The Sod Pod

On this episode James catches up with Clodagh, Peter, Stephen and John and they cover many items from fertiliser for 2nd cut, tillage management and mineral supplementation.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Better late that never!Due to a calamity of hick-ups and snags we are only getting around to bringing you this episode taht was recorded at the beginning of April

Hello, hello and welcome to Season Four of The Sod Pod!The team at Grassland Agro are delighted to be back for our fourth year.For 2025 we have changed our format from our original bi-weekly format.The Podcast will now be Monthly (1st Friday of every month)And we will video it for our YouTube channel.On this episode James has a big crowd on his hands.  Edward Healy, John Brennan, Clodagh Bolger, Peter Linden and Stephen Carey.  This is a great listen and many questions farmers have currently are covered here.Link to Video Version;  https://youtu.be/0Nx2XysNpV4?si=PFx-ZEBBOz6T3FW7Opening Clip;The opening clip shows you the Cliffs of Moher as they tower over the rugged west Clare coast.  Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit.The Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland, will leave you awestruck, creating memories that will stay with you forever. The Cliffs of Moher host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites. The area has been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds.Closing Clip;The closing clip shows you Glendalough, Co.Wicklow. On the Eastern side of Ireland.  The Glendalough Valley was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age and the two lakes, from which Glendalough gets its name, were formed when the ice eventually thawed. The Valley is home to one of Ireland's most impressive monastic sites founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century.Our Other Social Networks:The Sod Pod;  https://thesodpod.buzzsprout.com/1944112Facebook;  https://www.facebook.com/Grasslandagro/X;  https://x.com/GrasslandagroInstagram;  https://www.instagram.com/grasslandagro/LinkedIn;  https://www.linkedin.com/company/grasslandagro/YouTube;  https://www.youtube.com/@GrasslandAgro.Grassland Agro, Timac Agro, Groupe RoullierThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Hello, hello and welcome to Season Four of The Sod Pod!The team at Grassland Agro are delighted to be back for our fourth year.For 2025 we have changed our format from our original bi-weekly format.The Podcast will now be Monthly (1st Friday of every month)And we will video it for our YouTube channel.On this episode James has a big crowd on his hands.  Edward Healy, John O'Loughlin, John Brennan, Clodagh Bolger and Peter Linden.  This is a great listen and many questions farmers have currently are covered here.Link to Video Version;  https://youtu.be/jUwojIPAgbQOpening Clip;The opening clip shows you the Cliffs of Moher as they tower over the rugged west Clare coast.  Their natural beauty has inspired artists, musicians, and poets for generations, as well as absorbing scientists and geologists, drawn by the unique landscape in which they sit.The Cliffs of Moher, the most famous cliffs in Ireland, will leave you awestruck, creating memories that will stay with you forever. The Cliffs of Moher host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country's most important bird-breeding sites. The area has been designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds.Closing Clip;The closing clip shows you Glendalough, Co.Wicklow. On the Eastern side of Ireland.  The Glendalough Valley was carved out by glaciers during the Ice Age and the two lakes, from which Glendalough gets its name, were formed when the ice eventually thawed. The Valley is home to one of Ireland's most impressive monastic sites founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century.Our Other Social Networks:The Sod Pod;  https://thesodpod.buzzsprout.com/1944112Facebook;  https://www.facebook.com/Grasslandagro/X;  https://x.com/GrasslandagroInstagram;  https://www.instagram.com/grasslandagro/LinkedIn;  https://www.linkedin.com/company/grasslandagro/YouTube;  https://www.youtube.com/@GrasslandAgro.Grassland Agro, Timac Agro, Groupe RoullierThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Noel Hamell blackmailed James and Steady Eddie to hit the road and land in St. Brendan's Community Scholl in Birr Co. Offaly.This is a must listen.Thank you to each and every one of our listeners throughout season 3.  Roll on Season four.  We can't wait to talk again in February 2025The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James and Ed sit down with Tommy Heffernan.  Tommy the Vet talks about what he sees in farming today and his views about the future of farming. A detailed conversation not to be missedThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined with John, Ed and Sean to discuss winter housing and being as prepared as possible for this tricky time that creeps up on farming.  The discuss fodder quality and quantity, dosing, cubicle prep and and body condition scoring.Have a listen!The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this Episode James, John and Ed talked about our time at the ploughing championships.  And so many fond take aways from it.Also, on What's in The News the talk about trailers and car licences.What's In The News;https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/can-you-tow-a-livestock-trailer-on-a-category-b-licence/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James and Ed are joined by Sophie Tyner, a Regional Manager with Grassland Agro and John Brennan a member of our Technical and Sustainability Team.The excitement is building for the 93rd Annual National Ploughing Championships.  