Podcasts about farming ireland

The dry conditions over the past 10 days - and with no rain in the forecast - means that spring crops in particular, are coming under pressure.  John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage advisor in Wexford, and Ciaran Collins, a Teagasc tillage specialist, join the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the key agronomy actions needed over the next week to 10 days. Both John and Ciaran acknowledge the impact of the dry spell and note that, while the weather has reduced immediate disease pressure, the season is far from over.  Diseases such as mildew and rust could still become an issue, and they explain that adjustments to crop protection programmes may be needed on many farms. 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 

Dairy farmer, Paul Hyland, who runs the farm with his brother David near the village of Ballacolla, Co. Laois, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss silage quantity and quality. They have an objective to provide 4-5 bales of quality silage to feed cows in the autumn and again in the springtime but also have a July reserve to be prepared for dry weather at that time of the year. Paul discusses how they cut covers of 2500-3000 kg DM/ha, baling out at 4-5 bales per acre ideally until they have the reserve they need and then they will focus on main crop silage. Interestingly, the Hylands always split their fertiliser applications to give themselves options with silage ground. Also they plan silage, targeting to cut younger, more recently reseeded ground for the quality silage. Finally, Paul explains how the frequent cutting system that they employ on their farm delivers the same quantity of silage at the end of the year but far better quality than big bulky crops. 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, Joseph Dunphy discusses managing surplus grass currently on farm and he has a grazing update from Raymond Niblock, Co. Monaghan. Link to this week's newsletter Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-6thMay  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

The coming weeks are critical for controlling foliar diseases in cereal crops and Dr Stephen Kildea, researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the best disease management strategies for the weather conditions expected in May 2025.    Stephen highlights the increased yellow rust pressure in some crops.“The main fungicide timings should be adequate to control this new yellow rust strain,” he says.  “But I would encourage growers to examine their crops weekly to ensure the disease does not progress.” 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 

Seamus Nolan, Teagasc's Scheme Support Unit Specialist, who has a particular focus on the Target Agriculture Modernisation scheme, better known to many as the TAMS scheme, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge. Seamus discusses the recently announced nutrient storage investment scheme under TAMS 3 which offers farmers an increased rate of grant aid for nutrient storage investments on their farm.   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, Joseph Dunphy discusses keeping a handle on pre-grazing yield as growth rockets throughout the country and he has a grazing update from Danny Bermingham, Co. Clare. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-29thApril 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

Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both tillage specialists with Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the key actions needed in crops over the next 7 to 10 days. We also hear from Andy Mahon, a Dubliner and farm manager in the UK, who shares his experience of the 2025 season so far.  Andy highlights the stark realities facing UK farmers following the loss of direct payments and reflects on the shifting government attitude towards farming. 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 

Chris Maughan, Product and Technical Manager with Whelehan Crop Protection, discusses weed control on grazing and silage ground on this week's Beef Edge podcast.  Chris highlights the opportunity to control weeds, particularly docks in silage ground and grazing paddocks. Nettles and thistles are possibly the most common weed on farm and he outlines the best control method.  Chickweed is also an issue on some farms, maybe more so in new leys and Chris advises on treatment options.  In relation to reseeds, Chris says post-emergence spray is critical. However, in red clover and multispecies swards, it is more difficult to control weeds in these swards.  In addition, he outlines some options for condoling ragwort and rushes also. Finally, Chris highlights the regulations as well as the health and safety aspects of springs and maintaining a buffer of 3 metres. 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 

Jake Delaney joins us on the latest OviCast to explore the issue of scald and other lameness problems on farm, and their wider impact on flock performance.Jake breaks down:- the causes and risk factors behind scald- why early intervention is essential- treatment optionsWe also take a look at other lameness conditions currently affecting farms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The ICBF's Dan O'Riordan joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss the ICBF Sire Advice Programme which remarkably has been around for 18 years! Dan first explains what sire advice is and how it works to try and balance the milk and fertility sub-indices to deliver a balanced cow. Dan also speaks about the benefits of the programme from preventing lethal gene mutation matches in the background, to checking inbreeding to maximising the beef merit of the calf whilst minimising calving risk to the cow with the objective being to deliver a live calf each time. Finally, Dan highlights the numbers of sire advice being completed, how they have increased in the last few years but that there is scope for more.  One of the other benefits of completing the sire advice is how it streamlines the breeding season for both the farmer and that AI technician with the decisions made in advance in relation to what cow is getting what bull and giving technical clear instructions on the same with options if necessary also.  If people are interested in completing a sire advice for 2025, they can contact their advisor, breeding advisor or ICBF directly. 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, Joseph Dunphy discusses managing grass supply, he previews upcoming reseeding events and has a grazing update from John Cashen, Co. Tipperary. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-22ndApril  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

