Explore every episode of the podcast The Dairy Edge

As we head into the final grazing rotation of the year, there’s plenty for farmers to be thinking about in terms of grazing the final round - the grass budget, closing paddocks and getting the farm set up correctly for next spring. 

So, to talk us through where things are at and what farmers should be focusing on over the coming weeks, James Dunne is joined by Teagasc grassland researcher Mike Egan.

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

Dr. Margaret Kelleher, Genetics Operation Manager at ICBF, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the most recent update in September and to learn more about the COW index that farmers should be using more in their herd to identify the cows that require career changes!

Margaret explains that September evaluations were relatively stable, as they tend to be at this time of year in the seasonal system that we have here in Ireland, but ICBF continues to receive and update large volumes of data, including milk records, calving records, factory data, mart data and genotypes on a daily basis that they then gather together and add to the existing information to update the details of the animals on the database. This is a job that takes about 2 months to do and as soon as an update is published, ICBF start on the process for the next update almost immediately.

We then moved to the main core of today’s conversation, the COW (Cow’s Own Worth) Index which Margaret outlined as a live herd-specific tool that ranks cows using current performance, predicted future performance and replacement cost. Where good data is entered, this index can be used by farmers to identify the bottom 10–15%  to be considered for culling. It has the advantage of pulling milk performance, calving date and future potential together to help cut through the noise when trying to make culling decisions.

For the tool to be most effective, accurate recording of information is essential. Milk recording, fertility and scanning data have a major impact, while recording mastitis, lameness and temperament would make the Cow Index more accurate and useful for the individual farmer. EBI is the tool to use to identify the most profitable cows to breed from, COW is for culling decisions.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions that need to be done, including:

• Prioritise grazing residuals
• Monitor growth rates and update grass budget

Read more from the latest Grass10 newsletter at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-29thSeptember

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions that need to be done, including:

• Assess farm cover and growth rates
• Do grass budget to plan supplementation
• Make the best use of organic nutrients

Read more from the latest Grass10 newsletter at:

https://pasturebase.teagasc.ie/Grass10%20Weekly.pdf?=20260924 

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

Cash flow is always an important part of running a dairy farm, but in a year like 2026, keeping a close eye on the money coming in and going out has become even more important.

While milk price remains behind the levels experienced in recent years, farmers are also facing significant increases in costs due to both geopolitical issues in the Middle East and also the prolonged dry spell.

So, how should farmers be looking at their cash flow, what are the warning signs that a cash deficit could be developing, and what practical steps can be taken before it becomes a bigger problem?

Patrick Gowing, Teagasc dairy specialist who has a particular focus on farm financial management joins James Dunne to look at cash flow on dairy farms in 2026, how farmers can identify potential pressure points, and what options are available to manage them.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions that need to be done: 

• Set a 35 day rotation length
• Do grass budget - phase out silage supplementation
• Make the best use of watery slurry

Read more from the latest Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-15thSept
https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thSeptember 

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

John McCabe, Seamus Kearney and Sean Callan, Advisors on the Teagasc Aurivo, Teagasc Tirlán and Teagasc Lakeland joint programmes, join Stuart Childs to give a more countrywide feel for the situation on farms around Ireland currently following the recovery in grass growth in the last few weeks.

The impact of the drought varied significantly by region with the west generally less affected, while parts of the Lakelands, due to the geography of the catchment, and especially the south and east experienced major reductions in grass growth and farm cover which in turn led to substantial supplementary feeding.

Seamus explains that the winter fodder shortages are the main concern and that although grass growth and farm covers have recovered, many farms in the Tirlán catchment have used large quantities of silage and meal during the summer. 

Fodder budgets have identified shortages of approximately two bales per cow on the lighthouse farms, making early feed purchasing and planning essential. Meanwhile, some of farms on the Lakeland programme have significant surplus but with wet starts and ends to the year more common, it may well be needed in the future.

The key message is to quantify and act early.  Farmers should complete fodder budgets, manage the final grazing rotation carefully, assess grazing infrastructure and improve if possible or plan to improve in the future to maximise opportunities to get cows to grass even in challenging conditions. 

Where deficits have been identified, consider options such as buying fodder, using meal to stretch existing supplies, and/or removing underperforming/empty cows earlier to protect winter feed stocks.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions to be done: 

• Set a 35 day rotation length
• Do a grass budget to reduce supplementation
• Consider liming

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-8thSeptember 

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

Teagasc ruminant nutritionist, Aisling Claffey, joins James Dunne to discuss managing dairy cow nutrition as we move out of the drought conditions. 