Grassland Agro do not have one stand at the ploughing, they have TWO.The lads chat about what you can expect from these stands, who will be on them and things they love about ploughingWhat's in the News;https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/details-announced-for-in-person-scep-training-events/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John O'Loughlin headed off down to Moorepark and had a sit down and cup of tea with John Maher who heads up the Grass 10 with Teagasc.  The covered every corner of the country discussing the different Grass 10 winners.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James, John and Ed talk about NBPT protected urea and of course Clares Famous hurling all Ireland Victory.  What are some of the factors impacting growth rates this year and things to look out for as the season progresses.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Ed and John are joined by latest Grassland Agro Team member Peter Linden.  The three lads caught up with Joe Dunphy from Teagasc and they discussed grass growth and weather.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this Episode John Ed and Sean caught up and discussed the on going fodder shortage and some useful calculators to help you work our you potential shortage.They also had a quick chat about The Teagasc Johnstown Castle Open Day and some of the items on display and discussed.And on a final note; best wishes to Clare and Cork in The All-Ireland Hurling FinalLINK; https://interactive.teagasc.ie/open/feedcheckerThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John, Ed and Sean had a heavy conversation on data and fertiliser allowances.  A tough mind field of data but they have done a great job of simplifying it as best they can to give you a clearer picture.And then for what's in the news they cover the Teagasc Grass 10 farm walks.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James sat down with John and Ed to discuss, growth rates, fertiliser strategy, the clover struggles this year due to the unusual weather conditions and what the next phase of the Grassland Agro Soil Sustainability Programme entails.  They also covered the recent announcement from the EU in relation to the Nature Restoration ProposalThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode the team from Grassland Agro were welcomed down to Teagasc Research Centre in Johnstown Castle County Wexford.John and Ed grabbed the gear and collared a fist of the Teagasc experts there on the day to talk about farming.  They first nabbed David Wall and Edmond Casey, followed by Mark Plunkett and Mossy McCarthy.Then for this episodes what's in the News James and Sean McMahon had a chat about the article in Agriland about the Grassland Agro Mineral Block Range;https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/mineral-range-provides-free-supplements-to-dairy-and-suckler-cows/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John grabbed the gear and headed off to meet Deirdre O'Shea from AON.  Deirdre works in their Food Agri and beverage division.Link to What's in the News Article;https://www3.farmersjournal.ie/agribusiness/news/food-price-inflation-changed-consumer-buying-behaviour-818230The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James and Steady Eddie are joined by Marcus O'Halloran from Agri Aware.  Marcus from Tipperary talks about his own farm enterprise and the role that Agri Aware take in educating the Irish Public about farming to give those out side the community a greater understanding of the role farming takes in society.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John and Ed caught up with two people from Teagasc, Caitlin Looney and Joseph Dunphy.  The had a detailed discussion on the impacts of clover and how to utilise it.  They also discussed the two weeks of Teagasc Clover walks held up and down the country which was the followed by Clover week.#CloverWeek#BeleafinCloverThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John and Ed caught up with Siobhan Walsh, Tillage Editor with The Irish Farmers Journal.  The discuss the issues currently facing and tillage and some situations that might help alleviate these pressures a bit.Link to The Tillage Podcast with Siobhan Walsh;https://open.spotify.com/episode/0UYV2Cj3Daqo8gzE14LTga?si=1abb3fdfa771426bWhat's in The News;https://www.farmersjournal.ie/tillage/news/april-beans-the-big-planting-question-812508The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John, Ed, Lauren and Eoin caught up and had a chat about the current situation in farming and what to look out for.They also covered The Grass 10 news letter in what's in the newsThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Wishing all our listeners a very happy St. Patricks Day.  This episode is a little different.  Firstly John caught up with the Team in Bee Media, Kevin and Abby.  They talked about social media and content creation.Then James covered whats in the news.The article came from Agriland this week;https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/over-360000-passports-issued-from-genotyping-programme/An update on The National Genotyping Programme by the ICBF.https://www.icbf.com/national-genotyping-programme/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman sits down with Edward Healy and John O'Loughlin to have a detailed chat with Mike Egan, Research Officer for Grassland, in Teagasc Moorepark.Mike gives a master class on clover, its impact and how to incorporate it in your sward.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Ed and John recorded a tillage special with Shay Phelan.  Shay is a Tillage and Potato Crop Specialist with Teagasc based in Oakpark Research Centre Co. Carlow.Whats in the News!https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/tillage-how-to-make-best-use-of-glyphosate/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James caught up with John, Ed and Eoin and they had a chat about the growing season ahead.  