Podcasts about farming ireland

Pádraig French from Teagasc, who is closely involved in dairy-beef research, including the Ballyvadin Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge. They discuss the key management practices that drive performance, the role of Commercial Beef Value (CBV), what makes these systems financially successful, and what the latest research is telling us about the future of dairy calf to beef production.For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse forum on ‘Driving Sustainable Calf to Beef Systems' which was chaired by Breffni O'Brien, Beef specialist with Agriland.  On the panel were-       Amie Coonan, calf to beef farmer from Co. Tipperary-       Charles Smith, General Manager at Certified Irish Angus-       Margaret Kelleher, Genetics Operations Manager at the ICBF-       Alan Dillon, Teagasc DairyBeef500 programme manager-       Liam Gannon, Feed for Growth nutritionist 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 

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: Managing reduced growthMaking a grazing plan for the coming 10 days (no rain forecast)How can farms reduce demand?Plus the featured farm update comes from Paul Bowden, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-14thJuly For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Eddie Casey spoke to Michael Hennessy at the recent Johnstown Castle Research Centre Open Day to talk about Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and why it's important for farmers to understand their soils and the actions they can take to influence CEC and nutrient retention.  Eddie explains what CEC is, how it affects a soil's ability to hold and supply nutrients, and where soils with higher and lower CEC typically occur across the country. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Technologist to the Tipperary Dairy Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm, Chloe Millar, joins Catherine Egan on the Beef Edge podcast to give an update on the farm and an insight into the National Open Day taking place on the farm on Wednesday 22nd July @ 11am.  Chloe first outlines how calves are sourced and reared on the farm.  With over 400 calves purchased annually, the key criteria when sourcing calves, and how important are genetics in determining lifetime performance is outlined. Chloe discusses the health protocols to minimise disease risk and maximise thrive and she discusses grassland management in the current weather conditions and how some cattle were drafted for finish.  Chloe also discusses the key technologies and management practices that have delivered benefits for both profitability and environmental performance on the farm. Finally Chloe welcomes all the listeners to attend the open day on Wednesday 22nd  July at 11:00 am on Ballyvadin Beef Farm Ltd. Fethard, Co. Tipperary, E91 E0X3, for a practical open day focused on Labour Efficient Dairy Beef systems.  This event will showcase the latest research and best practices to help farmers improve efficiency and sustainability on farm.  For more, visit:Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Demonstration Farm Open Day - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority 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 

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, to chat with Roscommon farmer and Future Beef Programme participant, Olivia Hynes, ahead of the upcoming open day on her farm. Olivia discusses her mixed suckler and sheep enterprise, explaining how paddock grazing has improved grass utilisation and overall farm performance. She also outlines her use of AI within the suckler herd and why it is well suited to her system.  The conversation also explores the sheep enterprise, how she manages the spring workload across both enterprises, and the key changes she has implemented on the farm in recent year. For more episodes from the Beef Edge podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/thebeefedgeProduced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

John O'Loughlin, Head of Sustainability at Grassland Agro, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the impact of CBAM, fertiliser advice in dry conditions and two upcoming farm walks that will be worth attending this July. John first explains the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) which is adding approximately €50/t to urea in 2026, with the potential to rise significantly in future years. While there has been discussion about suspending the charge during periods of high fertiliser prices, he believes this now looks unlikely, meaning farmers should expect CBAM to remain a factor in fertiliser costs. John recommends that farmers measure grass regularly and make decisions based on their own farm's situation, as drought conditions are varying widely across the country from his perspective and one size won't fit all in terms of advice.  Where soil moisture deficits become severe, nitrogen applications should be reduced or paused, but where growth remains good, protected urea is still a good choice as it will absorb water from the atmosphere. John stresses that potassium (K) and lime are essential for helping grass cope with drought and recover quickly afterwards. John describes K as the "engine oil" of the plant because of the role it plays in the movement of water and nutrients, and he says that correcting K and lime deficiencies are among the biggest, most cost-effective improvements farmers can make to maximise grass growth and resilience. Finally, John says listeners should consider attending two good days later this month in the Clonmel area with the Irish Grassland Dairy Summer Tour taking place on the farms of Michael and Ollie O'Gorman on the 21st and then the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Open Day the following day at the Ballyvadin Farm near Fethard. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

