 months of age. What really drives this is achieving target weights at housing, turnout and mating start date.”\r\n\r\nTo concentrate the breeding season, maximise submission rates and to get heifers bred earlier, Teagasc recommends the use of synchrony programmes. Either prostaglandin-based protocols or fixed time AI protocols are effective, with Professor Butler noting that both protocols can be used to incorporate sex-sorted semen into the breeding programme.\r\n\r\nWhen farmers are deciding which animals to target use of sexed semen straws on, Professor Butler said heifers should be prioritised.\r\n<blockquote>“Heifers should be the first port of call. These are generally going to be in the top 50% of the herd for EBI. They should be at target weight, cycling regularly and be showing strong heats on the day of AI. If they are not doing that, then they are not good candidates for sex-sorted semen.”<\/blockquote>\r\nFor cows, he said farmers should select cows that are in the top 50% of the herd for EBI. Young cows, between parity one and four are preferred, and earlier calving cows – at least 50 days in milk at the point of breeding – should be prioritised. Additionally, these cows should have a body condition score of 3 or greater, be cycling regularly, have not had any health problems and should be exhibiting strong bulling activity.\r\n\r\n“The timing of AI is critical,” Professor Butler commented, with mating preferrable 14-20 hours after the onset of standing heat. Additionally, straw handling, thawing temperature, thawing time and the time from thawing to insemination are critical for sex-sorted straws.\r\n\r\n<strong>The above is just a taste of Professor Butler’s presentation on the ‘<em>Countdown to Breeding’ Webinar. <\/em>For more detailed insights, a full recording is available to view below:<\/strong>\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FQxUd7EfmE8?si=IOT1y9b3I__5Zdxz\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","id":"256736","title":"Maximising sexed semen success","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-28 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Sexed-semen-handling-feature-Facebook-scaled-e1775811515428.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/clusters-1-700x400-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-27","description":"Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) help improve work efficiency, consistency and safety by clearly outlining how farm tasks should be done. However, only 31% of farms use written SOPs, but those that do report fewer frustrations and better task performance.","main_body":"As part of the Moorepark Open Day, Dr. Conor Hogan’s and Dr. Marion Beecher’s paper delver further into the benefits of SOPs. Read their paper below:\r\n\r\nRunning a successful dairy farm requires more than just hard work - it demands organisation, efficiency and consistency. As dairy farms grow in size and rely on more hired or non-family workers, ensuring that tasks are done correctly and efficiently is becoming increasingly important.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to achieve this is through the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These are clear, written or recorded instructions that outline the most effective way to complete key tasks on the farm. SOPs are widely used in industries such as healthcare and manufacturing, and research has shown they can offer significant benefits for dairy farms as well.\r\n<h2>Why use SOPs on your farm?<\/h2>\r\nSOPs help to ensure that farm work is done consistently, reducing errors and making training easier. A survey conducted of 313 Irish dairy farms (Table 1) found that:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Only 31.3% of farms surveyed had written SOPs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Farms with SOPs had larger herds (143 cows vs 117 cows) and employed more people than farms without SOPs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Farmers with SOPs reported fewer frustrations about tasks being done incorrectly<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<strong>Table 1: Level of agreement with statements regarding written SOPs across farms based on whether SOPs are present or not on the farm<\/strong>\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 63.2148%; height: 147px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 27px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 27px;\"><strong>Item<sup>1<\/sup><\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 27px;\"><strong>Farms with SOPs (n=98)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 27px;\"><strong>Farms with no SOPs (n=217)<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 27px;\"><strong>P-value<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">On our farm different employees complete the same work processes differently<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 24px;\">3.7<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 24px;\">3.7<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 24px;\">0.72<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">Sometimes, I get annoyed about employees not completing tasks the way I consider right<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 24px;\">3.6<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 24px;\">3.8<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 24px;\">0.04<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">I have been thinking about writing down\r\nspecific work processes in detail<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 24px;\">3.3<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 24px;\">3.1<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 24px;\">0.13<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">I find it difficult to write down work processes<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 24px;\">2.7<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 24px;\">3.2<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 24px;\">&lt;0.001<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 25%; height: 24px;\">I do not have time to create SOPs<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 10.6616%; height: 24px;\">2.5<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 6.92853%; height: 24px;\">2.9<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20.4684%; height: 24px;\">0.004<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<sup>1<\/sup>Mean responses were calculated based on the farmers level of agreement with the statement; from 1-5 where 1 = strongly disagree and 5 = strongly agree\r\n<h2>Key benefits of SOPs<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>More effective work organisation and consistency in work – SOPs ensure that tasks are performed the same way every time, whether by the farmer, a family member, or an employee. This reduces errors, improves efficiency and helps to streamline farm operations, even during busy periods such as calving and breeding seasons<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Easier staff training – New workers, relief milkers, or seasonal workers can quickly learn farm procedures with SOPs, reducing supervision time required<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improved communication – Miscommunication is a common challenge on farms, particularly when multiple workers are involved. SOPs provide clear guidance on how tasks should be performed, reducing confusion, frustration and ensuring consistency in task completion<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Health and safety – SOPs can contribute to a safer working environment by outlining best practices for tasks such as handling animals, machinery, and hazardous materials.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Where to start? Developing SOPs for your farm<\/h2>\r\nMany farmers believe that writing SOPs is a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be. Start by focusing on the most important tasks, such as:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Milking – Ensuring that all workers follow the same steps for the milking process, parlour set up, and wash routine. This can support improved milk quality and is hugely beneficial for relief milkers<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Calf Rearing – SOPs for tasks such colostrum management, feeding routines, and hygiene practices<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reproduction Management – Clearly outlining heat detection, AI procedures, and record-keeping can improve breeding performance and ease administration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Health and Safety Protocols – SOPs for handling cattle, using machinery, and managing chemicals can prevent accidents and injuries.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTo create an SOP, follow these simple steps:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Identify a key task – Start with the most critical area for your farm.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Write clear, step-by-step instructions – Use simple, lay person language.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Involve workers in the process – Get input from family members, employees, and advisors to ensure the SOP is practical and usable.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Use visuals where possible – Videos, photos or diagrams can help explain steps more clearly. For example, a clear video of a task can be really helpful for a relief miler coming to the farm.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Review and update regularly – Work practices evolve, so SOPs should be adjusted as needed.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\r\nWhile a relatively low proportion of Irish dairy farms currently use written SOPs, the benefits are clear: better organisation, easier staff training, and reduced frustration over how tasks are performed.\r\n\r\nBy starting small and focusing on key areas such as milking and calf rearing, farmers can add and adjust SOPs over time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/standard-operating-procedures\/\">Some templates are available on the Teagasc website<\/a>, and utilising your discussion group for ideas and templates can be beneficial. Finally, while SOPs are often seen as a key part of operations on larger farms, they can be just as important on smaller farms where workers or milkers are more likely to be working casually, and have less familiarisation with work routines.","id":"256460","title":"Streamlining farm work with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-27 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-05-01 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/clusters-1-700x400-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/Angus-bull-with-cows-at-Teagasc-Grange-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-26","description":"Buying a stock bull is a major investment, so it is worth asking a few key questions before making a decision.","main_body":"Through the Teagasc Beef Advisory Newsletter for April, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer, Pearse Kelly reminded farmers that a stock bull has a huge influence on herd performance, so taking time to ask these questions can pay off for years:\r\n<h2>1). What figures are available?<\/h2>\r\nDo not rely on appearance alone. Check the bull’s ICBF figures and star ratings before you buy. If buying privately, ask for the full tag number and look him up online. The figures can quickly tell you if the bull suits your system.\r\n<h2>2). What is the bull for?<\/h2>\r\nIf all progeny will be sold for beef, focus on the Terminal Index. If you want the option of keeping replacement heifers, pay close attention to the Replacement Index. Choose the index that matches your breeding goal.\r\n<h2>3). Which traits matter most on your farm?<\/h2>\r\nLook beyond the overall star rating. Calving difficulty is critical, especially if the bull will be used on heifers. For replacement breeding, milk and daughter fertility are also important. Docility is a useful trait in any herd.\r\n<h2>4). How reliable are the figures?<\/h2>\r\nBreeding values are predictions, not guarantees. Reliability figures show how likely a bull’s stars are to hold up over time. In general, bulls with more recorded data and genomic information will have more dependable figures.\r\n<h2>5). Is the bull physically right and fit for work?<\/h2>\r\nThe bull’s shape and correctness should match his published figures. Check his feet, legs, locomotion, testicles and overall body condition. A bull must be sound, fertile and ready for breeding. Also ask what diet he has been on so that any feed changes can be introduced gradually.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/teagasc-beef-advisory-newsletter-april\/\">For further insights, view the full April newsletter here<\/a>.","id":"256718","title":"5 questions to ask before buying a new stock bull","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-26 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/uploads\/Angus-bull-with-cows-at-Teagasc-Grange-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Harvesting-silage-38-1024x520.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-26","description":"Teagasc research has highlighted the potential to reduce concentrates fed to ewes in late pregnancy when high feed value silage is available. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc Animal & Grassland Research  & Innovation Programme, Mellows Centre, Athenry, tells us more. ","main_body":"High DMD silage has a high net energy concentration. Ewes like it a lot. This results in high intake and high animal performance. In studies conducted at Teagasc Athenry, feeding high DMD silage to housed ewes was found to have a positive impact on ewe body condition at lambing and lamb birth weight. The benefits are substantial. Each 5% rise in silage digestibility improved ewe bodyweight immediately after lambing by 6.5kg and lamb birth weight increased by 0.25kg. This resulted in lambs being on average almost 1kg heavier at weaning time. Making high quality silage requires care and attention. You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear is an old saying that can be applied to making high feed value silage. Unless you are harvesting top-quality grass at the right growth stage that has been appropriately managed since pre-closing you simply will not end up with top-quality silage.\r\n<h2>Potential financial benefits<\/h2>\r\nFor the average lowland mid-season lamb producer, the concentrate feed bill accounts for about 44% of the annual direct costs (Teagasc National Farm Survey 2024). Research carried out in Teagasc Athenry has highlighted the potential to reduce concentrates fed to ewes in late pregnancy when high feed value silage is available. Table 1 (above) summarises the total pre lambing concentrate supple mentation required by twin bearing lowland ewes when fed along with both precision chopped pit silage and unchopped silage bales of varying DMD values. Feeding ad lib high feed value silage along with lower levels of concentrate supplementation clearly offers financial benefits. And you will still be hitting key performance targets in relation to ewe body condition, colostrum production and optimum lamb birth weights.  Short chop length silage increases ewe intake. This further lowers concentrate requirements relative to the similar DMD unchopped silage. Chopped silage is always preferred for sheep, but to make really big savings on concentrates you must be making high digestibility silages.\r\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 153px;\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\" colspan=\"5\"><strong>Table 1: <\/strong>Effect of silage feed value on concentrate requirements of twin bearing ewes in late pregnancy (kg\/ewe)<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 25px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 25px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 25px;\"><strong>Silage DMD % <\/strong><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 25px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 25px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 25px;\"><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 29px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 29px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 29px;\">79<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 29px;\">72<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 29px;\">65<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 29px;\">60<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 10px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 10px;\">Precision Chopped<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 10px;\">8<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 10px;\">18<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 10px;\">25<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 10px;\">35<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 41px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 41px;\">Big bale\/single chop<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 41px;\">12<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 41px;\">24<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 41px;\">34<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 41px;\">40<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr style=\"height: 24px;\">\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px; text-align: right;\"><\/td>\r\n<td style=\"width: 20%; height: 24px; text-align: right;\"><strong>( Keady, 2016) <\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>How much silage do ewes require?<\/h2>\r\nThe guideline silage requirement for the average lowland ewe is 0.15 tons pit silage per ewe per month or 0.19 bales per ewe per month. Budget for 15 to 16 tons pit silage or 19 to 20 bales per 100 ewes per month. If you are rotational grazing (highly advisable), some or all the sheep silage requirement will be met from removing surplus grass covers as high quality silage bales.\r\nUse permanent spray paint to identify the different batches of bales. Ensure that bales likely to be high DMD material are stored so that they will be accessible when needed. The actual quality of the various batches should be determined later by analysing representative silage samples. Ideally, ewes should be offered high feed value silage right throughout the housing period.\r\n<h2>Management of paddocks at closing<\/h2>\r\nGraze out tightly to 4cm to remove any dead material prior to closing for silage. Roll ground where necessary to reduce the risk of soil contamination. If clods of soil end up in silage (whether pit or bale) there is a risk that sheep fed on this silage can ingest the bacteria that cause listeriosis. Check P &amp; K requirements based on the most recent soil analysis, taking care not to exceed P allowances. Apply up to 100 to 120kg\/ha N in the form of an appropriate compound or protected urea. Remember that about 30% of N previously applied for grazing will still be available to the plant. Reducing chemical N applied at closing will enable earlier harvesting. It will also reduce the risk of crop lodging pre-harvest which negatively impacts digestibility. If, for example, 80kg\/ha N is applied in mid-April, under normal growing conditions this nitrogen will be used up in four to five weeks allowing for a late May harvest date. This in turn allows for closing in time for a second cut where necessary.\r\n<h2>Harvest at correct growth stage<\/h2>\r\nThe main factor affecting DMD is crop maturity at harvesting. The target for high quality first cut silage is to be cutting before grass seed heads start to emerge. A common reason for delaying\r\nharvesting is concern over whether the crop has used up all applied N. If in doubt, contact your local Teagasc advisor to test grass sugar levels and nitrates – it may enable crop to be safely ensiled sooner given the right conditions.\r\n<h2>Don’t delay harvesting<\/h2>\r\nResearch has shown that for each week harvest is delayed digestibility goes down by 3% units. The aim is to harvest leafy material before the grass heads out and before base of the sward begins to decay – regularly walk and inspect the crop, watch the weather and take the best available opportunity to mow.\r\n<h2>Tips on mowing<\/h2>\r\nThe optimum time for mowing is in the afternoon of a sunny day when grass sugars and dry matter levels are at their highest. This is not always practical but at least aim for a dry day and allow the dew to evaporate from grass before mowing. Don’t mow too tightly to avoid ensiling dead material and the risk of soil contamination. Ensure that mowers and tedding machines are set at the\r\ncorrect height to avoid rooting up soil. Where soil contamination may be an issue due to poor ground conditions at harvest, identify this silage as not-to-be-fed-to-ewes next winter. Effect of wilting on silage quality Wilting negatively impacts digestibility and the rate of reduction in DMD due to wilting has varied among different studies. Each day (24 hours) of wilting will reduce silage DMD by between 0.5 and 2 percentage points. Aim for a rapid wilt of 24 to 36 hours after mowing. Target 25% dry matter at ensiling for pit silage and 30% dry matter for bales. Spreading heavier crops over the ground straight after mowing helps achieve this but is generally not necessary for light cuts. Surplus bales or light crops should be baled and wrapped relatively soon after cutting particularly if good drying conditions prevail.\r\n<h2>Anaerobic conditions for good preservation<\/h2>\r\nEnsure your silage pit is covered and fully sealed as soon as possible after filling. With bales, extra layers of plastic wrap combined with careful handling and storage will help ensure air is totally excluded from the bale. Don’t allow birds or other vermin damage your silage clamp or bales and don’t forget to repair any bales damaged in transit. This will help minimise moulds and wastage.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/Todays-Farm-Web-Access-Edition-Apr-Jun-2026.pdf\">The article was first published in Today's Farm Teagasc, April-June 2026<\/a>","id":"256299","title":"Why high quality silage is better for ewes. And you","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-26 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/Harvesting-silage-38-scaled-e1776779585989.