Latest news with #AgNav
Agriland
4 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
AgNav driving 'big improvements from simple actions'
Calf-to-beef farmer, Michael O'Donnell, explains how he is using AgNav, supported by his Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser, Leonard Betts. AgNav is a free digital platform for Irish farmers, developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF, and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Farmers can use AgNav to develop farm-specific sustainability action plans to reduce on-farm emissions and improve water quality. Michael is farming 130ac near Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, which is a mix of owned and rented land and has been running his calf-to-beef system for the last four years. Before that, it was store-to-beef. Now Michael buys in calves both in the autumn and the spring to spread the workload. He said: "My focus is really just on producing them as efficiently as I can." Michael was introduced to AgNav by his Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser last year and said that, ever since, the platform has been improving efficiencies on the farm. In terms of logging in to AgNav, Michael said: "I logged in with my ICBF login, which is handy, and all the information from my previous Bord Bia audit was there. "It's actually very simple to use. You can log in and play around with the Forecaster tool. For example, you can change the dates for when you let animals out to grass in spring and when they're brought in, and you'll see the difference that this makes to your emissions." From his own experience, Michael suggested that other farmers should try AgNav. He recommended: "Play with it and see how you can reduce your emissions with small, incremental changes on your farm." Michael has made a few small but significant changes on his farm, starting with purchasing only protected urea and no calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN). Michael is also targeting getting all his slurry out in springtime and after the first cut of silage in suitable conditions. Previously he would have left a bit for the autumn, he said that "you get more use out of it in the spring. "I've also been using LESS (low emission slurry spreading) equipment for the last few years, which is another big improvement I've made to reduce emissions." By using the AgNav Forecaster tool, Michael understands that getting animals out to grass early and extending the grazing season by an extra week or two can make a big difference to a farm's emissions. Michael's AgNav Actions: Early turnout and later housing; Incorporation of clover; 100% protected urea; Enhance soil fertility; Increase live weight gain; Use of LESS; Spring slurry application. According to Michael: "There's big improvements to be made from simple actions on the farm." Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser, Leonard Betts has worked closely with Michael so the Co. Tipperary farmer utilises AgNav in an efficient manner and to suit his farm system. Leonard said: "When I sit down with a farmer, the first thing we look at is where they are right now – their carbon footprint, their total emissions, and where they could potentially go by taking certain actions." Michael O'Donnell with his Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser, Leonard Betts He added that "AgNav is a huge help in my work" and highlighted the ease of taking an option - such as protected urea - to show the farmer exactly how much they can reduce their emissions just by making that one switch. Leonard has worked with Michael to put together a plan of actions that were appropriate for Michael's farm – practical steps that the farmer is likely to take on. "The other advantage with AgNav is that you can print out a clear action plan. If it's written down, it's more likely to happen." Leonard has now engaged with over 1,000 farmers to introduce them to AgNav – at local co-ops, in discussion groups, and as part of the ACRES programme. The Signpost Climate Adviser believes that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive because the action farmers are being asked to do are straightforward and can make their farms more profitable. AgNav is available to all beef, dairy, and tillage farmers through the AgNav website ( Additionally, all beef, dairy, and tillage farmers can sign up for the free Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme for support and guidance on using and implementing AgNav. Beef and dairy farmers can also join through an affiliated processor sustainability scheme.