This is a bonus episode of The Beef Edge featuring a recording of the Beef Pulse Forum on Market & Policy Outlook from the recent Teagasc BEEF2026 Open Day. Sean Doorley, Teagasc Beef & Sheep Adviser, was joined by Frank O'Mara, Director, Teagasc, Kevin Hanrahan, Head of Rural Economy, Teagasc, and Joe Burke, Senior Manager of Meat and Livestock with Bord Bia. 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 

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -       Managing reduced growth-       Walk the farm-       2nd cut silage-       Infrastructure Month Plus the featured farm update comes from Tommie Devine, Co. Roscommon Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-7thJune  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us for an update on grass growth across the country. Nikki discusses how the recent dry spell has affected grass growth, highlighting the varying impact on farms in different regions.  She offers practical advice for farmers where grass supplies are becoming restricted and outlines the key management decisions to consider in the weeks ahead. We also discuss grazing management for the remainder of the summer, the importance of assessing silage stocks, and the potential role of autumn reseeding in improving grass production on some farms. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Purchased seed is a foundational part of crop production each year and for this week's Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy caught up with Jim Cunningham, Seed Plant Manager at Goldcrop's production facility in Dunleer, Co Louth to chat about how he and his team maintain seed quality and varietal purity from intake through processing, storage and dispatch to growers for the following season. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

It was another hugely successful Open Day at Teagasc Grange this year with the theme of ‘Driving Sustainable Performance' showcasing the latest technology and insights into Irish beef farming. For this week's Beef Edge, Catherine Egan spoke to some of those in attendance including Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O' Meara, Joe Burke from Bord Bia, Kevin Hanarahan Head of Rural Economy with Teagasc, Adam Woods Editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, Breifne O'Brien, Agriland Beef Specialist and Deputy President of the IFA, Alice Doyle, as well as a number of beef farmers to find out what they thought of the day. 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 

Longford dairy farmer, Cian Jobe's journey into dairy farming is one that's likely to resonate with many young people interested in the industry.  Growing up on a suckler farm, he developed a passion for dairying through relief milking before progressing through agricultural education, farm management and, more recently, farming in his own right.  Cian joins James Dunne to talk about the experiences that shaped his career, what he's learned along the way, and the advice he'd give to the next generation of dairy farmers. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -          Mid-season management-          Managing 2nd cut-          Establish fertiliser spread year to date Plus the featured farm update comes from the Derrypatrick Herd, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-30thJune  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

DairyBeef 500 advisor, Tommy Cox, gives some top tips to manage your dairy beef system in the coming weeks and Teagasc advisor, John Kilboyle, previews the National DairyBeef 500 Open Day on the farm of Keith and Olivia Lowry taking place on the 9th July in Co Galway. Tommy outlines the key grassland management tips for dairy-beef farmers currently and into July and August, particularly in a year with variable growth rates and weather conditions.  He discusses the liveweight gains farmers should be targeting for grazing cattle over the summer months, and how can they monitor performance effectively.  Tommy explains the different options for farmers to consider before introducing concentrates to grazing cattle, and what factors should influence that decision.  He also warns about some of the main animal health risks during late summer particularly lung worm, including parasites and respiratory issues, and what preventative measures should be taken. The National DairyBeef 500 Open Day takes place on Keith and Olivia Lowry's farm  just outside Tuam, Co. Galway on 9th July @ 6:30pm.  Operating a predominantly early-maturing steer system on 30.6 hectares of free-draining land, the farm has undergone significant development in recent years with a strong focus on grassland management, calf performance, animal health and infrastructure improvement.  The farm currently rears both autumn and spring-born dairy-beef calves with 80 calves being reared on the farm and John explains how the Lowrys put a strong emphasis on sourcing calves from a small number of trusted dairy farms and the benefits this has meant in terms of calf performance, health and overall management.  A lot of investment has gone into grazing infrastructure, with the new paddock system, roadway and water network which has improved grass utilisation, production and labour efficiency.  John also discusses how reseeding has been a key part of the farm development plan and the benefits in terms of silage quality and animal performance. Topics to be discussed on the evening include:·      Calf sourcing and rearing strategies·      Calf health and vaccination programmes·      Grassland management and grazing infrastructure·      Silage quality and winter feed planning·      Labour-efficient farming systems This is a great opportunity to meet with the DairyBeef 500 team. Teagasc advisors and industry stakeholders and sponsors of the DairyBeef 500 programme Corteva, Drummonds, Liffey Mills, Munster Bovine, MSD Animal Health and Volac. Further details available at:https://teagasc.ie/event/dairybeef-500-farm-walk-keith-and-olivia-lowry/ 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 

