Best Teagasc Podcasts (2026)

1
Upskilling will pay benefits 28:05

Play Pause

13h ago28:05

28:05

We’re focusing on continuous education and the benefits that upskilling can bring on this week’s Tillage Edge. Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, and Phelim McDonald, Teagasc Tillage Advisor in Carlow, join the show to discuss how farmers can continue to develop their skills. Shay emphasises that building knowledge - particularly around herbi…

1
Beef Outlook 2025–26: Supply, Prices & Profit on Irish Farms 13:42

4d ago13:42

13:42

Pearse Kelly, Teagasc Head of Drystock, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast to reflect on beef supply, market and beef prices in 2025 and how to plan for 2026. Bord Bia had forecast the national kill would be back 70,000-90,000 in 2025 but that has been closer to 200,000. This is likely to remain similar in 2026. Pearse’s long term outlook is posit…

1
Repost: Multispecies swards add the finishing touch on Sligo farm 28:41

3d ago28:41

28:41

For the final OviCast of the year, we're reposting one of the most popular shows from 2025 with Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo. Jonathan talks to us about their contract rearing system and we delve into the performance and managemen…

1
Building a High-Performance Dairy Team: Lessons from South Dakota 34:30

6d ago34:30

34:30

Fermanagh man, Rodney Elliott, who is farming in the US state of South Dakota, joins James Dunne for the second part of his interview discussing recruiting and managing staff, herd breeding objectives, animal performance and herd nutrition. He also offers insights into what he has learned along the way and why he is as passionate about dairy farmin…

1
Repost: Why the plough still pulls weight – and what’s replacing it 19:30

10d ago19:30

19:30

This is our final episode of 2025, and I want to wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and New Year. I’d also like to thank you for joining me, Michael Hennessy, every week as we explored a wide range of topics throughout the year. It’s always great to meet people at events who listen to the podcast and to hear the suggestions for future …

1
Repost: Matt Dempsey on Brazilian beef and the future of the Irish beef industry 31:27

11d ago31:27

31:27

For this special Christmas episode of The Beef Edge, we’re re-visiting our 300th episode of the podcast that was recorded earlier this year with Matt Dempsey, whose career spans multiple decades and various roles in agricultural journalism and beyond. Matt has been instrumental in driving innovations in Irish agriculture through his work as a journ…

1
Understanding Bluetongue: Early Signs and On-Farm Action 24:57

2d ago24:57

24:57

For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue. Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Irel…

1
International Development of Agri Food Systems 51:47

11d ago51:47

51:47

Paul Maher, Teagasc and James Hennessy, Walsh Scholar & founder of Development Pamoja, joined Mark Gibson on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss ‘International Development of Agri Food Systems’. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc’s Cathal Somers. To register…

1
Dairying in Dakota - the Rodney Elliott Story 44:04

3d ago44:04

44:04

Fermanagh man Rodney Elliott, who is farming in the US state of South Dakota, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge. In the first of a two part interview, Rodney outlines how he went from farming 140 dairy cows in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh to operating two large scale dairy units in the US. He describes how the business has grown over time…

1
Bluetongue Risk: Protecting Dairy Stock This Winter 25:08

17d ago25:08

25:08

For this week’s episode of the Dairy Edge, in conjunction with Catherine Egan of the Beef Edge and Ciaran Lynch of OviCast, we talk to John Donlon, veterinary lecturer in Atlantic Technological University about bluetongue. John first describes the disease and explains how it presents in sheep, cattle, alpacas and other cloven hooved animals. He the…

1
Bluetongue Explained: What Beef Farmers Need to Know 25:18

17d ago25:18

25:18

For a special joint podcast on bluetongue, with Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge and Ciaran Lynch from Ovicast, this week’s Beef Edge is joined by vet John Donlon to find out more about bluetongue. Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for increased awareness in the Republ…

1
Lessons from the 2025 Tillage Season 23:37

8d ago23:37

23:37

For this week’s Tillage Edge, we look beyond the headline events and discuss the trends and challenges that have shaped tillage farming over the past year. Richie Hackett, independent agricultural consultant based in Dublin, and John Dunne, Cereals Variety Manager with Goldcrop in Cork, join the podcast to discuss the tillage year. They talk about …

