The Environment Edge

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 soil health.   For more episodes and informatio...

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 farmers on marginal land in Ireland.   For more ep...

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.ie/environmentedge/

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 the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:...

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 demonstration farms and the pathway to 2030.   For mor...

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://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 reactive.   For more episodes and information from the...

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/

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: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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/Kilkenny region, Seamus Kearney and Patrick Dunphy...

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 from the Environment Edge, visit the show page a...

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 the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/envir...

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 Certified Irish Angus Schools Competition.  ...

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 feel the regulations really are.     For more epis...

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 joins us to discuss his role with the National...

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 latest Environment Edge podcast, James Murphy, far...

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://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 episodes and information from the Environment Edg...

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 found ourselves in this situation, Ireland’s Clim...

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 four years.   For more episodes and information fro...

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 get the best from this valuable nutrient.   For m...

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 detail.   For more episodes and information fro...

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 in Freshwater Ecology and Biology, Dr Heat...

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.   For more episodes and information from the Envir...