The Tillage Edge (Teagasc)
Explore every episode of The Tillage Edge
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Dec 2020 | A Review of the 2020 Growing Season | 00:34:03 | |
On the final Tillage Edge podcast for the year, Michael Hennessy reviewed the 2020 growing season with Teagasc specialists Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan.
Both Shay and Ciaran pointed to the highs of a great start this spring but the weather played its part in the lows with drought in the east and storms in the south contributing to lower yields.
Despite the lower yields a good rotation and/or adding organic matter were factors which resulted in higher yields whether the crop was challenged with drought or not. Ciaran maintain growers who are on top of these two areas get higher yields year after year.
Straw yields were also reduced this year and after a very slow start of sales but sales picked up in the autumn. Although a good level of straw is sold, but yet to be delivered, it will take until the spring to clear sheds.
In 2020, policy makers have recognised tillage as an important part of Irish agriculture and as a low GHG producer compared to other systems. There is a renewed desire to feed more Irish grain to livestock and grow more indigenous proteins which will help tillage farmers for the future.
However, challenges still exist with EU policy makers encouraging farmers to use lower levels of plant protection products and fertilisers.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 15 Sep 2022 | Here’s how you can help shape the new pesticide regulations | 00:18:23 | |
Application of pesticides is highly regulated but new rules are coming down the track which are being formulated by the EU at the moment and Anne Marie Dillon from the Department of Agriculture and the Marine joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to outline what is contained in these EU proposals.
The areas of concern include: increased recording at farm level, reductions of PPPs by 50%, changes on how advice can be given by advisors and prohibitions on applying pesticides in sensitive areas.
Many of these proposals will have far reaching consequences for the industry but farmers and industry can have their say to feed into the process before the rules are signed off.
You can click here to start the process:
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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 | |||
| 28 Nov 2024 | Leading the Way in Sustainable Tillage: Tom Barry’s Environmental Journey (Part 1) | 00:20:13 | |
Tom Barry, a tillage farmer from North Cork, who has recently been recognised with multiple environmental awards, joins The Tillage Edge for a two-part series sharing how he's implementing sustainable farming practices from using organic manures and reducing fertiliser use to enhancing biodiversity. Plus he discusses the impact of these actions on his farm’s productivity.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 06 Aug 2020 | Harvest 2020 Update | 00:22:00 | |
This week’s Tillage Edge podcast with Eoin Lyons discusses harvest 2020 with Teagasc tillage advisors Ciaran Hickey and Conor O Callaghan to see how progress is going to date and how crops are yielding in the south and north-east of the country.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
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| 11 Aug 2022 | UK harvest almost finished - the latest from Dubliner, Andy Mahon | 00:27:28 | |
The Tillage Edge chatted to Andy Mahon, who is a farm manager in North Bedfordshire in the UK. Andy, originally from Dublin, is almost finished the harvest already. Andy said this has been the earliest, and easiest harvest he has ever been involved in. Crops developed earlier than normal through the spring and the lack of water has not helped yields. Andy said yields are 10% lower than the farm long term averages but the quality is excellent and he is hoping wheat crops will achieve milling specification. Andy is concerned about the high risks of production for next year but has purchased all the fertilisers already so he will continue growing wheat. 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 | |||
| 03 Sep 2020 | The Importance of Soil Fertility and Soil Sampling | 00:18:12 | |
Dr Veronica Nyham from Teagasc, Portlaoise joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss important aspects of soil fertility and soil sampling.
Veronica explains that over 50% of tillage soils have low soil fertility (index 1 and 2). Where farmers are using maintenance fertiliser levels on these fields then crop yield will be penalised.
Lime is the most import part of soil fertility and will aid or hinder the uptake of all nutrients. Due to crop yield, rainfall and chemical fertiliser input soils need about 1.5-2.5 tonnes of lime every 5 years.
Veronica emphasises the importance of mapping fields before soil sampling to take account of soil variability. Teagasc are available to take the soil sample through our soil sampler service and then create a Nutrient Management Plan when the results are available.
Finally, the Crops Forum takes place on Thursday September 10th and 17th between 6.30-7.30pm on both evenings. Topics like varieties, BYDV, Green Deal and recommendations for the development of the tillage sector and more will be discussed.
For more information see
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/nationalcropsforum.php
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
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| 06 Jun 2024 | The Kilkenny farmer getting the best from organic manures | 00:20:10 | |
Kilkenny farmer Kevin O’Donnell joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain how he is getting the best from organic manures on his tillage operation.
Kevin has been using manures for a number of years and is in the process of constructing a large over-ground slurry store.
Before importing slurries, Kevin’s advisor produced a Nutrient Management Plan so that Kevin could have confidence in the quantities of manures which can be imported each year.
Kevin says he will use the slurries to build background levels of P and K as well as contributing to current yields.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 09 Dec 2021 | Review of the year for tillage farms | 00:25:26 | |
2021 will be remembered by most people as an excellent year for tillage farmers. However the year wasn’t without its ups and downs in terms of weather and other events and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy looks back on 2021 with Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, tillage specialists in Teagasc, to hear how it treated tillage farmers.
Ciaran first highlighted the issues around the cold conditions during the spring and how farmers managed with these conditions, but both Shay and Ciaran said that 2021 will be remembered as being an almost perfect year for getting work completed and also for increased income.
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
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| 02 Jan 2025 | Tax Implications of Farm Transfers: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 2) | 00:23:48 | |
For the second of the four-part series on farm succession ,we re-join James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, to take a closer look at the various tax implications when planning for the farm transfer.
James talks about the tax exposure where the succession is not well planned and how to all but eliminate this cost.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 05 Oct 2023 | Grazing cover crops with store lambs | 00:19:13 | |
The practice of fattening store lambs on cover crops is becoming more popular and Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Production in Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss how to get the most from the cover crops whilst maximising animal performance.
Michael explains that lambs will take a little time to get used to the taste of the new crop and a gradual introduction over a week will help. Once the lambs are used to it their intake will rise and they will thrive on the crop.
Michael also say that lambs will happily graze a mixed species of cover crops and in general they should perform well on these crops.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 21 Dec 2023 | Looking back on the tillage year & the learnings from it | 00:28:54 | |
As the end of the year approaches, most tillage farmers will want to forget 2023. Unfortunately it will be remembered as a year of weather extremes and the resulting difficulties. But it is beneficial to look back on how we dealt with the year and if we would have made any decisions differently. To look back on the tillage year that was, Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan join this week’s show. Teagasc Survey See the link below
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| 12 Dec 2024 | Calculating tillage incomes for 2024 | 00:23:28 | |
Teagasc Economist, Dr. Fiona Thorne, discusses the key findings from the recent Teagasc Outlook 2025 conference on this week’s Tillage Edge.
Tillage farm incomes are expected to rebound after the tough year of 2023, with estimates showing a 40% increase in 2024 and further gains in 2025.
However, Fiona highlights the importance of context, emphasising that incomes are still below the five-year average.
She explains how these estimates are calculated, the role of cost savings, and assumptions for 2025.
Farmers are encouraged to assess their own costs using tools like Teagasc’s Profit Monitor or by consulting their local advisor.
To view the Teagasc Outlook 2025 report go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/rural-economy/outlook/
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 04 Apr 2024 | Jim McCarthy’s update from Romania | 00:40:46 | |
Jim McCarthy joins the Tillage Edge again this week with the latest on managing the 16,000 hectare farm in Romania and to share some insights on the global grain trade.
Jim discusses the agronomy of growing crops in Romania and how the farm is growing most of their crops using less nitrogen but with an increased use of digital farming methods.
Jim says the use of precision farming allows grain maize to be planted in exactly the same row as N fixing cover crops allowing a saving of nitrogen.
He points to the reduced grain prices leading to a larger than normal number of farmers who are now in financial difficulties but points out that the Romanian government has stepped in to help these farmers until this harvest.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania | 00:41:31 | |
Jim McCarthy, who manages a large farming operation in Romania, shares his insights into the challenges of 2024 when extreme heat devastated yields across the country.
He discusses how his no-till system has been of huge benefit for his farm and explores diversification options, including forestry, that he has pursued in recent years.