This chat was heavily focused on The Spring Rotation Planner.Also, here is the link to the What's in the News section;https://www.farmersjournal.ie/dairy/grass-and-feeding/meet-the-sustainable-grassland-farmer-of-the-year-finalists-800015The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Hello, Hello!We are back for season three of The Sod Pod!  James was joined by John and Lauren and they discussed the new range of protected fertilisers by Grassland Agro.Also please find the link to the article dicussed in the new section added to season three; What's In The News!https://www.farmersjournal.ie/news/news/dairy-farmers-in-derogation-secure-concessions-801305The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Hello, hello and welcome to the season finale of The Sod Pod!A huge thank you to each and everyone of you, our listeners.James caught up with Edward, Lauren and Eoin and they reviewed the season of The Sod Pod.Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman, The Sharp Shooter, is joined by Lauren Stanley, Edward Healy and Sean "Wouldn't Hit A Barn Door" McMahon.  The guys have a great conversation about preparing for the 2024 Nutrient Management Season.  James won the Clay Pigeon Shooting and continues to win at whatever is thrown at him

On this episode James is joined by John, Claire, Eoin and Ed.  The talk about the mineral need of animals and different ways of providing them.  They also cover the risk of mineral deficiencies and hold to identify some of the causes.  The Grassland Agro mineral block range is covered and the new names to help avoid confusion.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode the Technical Team from Grassland Agro gather to have a conversation about a recent article on The Irish Farmers Journal by Aidan Brennan, Does it Pay to Milk On This Winter?The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined by Edward Healy from the Product and Technical Team and Sean McMahon one of the original Sod Podders returns.  These guys have a great chat about many topics from winter housing, department regulations, Body Condition Scoring, what's happening in Grassland Agro now and even a hockey reference.Link to Donal Kavanagh talking Actisan 360;https://youtu.be/GjkLQF_8qic?si=WzwfGjX8TX7w8fk0The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John loaded up the car with Edward Healy, Product and Technical Manager and Will Keane, Regional Manager East Region and headed over to Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow to the farm of Kyle and Emma Hanbidge.  The Hanbidge family are 3rd generation farmers with a winter milk set-up.  They have a huge focus on grass, clover and maize.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Lauren, Claire and Eoin where joined by Mark Waters from ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation).They have a conversation about the National Genotyping Programme.  The National Genotyping Programme is a collaborative initiative designed to enable Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd. The programme has been developed based on a cost-sharing model between the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, the beef & dairy industry & participating farmers.Genotyping the national herd will provide a huge opportunity for the Dairy and Beef industry to increase its sustainability credentials on a global scale. Ireland will become the first country in the world to provide a DNA-verified traceability system. It will lead to an acceleration in the rates of gain of our national breeding indexes (e.g. EBI, Eurostar and DBI), which will enhance farm sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.To find out more; https://www.icbf.com/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this bonus episode of The Sod Pod James roamed around the Grassland Agro trade stand in the Innovation arena and caught up with many Grassland Agro employees to discuss Ploughing 2023 and how it is going so far.Many people interviewed from Liam Woulfe and Donagh Barrow, to Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel, Nikki McGrath, John O'Loughlin and David CorbettThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James and Lauren are joined by Lorraine Rossiter our Human Resources Manager in Grassland Agro and two of our Technical Sales Advisors Evelyn Fenlon and John Delee.The group have a great discussion about working in Grassland Agro, the continued expansion and the opportunities within.If you would like to find out more;Email: careers@grassland.ieor check out our current opportunities at;https://roullier.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/20/home?c=roullierThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman,  Eoin Quinn and Lauren Stanley welcome Matt Thompson to The Sod Pod.  Matt is an agronomist for Grassland Agro covering the East Wicklow Region.  But Matt has a very interesting story about how "the guy from the housing estate" in Bray fell in love with farming from a very young age and has never looked back.  Matt has, this season, also entered into a Dairy Calf to Beef partnership and his story is a brilliant listen.  No John O'Loughlin this week as he sits in the SIN BIN for his escapades on a "rival" podcast, The Dairy Edge.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman is joined with the usual suspects Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin. But the newest member of the team Eoin Quinn from County Tyrone comes on to make his Sod Pod debut also.They discuss a handful of topics including the national fertiliser database and veterinary bill.  