The Tillage Edge

Teagasc

The Tillage Edge is Teagasc's weekly tillage podcast, presented by Michael Hennessy, bringing you weekly episodes covering the agronomy needs of crops throughout the season with input from Teagasc researchers and views from across the industry.

The Tillage Edge is a co-production with LastCastMedia.com

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28 episodes
weekly
Avg 20 min
English

Episodes 28

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#332
September 24 · 17 min
Why soil sampling is a critical task on every farm
We rely on our soils more than any other resource to deliver crop performance and farm profitability year after year. Just like machinery, soils require regular attention and maintenance to perform at their best. This week on the Tillage Edge podcast, Veronica Nyhan, Soil and Plant Specialist with Teagasc, and Ewen Johnstown, owner of South East Sampling Services, discuss the importance of soil sampling and how to do it correctly. They explain why taking an accurate soil sample is the foundation of effective nutrient management and how using soil test results to guide fertiliser and lime applications can deliver significant returns over the coming years. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#331
September 21 · 18 min
The Soil Monitoring Law is coming – how will it affect tillage farmers?
Lillian O’Sullivan, a Soil Researcher with Teagasc, joins the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss the new Soil Monitoring Law being introduced across Europe and what it means for tillage farmers. Lillian explains that the legislation will allow individual countries to develop targets that reflect their own soil conditions, with the coming years focused on establishing national baselines and monitoring frameworks. While there is still significant work to be done, she notes that Irish soils are generally in good health compared to many other parts of Europe. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#330
September 17 · 24 min
From the Crops Forum Part 2: Adjusting rotations & controlling BYDV
The Teagasc Crops Forum took place last week, bringing together a range of informative presentations focused on the latest developments in tillage production. We feature two of those talks on this week’s Tillage Edge with Shay Phelan, Tillage Specialist with Teagasc, discussing how growers can adjust crop rotations to improve profitability and resilience. We also hear from Louise McNamara, a Teagasc researcher, who presents recent trial results on controlling Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) in BYDV tolerant barley varieties. Presentation slides from the Teagasc Crops Forum are available at: www.teagasc.ie/publications For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#329
September 11 · 19 min
From the Crops Forum: New varieties & the best way to control grass weeds
The Teagasc Crops Forum took place this week featuring a range of informative presentations focused on the latest developments in tillage production. For this week’s Tillage Edge, we hear from two of those presenters. Cara Mac Aodháin from the Department of Agriculture's Cereal Variety Testing Division discusses the latest additions and changes to the Recommended Lists and what they mean for growers. Vijaya Bhaskar, Teagasc Crops Specialist, explains why pre-emergence herbicides remain the cornerstone of effective weed control in cereals and outlines key considerations for the season ahead. Presentation slides from the Teagasc Crops Forum are available at: www.teagasc.ie/publications For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#328
September 3 · 14 min
Returning a better margin in 2027 – a preview of the Teagasc Crops Forum
Everyone in the industry is asking how tillage can remain competitive into the future. Poor yields are often blamed on the weather, but other factors such as rotations, soil management, and fertiliser can play a big role. Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage specialists, join the show to discuss the upcoming Teagasc National Crops Forum and the practical steps farmers can take to protect margins. Ciaran highlights that tweaking rotations and using organic manures can make a significant difference, with many growers reporting higher yields where these practices are adopted. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#327
August 28 · 25 min
Harvest round up from Tillage Signpost farmers
The harvest of combinable crops is almost complete and for this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy speaks with Tillage Signpost farmers Tom Tierney (Kildare), Don Somers (Wexford) and Tom Barry (Cork) about their 2026 harvests. Don was somewhat disappointed by yields but emphasises that a diverse crop rotation helps reduce risk. Tom Barry reported good yields, which he attributes to high fertility and the use of organic manures. And Tom Tierney teamed up with his neighbour for harvesting — a collaboration he described as very successful this year. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#326
August 20 · 27 min
Oilseed rape still the star crop on most farms
Oilseed rape has been a strong performer on Irish farms thanks to consistent yields, high prices and potential for lower production costs. Eoin Lyons, Teagasc advisor, Laois, and Ciarán Collins, Teagasc tillage specialist, join the Tillage Edge podcast to discuss rotational slots, varieties, establishment and early management of oilseed rape. Eoin stresses the importance of avoiding sowing into very dry soils, which can cause uneven emergence and lead to management problems later in the season. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#325
August 13 · 8 min
Planting cover crops using a drone
Drone technology is becoming more accessible and increasingly useful on tillage farms and on this episode of The Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy speaks with Daniel O'Reilly of Aerial Ag Ireland about a large agricultural drone used to apply cover‑crop seed into a standing spring barley crop. Daniel explains how the system works, why it’s well suited to in‑crop application, and how a machine that can carry up to 40 kg of seed can speed up application and reduce the need for ground machinery. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#324
August 6 · 26 min
The highs and lows of the harvest so far
With more than half the harvest completed overall (and some areas more than 80% finished), Teagasc advisors, Michael McCarthy (Cork), Mark Trimble (Kilkenny) and John Brophy (Naas) join the podcast to discuss harvest results in their regions. Yields are mixed — most cereal grain has been disappointing, although oilseed rape performed well across the board. As Michael McCarthy noted, “Once again oilseed rape is the star of the show and I have had a number of enquiries about planting it again for next year.” For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#323
July 30 · 20 min
Why Stubble Cultivation Lowers Your Weed Burden