Also, don’t miss our series of Winter Crop Workshops in the coming week – see more here:
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 16 Jul 2020 | Blight Control and Potato Crops Supply in 2020 | 00:19:21 | |
Shay Phelan, Crops & Potato Specialist, Teagasc, Oak Park joined Mark Plunkett on the Tillage Edge podcast this week.
Shay discussed potato blight control, blight programmes, products available and their effective use.
There was also an update on potato crops in 2020 and expected market supply, plus development of resistant strains of blight was also discussed on the programme.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
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| 24 Mar 2022 | Applying slurries to growing crops - a Cork farmer’s experience | 00:32:47 | |
Tom Barry, a Cork farmer near Mallow, chats to Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast about applying pig slurry to growing winter crops.
Tom has been applying slurries to his land for over 20 years and says the benefits are twofold.
“I can reduce costs by €150/ac or more and increase yields by three quarters of a ton per acre,” said Tom.
Michael McCarthy, Tom’s Teagasc tillage advisor, pointed to the level of nutrients which were measured at 14 units of Nitrogen, 5 units Phosphate, and 15 units of Potassium per 1,000 gallons.
Michael said “We measure the dry matter to calculate the usable nutrients and we estimate close to 100% of these nutrients will be utilised by the crops this year.”
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
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| 24 Nov 2022 | The New CAP Regulations – Conditionality for Tillage Farmers | 00:20:22 | |
The new CAP starts in January 2023 and it brings with it new rules which farmers need to follow to receive their payments.
Michael Moloney, from the Department of Agriculture, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to chat through some of the changes around conditionality, especially land management issues.
Michael explains that, even though there are some new rules, most of the rules in the new CAP will be familiar to most farmers.
Michael also points to the interaction of the Nitrate regulations, especially around the establishment of green cover, as one of the major changes for tillage farmers.
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 | |||
| 24 Sep 2020 | Weed control in winter cereals | 00:20:52 | |
Weed control in winter cereals is the topic covered on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast with Martin Bourke and Jimmy Staples joining Michael Hennessy to discuss in more detail.
Martin, a Teagasc advisor from Wicklow, discussed the advantages of selecting a pre-emergence or post emergence herbicide options. Martin outlined knowing the field history is extremely important to selecting the best pre-emergence herbicide but also pointed out that a follow up post emergence clean herbicide up treatment is needed.
He explained this gives the farmer a chance to use herbicides with alternative modes of action which will help to reduce the chances of herbicide resistance developing in the field.
Jimmy Staples, from the Teagasc ECT project, discussed controlling grass weeds in winter cereals. Jimmy agreed that pre-emergence herbicides work well in most situations, however, he pointed out there are more options for wheat than barley.
Jimmy also warns farmers about blackgrass control on farm.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 07 Nov 2024 | Organic farming - is it a viable option for tillage farmers? | 00:25:59 | |
Organic farming is gaining attention as a viable option for tillage farmers, especially with the demand for organic feed in livestock production on the rise.
Martin Burke, an organic specialist from Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how the recently opened Organic Scheme could offer new opportunities for farmers looking to diversify and improve sustainability.
With profitability challenges in conventional tillage farming, Martin says the organic scheme is ideally suited to tillage farming where part of the farm can be converted to organic and continue to farm the remaining area as conventional.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 02 Jul 2020 | Combine set up and the importance of stopping grass weed seeds spreading during harvest | 00:18:36 | |
Dermot Forristal was the guest on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to speak to Michael Hennessy about combine set up and also the importance of stopping grass weed seeds spreading during harvest.
Crop through put, crop losses and quality are important factors in setting up the combine according to Dermot.
“Adjustment varies according to combine make but in order to get the set up correct machine operators should make one adjustment at a time and check the results afterwards,” he said.
Harvesting machinery from the combine to the baler, straw rakes and even tractors and trailers will spread grass weed seeds. Dermot is hugely concerned that farmers and contractors do everything possible to stop the spread of grass weeds especially blackgrass.
“All equipment should be thoroughly cleaned after leaving contaminated fields,” commented Dermot “And there cannot be any exceptions, especially with blackgrass.”
Dermot pointed out that farmers must take responsibility for grass weed problems on their farm and inform contractors well in advance of harvest and be prepared to leave the infected fields to the end of harvest to stop any further contamination.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
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| 11 Jun 2020 | How to deal with broad leaf weed control and herbicide resistance issues | 00:18:52 | |
On the Teagasc Tillage Edge podcast this week, Michael Hennessy was joined by Liz Glynn of Corteva, who chatted about broad leaf weed control and herbicide resistance issues in Ireland.
Liz told the Tillage Edge there are problems with broad leaved weeds escaping uncontrolled or partially controlled through to harvest. Liz said farmers need to check a number of areas such as weed type, weed size, growing conditions and herbicide type/rate to ensure that all conditions are correct to control the weed. Where there are correct and poor weed control is observed then herbicide resistance can be considered.
Liz mentioned resistance weeds such as chickweed were increasingly showing up on farm in the past couple of years. Corteva trials were showing increased resistance in chickweed to SU herbicides but herbicides like fluroxypyr (Starane) control these resistance weeds.
Liz maintains where there is good practice including rotations, alternating crops, ensuring competitive canopies and good selection of correct herbicides, then growers will be able to reduce the likelihood of resistance on their farms.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia
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| 16 Sep 2021 | Day 1 of the National Crops Forum on varieties, septoria and grain markets | 00:15:10 | |
Day 1 of the National Crops Forum highlighted important information on varieties, septoria and grain markets which is worth listening to if you missed it the first time around.
The new varieties of winter barley, wheat and oats were discussed, as well as the influence of sowing dates on septoria control for the season with John Joe Byrne from the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc’s Stephen Kildea.
Phelim Dolan, from Comex McKinnon, shared his thoughts on the prospects for grain for the coming months. He strongly suggests all growers look closely at markets and take a profit when it’s there as it may not be around for long.
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast you’ll hear the questions and answers between Michael Hennessy and the speakers.
The full webinar can be found on the Teagasc Crops YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR1LyJxDjO0dFywu6Y3OXnw
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
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| 29 Aug 2024 | Mixed harvest results from Poland and the UK | 00:26:23 | |
Tim Bergin, a Dublin man farming in Poland, and Andy Mahon, a Dubliner who manages a farm in the UK, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about their respective harvests with contrasting reports of a very difficult year in the UK and a year full of promise from Poland.
In Poland, Tim explains that yields were reasonably good and harvest was straightforward to complete with all grain saved at low moistures. However, in the UK, Andy reports a very difficult year with yields back by about 15-20% across the board.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 19 Dec 2024 | The Next Generation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 1) | 00:20:50 | |
In this first episode of a four-part series on The Tillage Edge, we explore how families can best plan for succession on the farm.
James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, discusses the key aspects of family farm succession and for part one, we focus on how to begin the succession journey, starting with family communication and the types of support available to help get the process underway.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 28 May 2020 | Tips & advice for potato agronomy at this time of year | 00:15:12 | |
With the current heat, many crops are growing rapidly, where moisture is not limiting. Irrigation will maintain and drive on this growth rate. This new growth is more susceptible to blight and difficult to keep protected due to the amount of new leaf material produced each week. Irrigation (or rain) will create humidity and leaf wetness making ideal conditions for blight spread.
There has already been one blight warning in the north west and if we get prolonged rain, conditions would be very conducive to blight spread. The first blight application is a trade-off between having enough foliage to receive the fungicide and the likelihood of spread. Prevention of blight in the canopy is key and sets the foundation for season long control.
Denis also stressed to need to regularly inspect seed crops for blight and viruses. Potato virus can build up quickly in seed potatoes with potato virus PVY the most important virus. Denis discusses controlling this virus but also mentions that PVY is difficult to control.
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia. | |||
| 24 Oct 2024 | The best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals | 00:18:25 | |
With many crops just starting to emerge, it's time to think about protecting them from BYDV, or Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus.
Dr. Louise McNamara, an entomologist from Teagasc, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals.
Louise emphasises that monitoring for aphids is key to any Integrated Pest Management approach.
However, due to the challenges of correctly identifying aphids and determining whether they carry the virus, the recommended timings for aphid control this year remain similar to previous years.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 19 Oct 2023 | USA harvest update: Brian Caldbeck from Laois talks about his experiences in Kentucky | 00:17:42 | |
Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man living in Kentucky, talks to Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge about his experiences in the US over the past 20 years.
