How well are we doing in Ireland in regards to reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality?

The grass and crop season is starting to ramp up now as the weather improves and with that comes the use of sprays to control weeds, fungi and pests in order to protect crops.

Paul O'Brien, Chair of the IFA Environmental & Rural Affairs Committee joins us to discuss his role with the National Pesticide & Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG).

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

As of January 5th this year, twelve fatal farm workplace accidents were reported by the Health and Safety Authority in Ireland.

Unfortunately this accounts for 50% of all workplace fatalities in Ireland, making farming Ireland's most dangerous occupation.

All farm accidents are tragic and have devastating effects on farming families and on the latest Environment Edge podcast, James Murphy, farming in county Kilkenny, tells his story of a fatal bull attack.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With calving season well under way, it’s now time to turn our attention to breeding.

Teagasc advisor, John McCabe, working on the Aurivo Joint Programme joins us to discuss EBI, carbon emissions, profitability and what the cow of the future will look like.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

In a recent EPA report it was suggested that Ireland needs a major change in our land use in order to reach our 2050 net zero climate targets, with a suggestion of a 30% reduction in the nation herd hitting the headlines.

Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, joins us to discuss the Teagasc Climate Action strategy (2022 – 2030).

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Since the start of the industrial revolution in the mid 1800s, temperature has increased globally by 1.2 degrees Celsius.

However what’s even more alarming is that temperature increase has accelerated massively since the 1970s.

Dr Tom O’Dwyer, head of the Teagasc Signpost programme, chats on the latest Environment Edge podcast about how we have found ourselves in this situation, Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, but most importantly, how farmers can be part of the solution to a global problem.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

What is the one action a farmer can start doing this year without any additional effort that will contribute towards reducing gaseous emissions but also save money?

Donegal Signpost Programme dairy farmer, Richard Starrett, and his Teagasc advisor, Conor Maguire, join the show to discuss Richard’s experience of using Protected Urea for the last four years.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

We are starting to see slurry tankers out on the land over the last few days as the slurry spreading closed season ends in parts of the country - but are we getting it right or can we do better?

Teagasc dairy advisors, Owen Power, based in Dungarvan, and Pay Moylan, based in Kilkenny, join the show to discuss slurry storage options and how we can get the best from this valuable nutrient.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With a lot of discussion around ammonia emissions lately and plenty of slurry in tanks, the use of slurry additives often comes up in conversation, but are they ticking all the boxes?

Dr Dominika Krol, Teagasc Research Officer in the area of agricultural gaseous emissions joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to explain in more detail.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

With drones high on the list for Christmas gifts this year for both the young and old, what practical things are people using them for?

One innovative EPA-funded project has found a way to take a 2 litre water sample using a drone in order to help sampling become more efficient, a first for any research team in Europe.

Senior Lecturer & Researcher in Freshwater Ecology and Biology, Dr Heather Lally, from the Atlantic Technological University Galway, joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to explain in more detail.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

We have heard warnings for a number of years now about the impact of Ash Dieback in Ireland but what’s the current situation?

Teagasc’s forestry advisor, John Casey, joins Cathal Somers on the latest Environment Edge podcast to discuss and he also has an update on the recent government announcement of a €1.3 billion investment in Irish forestry.

For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/