The Tillage Edge is Teagasc's weekly tillage podcast, presented by Michael Hennessy, bringing you weekly episodes covering the agronomy needs of crops throughou...
With spring just around the corner and crop growth set to take off shortly, Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist with Teagasc, and John Pettit, Teagasc Tillage Enterprise Advisor in Wexford, join this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss crop inputs for the coming weeks. In particular, we focus on nitrogen application for oilseed rape and winter cereals. John emphasises that there’s no rush to apply nitrogen to most winter wheat or winter oat crops. However, he does stress the importance of walking each field to assess individual needs - especially for crops that are weaker or in rotational positions that may require nitrogen a little earlier than others. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
--------
22:21
Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania
Jim McCarthy, who manages a large farming operation in Romania, shares his insights into the challenges of 2024 when extreme heat devastated yields across the country. He discusses how his no-till system has been of huge benefit for his farm and explores diversification options, including forestry, that he has pursued in recent years. Also, don’t miss our series of Winter Crop Workshops in the coming week – see more here:www.teagasc.ie/tillagemonth For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
--------
41:31
Tillage’s environmental credentials – report from the National Tillage Conference
The environmental credentials of the tillage sector were discussed at this year’s National Tillage Conference and on this week’s Tillage Edge, we chat with Dr. Bridget Lynch, a researcher at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, about cover crops and their positive impact on water quality. We also speak with Dr. Giulia Bondi, another researcher at Johnstown Castle, who discusses carbon levels in tillage soils. Giulia shares insights from the Tillage Signpost Farms, highlighting that carbon stocks found in these tillage soils was higher than expected. One key contributing factor is the deep burial of carbon. The conference presentations are also available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
--------
23:39
Reducing pesticides use will reduce yields
One of the standout topics at this year's National Tillage Conference was on pesticide reduction and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights. Meghan conducted an extensive review of scientific papers and concluded that the evidence supporting pesticide reduction, whilst maintaining yields, is quite limited. Meanwhile, Robert's research highlighted that expert opinion suggests a significant yield reduction in Ireland if pesticide use is curtailed. Presentations are available at www.teagasc.ie/tillagecon25 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
--------
28:50
A preview of the National Tillage Conference
One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research and advancements in the field. For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, gives a preview of what to expect this year. You must register for the National Tillage conference in advance and can do so here:https://teagasc.clr.events/event/137544:national-tillage-conference-2025 For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
The Tillage Edge is Teagasc's weekly tillage podcast, presented by Michael Hennessy, bringing you weekly episodes covering the agronomy needs of crops throughout the season with input from Teagasc researchers and views from across the industry.
The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com
Ireland