Brian is very much involved in agriculture, running a business called Rubisco Seeds. The company supplies oilseed rape seed for the food grade market, with much of the seed coming from Europe. Why Europe? Because the market wants a non-GM product.
Brian explains that Kentucky is a small state in terms of overall gain production but it is still about one and a half times bigger than Ireland.
Maize and soya are the biggest crops and Brian says that, where resources are available, many farmers can achieve two harvests in the same year comprising of winter wheat and June sown soya.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 18 Jan 2024 | A Preview of the National Tillage Conference | 00:14:03 | |
The Teagasc National Tillage Conference takes place on January 31st in the Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Ewen Mullins, Head of Crops Research, Oak Park, Carlow, joins us to talk about the exciting line up and the change of format for the conference this year.
Ewen explains the change to the conference format is due to feedback from previous conferences and the desire to improve attendee participation in the discussions.
The conference will have a mix of research and addressing the current issues both in presentation format and in the workshop sessions.
Ewen highlights the different topics being covered including the exciting research where molecular screening is able to quickly map fungal pathogens which could be of concern to growers through the year.
For further details of the conference and to register click here: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/national-tillage-conference-2024.php
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 | |||
| 09 Jul 2020 | Expected tonnage and prices for harvest 2020 | 00:18:03 | |
Pat Farrell, IFA Grain & Horticulture Executive joined Mark Plunkett on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with Pat giving an update on the expected tonnage for the grain harvest both locally and internationally as well as prices for 2020.
Pat also discussed many factors impacting grain prices here in Ireland from maize corn, forward selling to Covid 19. It was highlighted that oilseeds and proteins crops provide an option of spreading the risk at harvest time plus offer many benefits in terms of rotation and higher cereals yields.
Finally, Pat gave a very comprehensive update on the straw market and potential supplies for a range of crops in 2020.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.
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| 21 Mar 2024 | Sean Kelly MEP discusses EU policy and the tillage sector | 00:27:36 | |
Sean Kelly, who is a Member of the European Parliament for Ireland South, joined the Tillage Edge this week to chat about how EU policy is put in place and the influence farmers can have when these policies are being devised.
Firstly, Sean welcomed the move by the EU to reduce red tape and is keen to follow this through to implementation.
He said farmers and the farming lobby need to have a greater input when the laws are being developed rather than when the new regulation is in the final stages of completion.
Here is a link to the consultation process to reduce the red tape: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/consultations/farmers-consultation-simplification_en
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 14 Oct 2021 | What’s behind the cost of certified seed? | 00:26:13 | |
The majority of seed sown on tillage farms every year is Department of Agriculture certified seed and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, it’s part two of the seed story that tracks the seeds journey from the seed growers field through the seed assembler to the final customer.
Gerry Lohan, from the Seed Inspection Division of the Department of Agriculture, outlines the checks made by inspectors and laboratory tests carried out to ensure the quality is maintained. Gerry describes the zero tolerance for wild oats, bromes and blackgrass that are an integral part of the process.
Tim O’Donovan, Seedtech, describes the checks and balances carried out on seed as it goes through the seed assembly plant and also the decision matrix to decide on the most appropriate seed dressing for seed before it reaches the final customer.
For more on combinable seed production visit the Department of Agriculture website here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/99d2c1-guide-to-seed-certification-combinable-crops/
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
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| 23 Dec 2021 | Andy Mahon on his UK 2021 Harvest & Prospects for 2022 | 00:28:25 | |
Andy Mahon, an Irish man and farm manager of a large farm in the UK, returns to the Tillage Edge this week to discuss with Michael Hennessy how his season went from June to December this year.
Andy reported exceptional yields (11t/ha) from his winter wheats in 2021 (on a direct drill system) but was disappointed with the spring wheat.
Andy described the harvest as ‘the wettest dry weather’ they had for some time and by that. he meant the dull weather over harvest slowed drying and most grains were harvested at 17-18 MC, or very similar to an Irish harvest.
Andy commented that the autumn drilling went extremely, well given all the good weather. However, knowing what he knows now, he would have preferred to delay planting for at least a couple of weeks to help control blackgrass on the farm.
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
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| 22 Feb 2024 | Winter crop agronomy: priority actions are stacking up | 00:25:58 | |
Many farmers are contemplating if their winter crops have enough plants to give a viable return and at the same time, are anxious to start the management of good crops on the farm.
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, who are both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, chat through the factors that should be considered before taking out a planted crop and managing healthy crops.
“Many crops which were poor before Christmas are now looking reasonable and there will be sufficient plants to support a good crop,” explains Shay while Ciaran Collins says it’s a little early for nitrogen in winter barley but the first application with P and Ks is just around the corner on most farms.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 08 Apr 2021 | April Crop Agronomy Webinar Q&A | 00:22:55 | |
Teagasc held the first in a series of Crop Agronomy Webinars this week looking at different crops through the season. Presented by Ciaran Collins, the Question and Answer sessions from the webinar are worth listening to again as there is a lot of useful information which will help with your agronomy decisions over the next number of weeks.
On the Q&A, Dr Stephen Kildea, Teagasc, Oakpark, talked about yellow rust control in winter wheat and the necessity of early control in susceptible varieties. However Stephen also pointed out that this may make septoria control more difficult later in the season.
Veronica Nyhan, a tillage advisor in Laois, talked about herbicide resistance and how a farmer can rotate crops and herbicides to reduce the potential of resistance developing on farm.
Plus there were other contributions from panellists on a wide range of agronomy issues including trace elements and wild oats control.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 19 Aug 2021 | Harvest Update from Around the Country | 00:30:12 | |
On this week’s Tillage Edge Podcast Shay Phelan talks to three advisors around the country for latest on the harvest.
Broken weather over the last few weeks has slowed down the progress of the harvest so Shay spoke to Conor Kavanagh in Tipperary, Ciaran Hickey in Enniscorthy and John Brophy in Louth to get a view from their areas.
While the harvest has been a stop-start affair so far, some of the highlights according to the three advisers has been above-average yields, good quality grain, low proteins in malting barley and a good demand for straw.
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
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| 03 Oct 2024 | Pre-emerge herbicides will give you better weed control | 00:17:05 | |
Weed control in winter cereals is essential to protect yields and to prevent weed seed return and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, chat through the reasons to prioritise pre-emerge herbicide applications in winter wheat and winter barley.
Shay says there is some flexibility in the pre-emerge application timing, however there is very little flexibility in the rates and he recommends using high rates to achieve season-long persistency.
The Teagasc Crop Report can be downloaded here from the Google and Apple app stores: Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ie.teagasccropreport.app&pli=1 Apple: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/teagasc-crop-report/id1612644393
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Darren Allen from Ballymaloe Farm on improving farm efficiency & the environment | 00:24:16 | |
All tillage farmers can make small changes to reduce the farms environmental impact and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Darren Allen, a farmer from Ballymaloe Farm, Co. Cork, talks about the steps he has taken over the past few years to improve his farm’s efficiency and also improving the environmental credentials on the farm.
He explains how the farm’s rotation has adjusted to improve yields but he has still seen benefits in soil health along the way.
Ciara O’Donovan, a Teagasc tillage advisor in Cork, and also Darren’s advisor, was also on the podcast and spoke very highly about the strides Darren has made in improving water quality, space for nature areas on the farm and also efficiency of nutrient use on the farm.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 06 Apr 2023 | A view of current UK agricultural policies with Andy Mahon, a Dubliner farming in the UK | 00:32:30 | |
Andy Mahon, a Dubliner and farm manager of a large farm in the UK, joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the UK’s agriculture policy and the frustration it is causing to all farmers.
Andy explains how the UK policy is centred on environmental policy rather than food production.
Furthermore, the income supports provided by the Basic Payment schemes have halved and are due to be eliminated altogether by 2028, though some of these payments can be recouped by environmental payments.
Andy says that many of the environmental options were poorly paid but given his farm establishment system and structure, it is reasonably well placed to maximise these payments.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 02 Sep 2021 | Managing headlands and yield reductions of up to 30% on tillage farms | 00:26:23 | |
Headlands occupy a significant proportion of fields, particularly in an Irish context – for example, a 24 metre headland makes up 50% of the total area on a 4 hectare field. Meanwhile, the increasing size and weight of machinery is a threat to soil structure and its ability to produce crops efficiently is a concern.