The plough remains the most widely used crop establishment system in Ireland, but alternative methods can be just as effective under the right conditions.  In this Tillage Edge episode, the first of two parts, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dermot Forristal, a Crops and Machinery Researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, to explore the history and evolution of cultivation systems in Irish tillage farming. Dermot takes us through over 100 years of crop establishment practices, explaining how changes in machinery have influenced - and enabled - new approaches to soil cultivation.  He also shares insights into why the plough dominated for so long, and what factors are now driving farmers to consider alternative systems. 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 

Mary McEvoy, Technical Development Manager with Germinal, joins Catherine Egan and Ciaran Lynch on this week's joint episode of the Beef Edge and OviCast podcasts to discuss all aspects for carrying out reseeding. Given the weather this spring, in comparison to previous years, many farmers across the country are considering carrying out reseeding on their farm.  Mary outlines the important points to consider before reseeding such as soil fertility, yield of paddocks and quality of the swards.  Mary explains there are numerous benefits to reseeding in the late spring versus in the autumn.  She discusses the various methods and key tips for preparing the seedbed. Using the Pasture Profit Index is key when it comes to selecting varieties suitable for delivering for grazing, silage and soil type.  With the inclusion of clover in mixes increasing, Mary advises a mix of small and medium leafed clover for grazing on beef and sheep farms.  She also describes the key management tasks post-reseeding with the use of post emergence sprays and good grazing management. There are a number of reseeding events taking place at the moment across the country and for further details go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/news/2025/grass-reseeding-events.php  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  

In a joint episode this week, we're joined by Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, as we catch up with Dr Mary McEvoy, Technical Development manager with Germinal, to discuss all things reseeding.  Mary discusses her top tips, from field preparation to seed mixes for grazing and silage as well as clover inclusion.  We also discuss post sowing management and the impact that can have on a successful reseed. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Kerry Dairy Ireland Joint Programme Demonstration Farm Advisor, Claire McAuliffe, and Programme Demonstration Farmer, Pa O'Hanlon, join Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss pre breeding management to drive submission rate and ultimately 6 week calving rate for the next calving season. Pa first explains how calving has gone on the farm in 2025 and how he has delayed his calving start date over the last few years in order to better align with grass growth on his farm.  In the past no matter how much quality silage he tried to have available, Pa found that he ended up feeding poorer silage to milking cows which was hitting his milk solids production so he has moved the calving date to try to calve closer to grass. This means that he has to achieve the 90% 6 week calving figure to get the best return from the herd. Consequently, Pa is ‘afraid' not to make the effort in terms of pre-breeding management as he can't afford to let calving slip. He went on to explain how he has a chart which is very visual for keeping track of cows coming in heat post calving and uses the same chart for tracking AI in the 1st 3 weeks.  This chart helps him to drive his 3 week submission rate and then identify any cows that haven't been served as soon as the 3 weeks are past. He find this visual trigger much better than info on his phone as he would have used in the past. Claire then highlights the performance of the demonstration farmer group and gave examples of some of the effort they are putting into pre-breeding management to drive the submission rate once AI commences.  She also pointed out that many of the farms had opened with lower covers than they should have and found that they weren't able to exploit the excellent grazing conditions this spring as much as they would have liked to.  The recent uplift in growth has helped their cause and their action has ensured they now have adequate grass moving into the 2nd rotation.  This needs to be a key focus for all of the farms at the end of this year to ensure they hit the closing cover targets so that there is adequate grass on farms in the spring of 2026.  This is a major weakness at commercial farm level as pointed out by Michael O'Donovan on a recent episode. 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, Joseph Dunphy discusses key grazing targets throughout April and he has a grazing update from Matthew Draper, Co. Cork. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-15thApril 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 Grass10 Advisor, Joseph Dunphy, has the monthly update on grassland management. In this episode, Joseph discusses:·      Current grass growth rates and average farm covers·      Tips for managing grass supply through April into early May·      How to handle surpluses and maintain short residency periods·      Fertiliser options for silage ground·      Considerations for spring reseeding Whether you're actively grass measuring or just looking to stay ahead this season, Joseph offers practical, timely advice to help optimise grazing performance. You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The on-again, off-again tariffs being proposed by the US may have significant implications for Irish tillage farmers in the months and years ahead.   For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Professor Michael Wallace, economist of agriculture and food in UCD, to discuss the potential effects of these global trade developments on the Irish tillage sector. Professor Wallace outlines the impact of existing tariffs and how new measures could further disrupt global supply chains - leading to uneven pricing across different regions.  He also highlights how this changing trade environment might present an opportunity for Irish policymakers to invest in and strengthen the domestic tillage sector, reducing our reliance on imports and enhancing national food security. 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 

