Best The Pig Edge Podcasts (2025)

1
Yellow Rust, Ramularia & More: May’s Disease Challenges Across Crops 22:54

2d ago22:54

22:54

The coming weeks are critical for controlling foliar diseases in cereal crops and Dr Stephen Kildea, researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge this week to discuss the best disease management strategies for the weather conditions expected in May 2025. Stephen highlights the increased yellow rust pressure in some crops. “The main fungic…

1
Crop management for the week ahead and UK farming realities 29:26

9d ago29:26

29:26

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 …

1
Why the plough still pulls weight – and what’s replacing it 20:31

16d ago20:31

20:31

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…

1
How will the US tariffs impact Irish tillage farmers? 24:44

23d ago24:44

24:44

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 developmen…

1
Why the Teagasc Crop Report is an essential tool for agronomists & farmers 22:58

1M ago22:58

22:58

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 al…

1
The best use of plant growth regulators 19:43

1M ago19:43

19:43

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 fertil…

1
The benefits of using pig slurry in tillage farming 15:11

1M ago15:11

15:11

For this month’s Pig Edge podcast, we’re featuring highlights from a recent episode of the Tillage Edge focusing on the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming. Pig production is one of the main consumers of Irish cereals and the resulting slurry produced on units can be an important source of nutri…

1
Crop agronomy for the next two weeks 24:35

1M ago24:35

24:35

With the weather allowing farmers to plant crops and treat winter crops in ideal conditions, the only concern is the harsh wind which was slowing growth. For this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy is joined by Teagasc tillage specialists, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, to discuss how crops are progressing and the key management steps n…

1
Pig slurry in tillage - a natural boost for soil & crops 16:22

2M ago16:22

16:22

We explore the benefits of using pig slurry as an alternative to chemical fertilisers in tillage farming on the latest Tillage Edge podcast. Michael McKeon, Teagasc pig specialist, and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage specialist, discuss how to target the use of pig slurry on tillage farms. We cover best practices for application, nutrient replaceme…

1
On-farm trials: turning research into results 22:38

2M ago22:38

22:38

On-farm experimentation or trials come naturally to some farmers, while others see them as a hassle or someone else’s responsibility. On this week’s Tillage Edge, Jack Jameson, a Teagasc researcher, and John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage adviser working in the southeast, discuss how farmers can set up their own on-farm trials and maximise the benefits …

1
Integrating old ideas with new technology 21:54

2M ago21:54

21:54

This week on the Tillage Edge, we catch up with John Crowley, a Signpost tillage farmer from Wexford, to discuss his farming system. Located in the heart of malting barley country, John is dedicated to producing high-spec malting barley each year. Despite transitioning to a min-till establishment system and incorporating organic manures, he has suc…

1
What is the ideal tyre for your farm? 28:43

2M ago28:43

28:43

When the rubber hits the road, that’s when the action happens - and when tyres hit the soil, that’s when compaction may become a serious issue. For this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Dermot Forristal, a machinery researcher from Teagasc Oak Park, discusses the evolution of tractor tyres and how they impact traction, load capacity, and soil compactio…

1
Applying nitrogen to winter crops 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

With spring just around the corner and crop growth set to take off shortly, Ciaran Collins, a Tillage Specialist with Teagasc, and John Pettit, Teagasc Tillage Enterprise Advisor in Wexford, join this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss crop inputs for the coming weeks. In particular, we focus on nitrogen application for oilseed rape and winter cereals.…

1
Jim McCarthy’s farming update from Romania 41:31

3M ago41:31

41:31

Jim McCarthy, who manages a large farming operation in Romania, shares his insights into the challenges of 2024 when extreme heat devastated yields across the country. He discusses how his no-till system has been of huge benefit for his farm and explores diversification options, including forestry, that he has pursued in recent years. Also, don’t m…

1
Tillage’s environmental credentials – report from the National Tillage Conference 23:39

3M ago23:39

23:39

The environmental credentials of the tillage sector were discussed at this year’s National Tillage Conference and on this week’s Tillage Edge, we chat with Dr. Bridget Lynch, a researcher at Teagasc, Johnstown Castle, about cover crops and their positive impact on water quality. We also speak with Dr. Giulia Bondi, another researcher at Johnstown C…