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Mark Ward joined Michael Hennessy to discuss his work in this area.
Mark reported variable yields on headlands with yield reductions of up to 30% recorded at the field edge. The importance of correctly setting fertiliser spreaders for accurate headland applications was stressed. Fertiliser spreading on headlands tends to be uneven and Mark recorded application rates varying from 80-120% of the target rate.
Soil structural quality differed across headlands with the poorest structure documented in the zone where all machine turns are concentrated. Mark advises all growers to grab a spade and investigate the soil structural condition on their headlands. This will focus growers on maintaining output on headlands by protecting the soils.
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
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| 29 Jun 2023 | Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day in Oak Park | 00:12:35 | |
This is the first of four shows highlighting some of the research from the Crops Research Open Day in Oak Park.
Ewen Mullins, the Head of Crops Research in Oak Park, explains that the aim of the open day is to equip farmers with new knowledge and give them an insight into the new research areas that Teagasc Crops Research are working on.
Dermot Forristal, a researcher in Teagasc, also chats about the machinery demonstrations on the day, while Lisa Ryan, a researcher in Teagasc, talks about the new Brewing and Distilling hub in Oak Park.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 09 Sep 2021 | The importance of correctly managing hedgerows on tillage farms | 00:21:17 | |
Hedgerows are a very important resource within our landscape but over-management is an issue on tillage farms according to Dr Catherine Keena, a Countryside Management Specialist in Teagasc who joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.
Catherine encourages farmers to leave some of the hedgerows unmanaged each year to let plants flower which is good for pollinators, and the resulting fruit, which provides vital food for wildlife through the year.
She also highlights the number of bee species which use hedgerows throughout the year and explained how there are over fifty-five species of birds which nest in hedgerows each year.
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
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| 14 Apr 2022 | Precision farming with fertiliser spreaders | 00:19:15 | |
Precision placement of fertilisers is critical to ensure farmers get the maximum returns and on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge podcast, Craig England, a Precision Ag and Machine Control Specialist working with Topcon, chats about the extra accuracy a GPS enabled fertiliser spreader can bring to spreading fertilisers.
Craig explained how the GPS spreaders can accurately turn on and off the spreader at the headlands but many spreaders, using section control, can modify the fertiliser applied to even out the spread on short ground or awkward corners.
The GPS machines can employ different technology from weigh cells to sensing the torque on the discs but Craig says if these machines are properly maintained they have proven to be very reliable.
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
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| 26 Sep 2024 | Select the varieties which best suit your farm | 00:25:41 | |
As planting season begins, the choice of crop varieties will shape the management practices for the year ahead.
Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the key factors in selecting varieties and why certain ones may be more suitable.
Ciaran advises that for larger acreages, a mix of varieties is crucial. He suggests starting with a BYDV-tolerant variety and then planting a combination of two-row and six-row varieties.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 25 Feb 2021 | Malting Barley Conference 2021 – the Q&A panel session | 00:23:37 | |
Teagasc hosted a Malting barley webinar on Tuesday 23rd of February which covered many areas such as liquid nitrogen, cover crops, ramularia and the activities as part of the Teagasc Boortmalt joint programme.
The questions and answers section was particularly interesting as there were some really interesting angles covered and its worth listening to these again on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.
The expert panel included Deirdre Doyle, Eoin Lyons, Stephen Kildea, Ciaran Hickey and Richie Hackett, all from Teagasc as well as Tom Bryan from Boortmalt. The questions revolved around the topics on the webinar but also included questions about malting barley contracts, components of yield in barley, general barley disease control and more.
If you would like to see a video of the entire webinar go to the Teagasc Crops YouTube page here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6vM546rTu8
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
Plus, don’t forget to register for the next in the monthly series of Teagasc agronomy webinars taking place from 1130-1230pm next Tues 2nd March.
You can register for the event at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/wintercropagronomywebinar.php
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| 13 Sep 2023 | Matt Dempsey on mapping the future for the tillage industry | 00:30:13 | |
Matt Dempsey, former editor of the Irish Farmers Journal, and Chair of the DAFM Food Vision Tillage group, chats to Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast about the interim recommendations from the Food Vision Tillage Group.
Matt says there is an openness by the government to look at capital projects which could support the industry long term such as a storage/processing for proteins, and a processing facility for oilseed rape, etc.
Other areas in which the group will recommend some changes include the Tillage Incentive Scheme, land access, and access to plant protection products.
Also, don’t forget Teagasc are holding a field event at Don Somers’ farm, Oilgate, Co Wexford on Thursday September 14th at 10am.
Don is an innovative farmer who has a terrific story to tell about his farming practice and there is also a range of stands with experts from across Teagasc.
For more details:
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 25 Nov 2021 | Getting your sprayer winter ready | 00:18:22 | |
Dermot Forristal, Oak Park, Teagasc joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss getting machines ready for the winter.
Dermot focuses on protecting sprayers from frost and says that any heavy frost can cause damage but the most damaging time tends to be a sustained period of frosty weather over a week or so.
Dermot recommends larger sprayers would need 10-15L of concentrated antifreeze mixed at a 30% dilution rate should be sufficient for temperatures in Ireland.
This quantity of liquid should be sufficient to circulate through all elements of the sprayer including the spray lines.
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
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| 26 Nov 2020 | Managing Your Greatest Asset: Your Health | 00:23:21 | |
Dr Noel Richardson, Lecturer and Director of HealthCORE in IT Carlow, joined Michael Hennessy on the latest episode of the Tillage Edge podcast to speak about farmers’ health and research carried out for the ‘On Feirm Ground’ initiative.
On the podcast, Noel pointed to the fact that farmers need to take better care of their most precious asset: their health. The research with focus groups highlighted the major areas affecting farmer’s health which included; loneliness, feeling left behind, pressure to expand, inheritance issues and many other. There is a perception that farmers can deal with these issues without help but this attitude appears to be changing slowly.
Both male and female farmers and their spouses who were interviewed talked about how farming can be all consuming and feeling guilty about leaving the farm for other non-farming activities.
The researchers also talked to farm advisors and how they were well placed to recognise problems arising on farms. The ‘On Feirm Ground’ initiative aims to train advisors in these skills which will help to recognise and broach these topics with farmers.
Noel stressed that no matter what problem is on the farm the best method of solving the problem is to talk to someone. This could by a spouse, friend, neighbour or advisor. The key is to start a conservation. A problem shared is a problem halved.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 22 Apr 2021 | Winter wheat disease control | 00:23:03 | |
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Dr. Stephen Kildea, specialists in Teagasc, Oakpark join Michael Hennessy to discuss this topic in more detail.
Firstly, Shay outlines why the leaf three is important and how to dissect a plant to identify the flag leaf and also the leaf three.
You can watch a video on this here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upC54GRDQuM
Stephen meanwhile, outlines why leaf three is key to a successful fungicide strategy and he discusses the factors to consider before choosing specific fungicides.
Stephen also discusses the effects of the recent dry weather on disease levels and how this will influence control strategies through the season.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
And don’t forget to register for the Teagasc monthly crop agronomy webinars with the next one on May 4th.
For more information go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropagronomywebinar4.php
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| 15 Aug 2024 | The Oilseed rape planning window is upon us - here's how to prepare for it | 00:21:34 | |
The ideal time to plant oilseed rape is in the next couple of weeks and so Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the variety choice and best practice for good establishment.
Oilseed rape comes with a lot of in-built genetic technology which Shay says will help to achieve high yields but he cautions that growers should carefully choose the correct variety for their area with disease resistance and pod shatter resistance being very important.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 04 May 2023 | Late sown spring cereals at high risk of BYDV in 2023 | 00:16:45 | |
Late planted spring crops are at a higher risk of BYDV infection this year, as Dr. Louise McNamara, an entomologist in Oak Park Teagasc, explains on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.
To reduce this risk, she says, target an aphicide application at growth stage 14.
