Shows
The Tillage EdgeAutumn update from the Teagasc Oakpark farmTeagasc Oak Park is Ireland’s most visited tillage farm, welcoming plenty of open days, international visitors, and discussion groups throughout the year. This week, we’re joined by Oak Park Farm Manager, Brendan Bourke, for an autumn update from the farm. Brendan chats about the different establishment methods they’ve been using, the new roller that’s been put to work, and how they’re adding extra vermin protection to the harvesting equipment ahead of winter. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:http...
2025-11-0626 min
The Beef EdgeA Preview of the 2025 National Beef ConferencePearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an insight into what’s in store at the Teagasc National Beef Conference which is taking place on 18th November in the Raheen Woods Hotel, Athenry, Co.Galway, starting at 5pm. This year’s theme is ‘Beef Farming 2025: Value, Profit and Renewal’, with a strong focus on producing high-value weanlings, managing farm profitability, and supporting generational renewal. There are two action-packed sessions featuring expert speakers, farmer insights, and panel discussions: Session I: High...
2025-11-0522 min
The Tillage EdgeBenchmarking: Focusing Efforts to Improve Farm PerformanceBenchmarking helps farmers see where they stand and identify opportunities to improve profit and efficiency. For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy talks to Dr. Fiona Thorne, Teagasc Economist, and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist, about the latest Cereal Enterprise Factsheet and how to use Teagasc Costs and Returns to measure real farm performance. They discuss the importance of calculating your own fixed costs, what sets top-performing farms apart, and how tools like the Teagasc Profit Monitor and Machinery Cost Calculator can help in assembling and analysing your figures.
2025-10-2425 min
The Beef EdgeBeef markets and budgets with David ArgueTeagasc Beef Specialist, David Argue, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to discuss beef markets and budgets. David outlines current beef markets and highlights the national weekly kill has risen in the last week of September to 30,000/head. David emphasises the importance of completing a budget tailored to each farm based on input costs and fixed costs of the farm Each budget calculates a breakeven selling price (cents/kg carcase weight) for that particular system and takes account of the purchase price and all the associa...
2025-10-0817 min
The Beef EdgeHow to increase efficiency and reduce emissionsTeagasc Climate and Sustainability advisor, Enda Geoghegan from Ballina Co. Mayo, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss actions implemented on farms that increase efficiency while reducing emissions and the recent findings from the Signpost Programme Report . Farmers participating in the Dairy Beef 500 and Future Beef Programmes are also part of the Signpost Programme and Enda explains how he liaises with the local advisors, programme advisors and ASSAP programme advisors in his role. Enda outlines the importance of having a nutrient management plan, applying lime and correcting P and K...
2025-08-0618 min
The Beef EdgeTeagasc Ballyhaise College Beef Farm UpdateNoel Prunty and Liam McWeeney, from Teagasc Ballyhaise College, join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to give an update on breeding season and how the bulls performed finishing under 16 months. Noel gives a review of calving season 2025 and discusses how AI was used for the start of the breeding season before the stock bull. Liam highlights the management of the heifers calving at 24 months while Noel discusses grassland management on the farm and managing the different grazing groups to maintain quality. Liam also highli...
2025-06-2515 min
The Tillage EdgeWhy the Teagasc Crop Report is an essential tool for agronomists & farmersWith crop inputs being applied weekly, farmers and agronomists face constant decisions around product choice, application timing, and overall strategy. For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Denis Dunne, Trials Manager at Seedtech, joins us to discuss how he uses the Teagasc Crop Report as a vital tool — not just for daily agronomy decisions, but also to inform strategies for weed and disease control. Denis explains how the Crop Report incorporates the latest research, which in turn underpins his field recommendations. He uses both the desktop and mobile versions of the repor...
2025-04-1022 min
The Tillage EdgePig slurry in tillage - a natural boost for soil & cropsWe explore the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming on the latest Tillage Edge podcast. Michael McKeon, Teagasc pig specialist, and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage specialist, discuss how to target the use of pig slurry on tillage farms. We cover best practices for application, nutrient replacement, transport logistics, and regulatory considerations, while Michael explains that pig farmers are well used to organising the logistics of getting slurry to the tillage farm. Teagasc are also running an event in Matty Moore’...
2025-03-2016 min
The Beef EdgeCalving the Cow: the key things to be aware of (Preparing for Calving Pt 2)In advance of spring calving season, Teagasc Nutritionist Aisling Claffey, and Teagasc Researcher and Vet, John Donlon, join Catherine for a special three part series, and this week, for the second part, John Donlon focuses on calving the cow. John discusses the essentials that farmers can do to prepare and what items are essential to have ready and he outlines the key steps when it comes to intervening when a cow is calving as well as different presentations. He also explains what to be aware of when using the calving jack and...
2025-01-1521 min
The Tillage EdgeCalculating tillage incomes for 2024Teagasc Economist, Dr. Fiona Thorne, discusses the key findings from the recent Teagasc Outlook 2025 conference on this week’s Tillage Edge. Tillage farm incomes are expected to rebound after the tough year of 2023, with estimates showing a 40% increase in 2024 and further gains in 2025. However, Fiona highlights the importance of context, emphasising that incomes are still below the five-year average. She explains how these estimates are calculated, the role of cost savings, and assumptions for 2025. Farmers are encouraged to assess their own costs using tools like...
2024-12-1223 min
The Signpost SeriesMeet the category winners of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards 2024Mark Gibson met up with this year’s Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability award category winners on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series. The category winners were:- Edwin Thompson, Tipperary, Dairy Farmer, Winner of the ‘Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions’ Category- James O’Keeffe, Meath, Tillage farmer, Winner of the ‘Improving Soil Health and Carbon Sequestration’ Category- Ken Gill, Offaly, suckler beef farmer, Winner of the ‘Enhancing biodiversity’ category- Martin Crowe, Limerick, Dairy farmer, Winner of the ‘Improving Water Quality’ Category Siobhán Kavanagh, Signpost Communic...
2024-11-181h 04
The Beef EdgeStaying resilient on the farm through stressful times of the yearHealth & Wellness coach, Shane Pearson, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss key tips to staying resilient on the farm through stressful times of the year. Studies show that many farmers experience poor mental health, high rates of burnout, and physical health issues related to stress and Shane highlights a number of resources available for farmers and which can be accessed at:https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2024/Positive-Mental-Health.pdf Farmers frequently face heightened stress during calving season, market preparations and inspections. By appl...
