The Tillage Edge

We begin a series of talks from this year’s Teagasc National Tillage Conference, focusing on the research and issues that will shape tillage farming in the years ahead.
 
This episode of the Tillage Edge examines Irish competitiveness, both at home and internationally. 
 
Teagasc economist, Dr Trevor Donnellan, presents a paper prepared by Dr Fiona Thorne, outlining how Irish farmers remain competitive due to high yields, whilst highlighting that national averages can mask large differences between the most and least profitable farms.
 
Links to all presentations from the 2026 National Tillage Conference are at:
https://teagasc.ie/publications/national-tillage-conference-2026-presentations/
 
 
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

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, innovation and agronomy. 
 
For this week’s Tillage Edge, Dr. Ewen Mullins, Head of Crop Science at Teagasc, previews what to expect this year.  
 
To register for the National Tillage conference visit: 
https://teagasc.ie/crops/crops/events/#NTC2026
 
 
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

John Mahon, Tillage Signpost Programme Advisor, discusses why proving the low-carbon grain advantage matters, the limits of existing data, and why annual, representative figures from Irish tillage farms are essential to meet buyer requirements and ultimately support increased payments for low-carbon grain. 
 
This episode of the Tillage Edge outlines what farmers need to know and why participation is critical for securing long-term value for Irish grain.
 
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

Dr Richie Hackett, a crops researcher at Teagasc Oak Park, is on this week’s Tillage Edge to discuss managing large cover‑crop canopies. 
 
He explains the range of control methods available and why timing of destruction is critical - particularly the timing of destruction for your crop establishment system. 
 
Richie also explains practical dos and don’ts for direct ploughing of cover crops.
 
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

We’re focusing on continuous education and the benefits that upskilling can bring on this week’s Tillage Edge. 
 
Shay Phelan, Teagasc Tillage Specialist, and Phelim McDonald, Teagasc Tillage Advisor in Carlow, join the show to discuss how farmers can continue to develop their skills. 
 
Shay emphasises that building knowledge - particularly around herbicide resistance - and putting that knowledge into practice is essential for the long-term sustainability of the farm.
 
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