The Dairy Edge

Епізоди

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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 24.07.2026 30хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: Assessing grass supply on farmReducing demand on farmNutrient application during reduced growthWater supplyAnd the featured farm update comes from Cathal Nash, Co. Clare.Plus, Pat Tuohy of Teagasc joins John for a land drainage discussion and Q&A. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-21stJuly 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Dairy Calf to Beef – What Does the Future Hold? 20.07.2026 30хв

  Pádraig French from Teagasc, who is closely involved in dairy-beef research, including the Ballyvadin Calf-to-Beef Demonstration Farm, joins James Dunne on this week’s Dairy Edge. They discuss the key management practices that drive performance, the role of Commercial Beef Value (CBV), what makes these systems financially successful, and what the latest research is telling us about the future of dairy calf to beef production.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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 17.07.2026 15хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: Managing reduced growthMaking a grazing plan for the coming 10 days (no rain forecast)How can farms reduce demand?Plus the featured farm update comes from Paul Bowden, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-14thJuly 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Managing Fertiliser Decisions in Dry Conditions 12.07.2026 25хв

  John O’Loughlin, Head of Sustainability at Grassland Agro, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the impact of CBAM, fertiliser advice in dry conditions and two upcoming farm walks that will be worth attending this July. John first explains the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) which is adding approximately €50/t to urea in 2026, with the potential to rise significantly in future years. While there has been discussion about suspending the charge during periods of high fertiliser prices, he believes this now looks unlikely, meaning farmers should expect CBAM to remain a factor in fertiliser costs. John recommends that farmers measure grass regularly and make decisions based on their own farm’s situation, as drought conditions are varying widely across the country from his perspective and one size won’t fit all in terms of advice.  Where soil moisture deficits become severe, nitrogen applications should be reduced or paused, but where growth remains good, protected urea is still a good choice as it will absorb water from the atmosphere. John stresses that potassium (K) and lime are essential for helping grass cope with drought and recover quickly afterwards. John describes K as the "engine oil" of the plant because of the role it plays in the movement of water and nutrients, and he says that correcting K and lime deficiencies are among the biggest, most cost-effective improvements farmers can make to maximise grass growth and resilience. Finally, John says listeners should consider attending two good days later this month in the Clonmel area with the Irish Grassland Dairy Summer Tour taking place on the farms of Michael and Ollie O’Gorman on the 21st and then the Tipperary Dairy Calf to Beef Open Day the following day at the Ballyvadin Farm near Fethard. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 10.07.2026 15хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -       Managing reduced growth-       Walk the farm-       2nd cut silage-       Infrastructure Month Plus the featured farm update comes from Tommie Devine, Co. Roscommon Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-7thJune  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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  From Relief Milker to Dairy Farmer: Cian Jobe's Journey into Dairy Farming 06.07.2026 43хв

  Longford dairy farmer, Cian Jobe’s journey into dairy farming is one that's likely to resonate with many young people interested in the industry.  Growing up on a suckler farm, he developed a passion for dairying through relief milking before progressing through agricultural education, farm management and, more recently, farming in his own right.  Cian joins James Dunne to talk about the experiences that shaped his career, what he's learned along the way, and the advice he'd give to the next generation of dairy farmers. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 03.07.2026 9хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -          Mid-season management-          Managing 2nd cut-          Establish fertiliser spread year to date Plus the featured farm update comes from the Derrypatrick Herd, Dunsany, Co. Meath. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-30thJune  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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Award-Winning Dairy Farming with Tom and Michael Ryan 29.06.2026 15хв

  Tom and Michael Ryan, winners of the NDC and Kerrygold Quality Milk Award for 2025, join Stuart Childs on the day of their farm walk following their win. Tom gives a bit of background to the their farm and how they have been farming there since the 1860s.  Michael then explains the decisions made to facilitate him returning home in 2018 and he outlines the current performance of the herd and how genotyping has been a real game changer for them in terms of selecting heifers to retain as replacements. Finally, Tom has some excellent advice in relation to generation renewal and why making a plan is the key. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 25.06.2026 9хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: -       mid-season management-       red clover silage and managing 2nd cut silage-       spraying and grazing reseeds-       establishing fertiliser spread year to date Plus the featured farmer is Liam Rochford from Croase, Co. Wexford. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-23June  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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Low Nitrogen Dairy Farming: The Role of White Clover 22.06.2026 14хв