2024-11-1321 min
The Beef EdgeReviewing the Ballyhaise herd performance and preparations for the winter aheadLiam McWeeney and Noel Prunty from Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the beef system, review of the performance to date and preparing for winter ahead. Liam first outlined the 32 cow suckler herd that is operated in a suckling to finishing system. Bulls are finished under 16 months and heifers are kept as replacements or finished under 20 months of age. The beef unit is 24ha of heavy soil type with some of the farm low lying.AI is used on the farm to breed replacements and...
2024-11-0816 min
The Beef EdgeWinter nutrition and diets with Teagasc Nutritionist, Aisling ClaffeyTeagasc Nutritionist, Aisling Claffey, discusses winter nutrition and diets on this week’s Beef Edge podcast. Aisling explains that beef systems are simple and it comes down to trying to maximise intake and growth whilst minimising stress and digestive upsets. A combination of factors ultimately decides how close you get to growing and finishing cattle to their genetic potential such as management, diet, housing, water and disease control. Aisling highlights the importance of taking a silage sample and discusses the targets to see in the report. Then based...
2024-10-3017 min
The Pig EdgeCelebrating 30 Years of the Teagasc Pig Farmers’ ConferenceFor the latest Pig Edge podcast, we’re diving into all the details of the upcoming Annual Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference, which is celebrating 30 years of the conference this year. On this episode, we’re joined by Ciarán Carroll, Louise Clarke and Michael McKeon from the advisory team in the Teagasc Pig Development Department as we explore what's in store for this milestone event. The conference is taking place on October 22nd at the Horse and Jockey Hotel, Co. Tipperary, and on October 23rd at the Farnham Estate in County Cavan. As always, t...
2024-10-1120 min
The Beef EdgeThe Teagasc Beef Budgets 2024/2025 with Aidan MurrayFollowing the launch of the Beef Budgets for 2024 at the National Ploughing Championships, Teagasc Beef specialist, Aidan Murray, has an update with all the details. Aidan compares the national kill figures to 2023 and discusses how have the prices changed in comparison to this time last year. Aidan also highlights how the Irish supply of beef looks for the rest of the year. Prices are good and there is demand around the ring at the moment for heavier type of stock with Aidan comparing changes in prices for diffe...
2024-09-2513 min
The Tillage EdgeThe harvest in Teagasc, Oak Park - progressing well despite the weatherThe Teagasc crops research farm in Oak Park, Carlow, is in the middle of the harvest and Brendan Burke, the farm manager, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the highs and lows of the harvest so far. Brendan explains that the winter barley and winter oats yields have been reasonable so far. The farm also sells straw to regular customers but there was little interest in oaten straw and this was chopped as part of the Straw Incorporation Scheme. Cover crops are used extensively acros...
2024-08-0817 min
The Beef EdgePreparing for weaning with Teagasc Vet John DonlonTeagasc researcher and vet, John Donlon, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the main issues that arise around weaning time and how to prevent them. It’s been a difficult year for cows and calves and performance of some calves has been impacted by the extended spring and grazing conditions and weather. John says that many calves may have had health issues in the spring and it is important to reduce stress now at weaning. He explains that delaying weaning will only further cause issues by a number...
2024-08-0718 min
The Beef EdgeGrass management for the coming weeksThis week’s Beef Edge podcast is a joint episode with Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast and we are joined by Grass10 advisor Niamh Doyle to get an update on the current situation and discussing management tips for the coming weeks. Niamh says there have been many factors that have limited grass growth over the last number of months such as lower temperatures, especially at night, harsh winds, high rainfall and high levels of poaching due to the wet spring with poor conditions for grazing. Niamh explains the long term Nitrogen fertiliser type...
2024-07-2409 min
The Environment EdgeTeagasc’s Better Farming for Water - 8 Actions for Change CampaignTeagasc Dairy Specialist, Stuart Childs, from the Dairy Edge podcast, joins us to chat all about the Teagasc Better Farming for Water, 8 Actions for Change Campaign. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/
2024-07-2237 min
The Beef EdgeThe key messages from the BEEF2024 Dairy Calf-to-Beef VillageAlan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Manager, is on this week’s Beef Edge Podcast to explain the key messages discussed with farmers who visited the Dairy Calf-to-Beef Village as part of BEEF2024, Teagasc’s National Beef Open Day. Alan outlines the benefits of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV) and how its use at purchase time can result in more profitable and efficient dairy-beef systems. The importance of meeting weight gain targets was also highlighted, with Alan explaining that animals must perform on farm from arrival to the point of sale and this can onl...
2024-07-0317 min
The Beef EdgeThe Growing Resilient Organic Farming Systems project (GROFarmS)With the launch the GROFarmS project taking place today at BEEF 2024 National Beef open day in Teagasc Grange, Teagasc organic specialist, Elaine Leavy, and Teagasc researcher, Kevin Kilcline, join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the role this research programme will have for anyone interested in converting or currently in organics, as well as detail on the variety of organic events taking place in the coming weeks. GROFarmS stands for Growing Resilient Organic Farming Systems and is an organic farming research project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the...
2024-06-2614 min
The Beef EdgeUpdates on the suckler and dairy beef herds in Grange & a preview of BEEF2024Teagasc researchers Peter Doyle and Nicky Byrne join Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the suckler and dairy beef herds in Grange, what research is currently ongoing in Teagasc Grange and what’s happening at the National Beef Open day BEEF 2024 on Wednesday 26th June. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Securing your future’ and Teagasc are delighted to invite all beef farmers and stakeholders in the Irish beef industry to the event. The focus of BEEF2024 will be on the application of technolog...
2024-06-1220 min
The Beef EdgeHow to maximise the breeding season on your farmTeagasc Researcher, David Kenny, is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to discuss how to deal with current breeding issues and the key tips to be aware of. With extended housing this spring, David outlines the impact this has had on suckler cow fertility and body condition. In some cases breeding season has been delayed by 2-3 weeks. With some cows only calved in the last 3 weeks, David discusses a plan for these cows with synchronisation programmes and timed AI. Further details can also be found here:https://www.te...
2024-05-1517 min
The Pig EdgeThe Economic Benefits of Teagasc’s Pig ResearchThe Teagasc Pig Development Department is internationally renowned for its research, primarily focusing much of our programme on conducting research that can produce tangible benefits for commercial farmers on the ground in Ireland. For this latest episode of The Pig Edge, Amy Quinn is joined by pig nutrition researcher, Peadar Lawlor, to look at the economic benefits of research. Teagasc Pig Open Day 2024 We are also delighted to invite all pig farmers and pig industry stakeholders to the Teagasc Pig Open Day 2024, on Wednesday May 22nd in the...
2024-04-2924 min
The Beef EdgeWhat is the right Teagasc course for me?When it comes to this time of year, the question of doing an agricultural course arises and with so many on offer it can be difficult to decide what Teagasc course suits best. On the latest Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc education officer, Serena Gibbons, discusses the range of Teagasc education courses that are available and how you can apply. Log on to www.teagasc.ie/education where you can find lots of information and also contact details of the education officers in each region. There is also a w...