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/beef-breeding-tail-paint.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-25","description":"Fewer dairy bull calves is generally positive but presents a risk to genetic gain that will need to be managed. Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, tells us more.","main_body":"I was enthralled recently by the epic match between France and England to decide the outcome of the 2026 Six Nations championship. The game was one for the ages, with Thomas Ramos, the French ‘kicking machine’, landing a penalty right at the death to hand the French the victory required to see them crowned champions.\r\n\r\nWhat has this to do with dairy bull breeding in Ireland though? Well, breeding is a numbers game and France has a population of 68.6m people, so its level of choice is far greater than here on the island of Ireland, where we can only select from 7.1m. Put simply, they have a better ‘pick’. The odds of France having a better team than us is always higher, due to the numbers they can choose from.\r\n\r\nIn recent years, due to the numbers that they can choose from, the widespread adoption of sexed semen has allowed farmers to generate replacement calves from their highest genetic merit animals. This increases the genetic potential of the replacement heifers, as well as enabling greater use of beef genetics across the remainder of the herd. This is great for herd management and profitability at farm level, but it could have negative implications for the future of genetic gain in the national dairy herd.\r\n\r\nOn the one hand, the reduction in the numbers of low-value dairy bull calves is good for both the farmer and the beef industry. However, an emerging concern is the associated reduction in the number of elite dairy male calves that are now available for AI bull selection.\r\n\r\nIf farmers do not actively work with AI organisations to breed the next generation of elite sires, the long-term genetic progress of the total dairy herd is likely to slow, as the number of bulls to choose from will be reduced.\r\n<h2>Structural changes in the AI industry<\/h2>\r\nThe increased use of sexed semen is already altering the structure of the AI industry. Several trends are emerging:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Reduced use of conventional dairy semen<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increased use of beef semen in dairy herds<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Concentration of dairy breeding on elite females<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Higher demand for a smaller number of top-performing sires<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nHowever, the supply of future elite bulls depends on the availability of high-quality male calves from genetically superior cows. AI companies have always selected elite bull calves from the large population of males born to dairy cows each year. A smaller male calf population reduces the selection pool and may limit the availability of the very best genetic individuals.\r\nThe issue becomes particularly acute when the highest genetic merit cows are being bred almost exclusively to produce female replacements. In such cases:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Elite cows may only produce heifer calves<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Potentially outstanding bull calves are never born<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The genetic pipeline for AI sires becomes narrower<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOver time, this will slow the rate of national genetic gain if not managed.\r\n<h2>Importance of farmer participation in bull breeding programmes<\/h2>\r\nTo maintain strong genetic progress, AI organisations rely on farmers to breed elite bull calves from the very best females in their herds. These calves form the foundation of the next generation of AI sires.\r\nTraditionally, AI companies have collaborated with selected herds through structured programmes where:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Elite cows are bred to carefully selected sires<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Male calves from these matings are evaluated as potential AI bulls<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The most promising individuals enter progeny testing programmes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nActive engagement and collaboration between farmers and AI organisations is becoming more important than ever. Farmers who possess genetically elite females are in a position to contribute to the national breeding programme. By allocating some of these cows to conventional dairy semen matings specifically designed to produce bull calves, they can help to deliver a continued supply of dairy genetics.\r\n\r\nUltimately, it’s a numbers game. 100,000 bull calves need to be screened each year to get the top 0.1%. The alternative is that we screen less but select from the top 10% instead. This will slow the rate of genetic gain nationally. To continue with a sporting analogy: not every minor goes on to play senior. Calves that show significant potential may not make the grade. This can be for several reasons, such as infertility, TB, or they may die during the rearing phase and never get to produce semen at all.\r\n\r\nThis is not just an Irish phenomenon; it is happening globally. However, the difference in Ireland is that the power is in farmers’ hands. Farmers are the owners of the Irish breeding programmes, unlike other countries where commercial companies may either currently own or are trying to acquire breeding programmes so they can control the future direction to their advantage.\r\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\r\nThe growing adoption of sexed semen represents a major technological advancement for the Irish dairy industry. It allows farmers to improve herd genetics more efficiently, increase the value of surplus calves through greater use of beef sires, and facilitates better replacement heifer management. However, this shift also has important implications for the wider breeding industry. The reduction in conventional dairy inseminations and the resulting decline in dairy male calf numbers will limit the supply of elite bull calves required by AI breeding programmes.\r\n\r\nIf farmers and AI organisations don’t work together to maintain a sufficient pipeline of genetically superior males, the long-term rate of genetic gain in the Irish dairy herd will be compromised.\r\nUltimately, the continued success of Ireland’s dairy breeding programme will depend on maintaining a balanced approach—one that captures the benefits of sexed semen while ensuring that the next generation of elite AI sires continues to be produced from the very best cows in the national herd.\r\n\r\nUnlike the Irish team, who could only look on as France clinched the championship with that Ramos kick, Irish farmers can control their own future by partaking in contract matings when requested and driving the potential for the future of breeding in Ireland.\r\n\r\nSo, if you have been contacted by one of the AI companies about breeding a potential future elite bull calf, follow up with them ahead of the breeding season to ensure that you have the straws required when that cow or heifer is presented for breeding. While the odds aren’t hectic, the payback, if successful, will be worth it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/publications\/2026\/Todays-Farm-Web-Access-Edition-Apr-Jun-2026.pdf\">This article was first published in Today's Farm<\/a>","id":"256266","title":"How dairy farmers can ensure genetic progress","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-25 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/beef-breeding-tail-paint.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ewes-and-lambs-at-grass-early-May-SC.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-25","description":"Elevated fertiliser prices and lower application rates over recent years has many sheep farmers questioning the value of chemical nitrogen applications to grow grass this spring.","main_body":"To shed light on the economics, Dr. Philip Creighton, Sheep Enterprise Leader at Teagasc joined Ciaran Lynch on a recent <em>Let’s Talk Sheep<\/em> Webinar.\r\n\r\nWith peak grass demand on sheep farms occurring five to seven weeks post-lambing, Dr. Creighton explained that a priority for the coming weeks is making sure there is enough grass available in front of ewes and lambs to meet demand.\r\n\r\n“Current management tasks are about dealing with the issues in front of us. Some we can control and some we cannot. Fertiliser price is one of the big issues. Costs have increased significantly, and many farmers are questioning whether they will get a return from spreading fertiliser,” Dr. Creighton commented.\r\n<blockquote>“We need to make sure we can keep grass in front of sheep by growing enough of it on the farm. At this point in the year, farmers should be assessing how much fertiliser has gone out and what the plan is to get grass supply back to where it should be,” Dr. Creighton added.<\/blockquote>\r\nTwo scenarios were presented to farmers attending the webinar; one where fertiliser was purchased before the price spike this spring (protected urea at €520\/t and CAN at €410\/t), the second after prices rose (protected urea at €800\/t and CAN at €540\/t). For the latter, Dr. Creighton reminded farmers that protected urea remains better value at €1.74\/kg of N compared with €2.00\/kg of N for CAN.\r\n\r\nDespite heightened fertiliser prices, Dr. Creighton reminded farmers that the key comparison is between growing grass with fertiliser and buying in concentrate feed. Typically, he explained, the response rate to nitrogen is somewhere in the region of 10 to 20kg of grass grown for every 1kg of nitrogen applied. To grow a kilogram of grass costs around 10c\/kg of DM, while feeding a kilogram of concentrate is around 3.5 to four times the cost of grass.\r\n\r\nHe continued: “When we compare the cost per kilogram of concentrates with the cost per kilogram of grass produced from applying nitrogen, it is still much more economical to feed sheep by growing grass. Even though fertiliser is more expensive than we would like, it is still more economical to grow grass than to replace lost pasture production with additional concentrates.”\r\n\r\nAnecdotally, he added, there have been significant increases in the amount of concentrates being fed and significant reductions in the amount of grass being grown and utilised on sheep farms.\r\n<blockquote>“Many farmers are now running into shortfalls, with less grass and winter feed available. While fertiliser is expensive and remains higher than it was in previous years, it is still an economic way to grow grass to feed sheep on the farm when the figures are examined,” Dr. Creighton added.<\/blockquote>\r\nThrough his appearance on the webinar, Dr. Creighton also discussed Teagasc National Farm Survey trends in concentrate and chemical nitrogen usage on sheep farms, noting: “In 2024, there was an average of 109kg of concentrates being fed per ewe on Irish lowland sheep farms, while 53kg of chemical nitrogen was being spread per hectare. A number of years ago, before previous fertiliser price shocks, that nitrogen figure would have been around 70-75kg per hectare. In 2022, it dropped to less than 30kg of chemical nitrogen per hectare.”\r\n\r\nDelving into the research work from Teagasc Athenry, Dr. Creighton added: “Previous work has shown that there should be approximately 10kg of nitrogen going in per ewe. Therefore, if a farm is stocked at seven ewes per hectare, the requirement to grow enough feed to support that stocking rate is about 70kg of nitrogen per hectare.”\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights and an update on the research working ongoing at the Teagasc Athenry Sheep Research Centre, a recording of the Let’s Talk Sheep Webinar is available to view below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aYod6rmwa4I?si=WvUnBYFMqS1p6jG8\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>","id":"256732","title":"Nitrogen fertiliser: Will it give a return on sheep farms?","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-25 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ewes-and-lambs-at-grass-early-May-SC.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Young-Bulls-Feature.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-24","description":"Farmers finishing under 16-month bulls need to know their cost of production now more than ever.","main_body":"That was a key message delivered by David Argue, Beef Specialist at Teagasc, when joining Catherine Egan on a recent episode of the Beef Edge podcast.\r\n\r\nWith input costs such as meal, fertiliser and contractor charges set to increase, David Argue reminded farmers that there is huge volatility in the cost of finishing animals.\r\n\r\n“At this stage, it is impossible for anyone to know where beef price is going to be later on in the year,” he said. “But we can easily estimate what price we are going to require per kilogram for our beef at the end of the year by completing a simple budget.”\r\n\r\nThrough his appearance on the Beef Edge podcast, the Beef Specialist discussed Teagasc’s under 16-month bull finishing budget. Based on a high level of efficiency, excellent quality silage, average daily gains of 1.4kg\/head from purchase to the point of sale and meal costs of €340\/t, this budget tracks the costs associated with purchasing a 400kg young bull in October and carrying to beef in late May to mid-June.\r\n\r\nAfter an assumed feeding period of 230-240 days, the target is to bring the animal to 730kg liveweight or 430kg of carcass weight from a silage and concentrate input of 4t and 1.9t, respectively.\r\n\r\nUsing prices obtained from the<em> Irish Farmers Journal<\/em> in late August \/ early September, David Argue commented that the purchase price for the top third of 400kg bulls was €2,536 or €6.34\/kg.\r\n\r\n“When we include our variable costs, such as meal, silage, vet, transport and levies, and our fixed costs, we have a total cost on that system of about €1,000 against that young bull. Between buying the young bull and including our total costs, we are looking at €3,535\/head or €8.22\/kg as a breakeven selling price,” David Argue said.\r\n\r\nWhen re-examining the prices achievable from the market a few weeks ago, David Argue added: “The base price for these bulls was €6.70\/kg. Assuming the bull met the quality assurance specification, worth 12c\/kg, and received 21c\/kg on the grid, the animal was returning about €3,023. This means there was a loss of €512\/head on that under 16-month bull.”\r\n<blockquote>“At today’s beef prices,” he added, “cattle that were bought last autumn and have been slaughtered over the last number of weeks are unfortunately losing money.”<\/blockquote>\r\nDavid Argue also noted that steer and heifer winter finishing systems are coming under pressure. In winter finishing systems where steers received 750kg of meal, every 10c\/kg drop in beef price equated to a further loss of €40\/head or more.\r\n\r\nThe impacts of meal price were also discussed. For the steer system, a €40\/t increase in meal would add about €30\/head in costs and require an additional 8-10c\/kg in beef price to cover costs. For under-16-month bull systems, with bulls eating 1.8-2t of meal, a €20-40\/t increase in meal price would require a further 16-18c\/kg on top of the breakeven price.\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights and more information, listen to the full episode of the Beef Edge podcast below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/5e52941e\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>","id":"256332","title":"Challenging prospects for young bull finishers","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Young-Bulls-Feature.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Newford-cows-and-calves-at-grass.png","release_date":"2026-04-24","description":"After more than a decade of focusing on profitability on a per hectare basis, the Newford Demonstration Farm now well settled in its new home in Scrine, Co. Roscommon is taking a new approach to measuring profit.","main_body":"As outlined to the farmers attending the farm’s first National Open Day on Wednesday, April 22, Head of Livestock Systems at Teagasc, Dr. Padraig French said: “For the last 10 years, we have been very focused on profit per hectare and, to a lesser extent, profit per cow. In reality, the limiting factor on many farms is the amount of time farmers have to run that business.\r\n\r\n“We are now trying to focus more on the profit per hour worked: How many hours does it take to operate the farm, what returns does it provide for the hours worked and how can we maximise profit per hour worked?”\r\n\r\nProviding a background to the farm, Dr. French added: “Newford is operated as a standalone business and must cover all its costs.” Boosted by higher beef prices in 2025 and carefully controlled costs, the farm generated a net profit (including SCEP) of €1,376\/ha or €1,198\/cow last year.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256725\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"699\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256725\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Padraig-French-Newford.png\" alt=\"Padraig French\" width=\"699\" height=\"400\" \/> Head of Livestock Systems at Teagasc, Dr. Padraig French addressing the crowd at the Newford Open Day[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOn the new focus, he added: “To run this farm of 85 cows and their progeny to beef, 280 cattle, we are putting in approximately 2,800 hours of labour per year, or 33 hours\/cow. In 2025, the farm’s net profit plus labour costs delivered a return of €39\/hour worked, but we had a very good beef price. Back in 2023, it worked out at €15\/hour worked.\r\n<blockquote>“Our focus now is on how we can reduce the number of hours worked on the farm while continuing to increase profit.”<\/blockquote>\r\nStrategies being followed to increase labour efficiency and boost profits include having a suitable cow, using easier-calving bulls, operating a strict culling policy, adopting labour-efficient work practices, utilising excellent facilities, making use of contractors, and investing in automation that will provide a return.\r\n<h2>Herd performance<\/h2>\r\nAt the event, Manager of the Future Beef Programme, to which the Newford Herd is enrolled, Martina Harrington provided an overview of the key focus areas to maximise profit from a suckler beef system.\r\n<blockquote>“Like all farms enrolled in the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, performance is achieved by focusing on individual animal performance, stocking rate, cost control and limiting our impact on the environment,” Martina Harrington explained.<\/blockquote>\r\nSome key performance indicators being achieved at Newford include delivering 0.98 calves per cow, calving all heifers at 24 months of age and producing high level of output on an individual animal basis (360kg of output per livestock unit).\r\n\r\nAlong with achieving key performance indicators in terms of animal performance and breeding, Martina Harrington also touched on the importance of cost control, noting:\r\n\r\n“Cost control is critical in suckler beef systems. With grass being the cheapest form of feed, the aim is to get the majority of weight gain from grazed grass. This is achieved through early turnout, a long grazing season, good grazing infrastructure, the correct pre- and post-grazing covers and producing that grass as cheaply as possible.”\r\n\r\nTo lessen the cost of growing grass, Newford has also introduced clover into grazing swards to reduce the level of inputs coming onto the farm, along with targeted applications of organic manures and slurry.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256724\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256724\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Martina-Harrington-Newford.png\" alt=\"Martina Harrington speaking from the Newford Open Day\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" \/> Martina Harrington, Manager of the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, speaking from the Newford Open Day[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Acknowledging the contribution of Dan Browne<\/h2>\r\nAlso speaking from the event, Paul Nolan of Dawn Meats said: “Newford was very much the brainchild of Dan Browne who passed away last June.\r\n\r\n“Hailing originally from a dairy farming background and having spent time with Teagasc before setting up Dawn Meats, Dan Browne believed we could raise the bar in the delivery of knowledge transfer for suckler farms.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256727\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"699\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256727\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Paul-Nolan-Newford.png\" alt=\"Paul Nolan\" width=\"699\" height=\"500\" \/> Paul Nolan, Dawn Meats[\/caption]\r\n\r\n“Through collaboration with Teagasc and the support of McDonald’s, the Newford Herd was established in Athenry in 2014, where we enjoyed many successful years. Our time there came to an end in 2023, and we were very fortunate to find this farm here. We have worked very hard to bring it up to the standard it is at today, and it is onwards and upwards from here,” Paul Nolan added.\r\n\r\nPaul Nolan also extended his condolences to the Browne family on the passing of Dan’s wife, Kay, who passed away this week.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/newford-suckler-breeding-open-day-2026\/\">For full insights from the Newford Demonstration Farm Open Day, download the open day proceedings here<\/a>.","id":"256723","title":"A new focus for Newford","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Newford-cows-and-calves-at-grass.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Farm-partnership-or-succession.