Aphid numbers are coming off a low base after the winter and aphids need 170 degree days for population numbers to double. A well timed aphid application will be sufficient to reduce BYDV significantly but this will not completely eliminate symptoms in the field.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | Planting Cover Crops | 00:25:48 | |
Cover crops can be useful for many different functions in a field but some farmers see them as an inconvenience both to plant and to manage before the next crop.
Richie Hackett, a researcher in Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, has been working with cover crops for over 10 years and joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to go through some of his findings - especially the advantages of planting cover crops early.
Richie explained how cover crops are useful for mopping up nitrogen, growing organic matter, reducing soil erosion, helping soil structure and soil health and can supply nitrogen to the next crop.
Richie advocated planting early as trials show a 2t DM/ha reduction in crops grown for every three week delay in planting from late July. He was surprised by the scale of the differences but said that all crops were ploughed back in before the next crop without difficulty or the use of glyphosate.
Richie has produced a video outlining the advantages of planting cover crops early:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P7nShiQLrc
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
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| 07 Sep 2023 | Managing hedgerows on tillage farms | 00:18:34 | |
Dr. Catherine Keena, a Countryside Management Specialist in Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy on the latest Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the management of hedgerows on tillage farms.
Catherine explains that allowing hedges to grow wider and taller is very important to encourage biodiversity and increase carbon capture. She added that this can be achieved incrementally by trimming a little higher and wider each year to encourage a denser hedge.
A reminder that the Teagasc Crops Forum is on this Friday September 8th in the Kilashee Hotel Naas, and for more details go to:
Also a date for your diary is a field event at Don Somers farm, Oilgate, Co Wexford on Thursday September 14th at 10am. Don is an innovative farmer who has a terrific story to tell about his farming practice and there will be a range of stands with experts from across Teagasc.
For more details see:
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 08 Jul 2021 | Prospects for the Upcoming Harvest | 00:21:49 | |
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan catches up with Teagasc advisors Michael McCarthy in Cork, Conor O’Callaghan in Dublin and Martin McCullough in Donegal to see how crops are looking in their respective areas and the prospects for the upcoming harvest.
There were differences in the seasons in the areas with weather having significant effects on crop growth, disease pressure and subsequently crop potential.
The lads also discussed the impact of the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) and the impact it had on the straw market and the prospects for grain.
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
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| 01 Jun 2023 | Strip-till establishment with Michael Grace in Clane, Co Kildare | 00:14:25 | |
For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy visited Michael Grace’s farm in Clane, Co Kildare to chat about the strip-till establishment system on the farm.
Michael Grace explains that yields are as good as any of his neighbours and he is very happy with the system. In order to use strip-till successfully he emphasises that it is critical to have a good rotation and also to only work the soils when it is sufficiently dry enough.
Michael uses strip-till to establish all of his crops from winter wheats, winter barleys, beans, oilseed rape to a range of spring crops. He says the system has worked well for early and late sown spring barley. However Michael did caution about the potential for grass weeds to increase rapidly.
The Teagasc Crops Research Open Day takes place on Wednesday, June 21st.
This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Put this in your diary now and for more details go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/cropsopenday.php
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 01 Feb 2024 | Fertiliser markets update and is Polysulphate for you? | 00:24:22 | |
The fertiliser supply chain and costs have been very volatile over the past couple of years and on the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Liam Dunphy, the Managing Director of Gouldings, and Peter Scott, Technical Director of The Fertiliser Division in Origin Enterprises Ireland/UK, join Michael Hennessy to talk about the fertiliser market and also Polysulphate.
Liam explains how the Irish fertiliser market has shrunk by about a third over the past two year, mainly due to price issues. He is particularly worried about the drop-off in the use of Phosphate and Potash.
Peter then gives a rundown of a mined rock called Polysulphate which is rich in potash (11.6%) and sulphur (19.2%), which, Peter says, for tillage farmers, the product is generally within an N,P,K blend.
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 | |||
| 19 Sep 2024 | Comparison of Crop Establishment Techniques for Growers | 00:13:30 | |
This week on The Tillage Edge podcast, we’re circling back to the National Tillage Conference from earlier this year and focusing on the trade-offs of establishment systems with Jack Jameson, as well as the growing problem of weeds, particularly poppies, with Charlotte Morgan.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 14 Mar 2024 | Applying slurry to growing tillage crops on the Kepak farms | 00:22:28 | |
A recent Signpost farm event on the Kepak farm in Dunboyne, Co Meath focused on the use of slurry on their tillage farm. Sam Myles, the farm manager, Veronica Nyhan, a soil nutrition specialist, and John Mahon, Signpost Farm advisor, all joined Michael Hennessy on the Tillage Edge to discuss utilising slurry on a tillage farm.
Sam Myles explains that the farm produces enough slurry to cover 1,000 acres at 3,000 gallons per acre. He says the shift to applying slurries to the growing tillage crop has been very successful and substantial savings are being made on chemical fertiliser.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 10 Dec 2020 | Plant Breeding & Biotechnology | 00:23:11 | |
On the latest Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Ewen Mullins from Teagasc, Oak Park joined Michael Hennessy to discuss and explain the developments in plant breeding and biotechnology.
Ewen briefly mapped breeding developments over the last 150 years before describing the different types of Genetically Modified (GM) techniques in use today.
The most used GM technique is transgenics which uses genes from one plant to transform another (these plants would not breed in the wild). He used the example of Golden Rice which used daffodil genes in rice plants to improve vitamin A levels in rice to help deficient populations in Asia.
Ewen described work being done in Teagasc which ranges from developing new GM techniques to growing GM crops but none of this work will result in crops for Irish farmers anytime soon.
However Ewen is more hopeful for gene editing or Crispr-Cas9 technologies which could be used in the medium term and when available this technique can quickly improve weaknesses in varieties already in use.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 08 Aug 2024 | The harvest in Teagasc, Oak Park - progressing well despite the weather | 00:17:49 | |
The Teagasc crops research farm in Oak Park, Carlow, is in the middle of the harvest and Brendan Burke, the farm manager, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the highs and lows of the harvest so far.
Brendan explains that the winter barley and winter oats yields have been reasonable so far.
The farm also sells straw to regular customers but there was little interest in oaten straw and this was chopped as part of the Straw Incorporation Scheme.
Cover crops are used extensively across the farms with the go to mix of phacelia and vetch.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 10 Mar 2022 | Jim McCarthy on the impact of the Ukraine war on his farm business in Romania and helping refugees across the border | 00:34:40 | |
Jim McCarthy, who is farming in Romania, sixty kilometres from the Ukraine border, chats to the Tillage Edge this week about the impacts of the Ukraine war on his family and business.
Jim discusses the immediate efforts of his staff who are helping Ukrainian refugees arriving at the border to travel to safety outside Ukraine.
He chatted about the effects of changes to grain price and input costs and how this is immediately shaping his business.
Jim also discusses where he thinks the grain production in Ukraine and Russia is likely to go in 2022.
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
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| 10 Oct 2024 | The Department of Agriculture Fertiliser Register – the actions you need to take | 00:22:03 | |
The Department of Agriculture now has a full view of all nutrients imported onto tillage farms and this week on the Tillage Edge, Pat Murphy, Head of Environmental Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, goes through what this means for farmers.
Pat explains that all chemical fertilisers bought and organic manures imported onto a farm are reported to the Department of Agriculture and the combined figures can be used as part of an inspection on the farm.
Pat also encourages all farmers to declare any chemical fertilisers which are unused as closing stocks to the Department through the Agfood system as soon as possible.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 26 Aug 2021 | The impact of the rising cost of fertilisers on tillage farms | 00:22:52 | |
On this week’s Tillage Edge Podcast Shay Phelan talks to soil specialist Mark Plunkett about the impact of the rising cost of fertilisers on tillage farms.
This increase in prices has led to a renewed interest in the use of organic manures on tillage farms.
Mark discusses the value and costs of the different manures available, the practicalities of using them and the crops most likely to benefit the most from using organic manures.
Mark also discusses their impact in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as well as overall fertiliser costs to the farmers.
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
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| 27 Jun 2024 | Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man living in the US, has concerns about the US crops | 00:22:31 | |
The wet and cold spring in Ireland was mirrored in the US according to Brian Caldbeck, a Laois man, who is farming and running a seeds business in Kentucky, USA, and joins Michael on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast.