These are coming thick and fast on us so every piece of information we can piece together will help alleviate some of those worries and concerns.OUT THE GAP; https://ie.timacagro.com/2023/07/31/out-the-gap-issue-7/AGFOOD LOGIN;https://agfood.agriculture.gov.ie/sso-auth-ui-applicant/#/loginThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman sits down with Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin to have a great discussion with Cork dairy farmer, Mike Bermingham.Mike gives us a great insight into his own farm, grass measuring, Grass10, Clover, fertiliser and the all important ginger nut biscuit.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined with Lauren, Claire and John as they discuss the soil sample reports that the department of agriculture have been sending out to farmers to allow them to have a better understanding of its details.A very detailed report and we have attempted to summarise it in slightly more understandable language.  No mean feat!The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin catch up with three of our seven Work placement Students as the give us an insight into what they are seeing in farming and their experiences so far with Grassland Agro.We have Eoghan Devereux from The Model County, Wexford.  Tadhg Griffin from The Kingdom of Kerry and Dara Heffernan from The Premier County, Tipperary.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James was tied up as he attended a milk quality event organised by Tirlán so Lauren, Claire and John carried the show.  They have a lovely conversation about many topics facing farmers at the moment from soil health to sheep.  From Clare losing the Munster final to muted microphonesThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John and David had the pleasure of being joined by David Wall and Cathal Somers from Teagasc.  As we stare down the barrel of drought conditions they give some really practial urgent advice on what steps are best to take to help manage these pressure points.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Lauren and Claire headed off to Tipperary to meet You Tube and Instagram Influencer / Entertainer MC Milking It.Mark loves Showing how milk is produced on our grass based, dairy family farm in Ireland

On this latest episode, James is joined by Lauren, Claire and Davy to chat where we're at as regards farming at this time of year.  They discuss growth rates and weather conditions with some tips to gain an edge in maximising grass returns.Lauren and Claire also give a summary on the latest edition of their monthly news bulletin; Out The Gap.May is one of the busiest months on farm so planning and preparation is key. However, best laid plans are fully exposed to weather and time constraints so we need a little bit of luck on side also!The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James is joined by Lauren, John, Claire and Social Media Farming Influencer Andrew Macky!Andrew is a Dairy Farmer in New Zealand and milks his cows Once A Day. He posts videos of daily farm life milking 320 jersey cows in beautiful sunny New Zealand.The cows are on a all grass system with a bit of supplement to allow for hot dry summers. They also stay outside on grass for 365 days of the year!To learn more about Andrew in New Zealand check out his social channels;YouTube;  https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnceADayFarmer/Instagram;  https://www.instagram.com/theonceadayfarmer/The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James is joined by Lauren, John, Claire and Davy and they discuss a recent outing in Teagasc Grange where they all got an insight in Calf To Beef and Red Clover.  In the morning they had the privilege along with all The Grassland Agro Team to be welcomed onto the farm of Morty O'Sullivan where John Maher gave a grass measuring masterclass.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined by Claire Aspel, Lauren Stanley, David Corbett and John O'Loughlin.  They discuss many of the topical issues on farm today from reseeding, clover, soil health and a splash of GAA to booth.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, Lauren, John and Davy headed on down to Teagasc Soil, Environment and Land use Research Centre in Johnstown Castle, County Wexford.  A brilliant event took place, The Farming for Soil Health event.James got the easy job of indoor edits and recording from the comfort of Paddy Ryan's pub in Listerlin, while the lads battled the crowds and the elements in Johnstown Castle.The first speaker that joined them was Cathal Somers, Teagasc Sustainability Advisor and also co-host of the Teagasc Podcast Environment Edge with Deirdre Glynn.They are then joined by PhD student Thomas McCarthy from West Cork.  Mainly focusing on Potassium and its effect on Nitrogen Use Efficiency.Happy St. Patricks DayLá Fhéile Pádraig sona duitThe Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this latest episode, James, is joined by John, Davy, Lauren and Claire. They have a great chat about Spring Grazing and cover many of the triggers to watch out for to maximise  growth rates .  Lauren and Claire have also launched issue two of their monthly one pager Out The Gap.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this latest episode, James, John and Davy made a visit to Kildalton Agricultural College where they were joined by Vice Principal, James Ryan and had a chat about the college, farming, a splash of GAA and plenty more !James, a Tipp native is currently in his fifth year as vice principal at Kildalton.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James packs John and David into the car and they head up the road to County Laois where they land onto the farm of John Brennan, Senior Business Manager for the East Region with Tirlán.After a quick cup of Barry's Tea and some purple snacks they settle down for the serious business and chat with John about a range of topics including veterinary regulations, calving season, farming practices and the Tirlán dairy hygiene drive.The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/