2024-03-1311 min
The Tillage EdgeA Preview of the Teagasc Regional Winter Crop walksTeagasc are running a series of Winter Crop walks across the country from February 13-16th and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan, a Tillage Specialist in Teagasc, chats about what to expect at the walks. As many crops are patchy or have poor establishment, Shay says farmers need to be more proactive in their own crops rather than leaving all of the decisions to the person walking the crops. Shay explains that the winter crop walks will cover all of the main cereals as well as oilseed rape and beans. The...
2024-02-0814 min
The Beef EdgeHow to make your farm more sustainable in 2024Dr.Siobhan Kavanagh from the Signpost Programme is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what areas you can focus on to make your farm more sustainable in 2024. The Signpost programme is a multi-annual campaign to lead climate action by all Irish farmers. The programmes aims to achieve early progress in reducing gaseous emissions from Irish agriculture and to also improve water quality, maintain and in some cases improve bio-diversity, reduce costs and create more profitable and sustainable farming enterprises. There are two elements to the programme:- A n...
2024-01-2419 min
The Tillage Edge2024 – what to expect and planning for the year aheadHaving an optimistic view is one of the cornerstones for all farmers, and although undoubtedly there will be challenges in 2024, there are plenty of areas that tillage farmers can still be positive about. Farmers are playing catch-up in terms of planted area on most farms which may present some difficulties in the early part of the season, but if the weather co-operates, then hopefully farmers can establish the desired crops. To discuss what 2024 holds, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins join Michael Hennessy on the first Tillage Edge podcast of...
2024-01-0424 min
The Tillage EdgeLooking back on the tillage year & the learnings from itAs the end of the year approaches, most tillage farmers will want to forget 2023. Unfortunately it will be remembered as a year of weather extremes and the resulting difficulties.But it is beneficial to look back on how we dealt with the year and if we would have made any decisions differently.To look back on the tillage year that was, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan join this week’s show.Teagasc SurveyTeagasc have launched a survey to help identify the areas planted this autumn. The wet conditions have...
2023-12-2128 min
The Beef EdgeLow-input, high-output dairy-beef heifer systemsThis week’s Beef Edge podcast features Ellen Fitzpatrick from Teagasc Johnstown Castle who gave an interesting presentation at the Teagasc National Beef Conference describing how to make the most of a Low Input/High Output Dairy Beef system. Ellen’s presentation is also available here:https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/ellen-fitzpatrick/ And full conference details are here: https://www.teagasc.ie/beefcon23/ For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefed...
2023-11-2928 min
The Dairy EdgeResults from the Teagasc Sustainability ReportCathal Buckley, Researcher at the Rural Economy Unit in Teagasc Athenry, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge podcast to discuss the results from the sustainability report of 2022 that was published in October of this year. Cathal first outlines the number of dairy farms involved in the survey and some of the figures associated with them such as the average dairy cow number of 92. Cathal discusses the reasons for the reduction in the per hectare emissions on dairy farms in 2022. The main reason being the reduction in chemical fertiliser appl...
2023-11-2728 min
The Beef EdgeThe Terminal and the Replacement Beef Index changes explainedTo explain the upcoming improvements that are being made to both the Terminal and the Replacement beef indexes, Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader Paul Crosson, in Teagasc Grange, and Dr Margaret Kelleher from ICBF, are on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge. They discuss the changes being made and Margaret outlines how the replacement and terminal index have progressed over the past decade. Changes are needed to keep up with market prices as it is eight years since it has been updated. There are also new traits added to increase geneti...
2023-11-0922 min
The Tillage EdgeTeagasc Oak Park farm updateBrendan Burke, the farm manager in Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow, joined the Tillage Edge this week to talk about the progress on the research farm over the past few months. Similar to other farms in the area, Brendan said there is about 80% of the normal plantings completed to date. Brendan talked about the extra difficulties of planting around trial plots and having to be careful with the application of manures to land so that these do not interfere with future trials. Brendan does not have any herbicides appli...
2023-11-0221 minThe Signpost SeriesLaunch of the Teagasc Sustainability Report 2022As part of Teagasc Signpost Sustainability Month, the Teagasc Sustainability Report 2022 was also launched via webinar, covering economic, social and environmental metrics using nationally representative data from the Teagasc National Farm Survey. It also included an update on development of a biodiversity indicator on NFS Farms. The 2022 Sustainability Report was launched by Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director and the webinar was chaired by Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer, Teagasc, featured Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy and Development Programme, Teagasc and had presentations from Trevor Donnellan, Head of Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys De...
2023-10-111h 28
The Beef Edge2023 Beef BudgetsAidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs. Aidan first compares the figures to date to show that the national kill has decreased from the same time last year. While beef prices for purchasing are increasing, the variable costs have decreased since last year. Aidan then outlines a number of different beef systems...
2023-09-2012 min
The Tillage EdgeA Preview of the Teagasc Crops ForumShay Phelan and John Mahon from Teagasc are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat through what to expect from the Teagasc Crops Forum next Friday in Naas. Shay explained the forum will hear from Andrew Owen-Griffiths, who is head of DG Sante, which is responsible for the EU Commission's policies on health and food safety. Andrew will talk about the new pesticide regulations and how these might affect Irish farmers. The Crops Forum will debate the future of the industry with stakeholders and will also debate measures which can hel...
2023-08-3115 minThe Signpost SeriesTeagasc MACC 3Professor Gary Lanigan, Research Officer with Teagasc, joined Mark Gibson, Head of the Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss the Teagasc MACC 3.A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc’s, Pat Murphy. To register for future webinars visit:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/ For more podcasts from the Signpost Series go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/signpostpodcast/
2023-08-281h 01
The Tillage EdgeTeagasc Oak Park farm harvest updateBrendan Burke, the farm manager in Teagasc Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the harvest progress on the farm. Despite the weather, Brendan says his team have made good progress and pretty much all of the ripe crops are harvested. However, Brendan says saving the straw was more difficult and much of it is still on the ground. Brendan explains the process of harvesting in Oak Park as every field has some trial plots which need to be harvested by plot combines. This harvesting is slow as ea...
2023-08-1020 min
The Tillage EdgeHighlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 4 – BYDV advice, ramularia control & beta glutens in barleyThis is the final Tillage Edge podcast highlighting the best of the Teagasc Crops Open Day held in Oak Park, Carlow. On this episode, Louise McNamara and Stephen Byrne, researchers in Oak Park, discuss the extensive research which will underpin BYDV advice in the future. Deirdre Doyle, a technologist in Teagasc, outlines the recommendations around ramularia control in barley and Sinead Dermody, a PhD student, who is investigating how to increase beta glutens in barley, discusses her research so far. For more episodes and information from the Tilla...