1
Reducing pesticides use will reduce yields 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

One of the standout topics at this year's National Tillage Conference was on pesticide reduction and the role of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Presenters Meghan England and Robert McDougall, both researchers at Teagasc, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to share their insights. Meghan conducted an extensive review of scientific papers and c…

1
A preview of the National Tillage Conference 11:22

4M ago11:22

11:22

One of the highlights of the Irish tillage calendar is the Teagasc National Tillage Conference, a must-attend event to hear about the latest research and advancements in the field. For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, gives a preview of what to expect this year. You must register for the National Tillage …

1
Farm Partnerships: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 4) 24:03

4M ago24:03

24:03

For the final part of our four-part series on farm succession, we chat to Ruth Fennell, a Collaborative Farm Specialist with Teagasc. Ruth discusses Farm Partnerships and how these can be used to bring in the next generation to the farm structure, develop their skills, gradually devolve responsibility and also facilitate the transfer of the farm. R…

1
The Key Steps to Successful Implementation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 3) 18:25

4M ago18:25

18:25

For the third episode in our four-part series on farm succession planning, James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, takes a closer look at the key steps to successful implementation and revisiting a succession plan. James also touches upon how to bring professional services together to develop a robust succession plan. For more episode…

1
Tax Implications of Farm Transfers: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 2) 23:48

4M ago23:48

23:48

For the second of the four-part series on farm succession ,we re-join James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, to take a closer look at the various tax implications when planning for the farm transfer. James talks about the tax exposure where the succession is not well planned and how to all but eliminate this cost. For more episodes a…

1
The Next Generation: Planning for Farm Succession (Part 1) 20:50

5M ago20:50

20:50

In this first episode of a four-part series on The Tillage Edge, we explore how families can best plan for succession on the farm. James McDonnell, a financial specialist with Teagasc, discusses the key aspects of family farm succession and for part one, we focus on how to begin the succession journey, starting with family communication and the typ…

1
Calculating tillage incomes for 2024 23:28

5M ago23:28

23:28

Teagasc Economist, Dr. Fiona Thorne, discusses the key findings from the recent Teagasc Outlook 2025 conference on this week’s Tillage Edge. Tillage farm incomes are expected to rebound after the tough year of 2023, with estimates showing a 40% increase in 2024 and further gains in 2025. However, Fiona highlights the importance of context, emphasis…

1
Leading the Way in Sustainable Tillage, Part 2 with Tom Barry 17:20

5M ago17:20

17:20

For this week’s Tillage Edge, we rejoin Tom Barry, a tillage farmer from North Cork sharing how he's implementing sustainable farming practices using organic manures and reducing fertiliser use to enhancing biodiversity. On this episode, Tom explains more about the rotation on his farm and we’re also joined by Teagasc Signpost advisor, John Mahon, …

1
Reviewing the 2024 pig & feed prices and the outlook for 2025 16:31

5M ago16:31

16:31

Michael McKeon, Specialist Pig Advisor at Teagasc Moorepark, joins Ciarán Carroll for the latest episode of The Pig Edge with a review of pig and feed prices for 2024 and the outlook for 2025. The Teagasc Outlook 2025, Economic Prospects for Agriculture, is available to view and download at: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/ For more episodes an…

1
Leading the Way in Sustainable Tillage: Tom Barry’s Environmental Journey (Part 1) 20:13

5M ago20:13

20:13

Tom Barry, a tillage farmer from North Cork, who has recently been recognised with multiple environmental awards, joins The Tillage Edge for a two-part series sharing how he's implementing sustainable farming practices from using organic manures and reducing fertiliser use to enhancing biodiversity. Plus he discusses the impact of these actions on …

1
What does a good rotation look like on your farm? 22:04

6M ago22:04

22:04

A year ago, many farmers faced significant challenges due to the unusually wet weather, which disrupted their crop rotations. For this week’s Tillage Edge, John Pettit, a Teagasc tillage advisor from South Wexford, shares his insights into how farmers are adapting their crop rotations to suit both their land and the local markets. John explains tha…

1
Disease control in oilseed rape 17:09

6M ago17:09

17:09

Winter oilseed rape has grown strongly over the past month but these conditions are also good for foliar disease development. Dr Stephen Kildea joins the Tillage Edge this week to talk about disease levels in oilseed rape and if control is necessary. He encourages all growers to walk their fields to look for Phoma and Light Leaf Spot (LLS) and reco…

