Soil analysis
Darren Carty on 12 Mar 2021
Liming programme details for farmers exceeding 170kg /ha organic nitrogen
The liming programme is a new requirement for farmers availing of a nitrates derogation and those remaining outside of derogation by means of exporting slurry.
Peter McCann on 24 Feb 2021
Dairylink virtual farm walk preview
A virtual farm walk is taking place on the King family farm in Co Antrim. Aidan Cushnahan and Peter McCann report
John Egerton on 17 Feb 2021
Starting on the path to net zero
John Egerton is one of seven farmers across NI taking part in a scheme measuring the flow of carbon
Peter McCann on 10 Feb 2021
Dairylink: planning for first cut in Armagh
Plans for first cut silage are already under way on the Martin farm in Dromintee. Aidan Cushnahan reports.
Darren Carty on 27 Jan 2021
Nitrates derogation opens for 2021 applications
The number of farmers availing of the derogation in 2020 could increase in 2021, given tighter restrictions introduced to those remaining outside of derogation by means of exporting slurry.
Peter McCann on 27 Jan 2021
Lowland has role in environment – Dr John Gilliland
Dr John Gilliland from Devenish Nutrition spoke to members of the Young Farmers' Clubs of Ulster during their online conference.
Darren Carty on 30 Dec 2020
New nitrates rules take effect from 01 January
Many of the new rules have been well documented but some including the liming programme have received relatively little attention.
Darren Carty on 27 Dec 2020
Prime time to get nitrates derogation records organised
With February and March manic times on many dairy farms availing of a nitrates derogation, now is the time to organise fertiliser records ahead of the 31 March submission deadline.
Darren Carty on 22 Dec 2020
Sheep management: silage eye, soil analysis and season’s greetings
With supplementary feeding increasing in frequency, there is a greater risk of an ailment often referred to as silage eye, which is linked to sore eyes and temporary blindness in sheep.
Niall Hurson on 30 Sep 2020
Satellite analysis catalogues every field and acre on the island
Farmeye collects 24,000 data points on every field on the island each year using European Commission satellites.
Peter McCann on 26 Aug 2020
Creating opportunities for spring 2021
Dairylink Ireland farmers are making plans for next spring. Peter McCann reports
Kieran Mailey on 03 Jun 2020
NI Sheep programme: Getting to grips with sheep health and grass management
With lambing finished, Karol and Peter McCaughan have been busy with fieldwork, liming 100ac of grazing ground and starting to manage grass
Peter McCann on 27 May 2020
Action needed to address grass surplus
Farmers should assess covers that cows will be grazing in 7-10 days’ time. Peter McCann reports
Darren Carty on 29 Apr 2020
Applying lime can provide a 7:1 return on investment
Maintaining soils at the optimum pH will improve soil structure, promote soil micro-organism and earthworm activity and increase nutrient availability.
Contributor on 05 Feb 2020
Your soil sampling questions answered
Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, Co Wexford looks at the importance of soil testing
Peter McCann on 01 Jan 2020
New slurry rules in NI during 2020
Several rule changes under the new the Nutrient Action Plan came into effect on 1 January 2020. Peter McCann reports
Darren Carty on 18 Dec 2019
Organising fertiliser accounts for Nitrates Derogation
The next few weeks in an opportune time to get soil samples taken in advance of the application period for slurry and chemical fertiliser opening in early January.
Andy Doyle on 04 Dec 2019
Time to park drills and prepare for winter
While land has soaked somewhat, low temperatures are helping make the decision that drills should be parked for the rest of this month.
Marcella Connolly on 20 Nov 2019
IFA launches new soil analysis pilot programme
The project involves farmers recording soil analysis results to inform other farmers on what nutrition is needed at a given moment.
Peter McCann on 07 Aug 2019
Soil analysis needed for inspections
A fertilisation plan is needed on all grassland farms in Northern Ireland that use chemical P fertilisers.