Beef farmer, Sophie Tyner, from county Wicklow, is on this week's Beef Edge podcast to discuss her beef system, her plans in the coming weeks closing for silage and how good quality silage is so important on her farm. Given that all the cattle are finished on the farm, good quality silage is very important to her system to reduce concentrates fed.  Sophie discusses winter performance achieved on the farm and how the crop is fertilised and discusses the importance of N,P & K and Sulphur.  Silage is harvested mid-May, ensiled correctly and the pit is sealed to avoid silage heating and waste. Silage season is a very busy period on farm and Sophie also discusses key steps in relation to health and safety on the farm. 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  

David Buckley from the Department of Agriculture joins us to discuss the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Sheep Improvement Scheme. David outlines key elements of the Welfare Scheme, including eligible tasks, increased payment rates, and compliance requirements. We also cover the application process, key dates, and record-keeping obligations. The conversation then shifts to the Sheep Improvement Scheme—now in its third year—as we explore some of the key tasks involved and the opportunities available for new entrants. We finish up with a look at the 2025 payment schedule.For more information:2025 National sheep welfare scheme: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b253f-national-sheep-welfare-scheme/Sheep Improvement Scheme: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/sheep-improvement-scheme/For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Mike Dineen, a Teagasc researcher whose work focuses on animal nutrition, and Chris Heffernan, who recently completed his PhD in Teagasc Moorepark, join James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss the factors affecting milk fat production in dairy cows under pasture-based management systems.   Mike and Chris explain the typical reduction in milk fat during late spring and early summer and outline some results from their recent research project. 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, Joseph Dunphy discusses beginning the 2nd rotation and has information on upcoming reseeding events countrywide, plus he gets a grazing update from Oisin Gallen, Co. Donegal. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-April8th 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 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 report — preferring the desktop when planning season-wide strategies, and the mobile app for day-to-day use while out in the field. Access the Teagasc Crop Report at: www.teagasccropreport.ie or download the app on Apple or Android by searching: ‘Teagasc Crop Report'. 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 

Margaret Brennan, Assistant Principal Officer over Beef Schemes with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins Catherine Egan on this week's Beef Edge podcast to discuss the new Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme that was announced recently and to give an update on all things scheme related. Dairy Beef Weighing SchemeMargaret, outlines the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme which is open for applications. It is open to dairy farmers rearing their own dairy-beef calves or farmers rearing dairy beef progeny from the dairy herd, and a total of €4 million has been allocated to the scheme, resulting in payment rates of €20 per eligible calf.  To be eligible, participants must have a minimum of five eligible calves, while the maximum payment rate is on 50 calves.  Applications for the 2025 Dairy Beef Weighing Scheme must be lodged online through agfood.ie before midnight on Thursday, 15 May 2025.  Late applications will be accepted, subject to payment deductions, until midnight on Monday, 9 June 2025. These eligible calves must have been:-       At least 12 weeks of age at the time of weighing and has been registered on the holding s/he is being weighed on for a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of weighing;-       In the applicant's herd for at least 10 days before weighing;-       Born between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025. Through the scheme, participants will be required to weigh eligible calves and submit weight data to the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).  Weight data should be submitted within seven days of weighing and before 17.30 hours on 1 November 2025.  Farmers should note that they will only be paid on the number of calves in respect of which they submit liveweight data. SCEPIn relation to the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP), 2025 is an important year for farmers involved in this scheme as applicants are required to ensure that by the 31st October 2025 at least 65% of their yearly reference number are eligible females that are genotyped 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within or across breed basis) at the time of purchase (for replacements brought into the herd) or at the time of genotyping (for those replacements bred within the herd). Finally Margaret also highlighted the deadline for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (BISS) is May 15th.  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  