With many cows having been fed increased levels of silage and concentrate, the return to grass needs to be managed carefully. 

We’ll discuss how farmers can make decisions around reducing silage and concentrate, what to monitor in cow performance, and also what to look out for with young stock grazing outside blocks.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions to be done for this week: 

• Set a 30-35 day rotation length
• Make a farm specific fertiliser/slurry plan
• Do a fodder available budget 

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-1stSeptember

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

Dr. David Wall, Enterprise Leader of the farms and estate at Teagasc’s Environment Research Centre in Johnstown Castle, joins Stuart Childs to discuss the timing of fertiliser applications over the coming weeks to maximise the return from nutrients applied while minimising the risk to water quality.

This is particularly important in drought-affected areas, where low grass growth and reduced nutrient uptake have increased the risk of nutrient losses.

David first addresses the concept of calendar farming, explaining that fertiliser deadlines are driven by declining nutrient uptake rather than soil trafficability. As daylight levels fall, grass growth and nutrient demand naturally decrease. Applying additional nitrogen above crop requirements will not generate extra growth and, particularly from mid-October onwards, will instead increase the risk of nutrient losses.

Following the recent drought, David says farmers should make the most of natural soil mineralisation over the coming weeks. With moisture returning while soils remain warm, mineralisation can supply approximately 1 kg N/ha per day, potentially supporting around 35 kg DM/ha per day of grass growth.

Lime also has an important role to play. Correcting soil acidity can improve nutrient availability and help release significant quantities of soil nitrogen over time, which can then support further grass growth.

Despite the temptation to apply heavily now that the drought has broken, David advises farmers to use fertiliser and slurry sparingly and avoid over-application. In drought-affected areas where growth has resumed, applications of around 20–25 kg N/ha from fertiliser or slurry can provide additional growth on top of what soil mineralisation is already supplying.

Slurry should also be prioritised where appropriate, particularly where tanks need to be emptied before October. David recommends applying slurry regularly over the coming month ahead of the closing period commencing on October 1st.

This approach will help maximise the return from the nutrients applied, reduce the risk of losses to water and also help spread contractor workloads over the coming weeks.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher highlights the top actions to be done for this week: 

• Do a fodder available budget 
• If fodder reserves are below target, take action
• Assess paddocks individually for grass growth

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-25thAugust

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

Joe Patton, Head of the Teagasc Dairy Knowledge Transfer programme, joins James Dunne with an update on the current situation on dairy farms across the country following the prolonged period of dry weather.

Joe explains the results from the Teagasc National Fodder Survey, which were presented at the National Feed and Fodder committee meeting, and he outlines the priorities for affected farmers regarding winter feed, reducing herd demand, nitrogen fertiliser and seeking advice where needed.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains that:

• All farms should complete a fodder available budget 
• An action plan needs to be developed where fodder reserves are below target
• Farms and paddocks need to be assessed individually for grass growth

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-18thAugust

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

Raymond Ryan, Milk Quality Advisor for the Limerick and Clare regions with Dairygold, joins Stuart Childs to discuss staying on top of milk quality.

Raymond explains that milk quality in 2026 is generally holding up, with cell count and TBC broadly similar to previous years, but drought and difficult weather have created localised problems.

Dirty conditions are the main risk, particularly for thermoduric bacteria and farmers should keep cows and parlours clean, manage sacrifice paddocks or cubicles carefully, ideally dry-wiping cows before milking. Making sure machine maintenance such as liners and rubberware has been done is also an important management step.

Raymond says that, where problems arise, early action and implementation of consistent routines are critical: monitor cell counts/TBC and act quickly on rises, ensure adequate water and nutrition, remove persistent high-cell-count cows where appropriate, and maintain proper plant washing with sufficient hot water, chemicals, temperature and turbulence. 

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: 

• Doing a fodder available budget for your farm
• Assessing weed burden in recent reseeds
• Temperatures increasing again - water supply priority for animals

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-11thAugust

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

Eoghan Byrne, project manager in FRS farm services, and MTU Agriculture student, Cormac Harnett, who works as an operator with the FRS in Cork joins Stuart Childs to discuss how farmers can help themselves get a bit of a break from the work by making it easier to work on their farm.