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us to discuss the key management tasks for the month ahead.We start by looking at grassland management, including how to maintain sward quality through the remainder of the grazing season and the opportunities that autumn reseeding can offer.Attention then turns to flock management, with Michael outlining best practice around weaning lambs, drying off ewes, and managing ewe body condition to ensure ewes are in the right condition ahead of the next breeding seasonWith lamb performance a key focus at this time of year, we also discuss mineral supplementation, including the role of cobalt, and when supplementation may be required. Finally, we examine lameness, why reducing its incidence should be a priority on sheep farms, and the practical measures that can help improve flock health and productivity.For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

At the recent Johnstown Castle Research Centre Open Day, Michael Hennessy caught up with Dr. Fiona Brennan, a Teagasc Senior Researcher in Soil Microbiology, to talk about soil health and how tillage farmers can keep their soils in top condition.  Fiona outlines the key parameters that affect soil health—structure, organic matter, biology, nutrient balance and drainage—and highlights practical steps farmers can take throughout the year to improve those factors and boost crop yields. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Researcher, Peter Doyle, and Grass 10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, join this week's Beef Edge to discuss the grazing demonstration at BEEF2026which is taking place at Teagasc Grange. Nikki outlines how the demonstration focuses on pre-grazing and post-grazing sward heights.  Many farmers are facing difficult decisions this year due to variable grass growth and Nikki outlines the key indicators that farmers should monitor to maximise cattle performance. The grazing demonstration compares grass-only and grass-clover swards and Peter discusses the performance differences that are being achieved and the potential fertiliser savings from incorporating white how grass-clover swards which also help improve environmental sustainability. 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 

Tom and Michael Ryan, winners of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award for 2025, join Stuart Childs on the day of their farm walk following their win. Tom gives a bit of background to the their farm and how they have been farming there since the 1860s.  Michael then explains the decisions made to facilitate him returning home in 2018 and he outlines the current performance of the herd and how genotyping has been a real game changer for them in terms of selecting heifers to retain as replacements. Finally, Tom has some excellent advice in relation to generation renewal and why making a plan is the key. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -       mid-season management-       red clover silage and managing 2nd cut silage-       spraying and grazing reseeds-       establishing fertiliser spread year to date Plus the featured farmer is Liam Rochford from Croase, Co. Wexford. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-23June  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

New varieties help maintain or increase on-farm yields and Michael Hennessy caught up with John Dunne, Trials Manager at Goldcrop, after their Dunleer open day to discuss the latest varieties coming through the system. John covers developments in resistance to yellow rust in winter wheat and the near‑standard BYDV tolerance now seen in winter barleys, and explains what those changes mean for growers when choosing varieties. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc ASSAP programme manager, Cathal Somers, and Teagasc Specialist with the Signpost Programme, Mark Plunkett, discuss the importance of lime and soil fertility and the impact it can have on water quality, production and profitability. Water quality continues to be a major focus for farmers and Cathal outlines the main pressures affecting water quality on beef farms and the eight key actions in the Better Farming for Water campaign. Mark highlights how farmers have invested heavily in lime over recent years and the impact this is having and what further gains are possible from improving soil fertility.  Mark also describes how farmers can assess the health of their own soils. At the BEEF 2026 Open Day there will be demonstrations of practical ways to improve soil health and water quality. Further details at:https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/  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 

