Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Stuart Childs, from the Dairy Edge podcast, joins us to chat all about the Teagasc Better Farming for Water, 8 Actions for Change Campaign. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

Teagasc Tillage advisor in the Kilkenny/Waterford region, Mark Trimble, joins us to discuss catch crops and their benefits. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

Head of Economics at Teagasc, Trevor Donnellan, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to chat about the National Farm Survey – Small Farms Report 2022. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

How do Inland Fisheries Ireland inspectors interact with farmers and what service can they provide at this time of year in relation to river and in drain works farmers plan to carry out? Cormac Goulding, Inspector with Inland Fisheries Ireland, discusses his job and working with farmers. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, …

Farmers in Northern Ireland were lucky to escape with their lives in April, when they were involved in a slurry gas incident and now is the time to think, plan and act to avoid these potential tragedies on our farms. Dr. John McNamara and Francis Bligh, Teagasc Health and Safety specialists join us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss …

With rain of almost biblical proportions for the last eight months, farmers have been really struggling to get work done. The big question is why has this occurred and will it continue to happen into the future? Head of Climate Services Division with Met Eireann, Keith Lambkin, joins Deirdre and Cathal to discuss 2023 being the warmest and third we…

Winners of the BT Young Scientist group project and Teagasc award, Loreto Secondary School Balbriggan students, Abigail and Erica O’Brien Murray and Olivia O’Shea, join us to discuss how we can save the common ash. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/…

How likely are you to get an inspection, what to expect and what are the top issues found during inspection? Department of Agriculture District Inspector in the Integrated Controls Divisions, Raymond O’Neill joins us to discuss conditionality. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.i…

Matthew Moylan, ASSAP, Tirlan advisor, Kilkenny Tirlan, chats to Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast about how to minimise nitrogen leaching on farms. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

Mayo ASSAP advisor, Mary Roache, chats to Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast about the steps farmers can take to reduce the loss of phosphorus and sediment from their farm, helping to improve water quality in the local area. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teaga…

In the second of a two part series, Mary Kennedy and Mick Denver chat to us about the pirates of Mud Island, cattle drives from the North Circular road to the North wall, growing grapes in the city and the Judas goat. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/…

A thriving agricultural industry was going on in Dublin city in the 1950s, from pigs and horses to cows. In the first of a two part series, Mary Kennedy and Mick Denver chat to us about the rare auld times as kids in Dublin city and listen in to hear about horse studs, TB, swine flu, the big Tolka flood and much more. For more episodes and informat…

Mairéad Whitty, Local Authorities Water Programme and Project Lead for the Water European Innovation Partnership (EIP) and Noel Meehan, Teagasc, manager of the ASSAP programme, join Cathal and Deirdre on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss the new €50 million Water EIP. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit t…

Kilkenny farmers John Fennelly and Kieran Condon join Cathal and Deirdre on the first Environment Edge podcast of the year to chat about the highs and lows of farming in 2023. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

With the help of the county council, Wexford farmers are working hard to improve water quality in their local seaside village of Duncannon and things are looking good. Eoin Kinsella, agricultural scientist with Wexford County Council and project manager with the Duncannon European Innovation Partnership, joins us for a chat. For more episodes and i…

With big challenges ahead, what does the first soil health law mean for Irish farmers? Also, listen in to hear the latest research on multi species swards and its soil benefits in relation to the mighty nematode, soil functions and carbon cycling. Dr Fiona Brennan, Teagasc senior research officer in soil microbiology joins us to chat all things soi…

From famine torn countries to the idyllic countryside of west Cork, Dr Steve Collins of Derry Duff farm joins us to chat about his journey in nutrition and farming super berries with major health benefits on marginal land in the hills of West Cork. Listen in to hear about the huge health benefits and the alternative enterprise opportunities for far…

Kate Curran, a dairy farmer from county Waterford, and Sandra Hayes, the Teagasc-Tirlán Future Farm Programme Co-ordinator, joins us to discuss the rise of all women discussion groups where everyone feels welcomed, valued & able to contribute. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.i…

With Halloween upon us, on the latest Environment Edge podcast, we investigate the interesting life of bats and why they are so important to Irish farmers. Dr Tina Aughney, working with Bat Conservation Ireland and an Ecologist that specialises in bat survey work, joins us to dispel the myths surrounding bats. For more episodes and information from…