Crops are growing rapidly, and careful management is essential to prevent lodging before harvest.  For this week's Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dr. Richie Hackett from Teagasc Oak Park to discuss strategies for reducing lodging risk and the best use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Richie explains that high nitrogen rates and fertile fields are most vulnerable to lodging, and he also explains that variety selection plays a key role, noting that Champion winter wheat is more prone to lodging than most other wheats on the recommended list 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 

For this week's Grass10 grazing management update, as excellent grazing conditions prevail, Joseph Dunphy discusses managing supply and he has a grazing update from David French, Co. Wexford. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-1stApril 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 month's Pig Edge podcast, we're featuring highlights from a recent episode of the Tillage Edge focusing on the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming. Pig production is one of the main consumers of Irish cereals and the resulting slurry produced on units can be an important source of nutrients for tillage crops. Opportunities for greater co-operation between the two sectors, from diversifying cereal production to increased use of pig slurry on crops, can lead to a stronger bio-circular economy, with resultant economic benefits for both parties.On this episode, Michael Hennessy, host and head of the Teagasc Crops Knowledge Department, was joined by Tillage Specialist ,Ciaran Collins, and our own Specialised Advisor, Michael McKeon, to discuss the various management considerations of utilising pig slurry on tillage farms. For more episodes and information from the Pig Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/pigs/the-pig-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com 

Teagasc researcher, Sarah Burke, is on this week's Beef edge podcast to discuss her latest research on grass-white clover and multi-species sward systems.  A source of inefficiency in beef cattle production systems is the failure to meet live weight targets throughout the animals' lifetime, resulting in animals being older at slaughter. Consequently, lifetime production costs, which are mainly feed-related, and the associated environmental emissions, particularly methane and nitrogen, are increased.  Nationally, mean age at slaughter for late-maturing suckler-bred steers, the predominant breed type from the suckler herd, is 28-months. This is five months later than achieved in grass-based research systems and high-performing commercial farms. Within beef production systems, older animals at slaughter are generally less profitable and have a substantially higher environmental footprint. Sarah highlights that for many decades, perennial ryegrass has been the dominant, sometimes the only, constituent included in grass seed mixtures used to renew grassland. More recently, white clover has been included. Compared to ‘grass' based swards, Teagasc Grange research has shown the capacity of white clover inclusion to fix atmospheric N, resulting in annual savings of chemical fertiliser, equivalent to 100-150kg N/ha, for beef cattle grazing systems.  There is now increasing interest in using ‘multi-species' swards to further exploit complementarity between pasture species which include:·      grasses - perennial ryegrass and other grasses·      legumes - white and red clover·      herbs/forbs - e.g chicory and plantain Sarah's research investigated the growth and carcass characteristics of late-maturing suckler steers genetically divergent for carcass fatness, produced on grass-white clover and multi-species sward systems and finished at 19, 23 or 26 months of age.  It was based on the two years data collected to date at Teagasc Grange and it concluded that growth performance of suckler beef cattle grazing grass-clover and multi-species swards, or offered silages conserved from these pastures, was similar. Sarah also discussed how the Fat-EBV steers achieved greater carcass fat scores and a similar carcass weight compared to lean-EBV steers. Sarah will be presenting her research at the British Society of Animal Science 2025 conference next week 8-10 April in Salthill in Galway where the theme will be ‘Supporting Livestock's Role in a Global Society'. For further details go to: https://www.bsas.org.uk/conference-2025 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  

Michael O'Donovan, Head of the Grassland Science Department at Teagasc Moorepark joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge. Michael discusses the grassland performance on Irish dairy farms over the last number of years, how farmers can increase the amount of pasture grown on farm and outlines key decisions that need to be made over the coming weeks to ensure high levels of animal performance over the coming months. 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, as AFC drops with the excellent grazing conditions, Joseph Dunphy discusses feeding the cow appropriately, plus he has a grazing update from Eoin Corrigan, Co. Meath. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-25thMarch  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