2023-07-2013 min
The Beef EdgeAll you need to know about the new Signpost Advisory ProgrammeTeagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the recent launch of the Signpost Advisory Programme and details on how you can take part. This public programme is available to all farmers and it will build on the network of Signpost Demonstration Farms by providing enhanced advisory and training support to farmers to commit to, select and implement climate and sustainability actions that will be appropriate and impactful on their farms. Participating farmers will be given the opportunity to commit to taking act...
2023-07-1915 min
The Tillage EdgeHighlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 3 – Establishment Systems, Cover Crops & the EnvironmentThis is the third of four shows highlighting content from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park Carlow and this week’s Tillage Edge focuses on the different establishment systems, cover crops and the environment.First, Jack Jameson, a PhD student in Teagasc, talks about different establishment systems and farmer perceptions about these systems. We get an update from John Mahon, the Tillage Signpost advisor in Teagasc, about the changes which can be made on farms to benefit the environment.We also hear from Richie Hackett, a crop agronomy researcher in Teagasc, who...
2023-07-1311 min
The Tillage EdgeHighlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 2 - Protein CropsThis is the second of four shows from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park Carlow and this episode of the Tillage Edge podcast is focusing on protein crops. You’ll hear from Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist in Teagasc, to set the scene about agronomy and where the protein industry can be developed. Sheila Alves, a Teagasc researcher in bean agronomy, highlights the huge potential to increase production by using intercropping of beans and peas. Sinead Fitzsimons, a researcher in the U-Protein project, outlines how specifi...
2023-07-0613 min
The Tillage EdgeHighlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak ParkThis is the first of four shows highlighting some of the research from the Crops Research Open Day in Oak Park. Ewen Mullins, the Head of Crops Research in Oak Park, explains that the aim of the open day is to equip farmers with new knowledge and give them an insight into the new research areas that Teagasc Crops Research are working on. Dermot Forristal, a researcher in Teagasc, also chats about the machinery demonstrations on the day, while Lisa Ryan, a researcher in Teagasc, talks about the new Brewing and Dis...
2023-06-2912 min
The Dairy EdgeLet's Talk Dairy: Incorporating Clover into grass swards in Teagasc BallyhaiseFor this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Donal Patton, Teagasc, to give an update on a new research trial which is looking at incorporating Clover into grass swards in Teagasc Ballyhaise. In 2021 the new 5-year systems trial began looking at transitioning from high levels of Nitrogen (N) usage to low levels of imported N in Ballyhaise College. To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk...
2023-06-1638 min
The Tillage EdgeA Preview of the 2023 Teagasc Oak Park Open DayThe Crops Open Day, which is held every two years, brings the Oak Park Crop Research Programme to the public, supported by Researchers, PhD students and Advisors and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crops Research, and Dermot Forristal, a researcher in crops and mechanisation, join Michael Hennessy to preview the event which takes place on Wednesday, June 21st. We are again adopting ‘the event within an event’ style which incorporates a mechanisation related theme, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal, which this year deals with stubble cultivation and cro...
2023-06-1518 minThe Dairy EdgeLet's Talk Dairy: Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme - Achieving Grazing SuccessFor this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, James Dunne, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, is joined by Pat Tuohy, Teagasc, to give an insight into the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme - Achieving Grazing Success. To register for future Let’s Talk Dairy webinars go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-dairy/ For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
2023-05-1226 min
The Pig EdgeA Preview of the Teagasc Pig Open DayThe Teagasc Pig Open day is just around the corner, taking place in Teagasc Moorepark Fermoy, Co. Cork at 10am on Tuesday May 9th and in Ballyhaise Agricultural College, Ballyhaise Co. Cavan at 10am on Thursday May 11th. The pig development department will be showcasing the results of the comprehensive research programme undertaken here in Teagasc, giving you the chance to interact with our researchers, advisors and postgraduate students. With this being a brand new event, Ciarán Carroll, Head of Knowledge Transfer in the Teagasc Pig Development Department, joins Amy Quin...
2023-04-2619 minThe Signpost Series150th Special Episode: Prof. Frank O’Mara on Teagasc’s Climate Action StrategyFor this special 150th Signpost Series episode, Teagasc Director, Prof. Frank O'Mara, joined Mark Gibson, Head of the Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, on the latest podcast version of the webinar to discuss Teagasc’s Climate Action Strategy. To register for future webinars visit:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/ For more podcasts from the Signpost Series go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/signpostpodcast/
2023-03-2855 min
The Environment EdgeThe Teagasc Climate Action Strategy – supporting farmers to meet challenging climate targetsIn a recent EPA report it was suggested that Ireland needs a major change in our land use in order to reach our 2050 net zero climate targets, with a suggestion of a 30% reduction in the nation herd hitting the headlines. Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, joins us to discuss the Teagasc Climate Action strategy (2022 – 2030). For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/
2023-03-0632 min
The Tillage EdgeWinter Crop AgronomyAs the soils dry out, farmers are beginning to venture into fields to plough, plant and in some cases fertilise crops. Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Teagasc Tillage Specialists, join Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss winter crops and the agronomic actions which are needed in the coming weeks. Shay said planning is critical to get the best outcome and this extends to field crop walking and preparing machinery to preparing a nutrient management plan for the season. Don’t forget, Teagasc a...
2023-02-0916 min
The Beef EdgePresentations from the DairyBeef 500 ConferenceOn this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast you'll hear three of the presentations that were presented at the recent Teagasc DairyBeef 500 Conference in Charleville. On the night, Nicky Byrne, Teagasc Researcher, gave an update on the Teagasc Grange dairy beef research, and beef farmer Pat Collins, outlined the type of dairy beef calf that he likes to purchase. It started with Alan Dillon, programme co-coordinator, discussing the DairyBeef 500 campaign targets and farm financial performance. Further updates from the DairyBeef 500 programme are available on the Teagasc...
2023-02-081h 00
The Beef Edge‘Key enablers to improving profitability on beef farms’ - the speaker presentations from the National Beef ConferenceOn this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast we are going to hear the four presentations that were given at the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion in December 2022 which was entitled, ‘Key enablers to improving profitability on beef farms’. The panel was facilitated by Trevor Boland, Teagasc Future Beef Programme participant, and the speakers and topics were: - Assessing the potential to improve key profit drivers on beef farms Dr Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange - Abattoir lesions in cattle are associated with an...