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-24","description":"Research on collaborative farming, completed by researchers in Maynooth University and Teagasc and published in the Journal of Rural Studies, has pinpointed key incentives and barriers to entering such arrangements in Ireland.","main_body":"The research completed by Dr. Michael Hayden and Dr. Bridget McNally, Maynooth University, and Dr. Mika Shin and Dr. Anne Kinsella, Teagasc, examined why collaborative farming agreements are formed, what benefits they deliver and what barriers limit wider uptake.\r\n\r\nGarnering insights from farmers and agricultural advisors and focused on partnerships and limited companies, chief among the study’s findings were that financial incentives and a desire to bring the next generation into the farming business were the primary reasons farmers entered collaborative farming arrangements. The evidence also indicates that policy measures with a financial incentive are likely to boost participation in collaborative farming.\r\n\r\nFrom the study, young collaborators’ perspectives were also gathered, noting that such arrangements gave them a real sense of ownership and involvement in running the farming enterprise, rather than seeing themselves as hired labour.\r\n\r\nSignificant barriers to setting up and operating these arrangements were also identified, namely financial concerns – particularly fears over whether a farm can generate enough income to support all parties involved or to provide an adequate retirement income for older farmers stepping away from the business.\r\n\r\nThe research also shed light on why collaborative arrangements can break down. Strained personal relationships, poor communication and a mismatch between expectations before and after establishment were all cited as common causes. Trust, the study found, is critical and is best supported through open discussion on management, decision-making, long-term intentions and dispute resolution.\r\n\r\nIn terms of entering such collaborative arrangements, interviewees described the administrative burden attached to establishing partnerships or limited companies as cumbersome and onerous. Farmers considering collaboration are encouraged to speak with others already in such arrangements, seek professional advice and put in place detailed formal agreements.\r\n\r\nFor full insights, read the research paper: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0743016724002857?via%3Dihub\">‘Evidence from the ground: Insights into collaborative farming for generational renewal’<\/a>.","id":"256019","title":"Collaborative farming: Incentives and barriers","category":"Farm Business","release_date_time":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Farm-partnership-or-succession.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/PoultryEdge210426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-24","description":"On this episode of the Poultry Edge, Teagasc Poultry Advisor, Rebecca Tierney is joined by Daisy Roijackers from IntraCare to discuss water quality, often referred to as the forgotten nutrient in poultry systems.","main_body":"The Research and Development Specialist in Hygiene with IntraCare outlined why water quality is so important and why it’s receiving a lot more focus in poultry enterprises, whether that be for layers, broilers, turkeys or ducks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/3ac0b67a\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/rural-economy\/rural-development\/poultry\/the-poultry-edge-podcast\/\">For more episodes from the Poultry Edge podcast go to the show page<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe Poultry Edge is a co-production with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>","id":"256464","title":"Water quality: The forgotten nutrient","category":"Pigs &amp; Poultry","release_date_time":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/PoultryEdge210426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/windblow-trees-in-Roscommon.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-24","description":"Niall Farrelly and John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Department, look at factors linked to windthrow in Irish forests and if opportunities exist to increase resilience in our forests through smart silviculture which can make forests more wind resistant.","main_body":"Many private forest owners have experienced windblow in their forests - a result of Storm Eowyn, which occurred on the 24<sup>th<\/sup> of January 2025. Some growers may ask the question why replant with spruce, if the species is going to be blown down again in 10, 20 or 30 years?  The research and data suggest that while Sitka spruce does not blow down at 10 years, and rarely blows down at 20 years, it can be vulnerable after 20 years of age given the high growth rates experienced on Irish soils.\r\n\r\nSince Storm Eowyn, the question arises: Is there a timber tree out there that can withstand the impact of storms? Such a tree would need to produce deep, stable root system, be capable of performing and developing on poorly drained and impermeable soils and withstand blowing over once it reaches maturity. This gives rise to a further question: Are there ways to reduce the risk of storm damage to our forests?\r\n\r\nWhile such disturbance events can teach us valuable lessons that a wider range of species can and should be considered for Irish forestry, it perhaps points to the need to design our forests to be more resilient to wind damage. However, an appropriate tree for many sites depends on the objective of the landowner and its ability to survive and prosper.\r\n\r\nThe planting of trees in a forest requires appropriate silviculture knowledge and an objective of management are the trees to be utilised to produce a valuable crop for the farmer or used provide ecosystem services or biodiversity. Whatever the objective, these trees require to be capable of withstanding windy environments and storm events.\r\n\r\nIn this article we will look at factors linked to windthrow in Irish forests and if opportunities exist to increase resilience in our forests through smart silviculture which can make forests more wind resistant.\r\n<h2>Wind climate<\/h2>\r\nFor the most part of Ireland, our mean wind climate ranges between 7 to 25 km\/hr (kilometres per hour). The literature suggests that sustained mean wind speeds of approximately 80–105 km\/hour can cause trees to be uprooted, especially where rooting is restricted.\r\n\r\nWind gusts are perhaps more relevant for forestry. Sustained wind gusts in Storm Eowyn reached 142 km\/hr. In storm Darwin in 2014, the storm had sustained wind speeds up to 120 km\/hr and gusts reaching 160 km\/hr.\r\n\r\nIn both storms, the gusts were far more than those required (e.g. 80–105 km\/hr) to cause significant damage, including the uprooting of trees. In the case of these almost unprecedented winds, we have limited opportunities to prevent damage to forests, especially where forests are at a critical development stage.\r\n<h2>Probability of windblow<\/h2>\r\nWhat is the probability of windblow to a given forest in Ireland? To determine this, we need to determine the likelihood that two independent events occur simultaneously in the same year - the occurrence of a storm and that the fast-growing forest is in a vulnerable development state.\r\n\r\nWe can estimate the probability of a storm occurring once every 10 to 15 years from historical data on windblow in Irish Forests. Therefore, the probability of a storm in any single year is 12.5 percent (%). The forest is vulnerable for 10 years out of every 30 years (at age 20 and beyond) or for 33% of its lifetime.\r\n\r\nFor damage to occur, a storm must happen <strong><u>and<\/u><\/strong> the forest must be at the vulnerable developmental stage. Assuming these events are interdependent, the probability of damage occurring in any given year is 3%. However not all storms occur at the same location and other factors predispose a forest to windblow, including:\r\n<h2>Site topography:<\/h2>\r\nThe shape of the land (e.g., hills, valleys) can accelerate the wind. Sites in exposed locations and those that face the prevailing wind direction (i.e. the south-west in Ireland) are more vulnerable. While sites that are in sheltered valleys are more secure, flat sites and sites located on westerly slopes are more vulnerable to windthrow. Forests on wet mineral lowlands are particularly vulnerable as they are often fully exposed to the force of the wind and act like a windbreak, initially they withstand the wind up to a certain point after which the trees begin to fail and blow over, whereas deep rooted trees tend to snap or break.\r\n<h2>Soil conditions and drainage:<\/h2>\r\nThe rooting system which provides stability to the tree is governed by soil type in which it is planted. Soils with a high percentage of clay particles are very fertile, but some also tend to have restricted drainage, they tend to hold water at or near the surface.\r\n\r\nOn these soils, tree root systems are restricted in growth by cold and wet conditions and high-water tables and often develop into a flat, plate-like structure, restricted in depth owing to anaerobic conditions reducing tree anchorage (Picture 1). Normally, stability is maintained through the lateral roots and by the support of neighbouring trees, which happens in the upper canopy, when trees are intermeshed with each other, once the canopy is disturbed, trees are forced to withstand the force of the wind on their own merits.\r\n\r\nDrainage is a key factor influencing tree stability. Research shows that trees on more poorly drained sites (Gley soils), have a much higher probability of windblow compared to very well-drained sites. And many trees blew over in Storm Éowyn were associated with restricted drainage, however the force of the wind was enough to topple mature broadleaved trees on well drained soils. The provision of drainage is essential to maintaining stability as excess water on sites increases the risk of windthrow.\r\n\r\nSite cultivation practices such as ploughing and mounding can show higher windthrow incidence. Mound drains serve to remove surface water but may act to reduce radial root development for trees planted on mounds closest to the mound drain. Roots can be confined to the mound and can be limited in growth by the presence of a drain. The direction of mounding can also influence windblow, with drains perpendicular to the prevailing wind often more vulnerable, trees are often blown across the mound drain which provides an entry point for instability in the forest for windblow (Picture 1).\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256744\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256744\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/windblow-trees-in-Roscommon.jpg\" alt=\"Windblow in Co. Roscommon, trees blown in Storm Eowyn, and blown from south westerly winds. \" width=\"700\" height=\"524\" \/> Picture 1: Windblow in Co. Roscommon, trees blown in Storm Eowyn, and blown from south westerly winds.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Stand characteristics and management<\/h2>\r\nWhen trees reach maturity, their exposure to the wind increases, taller trees stand up over the surrounding landscape and the wind force increases exponentially with elevation, thus taller trees are more vulnerable. Therefore, at age 20 to 30 years where trees at 20 to 25 m in height they are at increased risk of windthrow due to increased mechanical loading by the wind than smaller trees 10 to 15 m.\r\n<h2>Thinning and mechanical stability<\/h2>\r\nThinning serves to break the canopy and allow an entry point for wind into a forest. Unthinned forests have intact canopy’s which deflect the wind, whereas thinned forests create conditions where individual trees, lack the mutual support of neighbouring trees and the ability to offset the wind along the canopy chain - and each tree is forced to withstand the force of the wind on its own. Thinning increases short-term vulnerability, especially until up until a time that the trees can adapt to their new conditions. Poor timing and heavy thinning increase vulnerability, especially when trees are suddenly exposed to unexpected high winds. Thus, if a thinning takes place a year before a storm events, the tree has had little time to recover and adapt to the new growing space.\r\n\r\nThinning if practiced should be early or on time, early thinning fosters gradual adaptation of the tree to its environment with better root and stem development. While heavy thinning increases short-term exposure to windblow, it can promote the development of trees which can reach final harvest earlier, producing the economic return before windthrow becomes a significant issue, but should be practiced early to encourage adaptation. In such cases where windblow is a concern, light and moderate thinning are less risky as they limit the disturbance to the canopy, while providing much of the benefits of thinning.\r\n<h2>Implications for forest management<\/h2>\r\nA review of research offers critical advice for forest managers in high-wind regions:\r\n<h3>1). Site selection and planning is crucial:<\/h3>\r\nExamine the soil type, remove surface water and maintain drains and plan the direction of mound drains with knowledge of the prevailing wind. Consider increasing the distance between mound drains, where appropriate, to encourage lateral root development.\r\n<h3>2). Use early, moderate or limited thinning:<\/h3>\r\nThis promotes adaptation to the wind environment and the development of stronger root\/stem structures. In certain cases, options include no thinning on poorly drained soils or limiting thinning to light thinning facilitated by two thin operations. In these cases, early thinning should be favoured with earlier preparation for final harvest once a desired tree size is attained.\r\n<h3>3). Minimise edge exposure:<\/h3>\r\nAvoid abrupt creation of forest edges or gaps by introducing forest roads and creating brown edges in forests, as these edge trees are not acclimatised to the wind and create entry points for windthrow (Picture 2). The possibility of using mixed-tree species buffers which occur naturally in the landscape should be considered.\r\n<h3>4). Avoid ploughing where possible:<\/h3>\r\nConsider pit planting or practice mounding with the aim to preserve rooting integrity. The placement of mounds in the vicinity of mound drains needs to be considered, since this location can negatively impact on 360-degree rooting of trees.\r\n<h3>5). Integrate topographic and wind data:<\/h3>\r\nWhile not significant in all cases, topographic exposure remains a practical planning tool. A windthrow risk assessment performed as part of the overall management planning process will help to evaluate and identify risks, and to identify possible improvements to minimise damage.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256746\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256746\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/an-unplanted-area-beside-a-forest.jpg\" alt=\"An unplanted area serving as a road turntable, trees have full green canopy to the ground level, becoming fully acclimatised to the wind climate. \" width=\"700\" height=\"524\" \/> Picture 2: An unplanted area serving as a road turntable, trees have full green canopy to the ground level, becoming fully acclimatised to the wind climate.[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\r\nWindthrow is a complex, multifactorial risk shaped by interactions among wind dynamics, site characteristics, stand structure, and management history. Catastrophic wind damage which occurs during major storm events is strongly associated with tree height and poor drainage. Thinning can influence long-term forest structure and wind resistance, though its short-term destabilising effects must be managed carefully. Research underscores the need for integrated risk-based forest planning that balances productivity with resilience - particularly as climate change may increase storm frequency and intensity in Ireland and beyond.\r\n<h2>Refor Event<\/h2>\r\nForest owners who have had forests that have experienced storm damage are encouraged to attend a <strong>Reforestation after Storm Damage <\/strong>on Thursday, 30<sup>th<\/sup> April in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. The meeting point is St. Kevin’s GAA, O’Rourke Park, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Eircode - F45 K500. Attendees are encouraged to arrive  between 10:30am and 12pm and will be bussed to a local forest site.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/event\/reforestation-after-storm-damage-event-2\/\">Further details on the Reforestation after Storm Damage event are available here<\/a>.","id":"256742","title":"Windthrow and what we can do to build resilience","category":"Forestry","release_date_time":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-24 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/windblow-trees-in-Roscommon.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowd-at-Newford.png","release_date":"2026-04-23","description":"The Newford Suckler Demonstration farm in Scrine, County Roscommon opened its gates to hundreds of farmers for a successful Open Day on Wednesday, 22 April. Breeding Efficient and Profitable Sucklers was the theme for the Open Day. The Newford Farm is a joint partnership between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s. ","main_body":"This is the first event since the Newford Suckler herd relocated from Athenry at the end of 2023, with farmers from neighbouring counties keen to see the livestock and see the management practices on the farm. The 90-cow suckler calf-to-beef demonstration herd has continued to pursue its core aims: compact, AI based breeding; efficient profitable finishing of heifers and steers at a young age; and practical on farm measures to reduce emissions and enhance biodiversity through the Future Beef and Signpost programmes.\r\n\r\nThe herd is performing strongly, achieving high levels of technical excellence, which is driving the financial performance of the farm.  The cows are bred using 100% AI with a highly compact calving pattern using 5 star terminal genetics. The progeny are finished efficiently with heifers drafted at approximately 20 months of age and steers at 22 months, balancing carcass output with control of variable costs.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256759\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt size-full wp-image-256759\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Newford-genetics-and-breeding.png\" alt=\"Pictured on the Genetics and Breeding Stand at the Open day were :  Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc and Chris Daly ICBF.\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/> Pictured on the Genetics and Breeding Stand at the Open day were : Matthew Murphy, Dawn Meats, Cliona Ryan, Teagasc and Chris Daly ICBF.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe farm is part of both the Teagasc Future Beef and Signpost programmes, which promote sustainable production. This has led to the adoption of precision technologies to reduce carbon and nutrient footprints while supporting biodiversity.\r\n\r\nThe farm has availed of funding through the Farming for Water EIP, enabling the implementation of a range of initiatives aimed at improving water quality. These include the management of surface rainwater flows on roadways and the use of settlement tanks to capture and segregate wastewater from the farmyard, supporting best practice in environmental protection.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/publications\/newford-suckler-breeding-open-day-2026\/\">Read the comprehensive booklet produced as part of the Newford Open Day here<\/a> (PDF).","id":"256751","title":"Successful Newford Open Day","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowd-at-Newford.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/TE230426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-23","description":"Dr. Louise McNamara, a researcher with Teagasc, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about the threat posed by aphids and, consequently, BYDV this season. ","main_body":"Louise explains that the thresholds, or triggers for action, are similar to previous years, although ongoing research is expected to refine these in the future. She highlights that crops emerging after mid-April are at greatest risk, while noting that location can also play an important role.\r\n\r\nAphicide resistance is an important consideration, but pyrethroid insecticides are still providing effective control.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen to the episode<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/b9eedaec\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/the-tillage-edge-podcast\/\">More episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast<\/a>","id":"256670","title":"How important will BYDV control be in 2026?","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/media\/website\/news\/daily\/tillage-crops-photos\/TE230426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Leaf-scorch-from-liquid-nitrogen.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-23","description":"Liquid fertiliser is a highly efficient way to drive crop performance, writes Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist. When applied in the correct conditions, it is an effective alternative to granular nitrogen sources and can offer a lower nitrous oxide emission factor compared to CAN in certain systems.  ","main_body":"However, poor application practice can lead to leaf scorch, particularly where nitrogen sits and concentrates on the leaf.  Paying attention to conditions and technique is essential.\r\n\r\nApplication can be more flexible than often assumed. Liquid fertiliser can be applied when the crop is wet or in light rain, or even in dry conditions, provided other risks are managed. Avoid situations where the crop is just damp and drying or is frosted, as this can leave a smear of nitrogen on the leaf, increasing uptake and scorch risk.\r\n\r\nSpraying in wind is not a problem where streams are not being deflected. However, once fine droplets begin to feather or drift, application quality drops and the risk of uneven coverage rises. Keeping forward speed slow and pressure low (below 2 bar where possible) helps maintain larger droplets and even distribution.