With pressure mounting on Irish farmers to meet the challenge of reaching our 2030 greenhouse gas targets, what measures can farmers take to meet this challenge head on? Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Head of the Teagasc Signpost Programme, joins Deirdre and Cathal on the Environment Edge podcast with an update on the progress to date, the role of Signpost demons…

Ciara Beausang, PhD, Anaerobic Digestion Research Officer, Teagasc, joins us to discuss the Anaerobic Digestion Plant (AD) in Teagasc Grange where organic waste and residues are converted into biogas by a group of microorganisms in an anaerobic environment. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https:/…

With TB on the rise nationally, have we taken our eye off the ball in stopping the spread of this devastating infectious disease? Veterinary Inspector and regional manager in Kilkenny and Waterford Regional Veterinary Office, Ann Quinn, explains how to manage farms to reduce the risk and spread of infection – and how to be proactive and not reactiv…

Teagasc’s Professor Gary Lanigan joins Cathal and Deirdre to discuss the third iteration of the Teagasc Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC). For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/By Teagasc.ie

Aoife Leader, Walsh Scholar working with Teagasc while completing her PhD in Agriculture Innovation Support in University College Dublin, joins Cathal and Deirdre to discuss her research into communicating farmland biodiversity to intensive dairy discussion groups. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:…

With the recent launch of the updated Teagasc MACC, we know it is possible for farmers to meet climate action targets by 2030, however mass adoption of new technologies and practices must be implemented on farm. Teagasc Director of Knowledge Transfer, Stan Lalor, Kilkenny Signpost farmer Peter O’Hanrahan, and Signpost advisors for the Waterford/Kil…

John Carrig, the founder of the Barn Owl Project, which was set up in 2019, joins Cathal and Deirdre for the second part of his discussion with Cathal and Deirdre about barn owls in Ireland. In this episode, John highlights the threats to the barn owl and what farmers can do to help encourage their conservation. For more episodes and information fr…

Listen in for a great insight into Ireland’s relationship with the barn owl and their important role on farms. John Carrig, the founder of the Barn Owl Project, which was set up in 2019, joins Cathal and Deirdre for a bit on an owl chat for the first part of this two part episode. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit t…

When do you reduce chemical fertiliser in a grass clover sward? Dr Deirdre Hennessy, lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture in University College Cork, joins Cathal and Deirdre to discuss. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/…

In the quest for more sustainable beef production, four students from the Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan, Westmeath have developed a five-point sustainable farm plan in combination with rearing Angus animals. Trása & Sinéad Bracken, Chloe McDermott and Mary Colton join us to discuss their project which has made it all the way to the final of the …

With the new measures introduced to the 5th Nitrates Action Programme this year, do farmers feel the actions will benefit their farm and water quality? Teagasc Walsh Programme Masters student Diarmuid Mulkerrins working with dairy farms involved in the Agricultural Catchments Programme chats to us about farmers’ opinions as to how effective they fe…

How well are we doing in Ireland in regards to reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality? The grass and crop season is starting to ramp up now as the weather improves and with that comes the use of sprays to control weeds, fungi and pests in order to protect crops. Paul O'Brien, Chair of the IFA Environmental & Rural Affairs Committee join…

As of January 5th this year, twelve fatal farm workplace accidents were reported by the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland. Unfortunately this accounts for 50% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland, making farming Ireland's most dangerous occupation. All farm accidents are tragic and have devastating effects on farming families and on the late…

With calving season well under way, it’s now time to turn our attention to breeding. Teagasc advisor, John McCabe, working on the Aurivo Joint Programme joins us to discuss EBI, carbon emissions, profitability and what the cow of the future will look like. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://…

In a recent EPA report it was suggested that Ireland needs a major change in our land use in order to reach our 2050 net zero climate targets, with a suggestion of a 30% reduction in the nation herd hitting the headlines. Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, joins us to discuss the Teagasc Climate Action strategy (2022 – 2030). For more epi…