2023-01-041h 23
The Beef EdgeThe National Beef Conference Panel DiscussionThis week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast is a recording of the Teagasc National Beef Conference panel discussion titled ‘Delivering sustainability at farm level’ which took place on the 13th December in the Shearwater hotel, Ballinasloe. It was Facilitated by Matt O’Keeffe, from the Irish Farmers Monthly and the panel participants were Professor Sinead Waters, Teagasc, Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc, Ross Evans from ICBF & Pearse Kelly Teagasc Head of Drystock. The topics for discussion included:· Current research and the potential of feed additives to reduce methane emissions P...
2022-12-2122 min
The Dairy EdgeThe Teagasc eProfit Monitor & the Benefits of Completing ItNiamh Lynch, Teagasc Dairy advisor in Navan, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge podcast to talk about the Teagasc eProfit Monitor and the benefits of completing it. Niamh highlights the usefulness of building up a bank of information over years of completion to give you a good perspective of the costs of running the business through good and bad times. Niamh also says that while the year will be a good one for the majority of dairy farmers, the creep in costs is something that people will need to qu...
2022-12-1916 min
The Dairy EdgeInsights from the visit of the New Zealand Special Agriculture Trade Envoy to Teagasc Dairygold Signpost Farmer, Sean MoherGráinne Hurley, Teagasc Dairygold Joint Programme Monitor Farm advisor, and Paul Maher, Head of International Relations and Corporate Strategy in Teagasc, join Stuart Childs on this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge podcast to discuss a recent visit of the New Zealand Special Agriculture Trade Envoy to Teagasc Dairygold Signpost Farmer, Sean Moher which they both facilitated. Gráinne first explained the reason for the visit before describing the key elements of sustainability that Sean is putting into practice such as protected urea, clover incorporation and EBI. Gráinne also explains how Sean has ad...
2022-12-1223 min
The Beef EdgeAn Update on the Maternal Herd in Teagasc GrangeTeagasc Researcher Colin Byrne joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the Maternal Herd in Teagasc Grange Co. Meath. Colin give a background to the herd and outlines the future research being carried out, plus he discusses this year’s weanling performance and the management over the coming winter. For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedge Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
2022-11-1613 minThe Signpost SeriesWaterMARKE - Mitigating Agricultural Impacts through Research & Knowledge ExchangeDr Mary Ryan, Teagasc, and Professor Cathal O'Donoghue, University of Galway, joined Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss WaterMARKE - Mitigating Agricultural Impacts through Research & Knowledge Exchange. Dr Paula Cullen, Teagasc, Daniel Urban, Teagasc Walsh Scholar and Dr Denis O'Hara, University of Galway also joined the webinar. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Noel Meehan, ASSAP Programme Manager, Teagasc. To register for future webi...
2022-11-0758 minThe Signpost SeriesHow Teagasc can help farmers improve sustainability on their farmsProf. Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, joined Pat Murphy, Head of Environment KT, Teagasc, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series to launch the Signpost Sustainability Results while Dr. Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Signpost Programme, presented and discussed the results to date. The Signpost Programme ‘Farmers for climate action’, includes over 60 organisations and companies, and includes over 120 demonstration farmers across the range of farming enterprises. To register for future webinars visit:https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/ For more podcasts from the Sig...
2022-10-3156 minThe Signpost SeriesFirst steps to achieving our emissions reduction targetDr Seamus Kearney, Teagasc Signpost Programme, and Dr Deirdre Hennessy, Teagasc, joined Mark Gibson, Head of Teagasc Outreach & Innovation Department, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss the first steps to achieving our emissions reduction target – reducing emissions from chemical N. The panel were also joined on farm by Signpost Dairy Farmer Edwin Thompson, Teagasc Tipperary Joint Programme, and Shane O'Hanlon, Teagasc Signpost Programme Advisor, who gave an overview of the steps that Edwin is taking on the farm to reduce emissions from chemical N. To register for...
2022-10-241h 00
The Beef EdgeHow calving at 24 months helps to reduce emissions, with Kildalton suckler herd manager, John O’ConnorAs part of Sustainability Week, Teagasc Farm manager of the Kildalton suckler herd, John O’Connor, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with a focus on calving at 24 months which also helps to reduce emissions. The stock on display at the Teagasc stand at the Ploughing this year were the beef herd in Kildalton college and John describes the cow, her bull calf and the heifers that will be calving next January.From weaning, to first winter breeding, second winter and pre and post-calving, John discusses each stage of the...
2022-10-1921 min
The Beef EdgeTop tips when it comes to transferring the family farmTeagasc Financial Management Specialist, James McDonnell, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with important tips and advice to help farm families with the process of transferring the family farm and all aspects that need to be considered when writing a succession plan. Succession planning can seem to be a very complex task but it doesn’t have to be with early planning, says James. Every family has a different set of circumstances, but it is always better to have a plan in place. The worst case scenario is where the farm...
2022-09-2814 min
The Beef EdgeMaking your farming system more sustainable plus a preview of the Beef2022 Open DayPearse Kelly, Teagasc’s Head of Drystock is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss technologies to make your farming system sustainable, the challenges in relation to overall profitability on farms as well as a preview of the Beef2022 Open Day on July 5th in Teagasc Grange. Despite market disturbances, CAP reform, climate change policy and input price rises, the market for grass-fed beef as a high quality, sustainable human food protein source is strong. Suckler farmers have made big changes and participated in schemes like the Beef Data Genomi...
2022-06-2915 min
The Beef EdgeKildalton at 50 and Teagasc’s Ag Education OptionsAnne-Marie Butler Head of Education at Teagasc joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the wide variety of courses Teagasc has to offer, Kildalton Agricultural College celebrating 50 years in education and the upcoming Beef2022 Open Day. Having been appointed as Head of Education as at the end of last year, Anne-Marie discusses how is it going so far. She gives an overview of the Education programme in Teagasc across the agricultural colleges and advisory centres. The practical learning period with a host farmer is a real highlig...
2022-06-1514 min
The Beef EdgeBeef Summer Budgets with Teagasc’s Aidan MurrayAidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to discuss what beef price you can afford to pay for stock, what impact costs will have on the bottom line and what price will be needed to cover these costs.
Aidan explains that the national kill has increased by 58,000 cattle so far this year and while obviously costs have risen, he compares how prices have increased in comparison to this time last year with an increase of €200/head paid at purchase.
Farmers that are doing up budgets at the moment are buying a continental steer 550kg...
2022-05-0414 minThe Dairy EdgeLet's Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: The Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm ManagementFor this week’s podcast version of the Let’s Talk Dairy webinar series, Stuart Childs, Teagasc Dairy Specialist was joined by Dr Emma-Louise Coffey, Teagasc and Brendan Ryan, Dairy Farmer to get an insight into the Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management.