\r\n\r\nEarly morning or evening applications are safest to avoid the heat of the day. Where large temperature swings (&gt;20°C) are expected, applications should also be avoided.\r\n\r\nFor cereals, aim to complete applications by GS32 (second node detectable) and avoid applying to the flag leaf or leaf two, where scorch can directly impact yield.\r\n\r\nSequencing matters with liquid nitrogen. Apply the fertiliser first, followed by agrochemicals, leaving at least a 2-day gap. Applying fungicides first can soften or de-wax the leaf surface and increase nitrogen uptake, raising scorch risk. Where agrochemicals are applied first, leave at least 5 days to allow the leaf recover.\r\n\r\nGetting these details right ensures liquid fertiliser works for the crop, not against it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/is-it-time-to-go-liquid\/\">For more on a farmer's experiences of using liquid nitrogen, read an article from <em>Today's Farm<\/em> here<\/a>.","id":"256329","title":"Using liquid fertiliser safely: Simple steps to boost growth without scorch","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Leaf-scorch-from-liquid-nitrogen.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Angus-steers-at-grass.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-23","description":"New research from Teagasc, published in the Journal of Agricultural Science has studied the profitability and environmental efficiency of pasture-based dairy-beef production systems.","main_body":"Beef produced form the non-replacement progeny of the dairy herd forms an integral part of beef supply chains globally. However, issues around the beef genetic merit of the progeny exist. In addition, a reduction in slaughter age has been identified as a key greenhouse gas mitigation strategy from beef systems.\r\n\r\nNew research from Teagasc, published in the <em>Journal of Agricultural Science<\/em> has studied the profitability and environmental efficiency of pasture-based dairy-beef production systems. The objective of this study was to quantify the economic and environmental performance of three dairy-beef genotypes differing in beef genetic merit and managed under three contrasting pasture-based feeding treatments, using a farm-level systems model and data from an animal systems experiment.\r\n\r\n<strong>The three steer genotypes modelled were: <\/strong>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>High beef-merit Angus sires (HA)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Low beef-merit Angus sires (LA) and<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Holstein-Friesian (HF) sires.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nEach genotype was evaluated across one of three feed treatments:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Control (CTL), grass-only during both grazing seasons;<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Low concentrate (LC), supplemented with concentrate during the first grazing season, pasture only during the second grazing season; and<\/li>\r\n \t<li>High concentrate (HC) supplemented with concentrate during the first and second grazing season; amounting to nine scenarios. The HC scenario was designed to potentially allow slaughter of steers from pasture, without the need of a second indoor finishing period.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nHigh Angus steers were most profitable (€424\/animal, €1,362\/ha), (Beef price €4.85\/kg carcass weight) followed by LA (€337, €1,126) and HF (€188, €659). The CTL treatment had the highest profit per head due to having the lowest cost per kg carcass produced due to lower concentrate input costs. High Angus systems had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions between genotypes, and concentrate use reduced emissions per kg of beef, but CTL had the lowest total emissions per ha and per farm due to greater forage use within the diet. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the financial and environmental benefits of high beef genetic merit sires in dairy herd for dairy-beef systems and producers.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone wp-image-256011\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/dairy-beef-study-scaled.png\" alt=\"A graph showing the variations witnessed between the three treatments in terms of profitability and GHG emissions\" width=\"700\" height=\"395\" \/>\r\n<h2>What do these results mean?<\/h2>\r\nThe results bring together a clear message for farmers looking at dairy-beef systems.\r\n\r\nChoosing sires with high beef genetic merit improves carcass weight, reduces finishing age and boosts profitability. This decision is made by the dairy farmer, but its impact runs right through the end of the beef production system.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, keeping systems simple and grass-focused remains key. While concentrates can help performance, they need to be carefully managed to avoid eroding margins.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cambridge.org\/core\/journals\/journal-of-agricultural-science\/article\/profitability-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-foodfeed-efficiency-comparison-of-dairybeef-steers-of-divergent-beef-genetic-merit-in-pasturebased-production-systems\/4013D94CA57A14080FF1640FAE88E9AA\">Read the full article “Profitability, greenhouse gas emissions and food-feed efficiency comparison of dairy-beef steers of divergent beef genetic merit in pasture-based production systems” here.<\/a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-centre\/\">To read more about Climate and Biodiversity research in Teagasc, visit the Teagasc Climate Centre<\/a>.","id":"256004","title":"Profitable and environmentally efficient pasture-based dairy-beef production systems","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Angus-steers-at-grass.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/darren-allen-1024x576.png","release_date":"2026-04-23","description":"Using conventional, direct drill and min-til establishment systems, participant in the Signpost Programme, Darren Allen provides an update on his winter wheat on-farm establishment trial.","main_body":"In my last article, I mentioned that I established my winter wheat last autumn by three different methods: direct drilled, minimum tillage and conventional plough and one-pass.\r\n\r\nMy motivation for trying this again this year remains the same: all tillage farmers have to critically look at all costs to grow their crops in present times where grain prices remain relatively low at around €200\/t while growing costs continue to creep upwards. That’s before ever had the recent crisis of hugely inflated fertiliser and diesel prices due to the Iranian war.\r\n\r\nI firmly believe that savings can be made. I have my costings for each. I estimate that the direct drill this autumn was saving me up to the value of 0.5t\/ha over the conventional plough and one-pass. Realistically, if yields can be comparable at harvest, then this saving goes straight into my pocket. We hope to be able to accurately record the yields for each establishment method and see will this follow through.\r\n<h2>Visual appearance<\/h2>\r\nCertainly, looking at the winter wheat here today in April, you would find it difficult to visually see any difference in any of the systems. They are all at GS31, have received growth regulator and have a nice healthy colour, having received 33 m³\/ha of pig slurry in early March using an umbilical system. TerraCan will be the main chemical N fertiliser split, and I will follow this up with a foliar application of melted urea for the final split.\r\n\r\nWe were very happy with the pre-emergence herbicide for weed control last autumn. However, we did have to return to a few fields for a spring cleanup where we used Alister Flex for some grass weeds and Zypar for voluntary bean control.\r\n\r\nSo far, we haven’t seen any yellow rust appear, but from what I’m told most of the current varieties are susceptible, so I may keep an eye out for it and be prepared to spray.\r\n<h2>Spring crops<\/h2>\r\nWe strip tilled in our beans and combi crop pea\/bean mix after St. Patrick Day, which was later than planned. They went in in good conditions between the showers, were rolled, and we managed to get out with the pre-emergence herbicide Nirvana, which we used at full rate as I’m struggling to control a few difficult broadleaved weeds. I’m also buying into the idea that break crops are a great chance to control problem weeds with different chemistry.\r\n\r\nI’ve some spring barley planted with the plough and one pass - Amity malting barley for Dairygold. I’ll plant the remainder using minimum tillage establishment when dry enough in order to compare the profitability of both systems, like the winter wheat.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned earlier this year in my article, these are in fields which were in cover crop since last August and I was contemplating when to burn off with glyphosate the large biomass which had grown over the mild winter. As it turned out, it was nearly March before I could get into the fields with all the rain and wind, but we seemed to get a good kill and dieback, so I am not over-worried about the green bridge effect of carryover disease and BYDV into the spring barley.\r\n\r\nWhile I’m delighted with the work the cover crops are doing for me on soil health and biology, I’m still very nervous about cutting back on my N application amount as there seems to be no clear evidence of what quantity of N is released back to the following crop. I will continue to ask for expert opinions, however, there seems to be little agreement or trial work on this up to now.\r\n<h2>Following EIPs with interest<\/h2>\r\nFinally, there are several EIPs which have recently started which I’m following with interest. Teagasc has the ‘SoilCycle’ EIP designed to get the most from organic manures on cereal crops. BASE Ireland’s ‘Project BASELINE’ EIP dedicated to showcasing Regenerative Agriculture (RA) in Ireland, and SECAD Partnership CLG’s ‘The Arable Coast Environment (ACE)’ EIP which is designed to enhance habitats for biodiversity and wildlife on arable farmland along the Irish coast from south Cork to Wexford.\r\n\r\n<em>The above first appeared in the Farming Examiner as part of a Signpost Programme update. Darren Allen works closely with Signpost Tillage Advisor, John Mahon, and Teagasc Tillage Advisor, Ciara O’Donovan.<\/em>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more insights on the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here<\/a>.","id":"254904","title":"Signpost update: Putting different establishment systems to the test","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-23 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/darren-allen-scaled-e1776341493319.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Morad-Mirzaei-ESAI-Researcher-of-the-Year-2025-e1776773207732.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-22","description":"The Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI) announced that Mr. Morad Mirzaei, a PhD candidate with Trinity College Dublin and Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, was the winner of the prestigious ESAI Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award 2025. The ESAI Postgraduate Researcher of the Year is a competitive award to recognise the quality research being undertaken in Ireland.","main_body":"Mr. Mirzaei’s PhD research, “Assessing the role of multi-species swards in mitigating carbon and greenhouse gas emissions from intensively managed grasslands in Ireland,” investigates how increasing plant diversity in pasture systems influences ecosystem function. Specifically, the research evaluates how multi-species grasslands can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance soil carbon sequestration, and improve the resilience and sustainability of grassland-based livestock production systems.\r\n\r\nMr Mirzaei said; “The findings of this research show that grasslands with a mixture of plant species deliver substantial benefits for more sustainable farming systems. Multispecies swards can maintain pasture productivity comparable to traditional ryegrass systems while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the need for fertilisers.”\r\n\r\nHis PhD research has used new drone-based mapping to provide a more accurate estimate of greenhouse gas emissions from grazed grasslands. This is important to support the development of more targeted and effective mitigation strategies. Overall, combining plant diversity in pastureland offers a practical and cost-effective pathway to reduce emissions, improve resource use, and support more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-256285\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Figure-1-Measurement-approaches-for-greenhouse-gas-emissions-in-Irish-grasslands.png\" alt=\"Figure 1 is a photo which shows static chambers used to measure soil nitrous oxide (N2O) fluxes (A); eddy covariance systems measuring ecosystem-scale carbon dioxide (CO₂) exchange between the grassland ecosystem and the atmosphere (B); and UAV-based mapping used to detect and quantify urine patch distribution under grazing conditions (C).\" width=\"481\" height=\"292\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1<\/strong>. Measurement approaches for greenhouse gas emissions in Irish grasslands.\r\n\r\nThe outcomes of this research contribute to national and international efforts to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems that balance food production with environmental sustainability. It also advances interdisciplinary research on grassland ecosystems, biodiversity–ecosystem functioning relationships, and climate mitigation in agricultural landscapes.\r\n\r\nDr. Karl Richards, Head of the Teagasc Climate Centre congratulated Morad Mirzaei on winning the ESAI Postgraduate Researcher of the Year Award 2025, and said; “These research outcomes highlight that multispecies swards can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture while maintaining production.”\r\n\r\nThis work is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Matthew Saunders (Discipline of Botany, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College Dublin), Dr. Rachael Murphy (Teagasc Environment, Soils and Land Use Department and Teagasc Climate Centre), and Dr. Karl Richards (Teagasc Climate Centre). Through this collaboration, the project integrates expertise across plant ecology and ecophysiology, soil science, and agricultural climate research. This research is supported by Taighde Éireann, Research Ireland under Grant Number 13\/RC\/2092_P2 through the iCRAG Research Ireland Centre for Applied Geosciences and was also supported by the Teagasc Climate Centre.","id":"256300","title":"ESAI Postgraduate Researcher of the Year 2025","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Morad-Mirzaei-ESAI-Researcher-of-the-Year-2025-e1776773207732.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Valpro-Brussels.png","release_date":"2026-04-22","description":"Focused on identifying pathways to increase self-sufficiency in protein and a future whereby plant-based protein accounts for an increased share of food production and consumption, Teagasc brought together senior EU level stakeholders from policy, regulation, research, business and civil society for a high-level roundtable in Brussels.","main_body":"The event forms part of VALPRO Path, a 4-year EU-funded project that is conducting research and undertaking pilot initiatives to build knowledge and evidence that support the exploitation of added value opportunities by farmers via innovative approaches.\r\n\r\nIreland’s agrifood sector is globally recognised for its dairy and meat production, but the protein transition is about diversification, not replacement.\r\n\r\nVALPRO Path project co-ordinator, Dr Ewen Mullins from Teagasc expands: “This is not about turning away from animal-based protein. It’s about diversification and expanding options available to farmers and processors.\r\n<blockquote>“Climate change is opening the door to new crop opportunities, while global markets are shifting rapidly. We want Irish and European farmers to be positioned to benefit from those changes, not to be left to react to them,” Dr Mullins said.<\/blockquote>\r\nGlobally, the pressures on the food system are intensifying. Some 25-30% of all food produced globally is either lost, or wasted, while food systems also account for roughly one third of global greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to biodiversity loss.\r\n\r\nAt the same time, around 2 billion adults are overweight or obese, while nearly one billion people remain undernourished.\r\n\r\nProfessor Maeve Henchion of Teagasc adds; “The protein transition is not simply about what we grow or eat. It’s about how we govern food systems in a world facing climate change, biodiversity loss and major health inequalities.\r\n\r\n“Plant-based protein has a role to play in addressing these challenges, but only if we plan for it strategically. That’s why this discussion matters.”\r\n<h2>A future focus<\/h2>\r\nThe roundtable used a futures-thinking approach, developed earlier in the VALPRO Path project, which explored four possible scenarios for Europe’s protein landscape.\r\n\r\nAmy O’Leary, Research Officer at Teagasc, explained: “We focused on an ambitious scenario: a Europe where plant-based protein is well established and integrated with other agrifood systems which are resilient to stresses by 2040. We asked participants to identify what would be different in this future, what milestones must be reached and what decisions must be taken now to make that future possible.”\r\n\r\nSome highlights from the event included a recognition that several emerging policies will impact the protein transition, the inter-connectedness between food, energy and other systems and the opportunities for shared learning across value chains and regional contexts. Practical recommendations ranged from establishing public private partnerships to support breeding initiatives for locally adapted varieties for greater stress resilience, considering the role of short food supply chains in a regional context, and delivering dietary guidelines that address affordability as well as health and nutrition.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/news\/teagasc-unveils\/\">VALPRO Path has already identified critical gaps in Europe’s plant protein value chain<\/a> and has carried out pilot on-farm experiments demonstrating practical ways to increase plant protein production in the context of returning added value back to the farmer. Building on this evidence, and a wide range of other results and outputs from VALPRO Path, the insights from this roundtable will inform a policy brief aimed at EU institutions and national governments.\r\n\r\nThe final VALPRO Path conference, organised in conjunction with an allied project Giant Leaps, will take place in Brussels on the 25<sup>th<\/sup> of June, where project partners will present key results and recommendations for strengthening European protein resilience.\r\n\r\n<em>Photo caption: <span style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\">Pictured at the VALPRO Path roundtable in Brussels were: Amy O’Leary, Research Officer, Teagasc, Francisco Castro Alves DG Agri, Maeve Henchion Principal Research Officer, Teagasc and Ewen Mullins Head of Crops Department, Teagasc and VALPROPath coordinator.<\/span><\/em>","id":"255991","title":"Pathways to increase protein self-sufficiency","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Valpro-Brussels.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/red-clover-Johnstown-Castle.png","release_date":"2026-04-22","description":"Growing in popularity on Irish farms, numerous studies have been undertaken at Teagasc Grange to quantify the impact of offering red clover silage over the winter housing period on beef cattle performance. ","main_body":"Providing a flavour of these research findings on the recent Future Beef webinar ‘<em>The Role of Clover on Beef Farms<\/em>’ was Dr. Peter Doyle, a Grassland Researcher in Teagasc Grange. The Future Beef webinar was chaired by Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer and featured contributions from Shane Keaveney, a Future Beef Programme participant from Co. Roscommon.\r\n\r\nThrough his presentation, Dr. Doyle shared findings from his work in the Derrypatrick Herd and insights from colleagues Dr. Nicky Byrne, Dr. Paul Crosson and Dr. Mark McGee under respective studies in the areas of dairy beef and organic feeding systems.\r\n\r\n“Higher average daily gains have been consistently seen from second cut red clover grass silage than conventional grass silage under both dairy beef and suckler beef research trials,” Dr. Doyle said, noting that this arises only where there is sufficient red clover content in the silage, leading to increased intake rates.\r\n\r\n<strong>Summary findings:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>First cut silage - ~15% red clover content – no difference in animal performance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Second cut silage - ~50% red clover content – improves animal performance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Third cut silage – ~80% red clover content – improves animal performance<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMost of this benefit has been researched on cattle over the first-winter housing period. Although under an organic feeding study, individual carcass weight gain differences of 22kg were witnessed between finishing cattle receiving red clover silage + 3 kg bi-crop grain dry matter vs. those on grass-only silage + 3 kg barley-based concentrate dry matter.\r\n\r\nFor suckler weanlings carried in the Derrypatrick herd, Dr. Doyle noted average winter weight gains of 0.8kg\/head were achieved, for those on red cover grass silage + 1.5 kg concentrate\/day. This is in excess of the first winter target of 0.5-0.6 kg live weight\/day for weanlings. Stemming from this, a future area of research will examine the impact on weanling performance over the winter months when this supplementation is removed from second cut red clover grass silage.\r\n\r\nFor the most part, Dr. Doyle coincided that most of the additional weight gain was coming from increased intakes from cattle offered red clover over conventional silage. Given this, he advised farmers considering going down the red clover silage route to budget an extra 20% of red clover silage over conventional grass silage in order to feed the same amount of cattle.