1
Organic farming - is it a viable option for tillage farmers? 25:59

6M ago25:59

25:59

Organic farming is gaining attention as a viable option for tillage farmers, especially with the demand for organic feed in livestock production on the rise. Martin Burke, an organic specialist from Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss how the recently opened Organic Scheme could offer new opportunities for farmers looking to diversif…

1
Brendan Lynch and Michael Martin look back on the changes & challenges of the Irish pig industry 26:03

6M ago26:03

26:03

We're taking a look back on the careers and experiences of two long-time Teagasc pig experts on this month’s Pig Edge. Brendan Lynch, former Head of Department and Chief Pig Scientist, and Michael Martin, former Head of Department and Pig Specialist join Amy Quinn to talk about their careers. From their early days in the pig industry to the pivotal…

1
Post-emergence herbicide options for winter cereals 15:36

6M ago15:36

15:36

Over recent weeks, most farmers have had the opportunity to plant winter crops, with many crops well emerged. Ciaran Collins, a tillage specialist, and Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher from Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge podcast this week to discuss the best options for effective pre and post emergence weed control in winter cereals. Ciaran emphas…

1
The best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals 18:25

7M ago18:25

18:25

With many crops just starting to emerge, it's time to think about protecting them from BYDV, or Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus. Dr. Louise McNamara, an entomologist from Teagasc, joins this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the best strategies for controlling BYDV in winter cereals. Louise emphasises that monitoring for aphids is key to any Integrated Pest…

1
Grain Markets: Global Challenges and Supply Outlook with James Nolan 16:52

7M ago16:52

16:52

With harvest complete, farmers now have a clear understanding of the grain they have available for sale. While many have already sold their grain in forward market positions, others are considering deferring sales for several weeks or months. James Nolan, a grain trader at Barnett-Hall, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the current market o…

1
Celebrating 30 Years of the Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference 20:42

7M ago20:42

20:42

For the latest Pig Edge podcast, we’re diving into all the details of the upcoming Annual Teagasc Pig Farmers’ Conference, which is celebrating 30 years of the conference this year. On this episode, we’re joined by Ciarán Carroll, Louise Clarke and Michael McKeon from the advisory team in the Teagasc Pig Development Department as we explore what's …

1
The Department of Agriculture Fertiliser Register – the actions you need to take 22:03

7M ago22:03

22:03

The Department of Agriculture now has a full view of all nutrients imported onto tillage farms and this week on the Tillage Edge, Pat Murphy, Head of Environmental Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, goes through what this means for farmers. Pat explains that all chemical fertilisers bought and organic manures imported onto a farm are reported to the De…

1
Pre-emerge herbicides will give you better weed control 17:05

7M ago17:05

17:05

Weed control in winter cereals is essential to protect yields and to prevent weed seed return and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, chat through the reasons to prioritise pre-emerge herbicide applications in winter wheat and winter barley. Shay says there is some flexibility in the pre-emer…

1
What you need to know about the Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme 11:54

8M ago11:54

11:54

Manure management has been a much talked-about topic on farms this year. On August 21st, the Nutrient Importation Storage Scheme (NISS) was announced as part of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS III) by the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue. For this episode of The Pig Edge, we're joined by Spec…

1
Select the varieties which best suit your farm 25:41

8M ago25:41

25:41

As planting season begins, the choice of crop varieties will shape the management practices for the year ahead. Ciaran Collins and Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialists at Teagasc, are on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss the key factors in selecting varieties and why certain ones may be more suitable. Ciaran advises that for larger acreages, a mix of…

1
Comparison of Crop Establishment Techniques for Growers 13:30

8M ago13:30

13:30

This week on The Tillage Edge podcast, we’re circling back to the National Tillage Conference from earlier this year and focusing on the trade-offs of establishment systems with Jack Jameson, as well as the growing problem of weeds, particularly poppies, with Charlotte Morgan. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: h…

1
Assessing soils is the best route to healthier soils 20:50

8M ago20:50

20:50

Correctly structured healthy soils will deliver better returns for farmers and on this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr Veronica Nyhan, a soil and plant nutrition specialist in Teagasc, joins the podcast to discuss why it is necessary to carry out regular soil assessments and how the results can be used to correct any deficits. Veronica explains that a test…

