The Environment Edge

Tom Houlihan, Acting Head of Forestry Development Department, Teagasc, joins Róisín McManus and Deirdre Glynn to discuss, ‘Navigating the Teagasc Forestry Roadmap: Mobilising Ireland’s Timber Potential’. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Advisor Jack Hyland, Scheme Support Teagasc, explains how a simple, tailored Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) can cut your costs, boost your profits, and keep you compliant. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Pat Moylan, Teagasc Dairy Advisor, and Dr. Seamus Kearney, Signpost Climate Advisor, are on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss what the new Nitrates Action Programme will mean for farmers and how important it is to put plans in motion now to meet the pending deadlines. Click here to register for Teagasc’s Nitrates Action Plan Webinar at 8pm on 13th Jan:https://bit.ly/nitrateswebinar For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Concerned about the recent spread of bluetongue virus? Veterinary surgeon, Patrick Duff, cuts through the noise to deliver the essential facts you need to protect your livestock and understand this complex disease. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Rebecca Tierney, a leading poultry advisor with Teagasc, discusses poultry health and the critical challenges of managing bird flu outbreaks. With years of hands-on experience and a passion for safeguarding flocks, Rebecca shares practical insights and strategies to protect poultry, maintain industry standards, and stay ahead of avian influenza threats. This episode of the Environment Edge is packed with essential advice for farmers, industry professionals, and anyone invested in the health of our poultry industry. Rebecca and the Teagasc poultry team are available to guide and support all poultry producers. Hear more from Rebecca Tierney on The Poultry Edge podcast at: https://podfollow.com/the-poultry-edgehttps://teagasc.ie/corporate-events/lets-talk-poultry/ For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Maura Brennan of Nore Vision, the Nore River Catchment Trust, joins Deirdre Glynn to explain the work of Nore Vision and the involvement of farmers in their water quality projects. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Roisin McManus, a Teagasc ASSAP advisor based in Tipperary, shares her insights into the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme (ASSAP). Roisin discusses how water quality improvements are being implemented on farms, the progress being made, and the collaborative efforts driving change at ground level. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Dr. Olga Lastovetsky, Assistant professor in UCD’s School of Biology and Environmental Science, joins us to tell us about our fungal and bacterial allies, and how these relationships boost crop production. Olga explains how the microbes in our soil are the tiny allies that feed crops, fight disease, and keep farms resilient. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Dr Fiona Brennan, Teagasc senior research officer in soil microbiology, chats to us about ‘The GroundTruth Project' that is connecting communities to soil science, unearthing data and helping to get a deeper understanding of the soil beneath us. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Join us as Dr. Catherine Keena explains the difference between topped and treelined hedges, and don’t miss National Hedgerow Week starting August 29th to celebrate their vital role in our environment. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Sustainable grass production can play a major role on Irish farms, leading to more profitability but also reducing nitrogen loss from our farms through the use of clover and utilising available data, to make quick decisions. Dr. Deirdre Hennessy, UCC lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture, joins us for a chat. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc Catchment Coordinator for the Slaney, Neilus Noonan, joins us with an update on the Catch Crop Pilot Measure in the Farming for Water EIP. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Dr Deirdre Hennessy, UCC lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture, joins us to discuss the tools and technologies that farmers can use to meet our climate targets and the importance of encouraging farmers and the next generation. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With nearly two-thirds of soil samples falling below the ideal pH range for grass growth, Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Signpost Programme Training & Development Specialist, joins us to talk about the benefits of liming our acidic soils. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Continuing our discussion on organics with Teagasc's Organic Crops Specialist, Martin Bourke, and Wicklow tillage farmer, Tommy Delahunt, we hear about some of the obstacles Tommy has had to overcome, while Martin explains why the real legacy of organic farming will be in the years to come. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Tommy Delahunt, a tillage farmer in county Wicklow, who is in the Growing Organics programme, and Martin Bourke, Teagasc Organic Crops Specialist, join us to chat about Tommy’s journey from conventional tillage to organic and how he has adapted his farming practices. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

We link up again for part two with James McGlone, manager of the Stranooden Group Water Scheme, and Teagasc ASSAP advisor, Domhnall Kennedy, who are protecting water in county Monaghan through a suite of mitigation measures on farms, ranging from nature based solutions to rush control techniques. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

A novel approach is being taken by the Stranooden Group Water Scheme to protect water in county Monaghan, working with catchment science and farmers to improve drinking water. James McGlone, manager of the Stranooden Group Water Scheme, and Teagasc ASSAP advisor, Domhnall Kennedy, joins us for a chat. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Farmers have to deal with a lot of new terms that can become confusing and so, Leonard Betts, Teagasc Signpost Climate advisor, joins us to shed some light on the difference between nitrogen balance and nutrient use efficiency, its importance to farm economics and the environment. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc Forestry Specialist, Frances McHugh, joins us to chat about the financial supports which encourage people to develop and manage sustainable forests - and you don't have to be a farmer to apply. To find out more go to:https://capnetworkireland.eu/schemes-and-grants-in-forestry-agroforestry/ For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With 24,000 hectares of forestry windblown as a result of recent storms, making up 3% of the total planted forestry in Ireland, where can forest owners go from here and what support and advice is available? For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc’s Dr Veronica Nyhan, Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, joins us for a chat about the value of organic manure and how it can be used on farms. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With up to 1,500 estimated cases each year in Ireland, causing fertility issues, premature death in calves and other health problems, Dr Cliona Ryan, genetics and genomics postdoc researcher in Teagasc Moorepark, joins us to discuss new improved methods in identifying these issues. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Continuing our chat with young farmers, Karen Delaney and David Melody, who join us to reflect on 2024 and their hopes for 2025. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Karen Delaney and David Melody are two young farmers who join us to reflect on 2024 and planning for 2025. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Do you know the origin of holly and its many traditions? Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc forestry development officer, tells us all about the traditions and myths around the holly tree, from Roman times to pagans and druids. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with frost on the ground and the Christmas trees going up across the country. Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc forestry development officer, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast for a festive chat about the origin of the Christmas tree and its management. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Anna Meenan, Traditional Farm Buildings grant scheme programme manager, and Ian Doyle, Head of Conservation with the National Heritage council in Kilkenny, join us to discuss the importance of historic farm building conservation and how to apply. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Continuing the topic of asking if farmers are going in the right direction in relation to improving water quality, Teagasc Agricultural Catchment Specialist Eddie Burgess discusses the challenge on Irish farms. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Are farmers going in the right direction in relation to improving water quality? Teagasc Agricultural Catchment Specialist, Eddie Burgess, joins us to discuss the challenge on Irish farms. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Martina Gormley, chats to us on the latest Environment Edge about hours worked per cow and how farmers can reduce their overall labour demand. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc dairy advisor, Nigel Kennington, chats to us about planning and preparing ahead on farms for the winter period. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With 80 % of European habitats in decline, what implications does The Nature Restoration Law have for Ireland? Teagasc Principal Research Officer, Dr. Daire O'hUallacháin, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss The Nature Restoration Law. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist, Dr Catherine Keena, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss natural and semi-natural grassland. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

What is the nutrient value of your slurry and how much do you think 1,000 gallons is worth? Teagasc ASSAP advisor, Hugh Rooney, joins us on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss all things slurry and how to get the best from it. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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/

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/

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/

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, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 slurry tragedies and near misses. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 wettest year on record in Ireland. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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.ie/environmentedge/

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/

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.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/Pic source: RTE

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

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/

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 information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/