\r\n\r\nManagement practices for red clover silage swards were also discussed, with Dr. Doyle noting that soil fertility is of the utmost importance before contemplating establishment. Ideally, soil pH should be 6.5, with phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) indexes of 3.\r\n\r\nSpring reseeding is also preferred, providing more opportunities to apply red clover safe post-emergence herbicides, using varieties ranking highly on the UK recommended lists.\r\n\r\nImportantly, to ensure that red clover persists within swards, he noted that careful management of fertiliser applications is required.\r\n<blockquote>“We want to limit the amount of [chemical] nitrogen as much as possible and we try to operate a zero-nitrogen system because that increases the persistence of red clover,” Dr. Doyle noted.<\/blockquote>\r\nHowever, as red clover is a seasonal producer, with lower growth rates in the spring, Dr. Doyle pointed to work from Sinead McCarthy in Teagasc Moorepark which has indicated that a springtime application of 25 units of N per acre can boost overall production by 1.4t DM\/ha. Practically, at farm level, Dr. Doyle noted that this could stem from either half a bag of protected urea or an application of 3,000 gallons of cattle slurry.\r\n\r\nAlthough not having an appetite for chemical nitrogen applications, Dr. Doyle comment that red clover silage crops are P and K hungry.\r\n\r\n“For our typically three cut yields in Teagasc Grange of 15t DM\/ha, that’s going to need 35 units of P to the acre and 300 units of K to the acre. If you cannot apply it through slurry, products like 0:7:30 are very good, provided you stay within your chemical P allowance.”\r\n\r\nIt was highlighted that where red clover grass swards are being grazed in the back end of the year, it is very important to abide by the relevant bloat pre-cautions including, 24-h breaks, bloat oil, adding a fibre source to the diet and not offering large areas to hungry cattle.\r\n<h2>Shane Keaveney’s experience<\/h2>\r\nCarrying both white and red clover swards on his suckler farm in Co. Roscommon, Shane Keaveney said the spike in fertiliser prices in 2022 first prompted his interest in red clover.\r\n\r\n“I basically wanted to grow a crop of silage with as few bought-in inputs as possible. From what I had read about red clover, it was a very good feed and could produce top-quality silage for weanlings. In 2023, I sowed my first paddocks in red clover,” he said.\r\n\r\nAchieving three-cuts per year, yielding 17-18 bales\/ac, Shane is happy with the performance his seeing from his finishing bulls on red clover silage. On a diet of red clover silage and 8kg of concentrate, these animals are achieving a daily weight gain of 2kg\/head\/day at a recent weighing.\r\n\r\nAll the red clover paddocks established, Shane explained, were sown in late April or early May, which gives the crop a good chance to establish and allows time in June to apply a post emergence spray.\r\n\r\nOn his fertiliser programme, Shane outlined: “In March just gone, I spread half a bag of 46% protected urea on the clover sward, along with 3,000 gallons\/ac of watery slurry - not thick slurry.”\r\n\r\nAfter that, subsequent applications will just be slurry, with 3,000 gallons\/ac applied after the second and third cuts.\r\n\r\n“Once you have your sward there and growing, it’s pretty straightforward: apply slurry, shut the gate and six weeks later come back in to mow it. Take off your bales, apply slurry again and shut the gate,” Shane added.\r\n\r\n<strong>A full recording of the webinar is available to view below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CckHlCBaUt4?si=37rm3TlbiHojF---\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/demonstration-farms\/future-beef-programme\/events\/\">For more insights from the Future Beef Programme's series of webinars this spring, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255909","title":"Red clover silage: The beef performance benefits","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/red-clover-Johnstown-Castle.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/lambs-at-sping-grass.png","release_date":"2026-04-22","description":"After a wetter than usual spring, lambs on many sheep farms are approaching the peak risk period for coccidiosis. Sheep farmers need to be aware of this potentially costly disease.","main_body":"As part of a recent OviCast podcast, Dr. Orla Keane, Senior Researcher in the Animal &amp; Bioscience Department in Teagasc, joined Ciaran Lynch to discuss the key risk periods, clinical signs and treatment options available.\r\n\r\nCoccidiosis can have a severe impact on naïve animals by causing damage to the intestine once lambs ingest the oocysts. A single-celled parasite, the coccidia that infect sheep are sheep specific Dr. Keane explained, before noting that it is transmitted via the faecal-oral route.\r\n\r\n“The high-risk period is usually from three to four weeks up to about three months of age in lambs. After about three months of age, lambs should develop immunity” Dr. Keane explained.\r\n\r\nDr. Keane added: “Coccidia oocysts or eggs are shed in the dung, and they develop and are ingested by other lambs. It does tend to be present on all farms. It is a particular risk for young lambs that have no immunity, that haven’t seen coccidia before or haven’t had the opportunity to develop immunity to coccidia. It does tend to be a problem at this time of year.”\r\n<h2>Identifying coccidiosis<\/h2>\r\nAs regards to the clinical signs of infection, bloody or mucus-filled scouring, straining, dehydration and poor thrive are common.\r\n\r\n“In severe cases it can do fairly long-lasting damage to the gut as well that can prevent lambs thriving in the future, even when the parasites themselves have been cleared out,” Dr. Keane said.\r\n\r\nFaecal egg counts are quite limited for coccidia detection, Dr. Keane noted, for a couple of reasons: “The first one is the parasite may be present before oocysts are shed. But a second major reason is there are lots of different species of coccidia out there and only a limited number of them cause disease. If you just get an egg count, you don’t know whether the eggs are from harmless coccidia or coccidia that cause disease.”\r\n\r\n“It’s really the age of the lamb, the time of year, the clinical signs. Egg counts can feed into that, but they are not a particularly reliable indicator by themselves of disease for the reasons I outlined,” she said.\r\n<h2>Treatment<\/h2>\r\nOn treatment, Dr. Keane noted that, at the end of last year, veterinary antiparasitic products went onto veterinary prescription.\r\n\r\n“In order to procure these products now, you need a prescription from a vet, so it is really important that you contact your vet about your parasite control, not just for coccidia but for all parasites out there and have a parasite control plan in place,” Dr. Keane added.\r\n\r\nFor controlling coccidia, Dr. Keane said there are two active ingredients used in oral anti-coccidia medicines: toltrazuril and diclazuril.\r\n\r\n“They have slightly different effects. The toltrazuril is effective against all the life stages of the coccidia parasite, so the immature and adult stages, and it has a little bit more persistency. The diclazuril mainly targets the slightly older coccidia and it’s fast acting with less persistent activity,” she explained.\r\n\r\n<strong>For full insights, listen to the full episode of the OviCast podcast below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/4efb7a71\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/flock-health\/\">For more information on the effective control of parasites in sheep, click here<\/a>.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/livestock-phenomics-survey-share-your-views\/\">Livestock phenomics survey – share your views<\/a>","id":"254851","title":"Understanding coccidiosis in lambs","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/lambs-at-sping-grass.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Poached-paddock.png","release_date":"2026-04-22","description":"After another challenging spring weatherwise, Alan Dillon, Manager of the Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Campaign asks: Do Irish farmers need to prioritise futureproofing their farm for these weather events?","main_body":"The spring of 2025 probably gave beef farmers a false sense of comfort. A dry backend in 2024 followed on, as often it does, with a very favourable spring, allowing stock to graze from March onwards with no real break in play until the autumn. Things are improving now at last, but work is well behind time and a stressful January to April period has again resulted in a group of tired, worn-out farmers.\r\n\r\nWhen speaking to farmers recently about the poor spring, they state its reminiscent of 2018. What they seem to have forgotten is that the springs of 2023 and 2024 were nearly just as bad as the one we are currently experiencing.\r\n\r\nGiven that three out of the last four springs now have had extremely elevated levels of rainfall from January into April, seriously hampering grazing and closing up silage ground, is it now time for farmers to reflect and accept that this may happen more often than not in the future? While we will always aim to get out if a spring allows, too many farmers are often left with their hands hanging in the event of a series of deluges when stock should be out in fields.\r\n\r\nGranted those on dry, free-draining soils don’t have as much of an issue with this type of a spring and, while there are videos appearing online of how spring rotation planner targets were met in cases, those farmers on heavier soils aren’t able to take advantage of the odd dry day to get grazing and reduce housing pressure as typically these soils need 4-7 days to soak to any great degree.\r\n\r\nSo, what are the areas these heavier and more typical beef farms need to prioritise? Here are 3 that can be targeted this year.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_256327\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-256327\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Poached-paddock.png\" alt=\"A badly poached paddock\" width=\"700\" height=\"350\" \/> The scene above was very familiar in the western half of the country through March and April[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Slurry storage and straw bedding<\/h2>\r\nAdmittedly, the cost of concrete is a big barrier to building now, with costs more than €160 per metre compared to less than half that a decade ago. At the same time, there are grants of 60% available subject, to some terms and conditions, and with a two-year tax write off available also, for those on the high tax bracket, a new slatted tank may not end costing as much as it initially seemed.\r\n\r\nOne thing is for definite though, anyone with adequate slurry storage to last six months or more on their farm this spring spent a lot less time stressing and pulling out their hair wondering where to go with the next tank of slurry to stop it appearing up through the slats. Windows to spread slurry this spring were few and far between. Any investment that takes pressure off spreading in these small windows is money well spent.\r\n\r\nThe same applies for suckler herds requiring straw-bedded areas. The majority of suckler herds had little or no stock out by mid-April and having enough lie backs and calving pens can be the difference between high and low vet bills and a high level or low level of calf mortality when the threat of calf scours and pneumonia sets in.\r\n<h2>Silage quality<\/h2>\r\nA drum that has been beaten for many a decade now is the issue of silage quality. And although wet years can negatively affect timing and preservation of silage, farmers who have long winters need to target harvesting top quality silage in mid-May and follow it up with good quality second cuts and paddock silage.\r\n\r\nTypical early to mid-June silage will suffice for dry cows up to the point of calving. From calving time onwards, silage in excess of 70% DMD with a high protein content is a must to ensure no loss of body condition prior to breeding season. For weanlings and finishing cattle the same message applies, nothing below 70% DMD is welcome. Silage quality of close to 75% DMD is more warranted for this category of stock.\r\n\r\nAdditionally, farmers need to ensure adequate levels of soil fertility and swards consisting of a high proportion of perennial ryegrass that can utilise nutrients efficiently. It is essential that despite high fertiliser prices this year, farmers need to ensure that no skimping on crop nutrients occurs. Farmers who cut back on fertiliser in 2022 did so to their detriment with poorer quality swards and depleting levels of soil fertility.\r\n<h2>Reseeding and soil fertility<\/h2>\r\nAgain, soil fertility must not be compromised this year. Lime is still the cornerstone of soil fertility and, while it may increase in cost to spread due to increased diesel costs this year, it is still a cheap product compared to chemical fertiliser. Farmers must also ensure they use up whatever P and K allowances they have on farm. Skimping here reduces the efficiency of the nitrogen you are spreading.\r\n\r\nIf weather allows, reseeding old, poor quality swards should be targeted. Ensure any land draining requirements are completed before reseeding. Red clover silage swards proved to be a success on many farms in the past three years and should be considered again where soil fertility is at an elevated level in terms of pH. These red clover swards suit out blocks targeted for silage quite well.\r\n<h2>Summary<\/h2>\r\nWe look to be currently out of the woods with regards rainfall and hopefully once ground dries farmers will get plans back on target. It is worth remembering what put pressure on the system this spring again and if there is money in the bank to invest a farmer could do a lot worse than invest in slurry storage or grassland.\r\n\r\nAlan Dillon is Manager of the <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/beef\/dairy-calf-to-beef\/dairybeef-500\/\">Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Programme<\/a>.","id":"256321","title":"Another disastrous spring","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-22 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Poached-paddock.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast210426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-21","description":"In a joint episode of the OviCast and Beef Edge podcasts, Ciaran Lynch and Catherine Egan are joined by Chris Maughan from TP Whelan to explore practical weed control strategies.","main_body":"Chris outlines a wide range of control options for common problem weeds, including docks, thistles and ragwort. Also discussed are clover-safe sprays and how to plan weed control programmes when establishing or maintaining clover and multispecies swards.\r\n\r\nThe conversation covers key technical considerations such as sprayer setup, nozzle selection and how water quality can influence spray performance. The episode wraps up with best practice advice on managing water quality and the safe disposal of chemical containers.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/1479bbfa\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/sheep\/ovicast-sheep-podcast\">For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page<\/a>.","id":"256296","title":"Weed control on pasture and silage ground","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/OviCast210426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Silage-harvesting.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-21","description":"Farmers across the country have faced a challenging spring, with persistent wet weather making progress difficult from the outset. Nollaig O’Dowd, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Galway\/Clare discusses how these conditions are shaping key decisions for the weeks ahead.","main_body":"Ground conditions have remained heavy, slurry tanks are at capacity, and opportunities to travel have been extremely limited. In many cases, early slurry application simply wasn’t possible, and a significant number of farmers have yet to spread any at all.\r\n\r\nAs a result, cattle remain housed on many farms, placing additional strain on silage reserves and slurry storage. For dry stock farms in particular, with no sheep to help graze off ground, getting silage fields into condition for closing has proven a task. This has created a knock-on effect, delaying key decisions and tightening the window for first-cut silage preparation.\r\n\r\nThis leaves many farms in a tricky position when thoughts turn to first-cut silage. With little or no slurry applied, silage ground is lacking key nutrients at a time when growth should be accelerating. There is now a real possibility that slurry applications will have to be delayed until after first cut, increasing reliance on bagged chemical fertiliser at a time when costs remain high.\r\n\r\nWhile slurry is a valuable source of nutrients, it alone is not sufficient to maximise silage yields. Chemical fertiliser will be required to drive growth and do the heavy lifting this year, particularly where no slurry has been applied. In these situations, fields are effectively starting from scratch and will require 80–100 units of nitrogen per acre. However, nitrogen is only part of the equation.\r\n\r\nSlurry typically supplies significant levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), both of which are essential for silage production. In its absence, these nutrients must be replaced using compound fertilisers such as 18-6-12. Farmers should base application rates on recent soil analysis where available, as blanket spreading is unlikely to be cost-effective this year. Applying fertiliser without knowing soil fertility levels risks wasting money at a time when margins are already under pressure.\r\n\r\nSulphur is another important nutrient that should not be overlooked, as it plays a key role in nitrogen utilisation and overall crop performance. In addition, lime remains a low-cost option to improve soil pH and unlock existing nutrients, helping to increase the efficiency of any fertiliser applied. It’s important to note lime should be delayed on silage ground until the last cut of the year is taken as it causes issues with silage preservation. However, it can be applied to grazing ground and grazed 7-10 days later.\r\n\r\nGiven the high cost of inputs, farmers may also need to reassess whether all silage ground justifies a full fertiliser programme. Not every acre will deliver a return on investment this year. Prioritising the most productive fields and scaling back on poorer-performing ground could be a more practical approach. Flexibility will be essential. Some farms may opt for a lighter first cut followed by a stronger second cut.\r\n\r\nWhere ground has been grazed off, fertiliser should be applied as soon as conditions allow, followed by closing to encourage regrowth. If farmers have been lucky enough to get cattle or sheep out to graze, they should now be making plans to move animals and prioritise closing dates, even if later than usual. Acting quickly when a weather window appears will be critical in the weeks ahead.\r\n\r\nTiming will be one of the biggest decisions facing farmers this season. Traditionally, silage ground would be closed by early to mid-April to allow for a late May or early June cut. This year, delayed closing may push cutting dates further into June. While this can help increase yield, it often leads to a drop in silage quality and feeding value. Balancing the need for bulk with the requirement for high-quality forage will be key.\r\n\r\nAfter a difficult spring, there is no perfect plan. However, timely decisions and careful prioritisation now will play a major role in determining both silage reserves and grass supply for the remainder of the year. Walk the farm and access current grass covers. This season is less about ideal scenarios and more about making the best of limited opportunities. Ensuring there is sufficient, good-quality forage in the yard next winter will depend on the decisions made in the coming weeks.","id":"255159","title":"Pressure mounts for first-cut silage after difficult spring","category":"Grassland","release_date_time":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Silage-harvesting.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Calves-at-Newford-spring-2026.png","release_date":"2026-04-21","description":"A practical, on-farm event providing farmers with valuable insights to improve herd performance while reducing labour demands will take place at the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm on Wednesday, April 22.","main_body":"Commencing at 4pm at the Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm in Scrine, Co. Roscommon (Eircode: F42 AH57), here are five reasons you should attend:\r\n<h2>1). Learn how to improve breeding efficiency<\/h2>\r\nA central theme of the day will be breeding efficiency, with an emphasis on the genetics behind the Newford herd.\r\n\r\nFarmers will gain an understanding of the terminal sires being used to deliver both performance and profitability. The importance of selecting the right genetics to meet farm objectives will be explored, helping farmers make more informed breeding decisions.\r\n\r\nWith the breeding season fast approaching, the timing is ideal for farmers looking to fine-tune their approach and maximise results in the months ahead, particularly those considering AI.\r\n\r\nSpeaking ahead of the event, Newford Farm Manager, Shane McGuinness said: “Using AI allows farmers to access superior genetics and tailor breeding to the farm’s goals, while also reducing the need for handling bulls on-farm and increasing overall efficiency and labour productivity.”\r\n<h2>2). Practical advice on heifer breeding and calving at 24 months<\/h2>\r\nThe use of a synchronisation programme to breed replacement heifers calving at 24 months will also be discussed.\r\n\r\nPractical guidance will be provided to help farmers overcome common challenges associated with earlier calving without compromising animal performance.