Emma-Louise gives an overview of the course and outlines the benefits of studying the course while Brendan Ryan, dairy farmer, gives an insight into his background, his experience of participating on the course and the changes that he has made to his farming practices since the course.
Find out more here:
https://www.teagasc.ie/education/cour...
2022-04-2944 minThe Signpost SeriesUnderstanding social sustainability of farmers & preventing injury in agricultureDavid Meredith, Research Officer, Teagasc & Francis Bligh, Health and Safety Specialist, Teagasc joined Pat Murphy, Head of Environment Knowledge Transfer Department, Teagasc, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss understanding and supporting social sustainability of farmers and preventing injury and ill health in agriculture.
A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar, which was facilitated by Noel Meehan, ASSAP Manager, Teagasc.
To register for future webinars visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/
And for more podcasts from the Signpost Series go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/signpostpodcast/
2022-04-181h 00
The Beef EdgeWhat you need to know about the Tillage Incentive, BEEP-S and Dairy Beef Calf schemesWith the recent launch of a number of schemes by the Department of Agriculture, including the Tillage Incentive Scheme, Beef Environment Efficiency Programme Suckler scheme also known as the BEEP-S Scheme and the Dairy Beef Calf Programme, Aidan Murray, Teagasc Beef Specialist and Michael Hennessy, Teagasc Head of Tillage, discuss the main points and information on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
Michael advises when converting grassland to tillage, the first place to start is to see if seed, fertiliser and other inputs will be available and for farms in an area with little tillage, is there a combine available to...
2022-03-3017 min
The Beef EdgeFeed, Fertiliser, Fodder & Fuel: the Steps Farmers Can Take in the Weeks AheadFollowing the National Fodder and Food Security Committee meeting last week, Teagasc Head of Drystock, Pearse Kelly, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an insight into the steps farmers can take in the coming weeks.
With the current cost of fertiliser, farmers are questioning what to do and Pearse advises to apply fertiliser requirements to grow the silage crops for first cut silage.
When farmers are applying fertiliser to grazing ground they should consider the impact that lower fertiliser rates will have such as less surplus bales.
Increasing utilisation of grass is key to maximising we...
2022-03-1615 min
The Beef EdgeThe Future Beef ProgrammeMartina Harrington, Teagasc’s specialist and programme manager, gives an insight into the new suckler beef demonstration farm programme on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
Teagasc’s Future Beef programme comprises of a network of 24 demonstration farms positioned right across Ireland.
Each farm is representative of their region in farm size, soil type, system, stock numbers etc. The farm size ranges from 13ha to 122ha, while the herd size ranges from 14-suckler cows right up to 112 cows.
The systems range from farms selling weanlings, finishing heifers and steers to producing under 16 month bulls, whilst four are also buying in dairy...
2021-12-0811 min
The Beef EdgeHow can I control fertiliser costs on my farm in 2022?With fertiliser prices skyrocketing, Teagasc Specialist Mark Plunkett is on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the outlook for the coming months and what can you do to maintain margins in light of further possible increases.
The current fertiliser price increases are unprecedented and Mark explains why they have risen so dramatically - which have been caused by a number of factors across the world.
While Nitrogen has spiralled out of control in the past year, Phosphorus and potassium have also increased in price but not to the same extent and from Mark’s ex...
2021-11-2411 min
The Beef EdgeFinishing budgets with Teagasc’s Aidan MurrayWith weanling sales taking place across the country, Teagasc Beef specialist, Aidan Murray, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast to discuss a number of finishing budgets.
As no two farms are the same, Aidan advises that farmers should consider their input costs such as silage quality and concentrates, management of the beef system if it’s short or long, and stocking rates or fixed costs when completing their own beef finishing budgets.
Prices for weanlings are good this autumn, compared to previous years. Aidan highlights that they have increased by 7% across all categories of s...
2021-10-0623 min
The Beef EdgeBeef management tips for the next 6-8 weeksTeagasc Green Acres programme manager Alan Dillon joins Catherine Egan on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast with an update on the dairy calf to beef programme as well as practical beef management tips for the coming weeks.
Alan explains that the main points of focus for farmers in the next 6-8 weeks is building grass as well as having a closing plan and it’s important to start preparing now for the last grazing rotation.
Herd health management is also essential to reduce impact on performance over the winter period and Alan outlines the important steps farm...
2021-09-1518 min
The Beef EdgeFarm Safety Tips from Beef Farmer, Tommy HolmesAs part of #FarmSafetyWeek, beef farmer Tommy Holmes from Co. Mayo, discusses farm safety on his farm along with his Teagasc advisor Tom Kelly, Teagasc Ballina on this week’s Beef Edge podcast.
Tommy outlines his store to finishing system and describes how he has moved from suckler cows to bull beef and now to bullocks.
A large proportion of all fatal workplace accidents occur in agriculture each year and Tommy outlines how he has made his farm safer with good handling facilities. Tommy also highlights how he services his tractor twice a year and is always checking the safety gu...
2021-07-2112 min
The Beef EdgeJohn Maher’s tips for maintaining grass qualityWith an increase in grass growth in the past few weeks the challenge now on farms is to maintain quality in the sward.
On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Grass 10 Manager John Maher gives top tips in relation to managing grass quality.
John highlights the two main ways to manage grass at the moment. Firstly, it involves targeting ideal covers to graze of 8-10 cm and that may lead to paddocks being skipped or let grow on to bulk up as silage.
Secondly, the mechanical method of topping or pre-mowing and although this will lead to...
2021-06-2314 min
The Beef EdgeContract rearing – an alternative income opportunity?With many drystock farmers looking for possible alternative income opportunities for their farms, contract heifer rearing has increasingly become an option and Teagasc advisor Tom Coll and specialist Gordon Peppard join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss what’s involved.
Gordon says it is a very attractive option with a lot of benefits such as providing a steady monthly cash flow, reduced investment and reduced risks associated with beef prices with potentially more profits if managed correctly.
Gordon also discusses the contract heifer rearing agreement and outlines the costs involved for the rearer - the high...
2021-06-0222 min
The Pig EdgeThe findings from the 2020 Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance ReportGerard McCutcheon, Specialist Pig Development Officer, Teagasc Oakpark, joined Ciarán Carroll on the latest episode of the Pig Edge podcast to discuss the findings from the 2020 Teagasc National Pig Herd Performance Report.
Ger first explained the Teagasc eProfit Monitor Pig Recording Programme and why it’s useful for the management of pig farms.
He then goes through the key performance indicators for sow performance, feed and grower performance and production costs for the average and top 25% of farms and tells us how farms can benchmark their data against national and international peers.
He also looks at the trends in per...