1
Labour-Saving Ideas for Winter Housing and Lambing 20:46

9d ago20:46

20:46

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss practical approaches to reducing labour demands during the winter housing and lambing period. Damian outlines key husbandry practices that can help minimise interventions with ewes later in the season, highlighting how early planning can pay dividends when workload is at its peak. We also explo…

1
What next for the EU Mercosur trade deal 26:54

14d ago26:54

26:54

Live from the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEP Ciaran Mullooly speaks to AgriFocus about the momentum that is building this week in opposition to the EU Mercosur trade deal in its current form.By Agriland

1
Beyond the Farm Gate: The Learnings from Farmer Networks in Advancing Organic Farming Innovation in Europe 57:05

20d ago57:05

57:05

John Noonan, Organic Advisor, Teagasc, joined Cathal Somers on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss ‘Beyond the Farm Gate: The Learnings from Farmer Networks in Advancing Organic Farming Innovation in Europe’. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc’s Elaine Leavy…

1
Bluetongue: Understanding the Threat 17:08

12d ago17:08

17:08

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/…

1
Your Weekly Grass10 Update 8:28

20d ago8:28

8:28

For this week’s final Grass10 grazing management update of the year, John Maher discusses current grazing advice, including opening cover targets and fodder assessment, plus he looks back on the grazing year in review. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at: https://bit.ly/Grass10-9thDecember2025 For more …

1
The latest research findings from the Derrypatrick herd 23:04

18d ago23:04

23:04

Dr. Paul Crosson, Beef Enterprise Leader, Teagasc Grange, is on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the latest research being carried out in 2025 and the plans for 2026. Pauls highlights the current research underway on the Derrypatrick and Maternal Herd and he outlines the findings from the dairy beef work being carried out as well as the latest rese…

1
Repost: Managing Cash, Costs and Volatility - Preparing for 2026 34:22

24d ago34:22

34:22

We’re reposting an episode from October with Teagasc Dairy Specialist, Patrick Gowing, who joined James Dunne on the Dairy Edge to discuss how to best manage surplus cash, build financial resilience, review production costs, and ensure farmers are best prepared for 2026. As 2025 draws to a close, it will be remembered as one of the best farming yea…

1
A winter project - building your own GPS autosteer system 25:05

24d ago25:05

25:05

GPS technology is now commonplace on tillage farms but many do not have auto steer installed. Francis Quigley, Farm Machinery Specialist in Teagasc, joins the podcast to talk about how he built a GPS autosteer system from scratch using the AgOpenGPS platform. Francis doesn’t describe himself as an electronics or computer expert and maintains that b…

1
December Grass Update 12:25

17d ago12:25

12:25

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to explore key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead. Nikki discusses end-of-season grazing management, including closing targets and best practices for managing forage crops. As the grazing season draws to a close, we look at reviewing field grazing performance on your own farm and identify areas for …

1
Farm Level Economic, Environmental & Transport Modelling of Alternative Feedstock Solutions for Regional Anaerobic Digestion Plants in Ireland 1:00:41

27d ago1:00:41

1:00:41

Dr. Fiona Thorne, Research Officer, Teagasc, joined Mark Gibson on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss ‘Farm Level Economic, Environmental & Transport Modelling of Alternative Feedstock Solutions for Regional Anaerobic Digestion Plants in Ireland’. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which w…

1
Your Weekly Grass10 Update 5:35

27d ago5:35

5:35

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses current grazing advice. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at: https://bit.ly/Grass10-2ndDec2025 For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Da…

1
Maximising your take home income 14:25

27d ago14:25

14:25

For this 2nd episode in a two part series, we re-join the conservation with James McDonnell, Financial Specialist with Teagasc, to discuss how farmers can get the most from their accounts and find out if there are other mechanisms, such as partnerships which can help them maximise their take home income. For more episodes and information from the T…

1
Key actions for 2026 from the National Dairy Conference 35:40

1M ago35:40

35:40

Teagasc hosted the National Dairy Conference last week in both Clonmel and Cavan, and the theme of the conference was, ‘Pathways to Progress’, with key sessions on milk price and key farm performance priorities, collaborative farming arrangements and driving further progress in Irish dairy breeding. James Dunne caught up with Joe Patton, Martina Go…