\r\n<h2>3). Management, nutrition and fertility planning<\/h2>\r\nOn the day, speakers from Teagasc, Dawn Meats and ICBF will outline how good management, nutrition, grassland management and planning can improve breeding performance to deliver more efficient, profitable and sustainable suckler systems.\r\n\r\nBody condition scoring will also feature as a vital management tool, with demonstrations showing how it can be used to optimise cow performance and fertility. Understanding and managing body condition at key stages of the production cycle can have a major impact on conception rates and overall herd efficiency.\r\n\r\nNutrition planning will be another key focus, highlighting how feeding strategies can support both cow and calf performance, particularly in the lead-up to and during the breeding season.\r\n<h2>4). Reducing labour and improved handling<\/h2>\r\nFertility management and heat detection will be explored in detail, with an emphasis on practical solutions that can be implemented on farms of all sizes.\r\n\r\nThe event will showcase how modern technology, including heat detection aids, can reduce labour requirements while improving accuracy and outcomes.\r\n\r\nIn addition, the benefits of compact calving and improved handling facilities will be demonstrated, highlighting how thoughtful design and organisation can significantly reduce workload and stress during busy periods.\r\n<h2>5). Best practice in grassland management and sustainable beef production<\/h2>\r\nGrazed grass remains the cheapest feed, with efficient utilisation central to farm productivity and profitability. On the day, it will be outlined how grass is managed through early turnout, maintaining good soil fertility, effective grazing infrastructure and the strategic use of clover.\r\n\r\nThe Newford Demonstration Farm is part of the Future Beef Programme, which aims to demonstrate how beef farmers can produce a quality product as efficiently as possible, improving profitability while enhancing environmental and social sustainability.\r\n\r\nNewford Farm is a joint partnership between Teagasc, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s.\r\n\r\nWhether you are looking to improve breeding performance, reduce workload or future-proof your suckler enterprise, this event offers a valuable opportunity to learn and see best practice in action. A number of industry stakeholder stands will be present, where farmers can meet and ask questions.\r\n\r\nThe event takes place on Wednesday, 22nd April at 4pm at Newford Suckler Demonstration Farm, Scrine, Co. Roscommon (Eircode: F42 AH57).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/event\/newford-open-day\/\">For further details on the Newford Open Day, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255891","title":"5 reasons why suckler farmers should attend the Newford Open Day","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Calves-at-Newford-spring-2026.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/fertilsier-spreading-dairy-heifers.png","release_date":"2026-04-21","description":"With fertiliser prices elevated, Mark Plunkett, Training and Development Specialist on the Signpost Programme, shares five practical steps that can be considered to reduce impacts of high fertiliser prices both in the short and longer term.","main_body":"Over the last month the war in the Middle East has pushed up global energy costs, shipping and disrupted the normal input supply chains.\r\n\r\nAs a direct result, fertiliser N (Urea and CAN) prices have increased by up to 50%.  In addition, weather conditions over the last number of months have been very challenging on farm resulting in poor grazing conditions to delayed slurry applications.\r\n\r\nIn the last fertiliser crisis back in 2022\/2023, fertiliser N usage reduced significantly due to high prices. Alternative strategies were implemented on farms by combining several practices to control costs while meeting major nutrient (N, P &amp; K) requirements on grassland and tillage farms.\r\n\r\nHere are five practical steps that can be considered to reduce impacts of high fertiliser prices both in the short and longer term.\r\n<h2>1). Optimise organic fertiliser use<\/h2>\r\nTarget cattle slurry back to silage fields, as it is the ideal fertiliser for grass\/maize silage. For example, 33m³\/ha (3,000 gals\/ac) can supply ~33kgN\/ha, thus reducing crop chemical fertiliser N requirements by 30%.  Apply with LESS technology to maximise N recovery, under suitable conditions (cool, calm and damp days) at time of application. The typical N-P-K values for 1,000 gallons of cattle slurry is equivalent to one 50kg bag of 9-5-32 available nutrients. Consider pig slurry where available locally as it has a super nutrient N-P-K profile where 1,000 gallons contains a N-P-K of 19-7-20.\r\n<h2>2). Apply recommended lime<\/h2>\r\nOne of the major lessons learned from the last fertiliser crisis was that we spread more lime.  There is a large lime requirement nationally, especially on drystock farms. Correcting soil pH brings many benefits from releasing up to 70kgN\/ha\/year (56 units N\/ac\/year) to improving the availability of soil P and increasing grass production by up to 20%. Correcting soil pH from pH 5.5 to 6.5 can increase soil P fertility by one full P Index (3mg\/l). This is the most cost-effective way to build soil P fertility on acidic soils. Lime is a relatively small cost and will bring short- and longer-term benefits at least cost.\r\n<h2>3). Balanced fertiliser supply<\/h2>\r\nAim to apply a balanced supply of both major nutrients (N, P and K) and secondary nutrients (Ca, Mg and S). For example, in grazed swards a fertiliser such as 18-6-12+S is a very well-balanced fertiliser to supply sufficient levels of nutrients to drive grass growth. In addition, it will provide a good quality grass for beef or milk production systems. Don’t forget sulphur (S) as it is proving to be an essential nutrient to drive grass yields through better N use efficiency while reducing N leaching losses in both grazed and silage swards by 22 to 50kgN\/ha\/year, respectively. In 2026, aim to apply at least a maintenance (Index 3) P &amp; K dressing to ensure sufficient grass and crop production.\r\n<h2>4). The four Rs and nutrient applications<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Select the <em>Right product<\/em> - research has shown that protected urea is a more efficient N source compared to ordinary urea and N rates can be cut by up to 12% where protected urea is applied.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>Right rate<\/em> - tailor N applications based on sward quality and yield potential. For example, newly reseeded swards can utilise 25% more N compared to old permanent grassland swards.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>Right Time <\/em>- adjust fertiliser N rates based on soil and weather conditions to ensure that N is taken up and utilised as efficiently as possible. Avoid spreading fertiliser N where heavy rainfall events are forecasted and aim for 48hrs of dry weather after applications to reduce N losses.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><em>Right Place<\/em> – set up and calibrate the fertiliser spreader to ensure nutrients are applied accurately and evenly.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>5). Check \/ Incorporate White \/ Red Clover \/ Multispecies<\/h2>\r\nWhite clover, where present in grazing swards, has an enormous capacity to fix N and reduce our dependence on chemical N fertilisers. Nitrogen rates can be reduced by up to 100kg N\/ha where paddocks contain 20 to 25% white clover.\r\n\r\nApril is a good month to check clover levels in paddocks and adjust\/reduce fertiliser N rates.  When reseeding, select suitable clover varieties and aim for good soil fertility (pH 6.5 to 6.8 and P and K Index 3). Red clover offers major fertiliser N savings for silage swards with cattle slurry the main source of major nutrients (P &amp; K) during the growing season.\r\n\r\n<em>Mark Plunkett is the Signpost Programme Training &amp; Development Specialist. <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more from the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here<\/a>.<\/em>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/10-tips-dealing-with-higher-fertiliser-prices-on-grassland-farms\/\">10 tips: Dealing with higher fertiliser prices on grassland farms<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/reducing-n-inputs-with-multi-species-swards\/\">Reducing N inputs with multi species swards<\/a>","id":"255900","title":"Leveraging all farm Nitrogen (N) sources","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/fertilsier-spreading-dairy-heifers.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Michael-Forde-Signpost-Graphic.png","release_date":"2026-04-21","description":"Participant in the Teagasc BETTER Sheep Farm and Signpost programmes, Michael Forde takes a look back at a challenging but successful lambing season, and outlines his plans for fertiliser, soil fertility improvements and silage for the year ahead.  ","main_body":"Since writing my first article a month ago, a lot has changed on farm. This spring is a completely different spring than that of 2025, that’s for sure.\r\n\r\nLambing has gone quite well here on the home farm. We had a total of 180 to lamb this Spring.\r\n\r\nWe encountered a few issues with the hoggets. One or two hoggets had no milk and one or two lambs failed to thrive, but in general they went well. In-lamb ewes are group penned in the sheep shed and then moved to individual pens as they lamb.\r\n\r\nWe try and leave the ewes with their lambs for a week or so to ensure there is a good bond between ewe and lamb. Then we put out batches of ewes and lambs to grass. We have an out-farm in Corrandulla and we currently have 40 ewes with their 74 lambs there.\r\n<h2>Challenges<\/h2>\r\nThe rain has been extremely challenging and even forced us to rehouse ewes and lambs again as we felt the weather was too harsh for these young lambs. It is amazing how the few days extra inside benefited these lambs, when compared to some others outdoors. We like to give the lamb every chance to develop and build their strength and immunity as this reduces any health issues and helps develop a hardier type sheep.\r\n<h2>Nutrient management<\/h2>\r\nIn terms of fertiliser and slurry, we spread our first round of fertiliser on the 20<sup>th<\/sup> of March on lands that we could travel. We had several paddocks in which we could not travel due to conditions being too wet and soft. We went with a half a bag of protected urea (38% nitrogen &amp; 7% sulphur). No slurry has been spread yet and we will hold off and spread this slurry on the silage ground post harvesting.\r\n<h2>Silage budgeting<\/h2>\r\nThankfully, silage stocks from 2025 were high and we had a surplus. I will ensure that sufficient silage is made this year and that we have a buffer of feed.\r\n\r\nThis year, I plan on making some changes to the fields I harvest for silage. We always tried to make as much silage as possible on the home farm. One of the main reasons for this being the ease of bringing in bales as they were near the yard. However, this year we are going to try and give some of these fields a rest in terms of silage harvesting and instead we will harvest on other fields on two of the out-farms. While this may add cost and time in drawing in bales, I feel it will benefit the soil in the long term.\r\n<h2>Soil fertility<\/h2>\r\nLooking at our soil samples taken in 2025, out of 11 samples taken there is only a requirement to spread lime on 3 of these which we plan on doing this year. Six of the 11 samples taken were either Index 1 or 2 for phosphorous and we plan on spreading more 18-6-12 on these and targeting slurry on those fields also. The remaining 5 samples were either index 3 or 4 for Phosphorus which I was reasonably happy with.\r\n\r\nWe had taken a break spreading phosphorus due to the results of the previous soil samples but since then some have slipped a little. This also shows the importance of regularly testing the land and targeting slurry on the lower index soils. Our potassium status is quite good with no sample being Index 1 and just 3 soils being Index two with the remaining 8 samples being Index 3. It was also interesting to note that 2 of the 3 lowest potassium soils were also the two lowest fields for phosphorous.\r\n\r\nThe above first appeared in the <em>Farming Examiner<\/em> as part of a Signpost Programme update.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more on the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here<\/a>.","id":"254871","title":"Lots of rain and lambs in Galway","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Michael-Forde-Signpost-Graphic.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE200426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-20","description":"Teagasc Grassland Science Researcher, Dr Michael Egan joins James Dunne on this episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss some of the common questions regarding establishing and managing grass clover swards. ","main_body":"Dr Egan outlines the benefits for farmers but also discusses the challenges and learnings that have been seen throughout the Clover 150 commercial farm trial.\r\n\r\nThe correct chemical nitrogen strategy is outlined and why clover content should be the key deciding factor rather than fertiliser price when it comes to reducing nitrogen inputs.\r\n\r\nDr Egan also outlines what farmers should be doing now with regards to assessing their own farm clover content and he also identifies opportunities to establish clover on farms over the coming weeks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/9793d796\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/dairy\/the-dairy-edge-podcast\/\">For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe Dairy Edge is a co-production with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>","id":"255896","title":"White clover: Benefits, challenges and learnings with Dr Michael Egan","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE200426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Silage-harvest-featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-20","description":"First-cut silage is generally the best opportunity to secure high quality silage, writes Mark Treacy, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, who outlines a strategy to balance cutting date, nitrogen use and silage quality.","main_body":"The fertilisation of silage crops has been delayed on many farms this spring due to the challenging weather conditions experienced, with many farms only now being able to travel silage fields.\r\n\r\nMany of these farms, where traditionally first-cut silage is made in early to mid-May, are now questioning what an appropriate cutting date is this year, and how much nitrogen to apply.\r\n\r\nThere is a strong temptation to delay the cutting of first-cut silage to allow the crop time to bulk up and replenish diminished silage stocks, however this is likely to have a negative effect on silage quality, as well as reducing the yield of second cuts.\r\n\r\nThe negative effects on quality are because digestibility declines sharply once grass has headed out, with many of the commonly used silage grass varieties having heading dates in the latter half of May.\r\n\r\nOnce a grass plant begins heading, the yield of digestible material will increase to a very limited extent. Instead, dry matter yield will be increased by indigestible material which is of limited value to stock.\r\n\r\nSilage dry matter digestibility (DMD) is likely to decline by about 0.5 units for every day cutting is delayed after heading out. Harvesting of the crop is therefore necessary to reset the grass plant and get it back producing digestible material.  Delaying the first cut harvest date beyond late May is likely to result in an overall reduction in the total dry matter harvested between 1<sup>st<\/sup> and 2<sup>nd<\/sup> cuts, while quality will also be lower.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-255875\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/silage-quality-versus-cutting-date.png\" alt=\"A graph showing that a cutting date progresses past heading date the digestible DM yield of grass silage falls\" width=\"441\" height=\"221\" \/>\r\n\r\n<strong>Figure 1: Digestible yield is limited by changes to grass quality post heading (Source: Teagasc – Quality Grass Silage for Dairy and Beef Production Systems – A Best Practice Guide).<\/strong>\r\n<h2>A buffer and quality feed<\/h2>\r\nWhile the challenging weather conditions this spring have reminded us of the importance of having a sizable buffer of silage available on farm, what was also very apparent was the value of quality silage when feeding freshly calved cows.\r\n\r\nFor spring calving herds with a moderate stocking rate, at least 50% of silage reserves need to be of at least 72% DMD, and ideally higher.  While it is relatively easy to dilute high quality silage during the winter period, it is extremely difficult to compensate for poor quality silage when a high-quality diet is required.\r\n\r\nFirst-cut silage is generally the best opportunity to secure high quality silage, therefore where nitrogen fertilisation is only taking place now it is sensible to reduce the nitrogen rate applied and cut a high-quality crop before it heads out.\r\n\r\nAs a rough rule of thumb, a silage crop will use 2 units of nitrogen per day, therefore where a nitrogen is only being applied now a reduced rate of 60 units per acre (75 kg N\/ha) is appropriate if targeting a cutting date in mid to late May.\r\n\r\n<strong>Mark Treacy joined Stuart Childs on a recent episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to share dairy management tips for April. Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/3dea3a69\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/animals\/dairy\/\">For more from Teagasc Dairy, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255874","title":"First-cut silage: Rethink your strategy","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Silage-harvest-featured.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lambs-newborn-asleep-on-straw-Featured.png","release_date":"2026-04-20","description":"It is almost impossible to put a value on Colostrum, often referred to as Liquid Gold. Eamon Patten explains why timely feeding to newborn lambs is critical.","main_body":"Colostrum or Biestings is the first and most important feed for lambs. Getting high‑quality colostrum into newborns quickly is the single biggest driver of early-life health, survival and lifetime performance. It does this by fulfilling 3 main functions:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Providing a dense source of energy and nutrients. Colostrum provides a concentrated supply of energy, minerals and vitamins (notably vitamin A and E)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A source of maternally derived immunoglobulin antibodies that provide the lambs with passive immunity helping protect against infection while the young animal’s own immune system develops.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Acts as a laxative and helps the digestive tract start to operate.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nCompared with whole milk, colostrum is far richer in protein, fat, total solids, and antibodies.\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\"><\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Colostrum<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Milk<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Protein (%)<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">22.5<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">4.5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Fat (%)<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">15.5<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">5.5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Lactose (%)<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">3<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Solids (%)<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">41<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">15.5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Non-Fat Solids<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">27<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">10.5<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Immunoglobulins (g\/L)<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">42<\/td>\r\n<td width=\"200\">Negligible<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<h2>Racing against the clock<\/h2>\r\nDo not miss the six‑hour window – There are two aspects to this:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>At lambing average IgG (measure of antibody levels) content of ewe’s milk(colostrum) is 40-50g\/L. Over the next 24-36 hours its dropping by approximately 3.3g\/every hour.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Antibody absorption from the gut is highest immediately after birth, declines hugely after 4–6 hours, and is almost gone by 24 hours. Early, adequate intake of colostrum is critical to prevent failure of passive immunity transfer which is linked to higher illness, mortality, and poorer growth. Therefore, if a newborn does not get colostrum within the first 24 hours of birth, its chances of survival are very slim.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nAt farm level, lambs should receive colostrum within the first six hours of life, with repeat feeds at six‑hour intervals. Target 50 ml\/kg body weight per feed; by 24 hours lambs should have consumed 20% of it’s bodyweight in colostrum (200 ml\/kg). Early intervention is essential if lambs are slow to suck, yield is low, teat and udder irregularities, litters are large etc.\r\n<h2>Quality check, hygiene and storage<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>For lambs, ewe colostrum is preferred. Cow colostrum can be used if needed and pool from multiple cows and feed about 30% extra volume because it is less concentrated for sheep. Vaccinating dams against clostridial diseases at the correct time boosts antibodies against on‑farm pathogens. If using Colostrum alternatives – follow manufactures instructions.