Brian says the late planting into poor seedbed conditions will result in small roots which leave crops more exposed to drought and heat stresses. Although the risks are greater it all comes down to the weather in July.
Brian also chats about the US farm insurance schemes which most farmers participate in and he explains that these policies are necessary for farmers who rely on bank credit from year to year.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 23 Jan 2025 | A preview of the National Tillage Conference | 00:11:22 | |
One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research and advancements in the field.
For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, gives a preview of what to expect this year.
You must register for the National Tillage conference in advance and can do so here: https://teagasc.clr.events/event/137544:national-tillage-conference-2025
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 20 May 2021 | Disease control in Spring barley | 00:16:45 | |
All growers are aware that disease control is needed in spring barley, however, selecting the correct products and the correct timing will determine if the farmer gets value for money and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Deirdre Doyle, a researcher in Teagasc, told Michael Hennessy that disease levels are low at the moment but this can change especially as the weather is very showery at the moment.
Deirdre highlighted the potential net blotch issues with Planet and discussed how to cope with fungicide resistance in crops.
Meanwhile, also on the podcast, Eoin Lyons, the Teagasc/Boortmalt program advisor, discussed the jobs which are piling up for farmers at the moment in spring crops and the best ways to sequence these jobs.
Finally getting the best from fungicides means getting the timing correct, mistime it and you risk losing 0.5t/ha.
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
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| 25 May 2023 | Update from Don Somers’ farm in Wexford | 00:12:06 | |
The poor spring weather was a key topic on the latest Tillage Edge podcast when Michael Hennessy chatted to both Don Somers, a farmer from Wexford, who is also participating in the Signpost Programme, and John Mahon, his Tillage Signpost advisor.
Don said he was forced to make major changes to his cropping plans this spring. Although these changes could affect the rotation on the farm over the next few years, Don is already planning on replacement crops to minimise disruption.
John Mahon, who is Don’s Tillage Signpost advisor, said that even though Don had reduced his bean area, resulting in increased chemical nitrogen purchases, he has mitigated this by being able to reduce the overall nitrogen input to his oilseed rape crops.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 20 Jan 2022 | Q&A from the National Tillage Conference Part 1 | 00:26:08 | |
This week, the Tillage Edge podcast links in with the National Tillage Conference webinar which covered a number of areas to help farmers utilise fertiliser more efficiently and also addressed where farmers can reduce fertiliser inputs.
The podcast covers the excellent question and answer sections which cover the main topics from the webinar.
Dr. David Wall, Dr. Richie Hackett and Dermot Forristal, all researchers in Teagasc, answered questions on a range of crop nutrition topics including lime, P and K inputs, organic manures, nitrogen and specific issues around oilseed rape and fertiliser applications.
You can watch the webinar in full at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYH-sP3lnWM&t=549s
To register for the National Tillage Conference Part 2 webinar and for other webinars as part of Tillage Month, go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth/
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
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| 06 Mar 2025 | Integrating old ideas with new technology | 00:21:54 | |
This week on the Tillage Edge, we catch up with John Crowley, a Signpost tillage farmer from Wexford, to discuss his farming system.
Located in the heart of malting barley country, John is dedicated to producing high-spec malting barley each year.
Despite transitioning to a min-till establishment system and incorporating organic manures, he has successfully maintained the quality and consistency of his crop.
Tune in as we explore how these changes have impacted his farm and his approach to sustainable tillage.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | What is the ideal tyre for your farm? | 00:28:43 | |
When the rubber hits the road, that’s when the action happens - and when tyres hit the soil, that’s when compaction may become a serious issue.
For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dermot Forristal, a machinery researcher from Teagasc Oak Park, discusses the evolution of tractor tyres and how they impact traction, load capacity, and soil compaction.
Dermot explains how the mix of machinery size and dual wheels in the 1980s provided an optimal balance for weight distribution. In contrast, today’s larger and heavier tractors are pushing tyre technology to its limits, struggling to distribute weight effectively and minimise soil compaction.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com | |||
| 18 May 2023 | Spring cereal weed control and preventing resistance on your farm | 00:26:41 | |
Weed control is as important as ever in spring cereals and Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage specialists in Teagasc, along with Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher in Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the best strategies for weed control in spring cereals.
Shay explains that good control is possible with lower rates but the weeds must be small and the herbicide applied in good growing conditions.
Ciaran talks about the importance of wild oat control and how this can be timed correctly but he cautions about targeting canary grass too early.
Vijaya Bhaskar talks about herbicide resistant testing and he also encourages farmers to send samples to be tested for free.
The following contains instructions on how and when to collect samples:
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 04 Aug 2022 | Is stubble cultivation necessary on your farm this harvest ? | 00:29:01 | |
Ted Massey, from the Nitrates Section at the Department of Agriculture, joined the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the new rules around stubble cultivation. These rules are intended to encourage plants to grow and mop up nitrogen, which could be leached to ground water. Ted chatted through a number of important clarifications to the rules and how farmers can best follow the rules at farm level. Ted said “We listened to the farming community and Teagasc and as a result the clarified rules will both reduce nitrate leaching from tillage land but also leave space for nature”. Ted mentioned that the Department of Agriculture would add more information on their website to provide more clarity to the rules. 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 | |||
| 17 Feb 2022 | The Wexford farmer who plans to use less nitrogen in 2022 | 00:24:29 | |
This week’s Tillage Edge podcast continues the series looking at farmers who are working closely with Teagasc in the Signpost Farms programme and other initiatives.
Don Somers, a farmer in Wexford, and his advisor John Pettit, joined Michael Hennessy to discuss Don’s farm practice.
Don has costed out various fertiliser practices and has identified that changing to protected urea on winter crops will return savings of close to €39/ha or close to €3,000 over the farm.
He is running a min-till establishment system for the past few years and has worked hard to build fertility over the last 8-9 years.
Don has a very good handle on his soil's fertility and yields coming from the fields as he will use yield mapping data to feed into fertiliser prescription maps.
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
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| 01 Apr 2021 | Winter barley disease control | 00:16:12 | |
Disease control in winter barley needs to be considered carefully and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dr Stephen Kildea, Oak Park, Teagasc, joins Michael Hennessy with advice and information.
He explained that areas such as variety resistance to disease, assessing the current disease threat and also looking forward a couple of weeks to what the weather may bring are the most important elements for devising a disease control program.
He stressed the importance of farmers walking their crops to regularly assess the disease levels and progression in crops.
Stephen also told Michael about the current disease incidence in crops around the country and gives examples of disease control actions needed for varieties in both the south and north of the country.
Finally Stephen addressed whether any changes are needed in disease control in conventional and hybrid varieties.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
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| 11 Apr 2024 | Cropping decisions for the coming weeks | 00:25:36 | |
The continuing poor weather is forcing many farmers to change their cropping decisions and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, discuss the benefits and risks of making cropping changes.
Shay explains that the choice between planting seed which cannot be returned and leaving it in the shed for next year is made even more difficult as the weeks pass by.
Both Ciaran and Shay point to calculating a Gross Margin for a crop and maximising the payments like straw incorporation measure and the protein scheme.
For those who might like to chat through these options, chat to your advisor. Teagasc has also opened a Tillage Helpline at 059 918 3533 which is open for the next couple of weeks Monday to Saturday, 9am – 9pm.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 29 Dec 2022 | Farmplan and the importance of digital recording on tillage farms | 00:20:06 | |
With the year coming to an end, you may be reflecting on the good and bad points of 2022, trying to remember the areas where improvement on your farm is needed.
Recording your farm operation, whether it’s fertiliser, pesticides or other inputs, is critical to determining the margin per field or crops.
If you are not able to do this then it will be difficult to put in place the correct measures to rectify any issues.
Teagasc have joined forces with Farmplan to increase the level of digital recording by tillage farmers, and for this week’s episode of The Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy is joined by Ben Hatton from Farmplan to explain more about the programme, how farmers can avail of the software and the benefits they will get from it.
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 | |||
| 18 Jul 2024 | How improved genetics is helping to grow better crops | 00:25:26 | |
Not all crop varieties which could be available to Irish farmers are suitable to be grown in Ireland and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Tim O'Donovan, Technical Director at Seedtech, chats through the varieties which are available and why these are suitable to Irish conditions.