Since the start of the industrial revolution in the mid 1800s, temperature has increased globally by 1.2 degrees Celsius. However what’s even more alarming is that temperature increase has accelerated massively since the 1970s. Dr Tom O’Dwyer, head of the Teagasc Signpost programme, chats on the latest Environment Edge podcast about how we have fou…

What is the one action a farmer can start doing this year without any additional effort that will contribute towards reducing gaseous emissions but also save money? Donegal Signpost Programme dairy farmer, Richard Starrett, and his Teagasc advisor, Conor Maguire, join the show to discuss Richard’s experience of using Protected Urea for the last fou…

We are starting to see slurry tankers out on the land over the last few days as the slurry spreading closed season ends in parts of the country - but are we getting it right or can we do better? Teagasc dairy advisors, Owen Power, based in Dungarvan, and Pay Moylan, based in Kilkenny, join the show to discuss slurry storage options and how we can g…

With a lot of discussion around ammonia emissions lately and plenty of slurry in tanks, the use of slurry additives often comes up in conversation, but are they ticking all the boxes? Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc Research Officer in the area of agricultural gaseous emissions joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to explain in more…

With drones high on the list for Christmas gifts this year for both the young and old, what practical things are people using them for? One innovative EPA-funded project has found a way to take a 2 litre water sample using a drone in order to help sampling become more efficient, a first for any research team in Europe. Senior Lecturer & Researcher …

We have heard warnings for a number of years now about the impact of Ash Dieback in Ireland but what’s the current situation? Teagasc’s forestry advisor, John Casey, joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss and he also has an update on the recent government announcement of a €1.3 billion investment in Irish forestry. Fo…

Jenny Deakin, Manager of the Catchment Science and Management Unit in the EPA joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss the good and the bad findings of the Water Quality in Ireland Report 2016-2021. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environme…

Derogation farming – are you aware of the current situation in Ireland? And what does the future holds for farmers with higher stocking rate? Teagasc Environmental Specialist, Tim Hyde, joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss just that. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show pa…

With Signpost Sustainability Week 2022 in full swing, the latest Environment Edge podcast hears how Signpost farmer Trevor Boland and his Future Beef programme advisor, Gabriel Trayers, are working together, connecting profit and the environment. They discuss with Deidre and Cathal the steps Trevor is taking to reduce his gaseous emissions improve …

With ever increasing pressure on dairy farmers to meet the challenges of sustainability and with greenhouse gas emissions currently to the fore, what work is being carried out to support dairy production systems? Lorraine Balaine, postdoctoral researcher working on a European project called MilKey, joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment…

With major changes to Ireland’s Nitrates Action Programme, in relation to soil sampling and the introduction of a fertiliser register for farmers, coming into effect on January 1st 2023, Teagasc Crop and Nutrient Management Specialist, Mark Plunkett, joins Deirdre and Cathal to discuss how farmers can be ready for the change. Podcast Survey In orde…

Did you know that some earthworms inherit lifelong built channels from their parents? Listen in to hear more about this in part two of Deirdre and Cathal’s chat with earthworm specialist, Professor Olaf Schmidt, from University College Dublin, and discover whether slurry application is actually a friend or foe of the earthworm. Podcast Survey In or…

The farmer and the earthworm have a long standing relationship but now more than ever before we are discovering the huge contribution this army of small creatures make to our land. But are we doing enough to return the favour? Earthworm specialist Professor Olaf Schmidt from University College Dublin, School of Agriculture and Food Science joins De…

Pollinators provide a vital ecosystem service to the agricultural industry but are we doing enough to help our pollinators and the wider biodiversity on farms across the country? Ruth Wilson, Farmland Pollinator Officer with the National Biodiversity Data Centre working on the All Ireland Pollinator Plan, joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Envi…

With great attendance at the recent Teagasc run event, Beef 2022, farmers from across the country visited to hear and see the latest information and technology in beef farming. On the latest Environment Edge podcast, listen in to hear from advisors, researchers and farmers who spoke with Deirdre and Cathal in the Signpost Village, discussing topics…

With over 100 demonstration farms across the country comprising of many different farming enterprises, leading the way in implementing practices to solve our social, economic and environmental challenges, Siobhan Kavanagh, Teagasc Communications Specialist with the Signpost Programme joins Cathal and Deirdre on the latest Environment Edge podcast t…