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If possible, build up a storage bank from ewes with a good supply or milking excess from some single ewes. Store correctly at 4°C and use within two days. If freezing, keep at −18 to −25°C and it should be OK for at least a year. Thaw slowly in warm water below 50°C; never use a microwave. For lamb colostrum, avoid overheating to prevent protein (antibody) damage.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>A Brix refractometer is a simple tool --good-quality colostrum for lambs would read ≥26% Brix (≈ ≥50 g IgG\/L).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Handle cleanly. High bacterial contamination reduces Ig absorption. Milk and feeding equipment must be well cleaned and disinfected.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Some studies have shown excessive consumption of minerals (iodine) can have a negative effect on antibody absorption by the lamb.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Simple on‑farm checklist<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Be present at lambing – to confirm a timely suck or to intervene.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>For lambs: 50 ml\/kg per feed at six‑hour intervals; 200 ml\/kg in first 24 hours. (target average of 1L\/24 hours)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Maintain strict hygiene, for storage cool or freeze promptly &amp; thaw gently.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Work with your vet on dam vaccination timing to maximise clostridial antibody levels.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nStrong early-life immunity starts with colostrum. Getting the right product, in the right amount, at the right time will cut mortality levels, treatment requirements and better overall lifetime performance. If the ewe does not supply the colostrum to the lamb, it is up to you to find an alternative supply or else that newborns chance of a healthy life is not that optimal!","id":"255166","title":"Colostrum &#8211; priceless to the newborn lamb","category":"Sheep","release_date_time":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Lambs-newborn-asleep-on-straw-Featured.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/fertiliser-spreading-Johnstown-Castle.png","release_date":"2026-04-20","description":"With the fertiliser market remaining volatile, Signpost Programme Training & Development Specialist, Mark Plunkett shares some essential reading for grassland farmers looking to manage through a year of high fertiliser prices.","main_body":"Rising fertiliser costs are forcing many grassland farmers to rethink how they manage nutrient inputs. The good news is there are practical, farm-level steps you can take to reduce purchased fertiliser needs, protect yields, margins, while improving environmental performance.\r\n<h2>Why act now?<\/h2>\r\nFertiliser is a controllable input: small changes in practice can give big savings. Improved nutrient use efficiency reduces waste, greenhouse gas emissions and run-off risk. Taking on different practices help reduce the global impacts which are outside our control. Read practical strategies below:\r\n<h2>1). Start with a plan - soil test results<\/h2>\r\nGet up-to-date soil tests for pH, P and K across your farm. This will form the basis for nutrient applications. It will provide a solid foundation as to where is best to apply different sources of available nutrients (manures and fertilisers). Where fertilisers have been purchased, use wisely to maximise utilisation. For example, apply maintenance rates of P and K and ensure adequate S applications to maximise utilisation of applied N.\r\n<h2>2). Lime to the right pH<\/h2>\r\nCorrecting soil pH to target (~6.3-6.5 for ryegrass and 6.5-6.8 for clover\/multispecies swards). This will ensure the best return on investment; it improves soil nutrient supply, fertiliser response, biological nitrogen fixation and persists for many years, reducing future fertiliser need.\r\n<h2>3). Use organic nutrients efficiently<\/h2>\r\nMake best use of slurry and farmyard manure. Apply in springtime with trailing shoe \/ band spreader to reduce N losses, and spread on most suitable days. Measure slurry nutrient content where possible and adjust application rates based on slurry quality (N-P-K).  For example, diluting cattle slurry increases N availability but reduces P &amp; K content.\r\n<h2>4). Alternative sources of organic fertilisers<\/h2>\r\nConsider importing organic fertilisers such as pig slurry or cattle slurry where available. Pig slurry is a well-balanced fertiliser and is ideal for grazing ground and can effectively replace the need for such fertilisers as 18-6-12 \/ 13-6-20 due to its similar nutrient profile.  For example, 1,000 gals of good quality pig slurry is equivalent to one 50kg bag of 19-7-20.\r\n<h2>5). Shift to legumes and mixed swards<\/h2>\r\nIntroduce clover (red clover in leys, white clover in grazing swards) to supply biologically fixed N. Well-managed clover can replace a substantial share (+100kg N\/ha) of purchased N fertiliser over a year, lowering costs, improving animal performance and profitability.\r\n<h2>6). Target inputs to performance<\/h2>\r\nApply N when conditions are most favourable to maximise uptake and utilisation by grass. For example, adjust fertiliser rates based on grass sward quality \/ seasonal demands.  Favour high-performing paddocks (good soil fertility \/ reseeded in last 5 years) and reduce on poorer fields. Use PastureBase or farm records to match N to herbage demand and stocking rate.\r\n<h2>7). Timing, placement and product choice<\/h2>\r\nSplit N applications to match grass growth and avoid heavy early-season single doses. Apply fertilisers when soils are warm and dry enough to reduce losses. Consider protected urea or urease\/nitrification inhibitors to reduce costs and reduce total farm GHG emissions.\r\n<h2>8). Improve slurry and fertiliser spreading efficiency<\/h2>\r\nSet-up fertiliser spreader and calibrate to deliver correct rate and even fertiliser application. Calibrate LESS slurry technology to ensure correct rates of application. LESS technology reduces N loss and improves precision of slurry while reducing chemical fertiliser N use.  Liquid fertilisers (UAN\/Acidified N) are more precise and efficient forms of nutrients delivering productivity and environmental benefits.\r\n<h2>9). Reseed and manage swards for efficiency<\/h2>\r\nCarry out selective reseeding of poor performing swards; a younger, grass clover\/multispecies swards typically return more grass per unit of N input. Good grazing management (optimum pre- and post-grazing covers) increases utilisation of home-grown forage and reduces purchased feed.\r\n<h2>10). Reduce feed and input demand through herd management<\/h2>\r\nMatch stocking rate to grass growth, while maximising the production of grass silage to ensure sufficient quantities of quality winter feed while reducing input of concentrate feeds.\r\n\r\nThe above first appeared in the <em>Farming Examiner<\/em> as part of a Signpost Programme update.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/climate-change-air-quality\/signpost-programme\/\">For more from the Teagasc Signpost Programme, visit here.<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/reducing-n-inputs-with-multi-species-swards\/\">Reducing N inputs with multi species swards<\/a>\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/sulphur-improves-efficiency-of-fertiliser-n\/\">Sulphur improves efficiency of fertiliser N<\/a>","id":"254887","title":"10 tips: Dealing with higher fertiliser prices on grassland farms","category":"Grassland","release_date_time":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-21 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/fertiliser-spreading-Johnstown-Castle.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/a-replanted-forest-700x524-1.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-20","description":"Teagasc, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is delighted to invite you to a dynamic on-site event showcasing best practices in reforestation following storm damage. Local Teagasc Forestry Advisor, Noel Kennedy tells us more.","main_body":"This practical demonstration will take place in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Thursday, April 30, and offers a unique opportunity to see first-hand how forests can be successfully restored and improved after extreme weather events.\r\n<h2>Why attend?<\/h2>\r\nReforestation is more than simply replanting tree; it’s about creating more resilient forests for the future. This event will highlight how careful planning, species selection and modern techniques can significantly enhance productivity and long-term sustainability.\r\n\r\nResearch shows that replanting - especially using improved planting stock - can deliver greater yields than the original forest rotation, while also opening the door to diversifying species, as appropriate and strengthening climate resilience.\r\n\r\nThis is a must-attend event for forest owners and all stakeholders impacted by recent storms and those preparing for clearfelling. On the day, you will:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Walk through a forest currently undergoing reforestation after storm damage<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Observe each stage of the replanting process in a real-world setting<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gain practical insights and expert guidance on:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Felling licences and harvesting plans<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ground preparation and optimal species selection<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Planting techniques and ongoing maintenance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Funding opportunities, including the Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Event details<\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Meeting Point:<\/strong> St. Kevin’s GAA Grounds, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon (F45 K500)<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Arrival Time:<\/strong> Arrive anytime between <strong>10:30am and 12:00pm<\/strong><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Transport:<\/strong> Shuttle buses will bring attendees to a nearby forest site as groups arrive<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>A chance to rethink and rebuild<\/h2>\r\nStorm damage can be disruptive, but it also creates a valuable opportunity. Reforestation allows forest owners to pause, reassess and plan for the future. Whether your goals have evolved or you’re considering new species or layouts, this is the ideal time to explore your options.\r\n\r\nTeagasc encourages forest owners to engage in forward-looking, and as appropriate,  intergenerational discussions, ensuring that the next forest rotation aligns with both environmental and personal objectives.\r\n<h2>Learn more<\/h2>\r\nFor further information on this event or forestry supports, contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor or <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/forestry\/\">visit the Teagasc Forestry webpage<\/a>.","id":"254681","title":"Reforestation After Storm Damage Demonstration","category":"Forestry","release_date_time":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-20 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/uploads\/a-replanted-forest-700x524-1.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BE150426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-19","description":"With rising input costs and tighter margins, it’s never been more important to understand your costs of production and where your system stands.","main_body":"On this episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, who has been working through a range of beef budgets for autumn 2025 and spring 2026, discusses everything from under-16 month bull systems, to forward store finishing, as well as dairy calf-to-beef enterprises, looking at the assumptions behind them and how they stack up financially.\r\n\r\nDavid also outlines the impact that increases in concentrate, fertiliser and contractor charges will have on break even and margin in the systems.\r\n\r\nGood health and management are essential as well and David discusses some of the opportunities to cut costs without affecting performance highlighting the importance of completing a budget for your farm and system.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/5e52941e\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nFor more episodes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/thebeefedge\">visit the Beef Edge podcast show page<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe Beef Edge podcast is produced on behalf of Teagasc by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>","id":"254860","title":"When costs climb: Protecting profit on beef farms","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-19 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-16 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BE150426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gearoid-Anna.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-19","description":"Combining livestock, local produce and home baking, Áine O’Riordan, a Drystock Farm Advisor based in the Teagasc Macroom Office, visits the O’Leary family in Kilmichael to find out more about the ‘farm to fork’ journey.","main_body":"Gearoid O’Leary farms in Coolderrihy, Kilmichael with his wife Caitriona and their four children Anna, Barra, Saoirse and Sean. When you enter their farm, you get a real sense of the true meaning of a family farm; all hands are on deck, available and willing to help.\r\n<h2>The drystock enterprise<\/h2>\r\nThey run a suckler to weanling beef system, consisting of 66 continental cows, with a split calving system of Spring and Autumn. Charolais and Limousin stock bulls are used as well as a small amount of AI.\r\n\r\nThe herd’s calving interval is 386 days, achieving 0.99 calves per cow per year. The split Autumn and Spring calving system spreads out the workload of calving and the cashflow by having weanlings to sell at different times of the year. Weanlings are sold through the mart.\r\n\r\nFor autumn calving, most of the cows calve themselves outside. They have a mobile calving camera set up to assist with watching for calving and this has become a very useful technology on the farm. Cows and calves are weighed to measure performance. Last year, their claves averaged a 200-day weight of 239 Kgs and achieved an average daily gain of 0.96 Kgs per day.\r\n\r\nThe farm is also home to a sheep enterprise, consisting of 54 Suffolk X ewes lambing in March\/April and lambs are sold through the mart in September. The beef and sheep enterprises work well together. While it can make grassland management more challenging during the spring, they complement each other for the remainder of the year.\r\n<h2>Home produce<\/h2>\r\nGearoid and Caitriona are very passionate about producing as much of their own food as possible from their farm to feed their family. They always have their home-produced beef and lamb in the freezer and grow their own crop of potatoes, vegetables and fruits. This passion has been passed down to their eldest daughter Anna, who has set up her own food business known as The Flour Patch.\r\n\r\nAnna studied Culinary Arts in MTU. Having worked in a number of food businesses while in college, she took the leap of faith to make her own career from producing food locally after graduating.\r\n\r\nThe Flour Patch is an honesty box in two different locations, selling home baked goods such as scones, brown bread, cakes, tarts, cookies etc. You drive up to the honesty box and take what you want, pay in cash or Revolut and its often sold out quiet quickly.\r\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-suspicious-alt alignnone size-full wp-image-254849\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Anna-Honesty-box.jpg\" alt=\"Anna O'Leary pictured in front of her honesty box\" width=\"700\" height=\"466\" data-warning=\"Suspicious alt text\" \/><\/div>\r\nWhen seasonally available, the honesty box sells home-grown vegetables grown in their polytunnel and homemade jams, pickled cucumber and honey produced in their own on farm beehives.\r\n\r\nFor her baking ingredients, Anna uses Bó Bainne Úr milk produced by local dairy farm Mike Cahalane and she sources her eggs from Sean Hayes. The first honesty box opened in Castlefreak where Anna lives with her partner (Eircode P85XH10). This honesty box is open from 10am on Saturdays and Sundays. The second box is on her home farm in Kilmichael and is open at 10am on Sundays (Eircode P12DR02). Anna is also very busy baking cakes for occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries etc.\r\n\r\nAnna is gathering momentum on social media platforms Tik Tok and Instagram, where she posts on a variety of topics such as day-to-day farm tasks, baking, cooking family dinners etc.  Search the name ChefAnnaJane on social media. Just recently, The Flour Patch has won Innovator of the Year for Munster in the Irish Restaurant Awards.\r\n\r\nIt’s great to see a home-cooked meal with all the food on the plate produced on the farm, zero food miles and sustainability. In a time when consumers are getting more conscious about where their food is coming from, it is an ideal opportunity to take a leaf out of the O’ Leary’s book and try as grow as much food yourself as possible.\r\n\r\n<strong>More from Teagasc Daily<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/news--events\/daily\/award-winning-oats-in-west-cork\/\">Award winning oats in West Cork<\/a>","id":"254846","title":"Farm to fork in Kilmichael","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-19 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Gearoid-Anna.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Charolais-stock-bulls.png","release_date":"2026-04-19","description":"As the breeding season approaches, many farmers are turning their attention to one of the most important investments they will make this year - purchasing a stock bull. Enda Maloney, Teagasc Drystock Advisor, discusses the key considerations in selecting the right bull for your herd.","main_body":"While it may be tempting to focus on price or appearance alone, choosing the right bull requires careful planning and informed decision-making. After all, a stock bull can contribute up to 50% of the genetics in your herd, meaning the impact of this purchase will be felt for years to come.\r\n\r\nThe first and most important question any farmer must ask is: <strong>what type of bull do I need?<\/strong> This depends entirely on your breeding system. If your goal is to produce calves for sale or slaughter, a terminal bull with strong growth and carcass traits is the best option. On the other hand, if you are breeding replacement heifers, a maternal bull with good fertility, milk, and longevity traits is essential. Some farmers may opt for a balanced bull that offers a mix of both qualities, but having a clear objective from the outset is key.\r\n\r\nWhile visual assessment remains a popular method of selecting a bull, it should never be the only factor considered. Physical traits still matter greatly, however. A good bull should have strong conformation, showing adequate length, depth, and width without being overly heavy in the shoulders or hindquarters, which could lead to calving difficulties. Pay close attention to how the bull moves - sound legs and a free, easy stride are vital indicators of long-term durability.\r\n\r\nFeet are another critical area. Signs of excessive hoof trimming may indicate ongoing issues that could become a recurring problem on your farm. Similarly, fertility must not be overlooked. Always check that the bull has two evenly sized testicles, free from lumps, and that they meet the recommended size for his age. Temperament is equally important; a calm, manageable bull is not only safer to handle but will also integrate more easily into the herd.\r\n\r\nIn addition to physical checks, farmers today have access to valuable performance data. Breeding indexes can provide insight into a bull’s genetic potential. Ideally, aim for a bull with a high star rating in the traits that matter most to your system. Reliability is also crucial - higher reliability figures mean greater confidence that the bull will perform as expected. Particular attention should be paid to calving difficulty, especially if the bull will be used on heifers, where lower figures are essential to reduce risk.\r\n\r\nTiming is another often overlooked factor. Purchasing a bull well in advance of the breeding season allows time for the animal to settle into his new environment. Many bulls sold at sales are on high levels of concentrate feeding, so it is important to gradually adjust their diet and build up their fitness before they are expected to work.\r\n\r\nUltimately, buying a stock bull is a long-term investment in the future of your herd. Taking the time to plan, assess, and select carefully will pay dividends in improved performance, easier management, and better profitability in the years ahead.","id":"254828","title":"Why buying the right stock bull matters","category":"Beef","release_date_time":"2026-04-19 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-16 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Charolais-stock-bulls.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/winter-barley-seedlings-Oak-Park-291025-1024x768.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"Teagasc is organising a series of Spring Crop Walks that will take place in different locations around the country.","main_body":"Spring 2026 has been challenging from a weather point of view, but field work is progressing in some areas. All tillage farmers and industry professionals are welcome to join the farm walks over the coming weeks to discuss strategies on spring and winter crops. Teagasc Crops specialist, researchers and tillage advisers will also be available to discuss current agronomy of your crops.\r\n\r\nThe series of field walks will focus on disease control and weed control in spring cereals, with particular emphasis on wild oats. Herbicide‑resistant wild oats are now increasingly common across the country and require careful, proactive on‑farm management to reduce and ultimately eliminate the problem.