Articles

Reviewing yields with Signpost farmer Tom Barry

Reviewing yields with Signpost farmer Tom Barry After a challenging year, Tom Barry, a Signpost tillage farmer from Co. Cork, takes a look back at the yields obtained on his farm. Tillage farming in 2024 was one of the most challenging years; many of us did two years’ work in one, along […]
23 December 2024

A noble of the wood – plant a holly for the future

A noble of the wood – plant a holly for the future Is holly brightening your home this Christmas? Have you considered planting this noble of the wood? In this article, Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, explores the many benefits holly trees bring to our landscapes and biodiversity. Perhaps you bought […]
22 December 2024

Farm safety during the Christmas holiday period

Farm safety during the Christmas holiday period The Christmas holidays bring a buzz to farms, with family home and friends visiting. Amid the festive hustle, it’s vital to prioritise safety. Francis Bligh, Health & Safety Specialist, shares essential tips to keep you and your farm safe during this busy time. Help with […]
22 December 2024

Kiss dry turkey goodbye!

Kiss dry turkey goodbye! Say goodbye to dry turkey this Christmas with Chef Maria Harte’s expert tips and resources for a stress-free festive feast. From a comprehensive Christmas Dinner Planner to a Turkey Cooking Time Calculator, everything you need to ensure your turkey steals the show. According to Safefood’s annual survey, 55% […]
21 December 2024

The story behind your Christmas Brussels Sprouts

The story behind your Christmas Brussels Sprouts Brussels sprouts season is in full swing. With Christmas nearing, growers are working hard to get these classic veggies onto Irish dinner plates. Love them or hate them, sprouts are a holiday staple. William Deasy, Specialised Vegetable Advisor, shares the story behind them. Growing and […]
21 December 2024

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly Do you know the origin of holly and its many traditions? Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, tells us all about the traditions and myths around the holly tree, from Roman times to pagans and druids. More episodes and information from the Environment Edge
20 December 2024

The story behind your Christmas ham

The story behind your Christmas ham The Christmas ham is an institution in many homes throughout Ireland, served along with the turkey as the centrepiece of the festive celebrations. Ciarán Carroll describes the journey of your Christmas ham, from farm to fork. Behind each ham is a careful process of pig production, […]
20 December 2024

New cost control tool for dairy farmers

New cost control tool for dairy farmers Dairy farmers attending the Teagasc National Dairy Conference were given a first look at a new tool to enable better cost control on their farms. Showcased by Patrick Gowing, Dairy Specialist, and Nora O’Donovan, Dairy Advisor on the Dairygold Joint Programme, the Teagasc Dairy Farm […]
20 December 2024

Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network

Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and Agricultural Knowledge Network January 2025 sees the launch of the Farmer-focussed Biodiversity and agricultural knowledge Network (FarmBioNet) Project. The project, led by Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is funded by the European Union under the €93.5 billion Horizon Europe programme for research and innovation.  FarmBioNet aims […]
19 December 2024

Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations

Fertiliser use changes, impacts and key recommendations Mark Plunkett and Dr. Siobhán Kavanagh, Teagasc Signpost Programme, take a closer look at how fertiliser use changed on farms over 2024, examine the possible environmental impacts and share a number of key recommendations for the year ahead. The National Fertiliser Use Report 2024, stemming […]
19 December 2024