GLAS feeding points: Farmers participating in the Green Low-carbon Agri-environmental Scheme (GLAS) need to be mindful that bovines cannot be supplemented forage on any parcel of land that is assigned as Low Input Permanent Pasture (LIPP) or Traditional Hay Meadow (THM). Meal feeding is allowed, but troughs or creep feeders must be moved as regularly as required to prevent poaching. Sheep can be supplemented on LIPP and THM parcels, again provided that troughs, hay racks or feeders are moved sufficiently to avoid poaching. If the land in question is designated as a natura parcel, then planned feeding must take place in a manner that does not impact negatively on the site.

Teagasc hedgerow week: Teagasc is hosting a week of events from Monday 21 October to Friday 25 October to promote good practice in hedgerow management. Events open to the public include a hedge-cutting contractor event in Salesian Agricultural College, Palleskenry, Limerick, on Wednesday 23 October. The event, which starts at 11am, includes a workshop led by industry stakeholders and a working demonstration of hedge-cutting and exhibition of a range of hedge-cutting equipment. Teagasc will have a stand at the Irish Country Living Women and Agriculture conference in Sligo on Thursday, while a sustainability farm walk will take place on Friday 25 October at 11am on the farm of Michael Kelly, Ballyvaughan, Clonmel, Co Tipperary (E91 D275). This event will also include a hedge-cutting demonstration. Teagasc is also running a competition with a €1,000 prize fund as part of Teagasc Hedgerow Week 2019 to identify best practice in hedgerow management. See www.teagasc.ie/hedgerowweek19.

Rodent management: The Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) targets reducing rodent numbers in a manner than prevents exposure to other wildlife. It advises placing bait points in the most high-traffic rodent areas. Avoid clearing scrub until you get on top of the rodent population, as it will interfere with normal movement and make bait acceptance difficult. Only use adequate bait points and remove dead bodies to prevent secondary exposure to predators, scavengers, cats or dogs.