TResearch
2023
Leaf it to science As climate change reshapes growing conditions, Irish forests must adapt. New research explores how species choice, genetic diversity, and forest management can help build resilience from the roots up. Continuous cover forestry systems are close to nature forests and allow newly regenerated seedlings to prosper under the cover […]
Interview: Seeing the forest for trees Forestry Senior Research Officer Ian Short talks us through recent advances in closer-to-nature forestry, and why agroforestry means more than just land grants for growers. Ian appreciates seeing agroforestry and Continuous Cover Forestry enjoy a “renaissance” as increasingly valid approaches in recent years. Photography: Finbarr O’Rourke […]
Milking the data Leveraging data from technologies offers farmers a unique opportunity to enhance the productivity, sustainability and welfare of Irish pasture-based systems. Credit: MSD Animal Health Cows that show signs of heat before the breeding season are significantly more likely to become pregnant, a finding that’s helping farmers in seasonal-calving systems […]
Strengthening forests for climate challenges Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, outlines how research in forest resilience, carbon, and management practices is helping future-proof Ireland’s forests against climate challenges. Credit: Sylvia Becerra Gonzalez/istockphoto.com Building more resilient forests is central to Teagasc’s work in forestry. Through targeted research, advisory […]
Rooting innovation: shaping Ireland’s apple future A research initiative at Teagasc Oak Park aims to boost apple production in Ireland by exploring innovative training systems and rootstocks. The project focuses on improving yield efficiency, enhancing fruit quality, and cutting labour costs, offering Irish growers strategies tailored to the local climate. Credit: Teagasc […]
Going viral Research at the Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc Ashtown is exploring the potential use of viruses to combat pathogens in commercial mushroom cultivation. Typical symptoms of dry bubble disease on a mushroom crop. Credit: Teagasc Mushroom cultivation is a significant horticultural enterprise in many countries. In Ireland, commercial mushroom production […]
Cultivating safety: sowing the seeds of safer farming How do farming experience and social influences shape safety awareness among young farmers? This research explores the behavioural drivers of farm injury risk perception. Credit: SolStock/istockphoto.com Although farm safety is governed by legislation, it is strongly influenced by individual behaviours. These behaviours are shaped […]
Turning waste into wealth: the hidden potential of animal blood proteins Animal blood is a nutrient-rich by-product offering sustainable solutions. Innovative processes transform it into valuable products, turning waste into wealth and advancing a circular economy. Credit: MediaProduction/istockphoto.com Ireland has established itself […]
Interview: Not for lack of drying A Senior Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark’s Food Research Centre, Eoin Murphy is focused on improving drying processes and associated energy usage in the dairy industry. An upcoming symposium in Cork will be examining this sector’s challenges and opportunities. […]
Celebrating Teagasc’s Food Programme Highlighting the Food Programme’s lasting impact on the evolution of the agri-food sector. Teagasc’s Food Programme focuses on research, development and innovation across key sectors such as meat, dairy, cereals, prepared consumer foods and marine food. The programme also emphasises training and technology transfer, ensuring knowledge and expertise […]