Reducing the seed burden in the soil is key to lowering weed pressure in subsequent growing crops and for this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr Vijaya Bhaskar, a weed researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, joins the podcast to discuss what farmers can do in the coming weeks to tackle weeds. He also reviews new research on brome dormancy and the implications for this year’s stubble cultivation. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#322
July 23 · 25 min
Harvest 2026 – how it is shaping up so far
With the harvest well underway and the continued good weather, farms are proceeding without a hitch. Shay Phelan and Ciaran Collins, Tillage Specialists with Teagasc, join this week's Tillage Edge podcast to discuss harvest yields so far and to consider possible reasons for the results. Both Ciaran and Shay agree winter barley yields are disappointing and pinpoint the factors behind higher yields — and they explain how the absence of those factors has led to lower returns. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#321
July 16 · 10 min
Why Cation Exchange Capacity Matters on Your Farm
Eddie Casey spoke to Michael Hennessy at the recent Johnstown Castle Research Centre Open Day to talk about Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC) and why it’s important for farmers to understand their soils and the actions they can take to influence CEC and nutrient retention. Eddie explains what CEC is, how it affects a soil’s ability to hold and supply nutrients, and where soils with higher and lower CEC typically occur across the country. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#320
July 9 · 13 min
Maintaining quality seeds through the supply chain
Purchased seed is a foundational part of crop production each year and for this week’s Tillage Edge, Michael Hennessy caught up with Jim Cunningham, Seed Plant Manager at Goldcrop’s production facility in Dunleer, Co Louth to chat about how he and his team maintain seed quality and varietal purity from intake through processing, storage and dispatch to growers for the following season. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#319
July 2 · 13 min
Soil health matter to boost yields
At the recent Johnstown Castle Research Centre Open Day, Michael Hennessy caught up with Dr. Fiona Brennan, a Teagasc Senior Researcher in Soil Microbiology, to talk about soil health and how tillage farmers can keep their soils in top condition. Fiona outlines the key parameters that affect soil health—structure, organic matter, biology, nutrient balance and drainage—and highlights practical steps farmers can take throughout the year to improve those factors and boost crop yields. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#318
June 25 · 19 min
New varieties from Goldcrop
New varieties help maintain or increase on-farm yields and Michael Hennessy caught up with John Dunne, Trials Manager at Goldcrop, after their Dunleer open day to discuss the latest varieties coming through the system. John covers developments in resistance to yellow rust in winter wheat and the near‑standard BYDV tolerance now seen in winter barleys, and explains what those changes mean for growers when choosing varieties. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#317
June 18 · 22 min
Brian Caldbeck in the US on Wheat, Drought & the Coming Harvest
Getting an international perspective can help put current grain-market conditions into context — and for this episode of The Tillage Edge, Brian Caldbeck, an Irish grower who runs Rubisco Seeds in Kentucky, USA, joins the show to discuss what he’s seeing across the U.S. crop landscape. Locally in Kentucky wheat yields are good, but recent rains may have created quality concerns, while further west severe drought has significantly reduced production and many fields were used for forage rather than grain production. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#316
June 11 · 25 min
Opening the Gate: Sustainable Farming in Practice at Don Somers’ Farm
Don Somers, a tillage farmer from Wexford, and the overall winner of the Environmental Sustainability award in 2025, joins The Tillage Edge, along with John Mahon, his Signpost Farm advisor, to preview the open evening at Don’s farm on June 17th. The event is targeted at farmers, non-farmers and young people to showcase sustainable practices on tillage farms. Don is particularly keen to show people that a commercial tillage farm can work hand in hand with the surrounding environment. Further details of the event and registration are at: https://teagasc.ie/event/a-somers-evening-farm-walk/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#315
June 4 · 28 min
Report from the UK on the drought and blackgrass control
Dubliner Andy Mahon, who is farm manager of the Bromborough Estate in Northamptonshire, UK, discusses crop conditions, how the business is coping with the difficult weather, grass-weed pressure and recent changes to farm support. Andy also outlines his blackgrass strategy — from planning and growing crops in fields with low blackgrass population, to targeted herbicide use and post-emergence controls — and is candid about the challenge, saying that despite persistent efforts it remains hard to get the weed fully under control. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#314
May 28 · 21 min
Crop update from Kildare
North Kildare farmer, Phillip Harris, and Teagasc advisor, John Brophy, discuss crop progress and management challenges on this week’s Tillage Edge. Phillip describes the adjustments he’s made since changing to strip till establishment, plus a strict containment plan for grass weeds involving crop burn off, fallow and rigorous hand rouging. Phillip recommends herbicide testing for resistance in the identified weeds. John warns that many spring crops face moisture stress and urges caution with herbicide applications, especially tank mixes or spraying marginal crops. For more on weed testing for herbicide resistance go to: https://teagasc.ie/crops/crops/grass-weeds/dealing-with-a-grass-weed-problem/herbicide-resistance/ For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com
#313
May 21 · 19 min
Cost driven choices: Jim McCarthy on his changing machinery policy
We re-join the conversation with Jim McCarthy, who farms an extensive holding in north-eastern Romania, as Jim walks us through recent changes on the farm, most notably his move away from the big-name manufacturers toward more affordable South American machinery to reduce costs. He also discusses the wider crisis facing Romanian agriculture after three severe droughts: bankruptcies among local suppliers, a tightening of credit for farmers, and many crops that have not yet received fertiliser this season. For more episodes and information from the Tillage Edge podcast go to: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/crops/the-tillage-edge-podcast/ Produced on behalf of Teagasc by LastCastMedia.com

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