\r\n\r\nMichael Hennessy, Head of Teagasc Crops Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc said: “These events provide a great opportunity for tillage farmers to see how crops are progressing and the most appropriate interventions to support crop development. I would urge all tillage farmers to make it their business to attend one of the upcoming events.”\r\n\r\n<strong>Dates and locations for Spring Crop Walks:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Monday, 20 April  |  11am  |  Wexford\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Joe Kelly, Kilgarvan, Taghmon, Co. Wexford. Eircode: Y35 EVH7<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Monday, 20 April |  7pm  |  Wexford\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Martin &amp; Jamie Whelan, Ballingale, Ferns, Co. Wexford. Eircode: Y21 V0C3<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tuesday, 21 April  |  9:30am  |  Tipperary South\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Pat Murphy, Whitechurch, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Eircode: E21 XT97<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Thursday, 23 April  |  7pm  |  Kildare\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Eamon Fennins, Cardington, Athy, Co. Kildare. Eircode: R14 Y802<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Monday, 27 April |  11am  |  Kilkenny\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Teagasc Kildalton College, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny. Eircode: E32 YW08<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tuesday, 28 April |  11am  |  Cork East\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>DAFM Farm, Ballyderown, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Eircode: P61 HN32<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Wednesday, 29 April |  7pm  |  Louth\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Drummonds Trial site, Termonfeckin, Co. Louth. Eircode: A92 P110<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Wednesday, 29 April |  7pm  |  Cork West\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Raymond &amp; Gavin Moloney, meet at Blue Horizon car park, Garretstown, Kinsale, Co. Cork. Eircode: P17 AK65<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Thursday, 30 April |  11am  |  Waterford\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Tom Beausang, Glendine via Youghal, Co. Waterford. Eircode: P36 VX82<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Wednesday, 6 May |  9:30am  |  Tipperary North\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Michael Hogans Ballinderry Park, Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary. Eircode: E45 YN81<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Tuesday, 12 May |  11am  |  Kerry\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Farm of Michael &amp; Mickie O’Halloran, Ballymacquin Lower, Co. Kerry. Eircode: V92 H2X8<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Thursday, 14 May |  7:30pm  |  Offaly\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Niall &amp; John Grennan, Rath, Birr, Co. Offaly. Eircode: R42 YA49<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/events\/#springcropwalks\">For more information on these events, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255276","title":"Teagasc Spring Crop Walks","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/winter-barley-seedlings-Oak-Park-291025-scaled-e1761756667752.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/rds-pic.jpeg","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"Teagasc is delighted to announce that the winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer Stephen Morrison.","main_body":"Stephen was presented with his award in Dublin yesterday, Thursday, 16 April by John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.\r\n\r\nFarming 120 hectares near Kill, County Kildare, Stephen Morrison has an organic herd of spring calving suckler cows, bringing all progeny to beef. Stephen converted to an organic farming system three years ago.\r\n\r\nOver the last six years, 24 hectares of native forestry have been planted. This along with the establishment of hedgerows, digging of farm ponds and the preservation of a unique fen has really enhanced the biodiversity on the farm.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_255170\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-long-alt wp-image-255170 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/rds-pic.jpeg\" alt=\"Pictured at the awards: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Ben Morrison, Stephen Morrison (winner), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" data-warning=\"Long alt text\" \/> The winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer Stephen Morrison. Pictured at the awards: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Ben Morrison, Stephen Morrison (winner), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nReceiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category was Mayo farmer Joe O’Neill.\r\n\r\nJoe O’Neill from Bohola, County Mayo, now semi-retired from business, runs his substantial forestry enterprise alongside small-scale beef production on the home farm.\r\n\r\nHe planted his first forest in 1987, which has been successfully harvested and replanted. Joe is keen to balance the commercial and environmental benefits of forestry. In the years since, he has planted several new forests of both commercial conifers and native broadleaves, bringing his forestry area to 38 hectares.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_255174\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"700\"]<img class=\"wpa-warning wpa-long-alt size-full wp-image-255174\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Farm-Forestry-Special-Commendatio-Award.jpeg\" alt=\"Receiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category is Mayo farmer Joe O’Neill. Pictured at the awards were: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Finian O’Neill, Mary O Neill, Joe O Neill (Special Commendation Award), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry adviser, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" data-warning=\"Long alt text\" \/> Receiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category is Mayo farmer Joe O’Neill. Pictured at the awards were: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Finian O’Neill, Mary O Neill, Joe O Neill (Special Commendation Award), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.[\/caption]\r\n\r\nOn receiving his award, Stephen Morrison said: “I am delighted to win the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry award. Planting trees has been an ideal fit for the farm. I can see the brilliant environmental benefits, and I can keep my farm payments. When I have the time, I try taking a break from the farmyard to work in the forest, which I love.”\r\n\r\nCongratulating Stephen Morrison, John Spink said: “With farmers facing many challenges, the need to forward plan and explore possibilities to innovate and diversify is central to a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.\r\n<blockquote>“Stephen is an excellent example of a farmer whose vision and positive actions are contributing to the economic and environmental sustainability of Irish Agriculture. Teagasc is delighted to continue its rich association with the RDS Forestry Awards through our sponsorship of the Farm Forestry Award Category.”<\/blockquote>\r\nNoel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry Advisor said: “I congratulate Stephen on his well-deserved award. His farming story is one of successful diversification into forestry and highlights how farms and forests can work so well together to support the family farm with strong economic, practical, social and environmental benefits.”\r\n\r\nThe 2027 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, incorporating the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, will open soon for entries. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/forestry\">For more updates and information on this and all aspects of forest creation, management and training visit here<\/a>.","id":"255169","title":"Winners of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award announced","category":"Forestry","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/rds-pic.jpeg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/WelFarmer-presentation-Irish-Pig-Health-Symposium.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"During the Irish Pig Health Symposium 2026 in the Curragh, Kildare, on Tuesday April 14, the WelFarmers Project was once again represented on Teagasc's stand. During the event, the different infographics from the Good Practices collected in round one of the project were disseminated to the farmers and stakeholders who attended. ","main_body":"The WelFarmers Project is now in its second year. Its main goal is to collect and share good practices from pig farms across the EU that can improve animal welfare. The project focuses on four key themes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Loose housing facilities for lactating sows<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Methods to reduce pain during castration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strategies for raising undocked pigs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Optimising space allowance and flooring for fattening pigs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe project is a collaborative European effort, with project partners from eight European countries - including Ireland - who have been actively collecting good practices from pig farms. At Teagasc, efforts have been focused on contacting farmers and gathering information to contribute to the database of Good Practices.\r\n\r\nAt the symposium Teagasc, on behalf of the WelFarmers Project group, hosted Jason McGrath and his colleagues from Ashleigh Farms who were awarded a plaque and certificate for their Good Practice ‘Loose Lactation &amp; Piglet Commingling’ (available to view below).\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-254945\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/WelFarners-graphic.png\" alt=\"A comingling design used on Aisling Pig Farms which allows piglets to adapt to other groups and form social hierarchies. The facilities listed include: 6.5 m2 pens installed in 2017 • Designated piglet area: 1.3 m2 • Use of paper as nest building material. • Floorheating. • Presence of anticrushing rails. • The floor is fully slated.\" width=\"596\" height=\"844\" \/>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.welfarmers.com\/\">More information on the WelFarmers Project can be found here<\/a>.","id":"254941","title":"WelFarmers: Sharing good pig farming practices","category":"Pigs &amp; Poultry","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/WelFarmer-presentation-Irish-Pig-Health-Symposium.jpg"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/tractor-and-fertiliser-spreader.png","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"With the global uncertainty around fertiliser cost and availability, improving the efficiency of nitrogen used on farm is critical in maintaining crop and animal performance, while reducing any negative impact on water quality. ","main_body":"Better for the wallet and better for the watercourse, Teagasc Better Farming for Water share key tips on improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and N Balance.\r\n\r\nThe cost of one kilogram of Nitrogen (as protected urea) has increased from €1.24 to €1.85 since the start of the year. It makes sound financial sense to use Nitrogen (and Phosphorous and Potassium) as carefully as possible and avoid wasting nutrient and money.\r\n\r\nThe <strong><em>Better Farming for Water Campaign (BFFW) - 8 Actions for Change<\/em><\/strong> has reducing purchased N and P surplus as one of its core actions. In order to achieve this, we must first understand the concept of Nitrogen Use Efficiency - NUE, N Balance and the key steps involved in improving this in a sustainable manner.\r\n<h2>Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)<\/h2>\r\nIn simple terms, NUE is a measure of how efficiently a farm converts nitrogen<strong> inputs <\/strong>into outputs such as milk, meat or crops.  Nitrogen inputs on a farm include chemical fertiliser but also purchased concentrate, forage and imported organic manures. NUE reflects how effectively the nutrients are converted into saleable outputs. It is expressed on a percentage (%) basis with the aim of as high a figure as possible.\r\n<h2>5 top tips<\/h2>\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-255206\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/BFFW-Top-Tips-To-Improve-Nitrogen-Use-Efficiency-and-Reduce-Losses-to-Water-final-scaled-e1776419742215.png\" alt=\"Top Tips to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Reduce Losses to Waters\r\n\r\n•\tSoil Fertility &amp; Planning: Use your Nutrient Management Plan to correct soil fertility and maximise N efficiency\r\n•\tAnimal Nutrition: Reduce crude protein in concentrate fed to dairy cows and bovines over 2 Yrs at grass to a max of 14% between 15th April and 30th Sept\r\n•\tOrganic Manure Management: Maximise slurry nutrient utilisation through LESS technology and precision timing, thereby lowering fertiliser inputs \r\n•\tChemical Fertiliser: Apply nitrogen little and often, while matching application rate to growth and weather conditions\r\n•\tPasture Management: Use clover or multispecies swards to reduce chemical nitrogen requirements\" width=\"700\" height=\"495\" \/>\r\n<h2>N Balance<\/h2>\r\nNitrogen balance (often called N surplus) is the difference between total nitrogen imported onto the farm and nitrogen exported off the farm in saleable products, expressed on a <strong><u>Kg\/Ha basis<\/u><\/strong>. It indicates the portion of N that is not captured as output and that therefore could be lost to the environment. The lower the N balance, the better, as it means there is less surplus to lose to the environment (air or water).\r\n<h2>So how do these differ and which is more important?<\/h2>\r\nWhile NUE and N balance<strong> both use the same figures for <\/strong>inputs and outputs, NUE focusses on efficiency (%) while N balance looks at the difference (Kg N\/Ha). In simple terms, NUE tells us: ‘<strong>How well am I using nitrogen?’ <\/strong>While N Balance tells us:<strong> ‘How much nitrogen is left over?’ <\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe truth is that both figures are important and together, they work to give us a more complete picture of nitrogen use on our farms, both in terms of efficiency and potential risk to water quality. While the target for NUE for a grassland farm is 35%, the focus must also be on achieving this at a reduced N surplus figure. This will reduce the risk of surplus N leaching into our watercourses and estuaries.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/environment\/water-quality\/better-farming-for-water\/\">For more from the Teagasc Better Farming for Water Campaign, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255205","title":"Getting more from your nitrogen spend","category":"Environment","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/tractor-and-fertiliser-spreader.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE150426v2B.png","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"Mark Treacy, Dairy Specialist in Teagasc Clonakilty, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss management tips for April.","main_body":"Mark explains that dairy farms are in various positions: some have moved too quickly into second-round grazing, others are well-balanced with remaining first-round grass, and some (especially on heavy ground) are delayed due to poor weather conditions.\r\n\r\nHe then outlines the solutions such as housing some or all of the herd in order to get grass cover back up to where they need to be which might only take a week, or where there is a lot of grass on farm, tackling it from a number of angles including grazing, silage immediately once the opportunity arises or longer term silage in some cases.\r\n\r\nMark also spoke about the need for silage ground to be fertilised but to have cutting date influencing the amount applied. With slurry application to most of this ground not an option, the advice is to cut early and return the slurry then. This will result in the same total yield with better quality than a large application of N for first cut now thus delaying the cut date.\r\n\r\nFinally, Mark spoke about the need to follow up on problem cows ahead of the breeding season as it is creeping up on farmers now.\r\n\r\n<strong>Listen in below:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.transistor.fm\/e\/3dea3a69\" width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless=\"\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.teagasc.ie\/animals\/dairy\/the-dairy-edge-podcast\/\">For more episodes and information, visit the Dairy Edge podcast show page<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe Dairy Edge is a co-production with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastcastmedia.com\/\">LastCastMedia.com<\/a>","id":"254708","title":"Dairy management tips for April","category":"Dairy","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-15 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/DE150426v2B.png"},{"feature_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/spraying-crops-Featured.jpg","release_date":"2026-04-17","description":"Crops Specialist at Teagasc, Shay Phelan reminds us of the importance of timing when it comes to fungicide and PGR applications on winter wheat and barley crops.","main_body":"Winter wheat crops are currently progressing through stem extension, with most crops ranging between GS31 and GS32. However, there is considerable variation in crop development, particularly when assessed by leaf emergence.\r\n\r\nCrops range from leaf 4 just emerging through to leaf 3 almost fully unfolded, especially in earlier maturing varieties such as LG Rebellion. This variation highlights the importance of monitoring crops closely rather than relying solely on growth stage.\r\n\r\nWinter barley crops are at GS32 and should have all their nitrogen applied at this stage. Some of the early developing varieties are at flag leaf emergence. BYDV symptoms are evident in many crops, especially those that didn’t get and insecticide pre-Christmas. The T1 fungicide application is applied in most cases and there are few reports of disease in crops.\r\n\r\nOver the next week or so there are two questions growers will be faced with:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Do I include a plant growth regulator (PGR) with my first fungicide Leaf 3 application on wheat?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Do I include a fungicide with my PGR on barley?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h2>Wheat<\/h2>\r\nIn the case of wheat, many crops will have already received a PGR, typically CCC + Moddus\/Meddax Max etc. Usually this is the first half of a split strategy with the second application with the Leaf 3 fungicide. There are some crops which have yet to receive anything or may just be recovering from a herbicide application, which has caused some stunting in many cases.\r\n\r\nThe decision on the PGR strategy should be based on a number of factors. These include the nitrogen applied, rotation and the variety (e.g. Champion has a poor rating so should receive a robust rate of the mix mentioned above). CCC must be applied before GS32 so other options include Terpal (but beware of straw contract restrictions), ceramide or the straight Moddus products or Meddax Max all which can be used slightly later.\r\n\r\nThe leaf 3 fungicide application should be timed as the third last leaf is fully emerged. This will need grower\/agronomists to split out the leaves to identify the correct leaf. In the photo, you can see that in Rebellion, leaf 3 is almost fully emerged whereas in other varieties leaf 4 is just now fully emerged.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-255162\" src=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/Rebellion-Leaf-emergence.jpg\" alt=\"Leaf 5, 4, 3 2 and 1, along with an early ear in LG Rebellion planted on October 20\" width=\"688\" height=\"939\" \/>\r\n\r\nThe choice of products will depend on whether you are chasing yellow rust or not. In most crops, there is very little rust but some crops of Champion, Fitzroy or Dawsum do have disease present. For most, septoria is still the main target so products with good control of it should be applied e.g. Questar\/Proteb etc., Ascra Xpro, Jessico One + Jettano, Revystar. However, where yellow rust is the main target then Questar products, Ascra Xpro, or Elatus Era may be the stronger options.\r\n<h2>Barley<\/h2>\r\nIn barley, most crops are now due to receive the final PGR application which, at this stage, is usually Terpal or Cerone. Most will have already received a PGR application already like the wheat. And, in many cases, the second application is an insurance that the crop doesn’t lodge. Likewise, they all have received a fungicide application and the question is: Are you on a 2 or 3 spray strategy? In the northern half of the country, the first fungicide has probably only recently been applied in the last fortnight and that should be enough until the awns emerge. However, in the southern counties the first fungicide may have been applied at the end of March and so there could be a gap of 5-6 weeks between it and the final application. For this reason, many will opt to apply a fungicide with the PGR application.\r\n\r\nTrials carried out in Oak Park suggest that the two-spray strategy will give the same yield as a three-spray strategy where crops are clean from disease. However, in crops that have disease, especially in the south, then the three-spray strategy may be warranted.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/crops\/crops\/\">For more from Teagasc Crops, visit here<\/a>.","id":"255161","title":"Fungicides and PGRs on winter wheat and barley","category":"Crops","release_date_time":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","last_modified":"2026-04-17 00:00:00","thumbnail_image":"https:\/\/teagasc.ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/spraying-crops-Featured.jpg"}]}