Sean Coughlan, CEO of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss Irish dairy, dairy beef breeding and everything in between. Sean discusses the National Genotyping Programme, the changes that they have made to improve for 2025 and how they have even more herds taken into the programme and will be looking to recruit more later on this year with the long term view to have a fully genotyped national herd in the future. Sean highlights what he feels might be a lost opportunity in that we're not able to filter some of the surplus replacements from the top EBI herds to the lower genetic merit herds. He would love to see the top herds breed the replacements for the bottom herds as it is just too much of a mountain to climb for those lower genetic merit herds and the performance levels that those top herds are actually achieving is so good: 500 litres more milk; producing 53 kilos more milk solids per cow; 16 days better calving interval which is translating into a 12% better 6 week calving rate, and low CO2 emissions. Sean also spoke about the potential of dairy beef by choosing easy calving sires that have more carcass weight than the easy calving bull as was often the choice in the past – no extra calving difficulty but significantly better beef merit calves. Sean then outlines some changes that are on the cards for the EBI this year such as a review of the economic values used in the index and a base change to reflect better the cows that are now in the country. Sean finishes by outlining how the benefits of genomics in terms of its ability to identify lethal genes such as HH3 which results in embryonic death. Identifying the carriers and using sire advice to avoid the breeding of positive cows and bulls can eliminate this negative embryonic death which is a major issue for seasonal calving systems.  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, Joseph Dunphy discusses managing the remaining grazing area on the 1st rotation and he has a grazing update from Shane Seymour, Co. Tipperary. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thMarch  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, and with the great grazing conditions, Joseph Dunphy discusses reviewing grazing progress throughout March and he has a grazing update from Dara Killeen, Co. Galway. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-11thMarch  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/Tírlan Future Farm programme farmer, David Fennelly, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss how the busy calving period is progressing, and he outlines his grazing management to date.  David also explains how he will manage the coming weeks to ensure success as the herd heads towards peak production.   Plus, programme advisor, Sandra Hayes, highlights where the programme farmers are at with regards to grazing and nutrient management this spring.   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, Joseph Dunphy discusses reviewing your AFC in early March and he has a grazing update from the O'Callaghan family in Cork. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-4thMarch 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

Tommy Cox, Teagasc Dairy Beef500 Programme Advisor, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss calf sales this spring. Tommy outlines what farmers should do from the moment the calf hits the ground in order to have them as fit and healthy as they can when it comes to sale time. He discusses the important relationships that farmers are forging around the sale of calves in the last few years and how it is important that these are maintained for the good of both. While prices are strong presently, compared to previous years, Tommy argues that there is a value in the relationships that have been developed over the years and that people need to factor this in when setting the prices of calves. The price paid is a significant factor in the profitability at the end of the day and that is important for the future sustainability of the calf-beef farms. Tommy also explains that when buying a calf, a farmer should be looking for a healthy calf, a calf of known parentage, otherwise you are buying an unknown animal, and finally, to have a price that you can give for the calf but not to compromise on the health or the genetics of the calf in order to meet that price.    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, and with the challenging week's weather, Joseph Dunphy discusses getting one grazing per day and he has a grazing update from Ben and Robin Mooney, Co. Wicklow. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-25thFebruary 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

Shane Leane, technical sales manager with Progressive Genetics, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss the importance of milk recording.  He also outlines how to ensure efficiency and accuracy throughout the process.  Plus, Shane discusses how to use to data to maximise the benefit to your herd.  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, with the challenging weather, Joseph Dunphy discusses getting one grazing per day and he has a grazing update from John Finucane, Co. Limerick. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thFeb 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

John McCabe, Teagasc/Aurivo Joint Programme Advisor, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to cover tips on grazing in spring. John first gives a range of scenarios that he has heard from across the country.  He encourages people to get grazing if not already. For those who are, they need to manage their grazing to ensure they don't leave themselves short of grass at the end of the 1st round. John advises to get cows into the habit of grazing by grazing lower cover – this will also help get ground grazed off and growing for the 2nd rotation. Then move to the heavier cover to take it off before it starts to deteriorate in mid-March. This will also aid recovery of this type of ground. Finally John says that it is very important to get early N out in the right conditions asap. The equivalent of a bale of silage/ha is up for grabs by doing it and if you're not in a position to do, seek the help of a contractor as you cannot afford to miss the early application of fertiliser.  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, Joseph Dunphy discusses getting grazing allocations correct and he has a grazing update from Lauren Kinsella, Co. Carlow. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-11thFeb 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