Tim explains the value of trialling these varieties in Irish conditions, as years like 2024 weeds out varieties which are just not suitable to our wetter conditions.
He also highlights some of the new genetics which are available in oilseed rape and winter barley this year.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 20 Jul 2023 | Highlights from the Teagasc Crops Open Day Part 4 – BYDV advice, ramularia control & beta glutens in barley | 00:13:12 | |
This is the final Tillage Edge podcast highlighting the best of the Teagasc Crops Open Day held in Oak Park, Carlow.
On this episode, Louise McNamara and Stephen Byrne, researchers in Oak Park, discuss the extensive research which will underpin BYDV advice in the future.
Deirdre Doyle, a technologist in Teagasc, outlines the recommendations around ramularia control in barley and Sinead Dermody, a PhD student, who is investigating how to increase beta glutens in barley, discusses her research so far.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 26 May 2022 | Controlling foliar disease in crops | 00:29:29 | |
‘A wet and windy May fills the barn with corn and hay’ is a saying that all growers are aware of and hope will come true this year.
However, wet conditions in May bring their own problems with increased foliar diseases and Dr. Steven Kildea joined the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the progress of disease control in crops so far this year
Steven said that despite commercial crops looking relatively clean, many of the untreated crops in Oak Park have moderate to high levels of disease.
There are stark differences between varieties with Graham and Costello worth comparing this year.
Steven refers to timings of fungicide applications also being critical and a poorly applied final fungicide in Spring barley can potentially cost a grower 0.4t/ha of grain.
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
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| 21 Jan 2021 | The benefits of organic manures for tillage farmers? | 00:18:10 | |
Organic manures can supply a badly needed source of carbon to tillage soils according to Mark Plunkett, a Soils and Plant Nutrition Specialist in Teagasc on the latest Tillage Edge podcast.
Mark told Michael Hennessy that a typical dressing of 20 tonnes per hectare of farm yard manure will supply 300 kg/ha of carbon to the soil. As slurries contain more water their carbon contribution is much lower.
Mark stressed the biological benefits of organic manures to revitalise soils by improving nutrient cycling and feeding the flora and fauna such as fungus, bacteria, nematodes and earthworms. Where all of these components are functioning correctly, crops tend to be more resilient during periods of stress (wet weather or drought) and can give higher yields.
Organic manures can replace up to 50% of the chemical fertiliser applied to spring crops and are a direct replacement to the chemical fertiliser in most cases. Mark maintained that most slurries can be transported up to 15 kilometres but recommends discussing this with the slurry producer to source the most efficient transport type.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:
https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
And don’t forget to join us for the virtual 2021 National Conference split over two days on Feb 3rd and Feb 17th.
Register in advance at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/2021tillageconday1.php
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| 20 Apr 2023 | Jim McCarthy update from Romania | 00:37:48 | |
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Irishman Jim McCarthy, who manages a large tract of land in northern Romania, talks to Michael Hennessy about spring plantings, costs of inputs, machinery capacity and why many countries have banned the imports of Ukrainian grain.
Jim says that due to recent rainfall, the farm is behind in the planting of 12,000 hectares of spring crops, though the recent wet weather has recharged soil moisture reserves which will help to drive yields this year.
Jim explains how he is trying to preserve crop financial margins by delaying fertiliser purchases as long as he can and holding off buying plant protection products, however he points to his low machinery costs of €100/ha being of real benefit in a year like this.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | Tillage’s environmental credentials – report from the National Tillage Conference | 00:23:39 | |
The environmental credentials of the tillage sector were discussed at this year’s National Tillage Conference and on this week’s Tillage Edge, we chat with Dr. Bridget Lynch, a researcher at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, about cover crops and their positive impact on water quality.
We also speak with Dr. Giulia Bondi, another researcher at Johnstown Castle, who discusses carbon levels in tillage soils.
Giulia shares insights from the Tillage Signpost Farms, highlighting that carbon stocks found in these tillage soils was higher than expected. One key contributing factor is the deep burial of carbon.
The conference presentations are also available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 31 Mar 2022 | Details of the new Tillage Incentive scheme | 00:22:43 | |
Teagasc tillage specialists, Ciarán Collins and Shay Phelan, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s podcast to discuss the new Tillage Incentive Scheme and what’s in it for tillage farmers.
The specialists also discussed areas to watch out for when ploughing grassland for tillage crops this year.
Shay pointed out that the scheme isn’t attractive to specialised tillage farmers on their own ground (because it is in tillage already) but there are opportunities for tillage farmers to work with grassland farmers to produce crops.
Ciarán pointed to the critical areas to consider before ploughing grassland saying,
“Soil pH and P&K levels should be at a reasonable level before ploughing grassland in order to produce high yielding tillage crops.”
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
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| 21 Sep 2023 | Soil management on Don Somers’ farm | 00:15:00 | |
In the first of a three part series on the Tillage Edge podcast, at a recent Signpost farm walk on Don Somers’ farm in Wexford, Michael Hennessy chats to Dr David Wall, a researcher in Teagasc, about the soils on Don’s farm and the best way to manage these soils for fertility, carbon storage and high yield.
At the same event Pat Power, a tillage advisor in Wexford, discusses straw incorporation, its benefits to soil but also how best to deal with straw volumes after harvest.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 21 Jul 2022 | Harvest 2022: the progress so far | 00:14:05 | |
The harvest so far has been a mixed affair with relatively poor winter barley yields across the country.
On this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, John Pettit and Conor Kavanagh, both Teagasc tillage advisors, discuss the results so far from the south east and the south of the country.
Conor says the poor winter barley yields are probably a combination of earlier drilling which increased the levels of BYDV and take all. Yields were very poor in crops that had high levels of BYDV.
Farmers in the south-east were affected by BYDV also but John pointed out that take all probably had a large effect on barley in a poor rotational. John added that yields, so far, in winter oats are close or above average.
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 | |||
| 17 Jun 2021 | Andy Mahon, the Dublin farm manager in the UK – an update on his year so far | 00:18:22 | |
Andy Mahon, the Dubliner who is a farm manager in the east of the England, re-joins Michael Hennessy on this week’s episode of the Tillage Edge with an update on his year so far.
The farm has a range of winter and spring crops and Andy has managed the farm to a no-till system over the past few years. Generally planting with a no-till system starts later than conventional systems.
Andy started planting a little later than normal in early April. The ground dried out quickly and crops went in good conditions however the wetter weather after planting prompted Andy to reflect and perhaps using a tined machine would have been a little better as it would have allowed more drainage compared the disc (Horizon) drill which was used.
Crops on Andy’s farm are looking well with good yield potential. This reflects an overall trend in the east of England and Andy thinks there is excellent potential in the winter crops in particular.
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
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| 28 Jul 2022 | Wheat yields down 43% - harvest update from Jim McCarthy in Romania | 00:25:22 | |
Jim McCarthy joined the Tillage Edge podcast from Romania this week to give an update on the progress of his harvest and an overview of the harvest in his part of the world.
Jim said that the lack of rainfall so far in the growing season has been compounded by recent prolonged high temperatures and as a result, wheat yields are 40% lower than normal.
He also said he thinks the summer crops such as maize and sunflowers will be severely affected unless they get rain in the coming weeks.
Jim explained that the entire region is suffering and the predicted Romanian maize harvest has been revised from 15 million tonnes to 7.9 million tonnes.
Looking forward to next year, he has forward bought some fertiliser but the farm rotation will change to mitigate some of the risk for 2023.
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 | |||
| 04 Nov 2021 | Oilseed rape disease control | 00:19:29 | |
Oilseed rape crops have powered ahead this year and most crops are in great shape for the winter. Plantings of oilseed rape are up by 30% and forward prices are up by nearly 50%.
But, disease control is important in all crops to ensure full yields are realised and Dr. Stephen Kildea, from Teagasc, joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss disease and growth regulation control in rape.
Stephen said both Phoma and Light Leaf Spot were a problem and need to be controlled in most crops. Walking crops and assessing disease levels is important and in addition to assess if a growth regulator is necessary.
Stephen stressed the need to control disease but also to have a large green canopy next spring to minimise nitrogen inputs.
