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

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

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

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

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

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, join Cathal and Deirdre to discuss the Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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

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/environmentedge/

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

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

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 Pesticide & Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG). For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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, farming in county Kilkenny, tells his story of a fatal bull attack. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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

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 Climate Action Plan, but most importantly, how farmers can be part of the solution to a global problem. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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

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

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

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 Heather Lally, from the Atlantic Technological University Galway, joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to explain in more detail. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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

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/environmentedge/

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

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 sustainability on the farm whilst improving profits. Podcast SurveyIn 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 Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 Edge podcast to discuss just that. Podcast SurveyIn 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 Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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

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

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 Deirdre and Cathal to discuss just that.Podcast SurveyIn 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 Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 Environment Edge podcast to discuss what we can do on the farm and other initiatives going on to help our pollinators.Podcast SurveyIn 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 Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 such as soil health, biodiversity, hedgerows, water quality and what interested farmers on the day. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

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 to discuss how it’s going and also tells them what farmers can look forward to seeing in the Signpost village at Beef 2022. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With ever increasing pressure on beef farmers, how can we produce a quality product as efficiently as possible to make beef farming more profitable while also making it more environmentally and socially sustainable? Programme manager of the Future Beef programme, Martina Harrington from Teagasc joins Deirdre and Cathal to discuss just that. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

ASSAP advisors work with farmers to improve water quality in priority areas for action across the country but who supports the advisors in regards to information on water quality in local areas? Catchment scientist with the Local Authority Waters Programme, Dr Philip Murphy joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss his role supporting ASSAP and how his work can help towards solving our water quality issues. Philip also gives Deirdre and Cathal a few tips on how to visually assess your own river. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

The Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for protecting and improving the environment in Ireland which is done through providing environmental data, assessments and evidence to inform decisions and policy. Catchment scientist, Eva Mockler joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to chat about water quality and the tools the EPA Catchment Science & Management Unit are developing to help us make improvements. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With a third of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions coming from agriculture and methane being one of the biggest challenges, what is the Teagasc led project Sea Solutions doing to solve the problem? Dr Maria Hayes, Teagasc Senior researcher in Ashtown’s food research centre and co-ordinator of the Sea Solutions project joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest Environment Edge podcast to explain more. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With weather starting to pick up, getting clover into our grassland swards is a priority for many farmers. Mike Egan, Teagasc grassland research officer in Moorepark joins Deirdre and Cathal on the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast to tell them ‘how and why now is the time for clover’. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

On the latest episode of the Environment Edge podcast, it’s the second part of the interview with Bryan Daniels who is the former Sustainable Farming Grassland Farmer of the Year and is producing up to 17 tonnes of grass dry matter per hectare. Bryan joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to discuss sustainability actions he is putting in place on the farm, the challenges and opportunities for farmers in the future and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Former Overall and Sustainable Farming Grassland Farmer of the Year, Bryan Daniels, who is producing up to 17 tonnes of grass dry matter per hectare, joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss how this can be achieved and the sustainability plan on his farm to meet environmental targets. Listen in to hear what Bryan means about the importance of the invisible cow along with much more excellent advice. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Minister Hackett recently announced the Organic Farming Scheme is now open for new applicants until the 8th April 2022, and a number of changes have been made to the scheme to encourage farmers to join. Joe Kelleher, Teagasc Organic Farming specialist joins Deirdre Glynn & Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With a huge focus on gathering vital data over the last decade, six catchments and over 300 farmers participating in the programme with the aim of improving water quality, Eddy Burgess, Agricultural Catchments Specialist with the Teagasc Agricultural Catchments Programme joins Cathal and Deirdre on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss nitrogen loss from agriculture and the programme’s Working Together for Water Quality week. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

A natural solution to a major problem - how can nematodes help towards meeting European commission targets of a 50% reduction in the use of pesticides in the next decade? Winner of the Teagasc award at the BT Young Scientist competition 2022, Johannah Pigott and her teacher Joanne Corkery from Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk, Co. Cork, join Deirdre and Cathal on the latest episode of the Environment Edge to discuss just that. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Sometimes in sustainability we forget the most important part: the person. With winter still hanging on, people trying to cope with Covid and pressure on the farm mounting, many farmers can feel a bit down this time of year. Dr John McNamara, Teagasc H&S specialist chats to Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest episode of the Environment Edge about Teagasc’s role in promoting farmer mental health and wellbeing, what to look out for and how we all can help. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With fertiliser prices having gone through the roof, how can we become more efficient in 2022 in order to maintain grass production? Mark Plunkett, Teagasc Crop & Nutrient Management Specialist, joins Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss the options. You’ll also hear about a great project carried out by Teagasc and forty local farmers in the Kilkenny/Waterford advisory region where slurry was analysed in Spring 2021 and you’ll be surprised to hear how much a tanker of slurry is worth now. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With the Christmas season very much in the swing now and lots of houses displaying wonderfully lit up trees and decorations, sometimes we take for granted how much we rely on our electricity supply or how its produced. Teagasc Energy and Rural Development Specialist, Barry Caslin, joins Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss the possibility of energy shortages in the future, price hikes and what the agricultural industry can do to help solve the problem. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

We are being asked to significantly reduce carbon emissions over the next few years, but to do this farmers need to know their baseline emissions. Did you know this information is available to many farmers based on their own farm but where can you find it and what does it mean? Siobhan Kavanagh, Teagasc Communications Specialist with the Signpost Farm programme and Mick Houlihan, Agri Sustainability Manager with Bord Bia, join Deirdre Glynn and Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss our carbon footprint and how we can reduce farm emissions. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With global temperatures on the rise, this week’s Environment Edge podcast asks how will this affect exotic and endemic disease in Ireland? Superintending Veterinary Inspectors Caroline Garvan & Damien Barrett join Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn to chat about antimicrobial resistance, animal health and the upcoming Department of Agriculture Food & the Marine’s Animal Health Awareness week running from the 18 – 24th November. For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/