Crop management for the week ahead and UK farming realities
Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, both tillage specialists with Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the key actions needed in crops over the next 7 to 10 days. We also hear from Andy Mahon, a Dubliner and farm manager in the UK, who shares his experience of the 2025 season so far. Andy highlights the stark realities facing UK farmers following the loss of direct payments and reflects on the shifting government attitude towards farming. 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
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29:26
Why the plough still pulls weight – and what’s replacing it
The plough remains the most widely used crop establishment system in Ireland, but alternative methods can be just as effective under the right conditions. In this Tillage Edge episode, the first of two parts, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dermot Forristal, a Crops and Machinery Researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, to explore the history and evolution of cultivation systems in Irish tillage farming. Dermot takes us through over 100 years of crop establishment practices, explaining how changes in machinery have influenced - and enabled - new approaches to soil cultivation. He also shares insights into why the plough dominated for so long, and what factors are now driving farmers to consider alternative systems. 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
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20:31
How will the US tariffs impact Irish tillage farmers?
The on-again, off-again tariffs being proposed by the US may have significant implications for Irish tillage farmers in the months and years ahead. For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Professor Michael Wallace, economist of agriculture and food in UCD, to discuss the potential effects of these global trade developments on the Irish tillage sector. Professor Wallace outlines the impact of existing tariffs and how new measures could further disrupt global supply chains - leading to uneven pricing across different regions. He also highlights how this changing trade environment might present an opportunity for Irish policymakers to invest in and strengthen the domestic tillage sector, reducing our reliance on imports and enhancing national food security. 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
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24:44
Why the Teagasc Crop Report is an essential tool for agronomists & farmers
With crop inputs being applied weekly, farmers and agronomists face constant decisions around product choice, application timing, and overall strategy. For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Denis Dunne, Trials Manager at Seedtech, joins us to discuss how he uses the Teagasc Crop Report as a vital tool — not just for daily agronomy decisions, but also to inform strategies for weed and disease control. Denis explains how the Crop Report incorporates the latest research, which in turn underpins his field recommendations. He uses both the desktop and mobile versions of the report — preferring the desktop when planning season-wide strategies, and the mobile app for day-to-day use while out in the field. Access the Teagasc Crop Report at: www.teagasccropreport.ie or download the app on Apple or Android by searching: ‘Teagasc Crop Report’. 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
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22:58
The best use of plant growth regulators
Crops are growing rapidly, and careful management is essential to prevent lodging before harvest. For this week’s Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Dr. Richie Hackett from Teagasc Oak Park to discuss strategies for reducing lodging risk and the best use of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Richie explains that high nitrogen rates and fertile fields are most vulnerable to lodging, and he also explains that variety selection plays a key role, noting that Champion winter wheat is more prone to lodging than most other wheats on the recommended list 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