Best The GroundTruth Project Podcasts (2025)

1
The GroundTruth Project 28:24

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9h ago28:24

28:24

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…

1
Celebrating Ireland’s Hedgerows 28:25

11d ago28:25

28:25

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/…

1
Why Now is the Time for Sustainable Grass Production 31:24

29d ago31:24

31:24

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 th…

1
Could a simple crop rotation be the key to cleaner waterways? 34:34

2M ago34:34

34:34

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Climate Targets, Technology and Profitability on the Farm 15:36

2M ago15:36

15:36

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/…

1
Why Regular Liming Can Drive Profits 24:58

3M ago24:58

24:58

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/environment…

1
The Future of Organic Tillage 25:43

3M ago25:43

25:43

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 Edg…

1
Attractive Returns: Growing Organic Tillage in Ireland 24:42

3M ago24:42

24:42

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 a…

1
Protecting drinking water in the drumlins of Monaghan (Part 2) 23:28

4M ago23:28

23:28

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 Environme…

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Protecting drinking water in the drumlins of Monaghan (Part 1) 24:51

4M ago24:51

24:51

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 Envi…

1
Nitrogen Balance & Nutrient Use Efficiency explained 21:07

5M ago21:07

21:07

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 t…

1
The schemes and grants available in forestry & agroforestry 24:15

6M ago24:15

24:15

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 Environ…

1
The implications for forest owners after Storm Éowyn (next steps) 25:27

6M ago25:27

25:27

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/…

1
How to get more bang for your buck when spreading slurry 24:04

7M ago24:04

24:04

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Detecting Chromosomal Abnormalities in Cattle 18:39

7M ago18:39

18:39

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 …

1
Two young farmers on their hopes for 2025 19:41

8M ago19:41

19:41

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Do the challenges outweigh the positives in farming today and what motivates farmers to keep going? 27:05

8M ago27:05

27:05

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly 17:42

9M ago17:42

17:42

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/…

1
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree 30:50

9M ago30:50

30:50

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 Env…

1
Funding for historic farm buildings - what is involved & who can apply? 24:47

10M ago24:47

24:47

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.teagas…

1
Water Quality Challenges and the Outlook for the Future - Part 2 21:13

10M ago21:13

21:13

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/…

1
Water Quality Challenges and the Outlook for the Future - Part 1 19:45

11M ago19:45

19:45

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/…

1
How can farmers reduce their overall labour demand? 25:27

11M ago25:27

25:27

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Planning and preparing ahead on farms for the winter period 24:59

12M ago24:59

24:59

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
Dr. Daire O'hUallacháin on The Nature Restoration Law 24:02

1y ago24:02

24:02

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:…

1
Do you know what a species rich grassland looks like or if you have one on your farm? 22:56

1y ago22:56

22:56

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/By Teagasc.ie

1
The Value of Slurry & Autumn Management 24:01

1y ago24:01

24:01

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/envi…

1
Teagasc’s Better Farming for Water - 8 Actions for Change Campaign 37:21

1y ago37:21

37:21

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

1
How can catch crops help to reduce nutrient loss from tillage land? 19:35

1y ago19:35

19:35

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

1
Where is tomorrow for Small Farms? 22:01

1y ago22:01

22:01

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

1
The Role of an Inland Fisheries Ireland Inspector 34:04

1+ y ago34:04

34:04

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, …

1
Why is slurry so dangerous? 29:58

1+ y ago29:58

29:58

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 …

1
Raining Cats & Dogs 28:39

1+ y ago28:39

28:39

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…

1
Using Hormones to Suppress Ash Dieback 18:28

1+ y ago18:28

18:28

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/…

1
How to pass a Department of Agriculture farm inspection & what to expect 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

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…

1
Why are we all talking about Nitrogen? 27:11

1+ y ago27:11

27:11

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

1
The practical ways a farmer can reduce phosphorus and sediment loss from the farm to the river 29:37

1+ y ago29:37

29:37

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…

1
From the Judas goat to grape growing in the capital - Dublin City farming in the 1950s Part 2 25:44

1+ y ago25:44

25:44

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/…

1
Dublin City farming & the big flood in the 1950s – Part 1 27:55

1+ y ago27:55

27:55

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…

1
Tick Tock, Tick Tock - €50 million available to farmers in the new Water EIP 33:09

1+ y ago33:09

33:09

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…

1
The hard questions answered on the highs and lows of farming in 2023 22:40

1+ y ago22:40

22:40

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

1
The Wexford Farmers Helping to Take Back the Blue Flag 29:55

1+ y ago29:55

29:55

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…

1
A Grá for Nematodes & the EU’s First Soil Health Law 28:05

2y ago28:05

28:05

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…

1
The health benefits & enterprise opportunities from farming Aronia berries in West Cork 33:57

2y ago33:57

33:57

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…

1
All Women Discussion Groups - where everyone feels welcomed, valued & able to contribute 34:45

2y ago34:45

34:45

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…

1
Creatures of the Night – the truth about bats in Ireland 33:47

2y ago33:47

33:47

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…

1
The Signpost Programme & how climate conscious farmers are driving sustainable growth 33:10

2y ago33:10

33:10

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…

1
‘Grass for Gas’- Are Anaerobic Digesters and Energy Farming a possibility for the Future? 20:36

2y ago20:36

20:36

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:/…

1
TB hasn’t gone away, it’s on the rise again 31:52

2y ago31:52

31:52

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…

1
The MACC is back - what savings can be made on farms while meeting our climate targets? 25:59

2y ago25:59

25:59

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