1
The Nurturer’s Edge: Empathy-Driven Leadership with GiANT 5 Voices 56:39

8M ago56:39

56:39

Unlocking Leadership Potential with the 5 Voices: Insights from Lydia Jourdain of GiANT London In today's fast-paced business world, understanding and leveraging your leadership strengths is essential for personal and team success. This week on the Think Cloud's Hack Podcast, Leon, Dean, and Paul are joined by Lydia Jourdain, a Partner at GiANT Lon…

1
Harvest results from around the country 22:14

8M ago22:14

22:14

There is a good proportion of the harvest completed and this week on The Tillage Edge podcast, Teagasc Tillage Advisors, Ciara O’Donovan, Conor O’Callaghan and John Pettit report on the yields in their areas to date with all three reporting good yields from spring barley along with reasonable straw yields. There was agreement that winter cereal and…

1
Mixed harvest results from Poland and the UK 26:23

8M ago26:23

26:23

Tim Bergin, a Dublin man farming in Poland, and Andy Mahon, a Dubliner who manages a farm in the UK, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about their respective harvests with contrasting reports of a very difficult year in the UK and a year full of promise from Poland. In Poland, Tim explains that yields were reasonably good and harvest was stra…

1
Richie Hackett explains how cover crops offer multiple benefits for farmers 20:03

9M ago20:03

20:03

Cover crops have many benefits for a farmer and also for the wider landscape and this week, Dr Richie Hackett, Teagasc Crops Researcher in Oak Park, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to delve into the benefits and pitfalls when growing cover crops. Richie cautions farmers about using the same cover crop mixes in rotation with similar plant species and…

1
The Oilseed rape planning window is upon us - here's how to prepare for it 21:34

9M ago21:34

21:34

The ideal time to plant oilseed rape is in the next couple of weeks and so Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists in Teagasc, join the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the variety choice and best practice for good establishment. Oilseed rape comes with a lot of in-built genetic technology which Shay says will help to achieve high y…

1
The harvest in Teagasc, Oak Park - progressing well despite the weather 17:49

9M ago17:49

17:49

The Teagasc crops research farm in Oak Park, Carlow, is in the middle of the harvest and Brendan Burke, the farm manager, joins the Tillage Edge this week to chat about the highs and lows of the harvest so far. Brendan explains that the winter barley and winter oats yields have been reasonable so far. The farm also sells straw to regular customers …

1
Money available for tillage farmers in the Water EIP project 20:55

9M ago20:55

20:55

Tillage farming has reasonably good environmental credentials but there is always room for improvement and Noel Meehan, ASSAP Manager, joins us on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to talk about the funding which is available to tillage farmers as part of the Water EIP project. Noel says the project is targeting specific areas around the country, an…

1
The latest on breeding & reproduction 30:36

10M ago30:36

30:36

This month’s Pig Edge is focusing on breeding and reproduction and Amy Quinn is joined by Teagasc Specialised Pig Advisor, Emer McCrum, to share her thoughts and experiences on the common themes and issues from around the country. For more episodes and information from the Pig Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/pigs/the-pig-edge-pod…

1
A Kilkenny and Cork farmer talk about the harvest so far and the frustration over straw 20:29

10M ago20:29

20:29

Farmers, James O’Reilly, from Kilkenny, and James Hegarty, from Cork, join this week’s Tillage Edge podcast to chat about the harvest so far. James O’Reilly says that winter barley yields were mixed and the average is likely to be lower than other years, while James Hegarty admits his yields are also mixed but he is happy with grain quality. Both f…

1
Cyber security in financial services and Business Integrity - Dan Williams 52:08

10M ago52:08

52:08

As a personal finance professional passionate about cybersecurity, Daniel Williams has spent years navigating the complex landscape of financial and digital security. His insights illuminate a vital truth: cybersecurity is not merely a technical concern but a cornerstone of business integrity and success. Businesses of all sizes and entrepreneurs m…

1
How improved genetics is helping to grow better crops 25:26

10M ago25:26

25:26

Not all crop varieties which could be available to Irish farmers are suitable to be grown in Ireland and on this week’s Tillage Edge podcast, Tim O'Donovan, Technical Director at Seedtech, chats through the varieties which are available and why these are suitable to Irish conditions. Tim explains the value of trialling these varieties in Irish cond…

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