With increasing pressure on dairy farms to reduce nitrogen inputs whilst maintaining profitability, technologies such as white clover are attracting renewed interest.  But how well does clover perform on heavier type soils that are common across the Border, Midlands and Western region, and how can farmers reduce fertiliser and feed nitrogen inputs without compromising grass growth or milk production? To help answer those questions, James Dunne is joined by Helena Walsh, PhD student with Teagasc, who has been leading a farm systems study at Ballyhaise Agricultural College examining the role of white clover in low nitrogen input grazing systems.  Helena discusses the establishment and performance of clover swards, the impact on pasture and animal production, nitrogen use efficiency, and the practical lessons farmers can take from this work. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss the preliminary results of the labour survey. We explore some of the key findings from the latest analysis, including the age profile of farmers, levels of off-farm employment, and how farm tasks are managed throughout the year. Damian discusses the facilities available on farms, the challenges created by farm fragmentation, and how these factors influence farm management and future development.  We also look at the level of TAMS uptake, the barriers farmers face when accessing the scheme, and what improvements could encourage greater participation. To finish, Damian shares his thoughts on future trends and what the outlook may be for farm numbers going forward. View Damian's presentation on the labour survey here:https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Damian-Costello.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says concentrate input should be reduced on farms where grass supply is adequate (cover/LU >160 kg DM/LU).  A third of farms are over target and have a cover/LU >190 kg DM/ha. This will negatively impact:-       Grass quality - negative impact on animal performance-       Clean out of swards - feed wastage-       Grass recovery and subsequent quality June is challenging for grass quality as we are now in the main heading phase for perennial ryegrass.  Grass quality is critical for animal performance, particularly as young stock grass intake increases.  Walk the farm every 4-5 days to inform decision making. Plus the featured farmer is William Blackburn from Kilworth,Co. Cork. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-16thJune  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Getting an international perspective can help put current grain-market conditions into context — and for this episode of The Tillage Edge, Brian Caldbeck, an Irish grower who runs Rubisco Seeds in Kentucky, USA, joins the show to discuss what he's seeing across the U.S. crop landscape. Locally in Kentucky wheat yields are good, but recent rains may have created quality concerns, while further west severe drought has significantly reduced production and many fields were used for forage rather than grain production. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc researchers, Paul Smith and Emily Roskam, discuss the latest research on growing and finishing cattle, how this is being implemented on farms and look ahead to the upcoming National Beef Open Day, BEEF2026, taking place on July 1st at Teagasc Grange. Emily says the biggest opportunities to improve feed efficiency in growing cattle without increasing costs on farm is through good grassland management and silage quality. Teagasc research shows that increasing concentrate levels increases liveweight gain and carcass gain. This is hugely influenced by the dry matter digestibility being fed in silage and Emily highlights the various feed rates depending on silage quality and animal type. The national age at slaughter remains significantly higher than that achieved on research and top-performing commercial farms and Paul discusses the main barriers preventing farmers from finishing cattle at 22–23 months of age. Many listeners will have heard of the Beef Quest project, Paul outlines some of the key findings. At the BEEF 2026 Growing and Finishing village a central feature of the event will be a live cattle handling and finishing demonstration, facilitated by Teagasc specialist and advisory staff alongside factory procurement personnel.  Farmers will see first-hand the key areas to assess when selecting animals for sale, including the correct and incorrect levels of carcass fatness and the fat scores and grades required under the Quality Payment Scheme (QPS). Nationally, a relatively high percentage of cattle are being slaughtered at excessively high fat scores. This represents an economic cost through the use of grazed grass, silage or concentrate on animals with declining carcass performance efficiency. Selecting animals at the appropriate fat score is a must have skill for all farmers finishing beef animals.  Frank O'Sullivan, vet at Teagasc Grange, will outline key animal health considerations, while space allowance will be covered, including the correct areas required and their impact on performance.  Nutritional factors will also be discussed, focusing on winter and finishing diets. Further details at:https://teagasc.ie/event/beef2026/https://teagasc.ie/animals/beef/grange/beef2026-open-day/ 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  