1
Understanding the New Vet Med Regulations 16:11

27d ago16:11

16:11

Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, outlines the changes affecting beef and sheep farms this year on this week’s joint Beef Edge and OviCast podcast. From 1st December, new rules on veterinary medicines came into effect as part of Ireland’s national strategy to tackle antimicrobial and anti-p…

1
Everything you need to know about bluetongue 25:51

28d ago25:51

25:51

Over the past week Agriland reported on the news that there was a suspected bluetongue case reported on a farm near Bangor, Co. Down in Northern Ireland. Results from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) active surveillance for bluetongue indicated the presence of the disease in two cows. As a result they have activa…

1
Vet Med Shake-Up: What’s Changing on Your Farm 15:42

1M ago15:42

15:42

For this joint episode with the Beef Edge, we’re discussing one of the biggest regulatory changes affecting beef and sheep farms this year. From 1st December, new rules on veterinary medicines came into effect as part of Ireland’s national strategy to tackle antimicrobial and anti-parasitic resistance. These changes mean that a range of commonly us…

1
The outlook for Irish pig production in 2026 26:33

24d ago26:33

26:33

The Teagasc Outlook 2026 Conference, which took place on December 2nd, is an event that brings together Teagasc specialists across the different sectors to review performance in 2025 and outlining the key expectations for 2026. Representing the pig sector was Michael McKeon, Specialist with Teagasc’s Pig and Poultry Research and Knowledge Transfer …

1
Protecting poultry and battling bird flu 25:16

25d ago25:16

25:16

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 thr…

1
Lime – the foundation of sustainable farming 1:00:57

25d ago1:00:57

1:00:57

Dr. David Wall, Teagasc Research Officer, and Mark Plunkett, Training Specialist, Teagasc, joined Cathal Somers on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss ‘Lime – the foundation of sustainable farming’. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc’s Fiona Doolan. To regis…

1
Inside Synthetic Cathinones 26:31

27d ago26:31

26:31

Send us a text In this episode of The Analytical Zen Podcast, Dr. Simona Pichini guides us through the complex and fast-evolving world of synthetic cathinones. Dr. Pichini is an Italian pharmacotoxicologist and Acting Director of the National Centre on Addiction and Doping at the Italian National Institute of Health. She is a leading expert in the …

1
Your Weekly Grass10 Update 9:29

1M ago9:29

9:29

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses current grazing advice. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at: https://bit.ly/Grass10-25thNov25 For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/the-dairy-edge-podcast/ The Dai…

1
Getting more from your tax accounts 22:11

1M ago22:11

22:11

Getting value from your tax accounts isn’t just about reducing the tax you pay each year, they can also provide important insights into your business and help you spot trends over time. For this week's Tillage Edge, the first in a two-part series, James McDonnell, Financial Specialist with Teagasc, explains how farmers can get the most from their a…

1
Boosting Beef Performance with Oats 11:22

1M ago11:22

11:22

Ronan Lynch, agronomist with Deeside Agri, and suckler and beef finisher, Brian Kirk from Co. Louth, are on this week’s Beef Edge to discuss the opportunity of using native grains in rations. Ronan explains that of the 7 million tonnes of grains used in the country, only 2 million are produced in Ireland. He highlights the benefits of oats and redu…

1
What’s the outlook for milk prices in 2026? 19:57

1M ago19:57

19:57

In general most dairy farmers have had a relatively good year but since July there has been a downward trend in milk prices which has only accelerated in recent months. Teagasc has forecast that 2025, on average, will likely be “the second most profitable year on Irish dairy farms after 2022”. However as co-ops and processors have repeatedly highli…

1
Practical Steps for Successful Indoor Lamb Finishing 23:31

1M ago23:31

23:31

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us this week to discuss the essential elements of successfully finishing lambs indoors. Michael covers everything from housing and management basics to nutrition and animal health, highlighting the practical steps farmers can take to avoid costly setbacks. The episode wraps up with guidance on the importan…

1
Exploring farmers’ adoption of greenhouse gas mitigation measures that reduce chemical fertiliser application 55:04

1M ago55:04

55:04

Felipe Javier Aguiar Noury, Trinity College Dublin, joined Mark Gibson on the latest podcast version of the Signpost Series to discuss ‘Exploring farmers’ adoption of greenhouse gas mitigation measures that reduce chemical fertiliser application’. A questions and answers session took place at the end of the webinar which was facilitated by Teagasc’…