  With increasing pressure on dairy farms to reduce nitrogen inputs whilst maintaining profitability, technologies such as white clover are attracting renewed interest.  But how well does clover perform on heavier type soils that are common across the Border, Midlands and Western region, and how can farmers reduce fertiliser and feed nitrogen inputs without compromising grass growth or milk production? To help answer those questions, James Dunne is joined by Helena Walsh, PhD student with Teagasc, who has been leading a farm systems study at Ballyhaise Agricultural College examining the role of white clover in low nitrogen input grazing systems.  Helena discusses the establishment and performance of clover swards, the impact on pasture and animal production, nitrogen use efficiency, and the practical lessons farmers can take from this work. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 19.06.2026 12хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says concentrate input should be reduced on farms where grass supply is adequate (cover/LU >160 kg DM/LU).  A third of farms are over target and have a cover/LU >190 kg DM/ha. This will negatively impact:-       Grass quality - negative impact on animal performance-       Clean out of swards - feed wastage-       Grass recovery and subsequent quality June is challenging for grass quality as we are now in the main heading phase for perennial ryegrass.  Grass quality is critical for animal performance, particularly as young stock grass intake increases.  Walk the farm every 4-5 days to inform decision making. Plus the featured farmer is William Blackburn from Kilworth,Co. Cork. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-16thJune  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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Next Gen 2 and Kilworth Farm Update 16.06.2026 33хв

  Ricki Fitzgerald, Farm Manager of the Teagasc Moorepark Kilworth Farm, and Brian McCarthy, Researcher in Teagasc Moorepark, join Stuart Childs with a run down on how the year has gone so far on the Kilworth Farm and to talk a little about the Next Gen 2 trial that is in its first full year in 2026. Ricki says they had quite a good spring in 2026 despite the weather challenges with minimal health issues. Regular body condition scoring and managing cow condition was a significant part of this success.  Grazing, while challenging, happened almost every day during the spring but only because they had the cover to start with and excellent infrastructure on the farm. A batt latch bought a few years ago has been instrumental in facilitating grazing in the evening during the spring also.  The farm started breeding on April 27th and so far results have been exceptionally positive, with 96% of cows submitted in the first three weeks and early pregnancy scanning showing very high conception rates. Brian then spoke about the previous next generation trial and the outcomes of it and the the rationale for the current trial Next Gen 2 which is comparing National Average Holstein-Friesians with Elite Holstein-Friesians and Elite Jersey-cross cows.  The previous iteration of the trial  (2013–2016) showed that high-EBI cows were more fertile, survived longer in the herd, produced higher-value milk solids, and generated approximately €275 more profit per cow annually thus validating the EBI.  Early results from the set-up year of 2025 and the figures from 2026 so far indicate that elite genetics continue to deliver higher fat and protein percentages, increasing milk value compared with national-average cows.  However, this trial goes further than the effect of the genotypes as it is also looking at sustainability and beef performance through evaluating different stocking-rate systems, nitrogen-use efficiency, methane emissions, and overall environmental performance as well as examining how dairy cow genetics and beef sire selection affect dairy-beef calf value and lifetime beef performance. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 12.06.2026 9хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that June is a challenging month for grass quality as we are now in the main heading phase for perennial ryegrass. Pre grazing yield is too high on many farms:-       Watch rotation length (Target 18-21 days)-       Minimise stem content-       Grazing covers >1500 kg DM/ha will have a negative effect on animal performance, pasture cleanout, grass recovery and quality in the subsequent rotation Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-9thJune  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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Breeding 2026: the need for a strong finish 08.06.2026 24хв

  With breeding season reaching the midpoint on many spring-calving dairy farms, we're taking stock of how the season has progressed so far and discussing the key management decisions for the weeks ahead. Doreen Corridan, CEO of NCBC, joins James Dunne to discuss breeding performance to date, trends in dairy and beef semen usage, managing cows that have yet to be served, and the key actions farmers should focus on for the remainder of the breeding season. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 05.06.2026 14хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses tackling surplus grass and why flexibility is required to take out surplus bales. Plus he explains how grazed grass delivers the lowest feed cost, even with higher fertiliser prices. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is John Payne from Moydow, Co. Longford. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-2ndJune 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Why Grazed Grass Still Wins on Feed Costs 01.06.2026 31хв