David Wall, Teagasc Researcher at Johnstown Castle, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss correct nutrient management use on dairy farms this spring.  David outlines how the correct timing, rate and type of fertiliser is key to ensure efficient use of the nutrients available on farm.  He makes the point that when conditions are correct, it would be an opportunity lost not to apply the required nutrients in order to increase the amount of grass grown and set the farm up for subsequent grazings. 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, Joseph Dunphy discusses attending a spring pasture morning near you and asks can you start grazing on your farm? Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-4thFebruary 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

Raymond Ryan of Dairygold's Milk Quality Advisory team joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge with tips on preparing for commencing supply and ensuring milk quality standards are maintained. Raymond recommends washing the bulk tank and the plant in advance of putting milk in the tank as it has been idle for a number of weeks now. He also suggests checking the level of uptake of chemical to ensure the tank and any autowashers are using the right quantity of detergent and descaler. High SCC in February is not acceptable and Raymond recommends people try to respond as early as possible in order to deal with the source of the problem. This may require consultation with your vet as to the best course of action but getting on top of SCC at the start of lactation is important to have good control for the full lactation. Finally, Raymond speaks a lot about the process, whatever the process is, whether it is washing the milking machine, dealing with a mastitis case, dealing with a freshly calved cow, it is important that people put a system in place and stick to it so that it can be repeated consistently.  This, in his experience, is what delivers results from a milk quality perspective but can also contribute to the smoother running of the farm during busy periods such as during calving. 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

On this week's Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses completing your opening AFC on PastureBase Ireland and previews the upcoming Spring Pasture Morning events throughout the country. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter: https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thJanuary  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 ruminant nutritionist, Dr Aisling Claffey, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge podcast to discuss how to best meet the nutritional needs of the calved dairy cow throughout early lactation.  Aisling outlines the energy requirements required to minimise body condition loss and optimise animal performance over the spring period and how these can be met with a simple diet of grazed grass, high quality silage and concentrates.  The importance of achieving at least one grazing per day was discussed whilst also giving an understanding as to what's needed at farm level when this isn't achievable in difficult periods. 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

On this week's Grass10 grazing management update, Joseph Dunphy discusses all things Nutrient Management Week which is across all Grass10 social media accounts this week and he encourages farmers to get out and complete an opening AFC on PastureBase Ireland. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-21stJanuary 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

Cathal Somers, Water Quality Specialist with Teagasc, joins Stuart Childs on this week's Dairy Edge to discuss spreading organic fertilisers. Cathal gives a summary of the factors that need to be considered before spreading slurry or manure even though the closed period has ended. Cathal sympathises with the challenges farmers face trying to make this decision as it can be a challenge.  In an ideal world, he suggests that farmers should try to hold off spreading slurry until mid-February as day length increases, growth increases to use the nutrient applied, plus ground conditions might be better – although he does acknowledge that we can't say if that will be the case in any given year.  If you are going to spread, you need to watch the rate, so 1500-2000 gals/acre, and target it to the right fields, which would, in most cases would be silage fields where the greatest demand for P and K will be and then to adhere to the 10m buffer zones for the two weeks after the closed period has ended.  Cathal also says that the 1.5m distance for fencing can allow for a vegetative buffer to grow inside the wire that can act as a second line of defence in the event of heavy rainfall washing nutrients towards a dyke or a drain, so the combination of this with the correct buffer can help prevent nutrients getting into waterways. He also suggests that if farmers are finding themselves under pressure to spread currently, they think about where the excess of slurry is coming from. Is there water making its way into tanks that shouldn't? If yes, can it be stopped or is additional capacity needed and should consideration be given to this?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, Joseph Dunphy discusses getting soil samples completed while ground conditions are good and he highlights the upcoming Nutrient Management Week on our social media channels. Link to this week's Grass10 newsletter:https://bit.ly/Grass10-14thJanuary 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

Monaghan dairy farmer, Paddy Traynor, joins James Dunne on this week's Dairy Edge to outline his simple grass based block spring calving system that is capable of producing a good economic return.  Paddy explains what he does to ensure he is best prepared for calving, while explaining how he manages labour on a part-time basis.  Plus he explains how he has adopted several simple practices that ensures a high level of efficiency in the busy spring period.    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