1
Edmund Motherway, Student Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year 22:55

1M ago22:55

22:55

Edmund Motherway, from Ladysbridge, near Midleton, was the Overall Winner of the Student Section of the Sustainable Grassland Farmer of the Year Awards and he joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge. Edmund was always interested in farming as a child, however, due to the scale of the home farm, he didn’t think he had a future in farming. A tr…

1
Your Weekly Grass10 Update 9:59

1M ago9:59

9:59

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses current grazing advice, while the featured farmer is Mike Ahern from Ballyduff, Co. Waterford. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at: https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thNov25 For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page a…

1
The Challenge of High Beef Prices 10:27

1M ago10:27

10:27

Rupert Claxton, Meat & Livestock Director, GIRA, is on this week’s Beef Edge podcast discussing the global outlook for the beef industry. Rupert highlights that the supply of beef is tight, while demand from the consumer is remarkably robust. The result of good global demand and tight supply are the high prices seen today. Rupert explains how sever…

1
The award-winning sustainable tillage farm 47:38

1M ago47:38

47:38

This week we feature a recent instalment of the Signpost Series with Don Somers, a Wexford tillage farmer and the overall winner of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Award 2025. Don describes his commitment to soil health through regular soil testing, the use of organic manures, and the precision application of fertilisers. Don also disc…

1
November Grass update 9:11

1M ago9:11

9:11

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead. Nikki shares the latest on grass growth rates and covers across the country, and offers practical advice for managing grazing in challenging conditions. Plus she outlines the importance of a structured closing plan. She also discuss…

1
Dairy Conference Preview with Joe Patton 39:36

1M ago39:36

39:36

Joe Patton, Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, joins Stuart Childs on the latest Dairy Edge to preview the upcoming Dairy Conferences. With sudden drops in milk price catching many farmers off guard and even many of those who work in the area of forecasting prices, Joe explains, however, that the best-performing farms remain the best ones…

1
What can we learn from the Environmental Sustainable Farmer of the Year? 1:00:56

1M ago1:00:56

1:00:56

This episode of the Signpost Series, presented by Mark Gibson, focuses on what can we learn from the Environmental Sustainable Farmer of the Year, Don Somers. The webinar hears from Don, his Teagasc advisor, John Pettit, and Teagasc’s Communications and Engagement Specialist with the Signpost Programme, Siobhan Kavanagh. To register for future webi…

1
Nore Vision, Shared Future: Farmers Taking Action 28:03

1M ago28:03

28:03

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/…

1
Your Weekly Grass10 Update 8:30

2M ago8:30

8:30

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses current grazing advice and setting up for the spring, while the featured farmer is Gerry Finneran, Carrignavar, Co. Cork. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter at: https://bit.ly/Grass10-11thNov25 For more episodes from the Dairy Edge podcast go to the show page at: htt…

1
Harvest Results: How Irish Tillage Performed in 2025 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

Teagasc Tillage Specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciarán Collins, discuss the key findings from the Teagasc Harvest Report 2025 on this week’s Tillage Edge. Shay outlines how favourable weather and strong winter crop performance led to higher yields and a national cereal production of 2.23 million tonnes of grain. It’s not all rosy, however, as Ciarán h…

1
Efficiency That Pays: Grass, Breeding & Better Results with John Barry 12:03

2M ago12:03

12:03

With the Teagasc National Beef Conference taking place on Tuesday, the 18th of November at the Raheen Woods Hotel in Athenry, County Galway, Future Beef farmer, John Barry from Nenagh, County Tipperary, is on this week’s Beef edge podcast to explain his suckling-to-weanling system and how he balances shape and quality to meet both home and export m…

1
Water Quality in River Catchments with Philip Murphy 36:33

2M ago36:33

36:33

Philip Murphy, Catchment Coordinator for the River Blackwater, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss applying water quality and addressing it. Philip explains that his role focuses on addressing agricultural pressures on water quality across the wider Blackwater catchment, beyond the already targeted high-priority areas, through …