  With the increased cost of fuel and fertiliser, Peter Doyle, Grassland Researcher in Teagasc, Grange, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the cost of growing grass, silage and other feeds. Peter outlines the costs that he uses in the Grange Feed Costing Model which are of course assumptions but are necessary for the model to function. He emphasises that grazed grass delivers the lowest feed cost, even with higher fertilser prices. The cost model estimates grazed grass at about 14c/kg dry matter (including land charge), compared with roughly 42c/kg dry matter for concentrates. Feed quality is important in the model as the energy of the feed influences the performance it delivers. Peter argues that delaying first-cut silage to chase higher yields given increased fuel costs to get better bang for the buck from contractor costs is a false economy.  Earlier cutting (around late May) produces higher-quality silage, improves the total energy yield of the overall two-cut system as well as supporting better animal performance, reducing the requirement for expensive concentrate supplementation. Big first cuts of low quality material don’t deliver more silage and are ‘penny wise, pound poor’ due to the cost they create subsequently. Peter also stresses that feed quality should be matched to the type of stock being fed. High-quality silage is needed for lactating cows and young stock, while lower-quality, higher-volume silage may suit dry cows.  He notes that alternatives such as maize and fodder beet can be useful but involve similar or higher costs, additional management requirements, and often require supplementary protein and minerals. Finally, Peter says that the cost of grazed grass doesn’t increase as significantly as the other feeds and thus people need to focus on grazed grass as their primary feed source and maximise the amount of it that they produce and consume to minimise their overall feed costs. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 29.05.2026 9хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that the challenge on farm now will be keeping the right grass in front of the animals. Swards of low or no stem will maximise animal performance Performance is maximised when the pre-grazing yield is between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Michael McGuigan, from Longwood, Co. Meath. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://pasturebase.teagasc.ie/Grass10%20Weekly.pdf?=20260529    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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Securing the Future of Irish Dairying: Succession, Progression & Collaborative Farming 25.05.2026 28хв

  This week we’re discussing generational renewal in Irish dairying and the challenges facing farmers young farmers trying to enter and progress within the sector while also discussing what options are available to farmers who may not have an identified successor. Joining James Dunne is Conor Hogan from the GROdairy Project — Generational Renewal Opportunities for Irish Dairy Farm Businesses — a new initiative focused on supporting farm succession, progression, and collaborative farming through demonstration farms, peer learning, and practical advisory supports. Conor discusses the barriers facing young farmers, the role collaborative farming can play in creating viable career pathways, and how the project hopes to support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the Irish dairy industry. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Your Weekly Grass10 Update 22.05.2026 10хв

  For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses the impact of pre-grazing yield on protein, plus how to correct pre-grazing yield on farm. Meanwhile, the featured farmer is John Phelan from Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford. Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:https://bit.ly/Grass10-19thMay    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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
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  Claire Mooney on Water Quality Tips 17.05.2026 21хв

  Claire Mooney, Catchment Coordinator for the Suir, joins Stuart Childs to discuss practical tips for farmers in relation to improving water quality. Claire first explains immediate on-farm actions to improve environmental compliance and efficiency, including better silage management, protecting waterways with fencing and alternative drinking points, improving slurry and effluent handling, using sulphur correctly, and how clover can reduce chemical nitrogen use. Claire discusses the need for farmers to prepare for tighter slurry storage rules in 2028 by assessing storage capacity now, working with advisors, exploring TAMS grants and capital allowances, and planning investments early rather than waiting until compliance becomes urgent. Finally, Claire stresses that small operational improvements can make a significant difference, such as separating soiled water from slurry, reducing rainwater entering tanks, fixing leaks, cleaning yards efficiently, and redesigning cow traffic areas to reduce unnecessary slurry storage demand and avoid a need to reduce stock numbers on foot of the new regulations that may be avoidable.  She also emphasises the importance of using slurry well and distributing it across the whole farm to reduce losses. 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 Dairy Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com