On this episode we review Season One of The Sod Pod.
Nikki McGrath joins James Freeman to talk about the season and pull out some of their favourite clips.
There is also a blooper reel near the end.
A huge thank you to all who helped make season one possible.  The panel, the guests, the backroom team and most importantly, you, the listener.
Everyone at Grassland Agro would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Mind Yourself Out There, Farm smart, Farm Safe

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode of the Sod Pod, Davy and John headed down to Moorepark to have a chat with Teagasc Grass10 Manager John Maher.
John, a proud Kilkenny man living in County Cork, gives a huge overview on the Teagasc Grass10 programme.  The focus of the programme is promoting profitable and sustainable milk and meat production from grass on Irish farms.
John discusses The Heavy Soils Programme, PastureBase Ireland, Grazing Management and an overview of The Grass10 programme and many of the entrants and winners of the past.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode of the Sod Pod, James and John have a chat with the newest additions to the team, the lovely Lauren and Claire.
Both ladies hail from a farming background so have plenty of insight and experience between them! They talk all things farming, grass management, sulphur and what solutions we need for a sustainable future.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we are delighted to welcome back past pupil Sean McMahon! Sean recently popped the question to his beloved Bronagh and this in turn sparked a very important conversation - where will we go for the stag?
This led us on to farming systems and grassland management in New Zealand, regional and farming pressures in the Netherlands and more.  After plenty of discussion and a serious plug by James , it's looking like Sean will head to North Tipp for his stag - Garrykennedy here we come!!!

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we are joined by Niall Laffan and he gives a great insight into the family farm.  From Sunflower, multispecies swards and pumpkins.
Kingstown Farm is a family run farm. In 2021 they planted a 3.5 acre field of sunflowers in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and the National Orthopaedic Hospital Dublin. It turned out to be a huge success. Following on from the success of that event we ran our second charity sunflower field in August 2022.

This Halloween, they are running a Pick your Own Pumpkin Patch.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined with John and David and they discuss their recent trip to France.  They visited the HQ of Timac International in the picturesque St. Malo in Brittany, France.  They where accompanied with some of their colleagues and two Teagasc members, David Wall and Michael O'Donovan.
The lads also discuss, soil structure, fertiliser regulations, clover and Grassland management.
There was also a cameo appearance for Berty, Johns pet dog and boss of the house.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we are joined again by Bernard Furlong, the Grassland Agro Consultant Vet.
Bernard previously featured on two occasions, episode seven; The Vets Perspective and episode eight; Pica The Vets point of view.
On this episode Bernard joins James Freeman and John O'Loughlin, giving his insight into topics including vaccinations, animal health, calf scour, housing conditions and calving down.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we are joined by Conor Quinlan, Dairy Hygiene Manager, from Grassland Agro.
We discuss a range of topics on how to manage risk in the dairy parlour from Somatic Cell Count (SCC), Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Thermodurics, Chlorine Free and Selective Dry Cow Therapy (SDCT).
Conor gives a great overview of the issues we can see on farm and simple steps to help resolve them.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John and David set off to the Teagasc Johnstown Castle Open Day; Farming for a Better Future - Technologies for Today and Tomorrow.
The lads caught up with many people for a chat.
They met with Ellen Fitzpatrick, currently finishing her PhD on grass and clover in Teagasc Moorepark and soon to start a new post in Teagasc Johnstown Castle.

Lillian O'Sullivan, research officer in Johnstown Castle working on soil sustainability and land use management

Pat Tuohy, research officer in Teagasc Moorepark. Work includes land drainage, soil physical and hydrological properties and farm infrastructure.

David Wall, soil scientist, biochemist and enterprise leader with Teagasc based in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.

Three of our Grassland Agro Advisors, Lauren Stanley, Ed Healy and Noel Hamell.

Liam Woulfe, Managing Director of Grassland Agro also joined the lads to give his insight.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we are joined by Heavy Soils Farmer, Danny Bermingham.  Danny farms some very challenging land in Doonbeg, Co. Clare.  In 2018 he won the Teagasc Grass10 Disadvantaged Farmer of The Year.
Danny is also part of the Teagasc Heavy Soils Programme since 2011.  The farm has a mix of mineral and peat soils with an average rainfall of 1,250mm annually.  
Danny is a huge advocate for Grass measuring and has been doing so for the last 15 years.  He also is a big fan of liming and has a little and often approach.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/