Ricki Fitzgerald, Farm Manager of the Teagasc Moorepark Kilworth Farm, and Brian McCarthy, Researcher in Teagasc Moorepark, join Stuart Childs with a run down on how the year has gone so far on the Kilworth Farm and to talk a little about the Next Gen 2 trial that is in its first full year in 2026. Ricki says they had quite a good spring in 2026 despite the weather challenges with minimal health issues. Regular body condition scoring and managing cow condition was a significant part of this success.  Grazing, while challenging, happened almost every day during the spring but only because they had the cover to start with and excellent infrastructure on the farm. A batt latch bought a few years ago has been instrumental in facilitating grazing in the evening during the spring also.  The farm started breeding on April 27th and so far results have been exceptionally positive, with 96% of cows submitted in the first three weeks and early pregnancy scanning showing very high conception rates. Brian then spoke about the previous next generation trial and the outcomes of it and the the rationale for the current trial Next Gen 2 which is comparing National Average Holstein-Friesians with Elite Holstein-Friesians and Elite Jersey-cross cows.  The previous iteration of the trial  (2013–2016) showed that high-EBI cows were more fertile, survived longer in the herd, produced higher-value milk solids, and generated approximately €275 more profit per cow annually thus validating the EBI.  Early results from the set-up year of 2025 and the figures from 2026 so far indicate that elite genetics continue to deliver higher fat and protein percentages, increasing milk value compared with national-average cows.  However, this trial goes further than the effect of the genotypes as it is also looking at sustainability and beef performance through evaluating different stocking-rate systems, nitrogen-use efficiency, methane emissions, and overall environmental performance as well as examining how dairy cow genetics and beef sire selection affect dairy-beef calf value and lifetime beef performance. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that June is a challenging month for grass quality as we are now in the main heading phase for perennial ryegrass. Pre grazing yield is too high on many farms:-       Watch rotation length (Target 18-21 days)-       Minimise stem content-       Grazing covers >1500 kg DM/ha will have a negative effect on animal performance, pasture cleanout, grass recovery and quality in the subsequent rotation Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-9thJune  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Don Somers, a tillage farmer from Wexford, and the overall winner of the Environmental Sustainability award in 2025, joins The Tillage Edge, along with John Mahon, his Signpost Farm advisor, to preview the open evening at Don's farm on June 17th. The event is targeted at farmers, non-farmers and young people to showcase sustainable practices on tillage farms.   Don is particularly keen to show people that a commercial tillage farm can work hand in hand with the surrounding environment.   Further details of the event and registration are at:https://teagasc.ie/event/a-somers-evening-farm-walk/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

With breeding season reaching the midpoint on many spring-calving dairy farms, we're taking stock of how the season has progressed so far and discussing the key management decisions for the weeks ahead. Doreen Corridan, CEO of NCBC, joins James Dunne to discuss breeding performance to date, trends in dairy and beef semen usage, managing cows that have yet to be served, and the key actions farmers should focus on for the remainder of the breeding season. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses tackling surplus grass and why flexibility is required to take out surplus bales. Plus he explains how grazed grass delivers the lowest feed cost, even with higher fertiliser prices. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is John Payne from Moydow, Co. Longford. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-2ndJune For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

With the increased cost of fuel and fertiliser, Peter Doyle, Grassland Researcher in Teagasc, Grange, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the cost of growing grass, silage and other feeds. Peter outlines the costs that he uses in the Grange Feed Costing Model which are of course assumptions but are necessary for the model to function. He emphasises that grazed grass delivers the lowest feed cost, even with higher fertilser prices. The cost model estimates grazed grass at about 14c/kg dry matter (including land charge), compared with roughly 42c/kg dry matter for concentrates. Feed quality is important in the model as the energy of the feed influences the performance it delivers. Peter argues that delaying first-cut silage to chase higher yields given increased fuel costs to get better bang for the buck from contractor costs is a false economy.  Earlier cutting (around late May) produces higher-quality silage, improves the total energy yield of the overall two-cut system as well as supporting better animal performance, reducing the requirement for expensive concentrate supplementation. Big first cuts of low quality material don't deliver more silage and are ‘penny wise, pound poor' due to the cost they create subsequently. Peter also stresses that feed quality should be matched to the type of stock being fed. High-quality silage is needed for lactating cows and young stock, while lower-quality, higher-volume silage may suit dry cows.  He notes that alternatives such as maize and fodder beet can be useful but involve similar or higher costs, additional management requirements, and often require supplementary protein and minerals. Finally, Peter says that the cost of grazed grass doesn't increase as significantly as the other feeds and thus people need to focus on grazed grass as their primary feed source and maximise the amount of it that they produce and consume to minimise their overall feed costs. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that the challenge on farm now will be keeping the right grass in front of the animals. Swards of low or no stem will maximise animal performance Performance is maximised when the pre-grazing yield is between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Michael McGuigan, from Longwood, Co. Meath. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://pasturebase.teagasc.ie/Grass10%20Weekly.pdf?=20260529    For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