2021-05-3115 min
The Beef EdgeTop Tips for Making Quality SilageTeagasc drystock advisor Terry Carroll and beef farmer John Phelan join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to discuss the importance of harvesting silage and the ensiling process in making top quality silage.
Given the last few weeks with poor grass growth on farm, Terry advises farmers to make the best quality silage possible now and meet your requirements for good quality silage first depending on the stock you intend to keep over the winter.
He says that by delaying harvest date, it will reduce the dry matter digestibility of the crop and overall quality. This will le...
2021-05-1216 min
The Tillage EdgeHow to improve spray efficiency in cropsThis week Teagasc held the latest edition in the series of Crop Agronomy Webinars looking at different crops through the season.
The question and answer sessions from the webinar are worth listening to again as there is a lot of useful information which will help with your agronomy decisions over the next number of weeks.
Dermot Forristal and Francis Quigley, both from Teagasc, talk through the options for reducing drift control and how to select the correct nozzles, water rate and pressure. The experts also chat through how to get the best coverage in different crops.
John Pettit, a Teagasc...
2021-05-0624 min
The Beef EdgeAn Update on REAPTeagasc specialist Catherine Keena joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast with an update on the new Results Based Environment Agri Pilot Programme also known as REAP.
REAP is an agri-environment pilot project that pays farmers to maintain and improve the environmental conditions of their land. Farmers will bring in between 2ha and 10ha of land which will be scored in year one to establish its environmental condition. Farmers will work with their advisers to undertake environmental improvement works on the land that can increase the environmental score in year two.
REAP will focus on improving existing fa...
2021-05-0514 min
The Tillage EdgeCoping with the cold dry conditionsThe cold dry weather with late frosts have slowed growth and hampered crop management for farmers and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Veronica Nyhan and Eoin Lyons with an update on the progress of winter crops.
Despite a really good start for spring crops, fields are slowly greening up but soils are very dry and soil moisture deficits were touching 40mm at the start of the week.
Veronica Nyham, a tillage advisor in Laois explained that a number of spring crops are struggling due to pest damage and perhaps sub optimal conditions at pl...
2021-04-2917 minThe Signpost SeriesContext, Measurement & mitigation of methane emissions in Irish dairy systemsLaurence Shalloo, Ben Lahart & Katie Starsmore, Teagasc join Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series webinar to discuss the context, measurement & mitigation of methane emissions in Irish dairy systems.
Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme with Teagasc also joined the webinar to facilitate the questions and answers session.
For more shows and information from the series and to register for future webinars visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/
2021-04-261h 01The Signpost SeriesClimate Mitigation Options through AfforestationTom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Specialist and Dr. Kevin Black, Forestry, Environmental Research and Services (FERS) join Mark Gibson, Teagasc ConnectEd, on this week's podcast version of the Signpost Series webinar series to discuss climate mitigation options through afforestation.
Pat Murphy, Head of Teagasc Environment KT Programme with Teagasc also joined the webinar and facilitated the questions and answers session.
For more shows and information from the series and to register for future webinars visit:
https://www.teagasc.ie/corporate-events/sustainable-agriculture-webinars/
2021-04-1957 min
The Beef EdgeAn Update on the Dairy Beef IndexAs part of the Teagasc & ICBF breeding week, Teagasc researchers Nicky Byrne & Alan Twomey join Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the Dairy Beef Index (DBI) and an insight into its impact in the future.
The Dairy Beef Index is a breeding goal for Irish dairy and beef farmers to promote high quality beef cattle bred from the dairy herd that are more saleable as calves and profitable at slaughter yet, they have minimal consequences on the calving difficulty or gestation length of the dairy cow.
Alan explains that it is delivering ea...
2021-03-1715 min
The Tillage EdgeLatest Crop Agronomy Webinar – Farmer Q&AsThis week Teagasc hosted the first in a new series of Crop Agronomy webinars. As with other webinars the questions asked by farmers and answered by an expert panel during the webinar are worth listening to again.
This episode of the Tillage Edge covers the Q&A sessions covering winter barley, winter oats and preparing for planting spring beans and spring barley for the coming season.
Shay Phelan a Specialist in Teagasc chaired an expert panel of Mark Plunkett, Ciaran Collins and Stephen Kildea, all from Teagasc, for the first round of questions.
Clarity was given as to the criteria...
2021-03-0432 min
The Tillage EdgeMalting Barley Conference 2021 – the Q&A panel sessionTeagasc hosted a Malting barley webinar on Tuesday 23rd of February which covered many areas such as liquid nitrogen, cover crops, ramularia and the activities as part of the Teagasc Boortmalt joint programme.
The questions and answers section was particularly interesting as there were some really interesting angles covered and its worth listening to these again on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.
The expert panel included Deirdre Doyle, Eoin Lyons, Stephen Kildea, Ciaran Hickey and Richie Hackett, all from Teagasc as well as Tom Bryan from Boortmalt. The questions revolved around the topics on the webinar but also included qu...
2021-02-2523 min
The Tillage EdgeWinter Crop agronomy – a Q&A session with Teagasc expertsTeagasc hosted a Winter Crops Agronomy update webinar on Tuesday 9th February which covered the management needs of winter barley, winter wheat and oilseed rape for the coming few weeks.
This week’s Tillage Edge podcast features the questions and answer session from that webinar between attendees and Teagasc experts.
The first section covered winter barley agronomy and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialist in Teagasc posed the questions to the panel of Shay Phelan, Michael McCarthy, Richie Hackett and Jimmy Staples with questions around management of conventional and hybrid barleys and nutrition in all crops.
The next part moved on to ho...
2021-02-1827 min
The Tillage EdgeIs growing rye an option for your farm?Growing rye is becoming more of an option for farmers in recent years and on the latest episode of the Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy speaks to Tipperary farmer, Gerard O’Mara, Teagasc tillage specialist, Ciaran Collins, and Teagasc adviser, Conor Kavanagh, to find out more.
Gerard O’Mara, has been successfully growing rye for the past number of years and he has increased the acre of rye on his farm at the expense of winter wheat and spring barley area. Gerard is quite happy with the crops performance on his farm but points out that harvesting is slower due to the...
2021-01-0715 min
The Beef EdgeWhat ration do I need to feed?With consistent rainfall over the past ten days, a lot of cattle have been housed around the country. On this week’s episode of the Beef Edge podcast, Teagasc Nutritionist Joe Patton outlines a number of factors farmers should consider now at housing.
As feed accounts for over 75% of variable costs on most beef farms, Joe highlights the results from the Teagasc fodder survey and tips to reduce costs this winter.
Testing silage is very important to give an indication what ration is required. Joe advised the target of 20kg live weight gain per weanling per month (0.6kg/hd/day).
Jo...