Both Eoghan and Cormac say that planning and communication are central by giving operators advance notice and clearly stating what needs to be done, how to do it on your farm and when it needs to be done. Farmers leaving checklists, notes on how to do different tasks where relevant and pre-visits from the operator can help avoid confusion or mistakes being made.

Cormac points out that having the farm equipment and materials ready means operators can get straight to the job, making the arrangement more efficient for both farmer and operator, saving time and money and making life a little easier for everyone as stress can be avoided by being prepared.

Eoghan finishes up the conversation by highlighting that many young operators want to progress in agriculture. Farm-relief work can provide experience and a potential pathway into farm management or collaborative farming, but both Eoghan and Cormac are clear that creating a positive, respectful workplace is important for attracting and retaining the next generation.  

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: 

• Establishing recovery on paddocks
• Caution with fertiliser application
• Assessing fodder available on farm

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-4thAugust

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

Emily Gowing, Teagasc Dairy Advisor based in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, joins James Dunne for an update on the current situation on farms in her catchment and she has some key pieces of advice for farmers over the coming weeks.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: 

• The need to walk the farm to assess grass growth and supply on farm
• Reducing demand on farm 
• Caution with fertiliser

And the featured farm update comes from Sean Carpenter, Co. Kildare.

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:

https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thJuly

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

Colman Purcell, Nutritionist with Dairygold Agri Business, joins Stuart Childs to discuss managing stock in drought or near drought conditions.

Colman praises the farmers in the Dairygold catchment who have been affected by the dry weather for how they have dealt with it up to now, maintaining milk and protein performance, a response that he credits to their knowledge of how to react in these situations due to their experience of them in the last decade. 

Colman says that it is important to maintain cow performance by avoiding feed shortages with the priority being to maintain dry matter intake and milk production by supplementing early. Monitor milk yield and milk proteins and react quickly if performance drops as these are good indicators of nutritional status.

Filling the gap created by the lack of grass will depend on how severe the grass deficit is and what the help and facilities on the farm are like. In some cases, feeding will be pushed as high as 9kg in the parlour feed due to an inability to feed outside of the parlour. People will need to see what will work best for their farm. 

Concentrate protein should be ok at 16% but an 18% protein ration may be appropriate, particularly where cows are receiving significant forage. Again, monitoring the performance of the herd will help decisions here.

Young stock while appearing content in the current conditions will still need to be fed in order to keep them growing, so supplementation will be necessary where there is grass shortage for these animals. 

Forward beef cattle that are based on weight are forward enough to start on finishing diet and should be started on this to reduce stocking rates and avoid these animals slipping back which would delay their finishing later in the year.

Furthermore with demand increasing, delivery logistics may become more challenging. Farmers should calculate feed requirements and order well in advance to avoid running out.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: 

• Assessing grass supply on farm
• Reducing demand on farm
• Nutrient application during reduced growth
• Water supply

And 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

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher discusses: 

• Managing reduced growth
• Making 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that the majority of farms are grazing covers too high.

As we move further into May, grass composition is changing and keeping grass quality correct becomes more challenging.

To ensure grass quality is maintained to maximise animal performance pre-grazing yield has to be between 1300-1400 kg DM/ha.

Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Killian Brennan, from Kilcogy, Co. Cavan.

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-12thMay

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains why the target for pre-grazing yield in the mid-season is 1300-1400 kg DM/ha.

John also discusses first cut silage and taking surplus bales to be part of grassland management over the next month.

Meanwhile, the featured farmer is David Lowry from Churchminister, Co. Donegal.

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-5thMay

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

Mick O’Donovan, Head of the Grassland Science Department in Moorepark, and Joe Patton, Head of Dairy KT, join James Dunne to discuss how farmers can maximise margin in the months ahead, focusing on the key grazing management practices and feeding decisions that underpin performance on Irish dairy farms.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that we're now entering into higher growth rates and reproductive stage of the perennial ryegrass plant:

·      Pre grazing yield must target 1300 - 1400 kg DM/ha on all farms

·      This will enable the animals to graze and clean out the sward to 4 cm

·      Grass should be green leaf from top to bottom

For fertiliser, when spreading on dry stock farms it is important to include P (if allowance available), K and S, especially on paddocks that may have been damaged on the first rotation.

Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Danny Bermingham, from Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-28thApril

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

Tom O’Connell, dairy farmer in Inniscarra, near Cork city, and John Maher of Grass10, join Stuart Childs to discuss the importance and management of reseeding.

John first outlines the national figures which are poor in terms of the amount of reseeding taking place each year and this is a negative for the industry.

Tom is the opposite, reseeding every year on both grazing platform and silage ground. Reseeding every year  is what Tom says allow him to have the confidence to take out the ground safe knowing he has responsive swards that will grow at sufficient levels to meet herd requirements while he waits for the reseed to slot back in, as evidenced by the performance of the spring 2024 and 2025 reseeds.

Tom splits the 10% so that it isn’t all gone out together and generally takes the 2nd piece out when he knows the first bit is nearly ready to come back in. This as an insurance policy against having too high a stocking rate with all ground out at the same time. 

Tom has also reduced his overall milking platform stocking rate through land acquisition and a slight reduction in cow numbers so that now his stocking rate with reseeded ground out is where his stocking rate was before he took out ground for reseeding in the past. 

This is making the whole thing easier to tackle as at the higher stocking rate, he could be tight for grass at times and this was adding cost as well as compromising production.

For Tom, reseeding is an essential element of each year’s work.

John finishes up by highlighting that people often do a lot of the things right but fail to get the post emergence spraying and early grazing of the sward right. Tom is doing this very well as evidenced by his lack of need to spray for weeds between reseeding events in his paddocks.

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher says that 42% of farms are well above target AFC (> 750 kg DM/ha) largely due to challenging grazing conditions.

While each farm is individual, these key rules need to be applied:

-       Maximum SR of 4.2 LU/ha

-       Minimum AFC of 160 kg DM/LU

Now is also a good time to assess clover content in your paddocks and the aim is to identify paddocks with a good clover content.

The target is 20-25% clover content in April to allow for reductions in chemical N in May/June

Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Tom McEvoy from Ballyragget,Co. Kilkenny. 

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-21stApril

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

Teagasc Grassland Science Researcher, Mike Egan, joins James Dunne to discuss some of the common questions regarding establishing and managing grass clover swards. 

Mike outlines the benefits for farmers but also discusses the challenges and learnings that have been seen throughout the Clover 150 commercial farm trial.  

The correct chemical nitrogen strategy is outlined and why clover content should be the key deciding factor rather than fertiliser price when it comes to reducing nitrogen inputs. 

Mike also outlines what farmers should be doing now with regards to assessing their own farm clover content and he also identifies opportunities to establish clover on farms over the coming weeks.  

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

For this week’s Grass10 grazing management update, John Maher explains how walking the farm will allow you to assess what your grass supply is (AFC).

If you are below target AFC <650kg DM/ha:

-       Reduce demand on the farm to lift AFC to 650kg DM/ha. This may require grazing additional land (silage ground, replacement heifer area)

-       Increase feed supplementation (ration, silage)

-       Remove surplus animals

-       Hold rotation length using these options to ensure growth isn’t further hampered

Walk the farm more frequently as grass growth and grazing conditions can and will change fast.

There is also huge variation in fertiliser and slurry applied to date across the country owing to ground conditions and grass covers.  A focus should be put on getting nutrients where possible to ensure production is on track for the year ahead

Meanwhile, the featured farmer is Declan Flynn from Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.

Read more from this week’s Grass10 newsletter and subscribe for weekly updates at:
https://bit.ly/Grass10-14thApril

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

Mark Treacy, Dairy Specialist in Teagasc Clonakilty, joins Stuart Childs on this week’s Dairy Edge to discuss management tips for April.

Mark explains that dairy farms are in various positions: some have moved too quickly into second-round grazing, others are well-balanced with remaining first-round grass, and some (especially on heavy ground) are delayed due to poor weather conditions.

He then outlines the solutions such as housing some or all of the herd in order to get grass cover back up to where they need to be which might only take a week, or where there is a lot of grass on farm, tackling it from a number of angles including grazing, silage immediately once opportunity arises or longer term silage in some cases.

Mark also spoke about the need for silage ground to be fertilised but to have cutting date influence the amount applied. With slurry application to most of this ground not an option, the advice is to cut early and return the slurry then. This will result in the same total yield with better quality than a large application of N for first cut now thus delaying the cut date.

Finally, Mark spoke about the need to follow up on problem cows ahead of the breeding season as it is creeping up on farmers now.

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