This week we're discussing generational renewal in Irish dairying and the challenges facing farmers young farmers trying to enter and progress within the sector while also discussing what options are available to farmers who may not have an identified successor. Joining James Dunne is Conor Hogan from the GROdairy Project — Generational Renewal Opportunities for Irish Dairy Farm Businesses — a new initiative focused on supporting farm succession, progression, and collaborative farming through demonstration farms, peer learning, and practical advisory supports. Conor discusses the barriers facing young farmers, the role collaborative farming can play in creating viable career pathways, and how the project hopes to support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Irish dairy industry. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses the impact of pre-grazing yield on protein, plus how to correct pre-grazing yield on farm. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is John Phelan from Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-19thMay    For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Claire Mooney, Catchment Coordinator for the Suir, joins Stuart Childs to discuss practical tips for farmers in relation to improving water quality. Claire first explains immediate on-farm actions to improve environmental compliance and efficiency, including better silage management, protecting waterways with fencing and alternative drinking points, improving slurry and effluent handling, using sulphur correctly, and how clover can reduce chemical nitrogen use. Claire discusses the need for farmers to prepare for tighter slurry storage rules in 2028 by assessing storage capacity now, working with advisors, exploring TAMS grants and capital allowances, and planning investments early rather than waiting until compliance becomes urgent. Finally, Claire stresses that small operational improvements can make a significant difference, such as separating soiled water from slurry, reducing rainwater entering tanks, fixing leaks, cleaning yards efficiently, and redesigning cow traffic areas to reduce unnecessary slurry storage demand and avoid a need to reduce stock numbers on foot of the new regulations that may be avoidable.  She also emphasises the importance of using slurry well and distributing it across the whole farm to reduce losses. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that the majority of farms are grazing covers too high. As we move further into May, grass composition is changing and keeping grass quality correct becomes more challenging. To ensure grass quality is maintained to maximise animal performance pre-grazing yield has to be between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Killian Brennan, from Kilcogy, Co. Cavan. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-12thMay   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains why the target for pre-grazing yield in the mid-season is 1300-1400 kg DM/ha. John also discusses first cut silage and taking surplus bales to be part of grassland management over the next month. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is David Lowry from Churchminister, Co. Donegal. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-5thMay  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Mick O'Donovan, Head of the Grassland Science Department in Moorepark, and Joe Patton, Head of Dairy KT, join James Dunne to discuss how farmers can maximise margin in the months ahead, focusing on the key grazing management practices and feeding decisions that underpin performance on Irish dairy farms. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that we're now entering into higher growth rates and reproductive stage of the perennial ryegrass plant:·      Pre grazing yield must target 1300 - 1400 kg DM/ha on all farms·      This will enable the animals to graze and clean out the sward to 4 cm·      Grass should be green leaf from top to bottom For fertiliser, when spreading on dry stock farms it is important to include P (if allowance available), K and S, especially on paddocks that may have been damaged on the first rotation. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Danny Bermingham, from Doonbeg, Co. Clare. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thApril  For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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. John first outlines the national figures which are poor in terms of the amount of reseeding taking place each year and this is a negative for the industry. Tom is the opposite, reseeding every year on both grazing platform and silage ground. Reseeding every year  is what Tom says allow him to have the confidence to take out the ground safe knowing he has responsive swards that will grow at sufficient levels to meet herd requirements while he waits for the reseed to slot back in, as evidenced by the performance of the spring 2024 and 2025 reseeds. Tom splits the 10% so that it isn't all gone out together and generally takes the 2nd piece out when he knows the first bit is nearly ready to come back in. This as an insurance policy against having too high a stocking rate with all ground out at the same time.  Tom has also reduced his overall milking platform stocking rate through land acquisition and a slight reduction in cow numbers so that 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.John 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. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com 