2020-11-0418 min
The Beef EdgeBuilding Up Your Mental Resilience in These TimesIn light of the Covid–19 restrictions Dr. Noel Richardson, Director National Centre for Men’s Health , IT Carlow, has some tips on mental and physical well-being on this week’s episode of the Beef Edge Podcast.
Farmers are very resilient on a daily basis but at times there can be pressure and stress. Farmers were very busy during the first lockdown with calving and lambing etc. but it’s different coming into the winter time. There is lots we can still do to help each other out even though we are apart.
Services Available:
- Consult your G.P. regularly.
- Teagas...
2020-10-2116 minThe Dairy EdgeLet’s Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Fitzgerald Family Farm Virtual Farm WalkWith the current Covid restrictions in place, Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available afterwards as a bonus podcast episode.
This latest webinar highlighted the many steps being taken by the Fitzgerald family to reduce the carbon footprint of their milk production and to improve sustainability on farm, providing an opportunity to share their experiences with the wider farming community.
Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farmer Shane Fitzgerald, who farms 92 hectares with his father near Portlaw, in County Waterford, hosted this virtual event, which was supported by Teagasc, Glanbia Ireland, the European Milk...
2020-10-091h 08
The Beef EdgeThe Grand Challenges Facing the Beef SectorRecently appointed Teagasc Beef Enterprise Leader at Teagasc Grange, Paul Crosson, joins Catherine Egan on the latest Beef Edge podcast to address the ‘Grand Challenges’ facing the beef sector.
Paul gives an overview of the facilities and areas of research at Teagasc Grange and the two most recognised research projects in Grange are the Dairy Calf to Beef and Derrypatrick research experiments of which Paul gives a progress update.
Obviously the Common Agricultural Policy accounts for over 100% of farm income on beef farms and although CAP discussions are ongoing there are some indications of greater restrictions on fertilizer, chemical spray and an...
2020-07-0821 min
The Beef EdgeHow my farm grows more grass?Sean Roddy, suckler farm manager of the Lyons Demesne farm Co. Kildare, joins Catherine Egan on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss grassland management on his farm.
Last Spring, Sean calved 90 stabiliser breed cows with all stock brought to finish at 18-20 months. By measuring grass on a weekly basis it allows him to utilise grass better. His main aim is to finish all progeny off grass with little or no concentrates.
Sean’s excellent grazing management on the farm is evident in the high animal weight gain he can achieve from grass.
Sean will be featuring as part of th...
2020-07-0112 min
The Beef EdgeThe current research findings in dairy calf to beef systems at Teagasc Johnstown CastleSince 2013 there has been research in dairy calf to beef systems in Teagasc Johnstown Castle and on this episode of the Beef Edge Podcast, Ruth Dunne, research technologist in Teagasc Johnstown Castle, joins Catherine Egan to discuss the current research findings.
Ruth highlights how results from the previous production systems research have shown that systems where a high proportion of weight gain was achieved from grazed grass were the most profitable. Current trials are investigating optimum stocking rates for grass-based production systems.
There are three ‘farmlets’ with three stocking rate intensities, high which is stocked at 3.2 LU/ha, medium at 2.9 LU/h...
2020-06-1712 minThe Dairy EdgeLet's Talk Dairy Bonus Episode: Sustainable Dairy Farming with the Fennelly FarmersWith the current lockdown restrictions in place, Teagasc is running a weekly Let's Talk Dairy webinar series which is also being made available afterwards as a bonus podcast episode.
On this webinar, Richard O'Brien, Teagasc was joined by Teagasc/Glanbia Future Farm participants Tom & David Fennelly from Co. Laois to discuss how they are farming in an environmentally friendly way. This was followed by a social media takeover by the Fennellys on Teagasc Twitter & Instagram.
For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/
2020-06-1253 min
The Beef EdgeThe Impact of Covid-19 on Teagasc Advisory ServicesAs the country reels from the impact of Covid-19 coronavirus, Pearse Kelly, Head of Drystock Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc joins Catherine Egan to discuss the impact to Teagasc Advisory Services.All Teagasc Basic Payment appointments will now be processed over the phone rather than an office consultation. Teagasc staff will contact farmer clients in the coming weeks. BPS application for clients, in so far as possible, will be done over the phone. Pearse highlights that the transfer of information and knowledge to farmers and students will be through regular digital communication methods. While on farm T...
2020-03-2516 min
The Dairy EdgeResults of the 2018 Teagasc National Farm SurveyAgricultural Economist Emma Dillon joins Emma-Louise Coffey with the results of the Teagasc National Farm Survey highlighting that although incomes declines by 30% in 2018 compared with 2017, incomes remained substantial at €61,000. Emma explains there were many factors at play, namely 2017 dairy income being at a record high, high production costs in 2018 including additional feed and workload. She compared the dairy sector with other farming enterprises and explains that the dairy sector remains dominant. Dairy farmers continue to make the most profit, accounting for 17% of farms included in the national farm survey but 50% of the total income. Furthermore, dair...
2019-06-1022 min
The Dairy EdgePreviewing Moorepark 2019 – the Teagasc National Dairy Open DayPat Dillon, Teagasc's Head of Animal and Grassland Programme, joins Emma-Louise Coffey to preview the topics and speakers at this year's Moorepark ’19, the Teagasc National Dairy Event for 2019, on Wednesday 3rd July at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork from 0830-1700. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Growing Sustainably’. The continuing expansion of the Irish dairy industry provides opportunities to increase the profitability of family farms, while also further developing climate smart dairy farming systems. Future expansion will require close alignment of national agricultural and environme...
2019-05-2713 min
The Dairy EdgeA Preview of the Teagasc National Dairy ConferenceTom O’Dwyer joins us to preview the National Dairy Conference that will take place in on November 27th in Rochestown Park, Cork and 28th in Hudson Bay, Athlone.
Tom explains that the title of this years conference ‘Making Dairy Farming More Sustainable’ will take a holistic view of farm business, exploring the economic, environmental and social sustainability of dairy farm businesses.
There is an opportunity to reflect on the spring and summer of 2018 and the impact the two seasons had on your farm business. A full session will be devoted to the management of the no...
2018-11-0512 min
The Dairy EdgePart 1: The grass management tools you need for the dry conditionsHow can dairy farmers cope with the current summer dry conditions? Teagasc's, Grass 10 Manager, John Maher gives the top management tools. He explains the link between soil moisture deficit and grass growth whilst also advising on fertiliser strategy, 2nd cut silage and management of recently reseeded ground.
For more information from Teagasc go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Feeding-in-summer-drought-conditions.pdf
https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/farming-in-difficult-weather-conditions/summer-drought-conditions/
https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2018/Grass10-Weekly-Update_26-06-18.pdf
2018-07-0418 min