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
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| 11 Jul 2024 | Wexford’s Gavin Tully on running his successful organic tillage farm | 00:13:17 | |
Organic tillage farming may seem out of reach to most conventional tillage farmers, however Gavin Tully, an organic tillage farmer in Wexford, is on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to explain how he has successfully negotiated some of the problems associated with the organic system.
Gavin explains that he is a fan of cereal and protein mixes as it results in a well-balanced concentrate for his customers.
He also uses multiple ways to control annual weeds in crops to varying degrees of success. But in the end he says establishing a good crop stand is the most helpful.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 16 Feb 2023 | Buying urea will save you thousands of euros on a typical farm | 00:23:35 | |
The cost of nitrogen is stubbornly high but the cost differential between CAN and urea can be exploited to cut costs this year on tillage farms.
Dr. Richie Hackett from Teagasc joins The Tillage Edge podcast this week to chat about how to grow high yielding crops from urea whilst reducing the costs of production.
Richie highlights that a farmer using urea as the main nitrogen source on 40 hectares (100 ac) of winter wheat can save over €7,000 compared to using CAN.
He says growers should choose protected urea and he is confident equivalent yields and protein can be achieved with urea.
However Richie warns growers to ensure fertiliser spreaders are set up correctly to achieve an even spread of urea.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 14 Jul 2022 | The combine harvester settings to harvest crops more efficiently | 00:19:54 | |
Shay Phelan talks to Dermot Forristal and Brendan Burke from Oak Park on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss combine harvester settings to ensure that crops are harvested as efficiently as possible.
Both Dermot and Brendan emphasise the need to adjust the setting to take account of the crop and the harvesting conditions to get a good sample and to reduce losses.
Both also discuss how to reduce compaction on soils during harvest which may have long term consequences for fields, especially those in reduced cultivation 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 | |||
| 26 Aug 2022 | Is solar electricity a good option for tillage farmers? | 00:24:25 | |
Solar electricity from Photo Voltaic (PV) panels can be suitable for tillage farmers who are using a lot of energy such as potato or grain stores and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Barry Caslin, a Bioenergy Specialist in Teagasc, discusses how PV can be useful to tillage farmers.
Barry explains that to get the best from these systems, self-use of the generated electricity will give the best paybacks.
Barry also chats through figures on the capital outlay, expected outputs and paybacks.
Podcast Survey In order to understand the aspects of the Tillage Edge podcast which are most appealing and beneficial to you, it would be great if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey: https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4
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 | |||
| 28 Mar 2024 | Buffer zones – where to put them on your farm | 00:11:28 | |
Buffer zones are important to protect waterbodies and Hugh Rooney, a Teagasc ASSAP advisor, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to talk about how buffer zones are necessary and what benefits these areas can bring.
Hugh explains that protecting waterbodies from nitrates, phosphates, sediment, pesticides and organic matter are all crucial to help the healthy status of rivers.
He highlights the areas on the farm where three metre buffer zones are necessary and also talks about the need for six metre buffer zones for late harvested crops like potatoes, beet, maize, root vegetables, etc.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 24 Feb 2022 | GPS systems: what you need to know | 00:24:27 | |
More farmers are investing in GPS systems but navigating the different systems can be challenging.
This is the first in a series of podcasts on the Tillage Edge exploring the area of precision technology on farms.
Craig England, a Precision Ag and Machine Control Specialist working for Topcon Positioning Ireland, joined Michael Hennessy to go through the requirements for a tillage farmer getting started with a GPS system.
Craig explained that the accuracy of farmer-based systems could vary from 40cm to 2cm accuracy. There are different hardware specifications and subscriptions, which a farmer can purchase to increase the accuracy.
Craig also said that a good system to control GPS enabled sprayers or fertiliser spreaders will cost in the region of €4,000.
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
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| 10 Feb 2022 | Malting barley in 2022 – your questions answered by experts | 00:24:43 | |
This week’s Tillage Edge podcast revisits the questions and answers from the Malting Barley Webinar which was held on February 10th.
A panel of experts from Teagasc, Boortmalt and Teagasc, as well as farmers, answered questions that were asked by attendee farmers during the webinar.
The session covers nitrogen applications for this season, how cover crops can be incorporated into malting barley production and also sustainability issues of producing malting barley.
Dr Gary Lanigan from Teagasc told the webinar that it’s very possible for a 100 hectare malting barley producer to be net zero for carbon.
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
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| 09 Jan 2025 | The Key Steps to Successful Implementation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 3) | 00:18:25 | |
For the third episode in our four-part series on farm succession planning, James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, takes a closer look at the key steps to successful implementation and revisiting a succession plan.
James also touches upon how to bring professional services together to develop a robust succession plan.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 06 Oct 2022 | Waterford farmer, Bill Shanahan, on the benefits of his non-plough based tillage system | 00:24:24 | |
Continuing a series of interviews with tillage farmers who are involved with the various programmes in Teagasc, on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Michael Hennessy finds out more about the Enable Conservation Tillage Project which enables farmers to embrace non-plough based tillage systems whilst at the same time cope with grass weeds that can emerge.
Bill Shanahan, a farmer from Waterford, and his Teagasc ECT Project advisor, John Mahon, join Michael to discuss Bill’s experiences so far.
Podcast Survey In order to understand the aspects of podcasts which are most appealing and beneficial to you the listener, it would be appreciated if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey to give your feedback: https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4
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 | |||
| 18 Aug 2022 | Why oilseed rape is a good choice for 2023 | 00:29:57 | |
Oilseed rape will give comparable margins in 2023 to winter wheat and is a crop worth consideration on most farms and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Shay Phelan and Dermot Forristal from Teagasc discuss the varieties, establishment methods and early crop management of oilseed rape.
According to Shay, choosing a variety with high light leaf spot and pod shatter resistance is a good starting point but there are other traits which can be looked at including Phoma resistance or a Clearfield variety which is matched to a specific herbicide allowing to control other brassicia species in the field.
Dermot Forristal said oilseed rape is resilient and will give similar yields when planted with different establishment systems, providing plants are evenly spaced through the field.
Podcast Survey In order to understand the aspects of the Tillage Edge podcast which are most appealing and beneficial to you, it would be great if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey: https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4
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 | |||
| 08 Sep 2022 | How this Meath Signpost farmer aims to minimise pesticide use | 00:20:48 | |
Vincent Macken is a Tillage Signpost farmer in county Meath and along with his Teagasc advisor, Shane Kennedy, he joined Michael Hennessy on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to discuss sustainable farming in practice.
Vincent said he is developing practices on the farm such as increasing the number of crops in the rotation and focusing on healthy soils both of which are helping to reduce inputs whilst also maintaining profitability.
Shane Kennedy described some of the practices that Vincent uses on his farm including a farm trial where insecticide use is critically evaluated in terms of BYDV control.
Podcast Survey In order to understand the aspects of the Tillage Edge podcast which are most appealing and beneficial to you, it would be great if you could take 3-4 minutes to complete the following survey: https://forms.office.com/r/mDZTE9zPy4 https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | Reducing pesticides use will reduce yields | 00:28:50 | |
One of the standout topics at this year's National Tillage Conference was on pesticide reduction and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights.
Meghan conducted an extensive review of scientific papers and concluded that the evidence supporting pesticide reduction, whilst maintaining yields, is quite limited.
Meanwhile, Robert's research highlighted that expert opinion suggests a significant yield reduction in Ireland if pesticide use is curtailed.
Presentations are available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: | |||
| 04 Jun 2020 | How to deal with the current drought effects on spring barley | 00:17:25 | |
Joining Michael Hennessy was Eoin Lyons, Teagasc Boortmalt Joint Program advisor who told Michael that there is quite a difference in crops across the south east region where he works.
South Wexford has quite good crops whereas the further north (probably from Bunclody) crops are poorer with some very disappointing crops evident now. The past couple of weeks dry and very warm weather were particularly hard on these spring crops.
Eoin pointed out there is very little disease but growers should assess crop potential. Where potential is good a normal fungicide program is advised but where yields are likely to be low then reducing fungicides costs is the prudent thing to do.
Eoin also pointed out that growers should examine fields in the coming weeks for grass weeds like wild oats and canary grass and hand rogue where possible. If this is not possible then crop burn off may be the most prudent control. In all cases drawing any infected patches on a map for reference is essential.
For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia. | |||