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that 42% of farms are well above target AFC (> 750 kg DM/ha) largely due to challenging grazing conditions. While each farm is individual, these key rules need to be applied:-       Maximum SR of 4.2 LU/ha-       Minimum AFC of 160 kg DM/LU Now is also a good time to assess clover content in your paddocks and the aim is to identify paddocks with a good clover content. The target is 20-25% clover content in April to allow for reductions in chemical N in May/June Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Tom McEvoy from Ballyragget,Co. Kilkenny.  Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-21stApril For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Teagasc Grassland Science Researcher, Mike Egan, joins James Dunne to discuss some of the common questions regarding establishing and managing grass clover swards.  Mike outlines the benefits for farmers but also discusses the challenges and learnings that have been seen throughout the Clover 150 commercial farm trial.   The 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.  Mike 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.   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains how walking the farm will allow you to assess what your grass supply is (AFC). If you are below target AFC

Mark Treacy, Dairy Specialist in Teagasc Clonakilty, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss management tips for April. 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. He 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 opportunity arises or longer term silage in some cases. Mark also spoke about the need for silage ground to be fertilised but to have cutting date influence 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. Finally, Mark spoke about the need to follow up on problem cows ahead of the breeding season as it is creeping up on farmers now. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains why a flexible approach has to be applied on farm to begin the 2nd rotation and particular caution needs to be taken on farms that are starting the 2nd rotation to ensure AFC stays above 650 kg DM/ha. Walk the farm on a more regular basis as growth increases.  Average farm cover needs to stay above 650 kg DM/ha.  Take action by reducing demand if your cover drops below 650 kg DM/ha. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Michael Leahy from Co. Kilkenny. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-7thApril   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Water quality continues to be a major focus for the agricultural industry, and while farmers are already making changes on farm, there is increasing emphasis on how practical actions can improve water quality outcomes at catchment level.  In this episode, Pat Dillon from Teagasc joins James Dunne to discuss the Better Farming for Water campaign.  Pat explains what the Better Farming for Water campaign is aiming to achieve, why a catchment approach has been taken and the practical actions dairy farmers can take to make a difference.  We also discuss concepts such as nitrogen use efficiency, nitrogen surplus, stocking rate and how all of these interact with water quality. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses why, due to the challenging conditions in spring 2026, a flexible approach has to be applied on farm to begin the 2nd rotation. By early April, dry farms should have about 60 units (75 kg N/ha) of N applied (combination of fertiliser and slurry) and most farms need to assess regrowths on the first 3 paddocks grazed for the next 2-3 weeks. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Kieran Kennedy from Nenagh, Co. Tipperary. Read more from this week's Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-31stMarch   For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

Prof. Donagh Berry, Quantitative Geneticist at Teagasc Moorepark, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss the future of Irish Dairy Breeding Programmes. Donagh first explains that breeding is all about numbers. With the uptake in use of sexed semen, the pool of dairy bull calves being born has shrunk and while this was part of the objective of using it in the first place, there is a side effect which has the potential to slow genetic gain in Irish dairy. He outlines the type of numbers of calves that need to be born each year in order to maintain the genetic growth that Irish farmers have enjoyed since the late 2000s when genomics arrived. In order to continue this, it will be important to have a structured breeding programme that will see Irish farmers work with the AI companies putting some of their best cows in calf to nominated bulls with a view to delivering the bulls of the future. Failure to do so will see the progress made in the industry in the last three decades since the introduction of the EBI slow significantly.  However, Donagh is attempting to avoid this occurrence by bringing industry together during 2026 to discuss the situation, identify the solutions and get them implemented as quickly as possible. For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com