Agriland
5 days ago
- Business
- Agriland
Agriland launches AgNav series with Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF
Agriland Media Group is delighted to team up with Teagasc, Bord Bia, and ICBF for the 'AgNav: Supporting Farm Sustainability Series', which will look at AgNav and how the digital platform has helped farmers improve their on-farm sustainability and efficiency. Over the next couple of weeks, this series will hear from farmers across the country who are utilising AgNav on their farm, as they explain how it helps them make effective decisions, be more efficient, and drive profitability through sustainable and practical actions. AgNav is a free digital platform for Irish farmers, developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia, and ICBF, and supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Farmers can use AgNav to develop farm-specific sustainability action plans to reduce on-farm emissions and improve water quality. Week 1: Featuring Michael O'Donnell, calf-to-beef farm, and his adviser, Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser Leonard Betts. Michael explains how AgNav is helping him make decisions on his farm while Leonard shares how the tool supports his advisory work with farmers. Week 2: Featuring north Co. Tipperary dairy farmers, Katie and Phil Gleeson, and their adviser Padraig Fogarty – the Gleesons discuss the changes they are implementing on their farm, supported by AgNav. Padraig explains the importance of tailoring plans to suit each farm. Week 3: Featuring west Co. Cork dairy farmer Pat O'Driscoll and his Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser Anthony Dineen – Pat outlines his experience using AgNav, with a focus on improving water quality by monitoring his nutrient balance. Pat O'Driscoll and his Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser Anthony Dineen Anthony discusses the benefits of AgNav and the practical steps farmers can take, while Edel McEvoy, Sustainability Specialist with Bord Bia explains how processors can use AgNav as part of their sustainability programmes. Week 4: Featuring Pat O'Driscoll and his Dairygold Sustainability Adviser Jeremiah Hurley and Dairygold Milk Quality Adviser, Denis Guiry. Jeremiah and Denis describe how Dairygold is supporting farmers using AgNav, including one-to-one training on water quality. AgNav shows an assessment of current farm performance using data from Bord Bia, ICBF, Teagasc, and farmer-completed surveys. For beef and dairy farms, animal and production data from ICBF along with Bord Bia audit data are automatically entered into AgNav, which removes the need for farmers to do it themselves. Scientific models developed by Teagasc then use this data to calculate the individual farm's performance under the following key sustainability metrics: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; Ammonia emissions; Production; Nutrient balance; Soil carbon. Note: Soil carbon will only be calculated if a farmer chooses to complete an AgNav-hosted survey on their farm's soils. If they do, AgNav will calculate how much carbon is captured in their soil and can adjust the farm's GHG emissions accordingly. The AgNav Forecaster is a core feature of the AgNav platform, and is currently available for dairy and beef enterprises. Farmers, or their advisers, can use the forecaster to analyse how changes in farming practices and management can impact each sustainability metric. Based on the forecaster analysis, beef and dairy farmers can identify which actions are most appropriate for their farm, allowing them to create a personalised farm sustainability action plan. Michael O'Donnell, calf-to-beef farmer, and his adviser, Teagasc Signpost Climate Adviser, Leonard Betts Farmers can choose actions to address water quality, gaseous farm emissions, and biodiversity. AgNav is available to all beef, dairy, and tillage farmers through the AgNav website ( Additionally, all beef, dairy, and tillage farmers can sign up for the free Teagasc Signpost Advisory Programme for support and guidance on using and implementing AgNav. Beef and dairy farmers can also join through an affiliated processor sustainability scheme.
Irish Examiner
27-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
AgNav launches tillage enterprise at Oak Park open day
AgNav has now added tillage enterprises to its online digital platform. The new tillage capabilities on the platform were launched by minister for agriculture Martin Heydon at the Crops and Technology Open Day in Teagasc Oak Park on June 25. AgNav supports farmers in identifying mitigation strategies for their farms to deliver on climate action. With the addition of tillage it will allow tillage farmers to calculate the carbon footprint of their crops, marking a significant advancement in sustainability tools for Irish tillage farmers. AgNav was originally developed as a collaboration between Teagasc, Bord Bia and ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) as a platform designed to help farmers measure and manage the environmental impact of their operations. With the addition of tillage, this will enable farmers to calculate the carbon footprint of their crops using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model specifically tailored for Ireland. Teagasc collaborated with Tirlán to develop the LCA model specifically for an Irish tillage farming system. Teagasc's tillage LCA model follows global standards, evaluating the carbon footprint of native grains, from cradle to farm-gate. Hence, the scope of the model extends from the acquisition of raw materials, through to the harvesting of crops. It also utilises national information on agricultural emissions and carbon capture and retention (sequestration) to determine carbon footprint as CO2 emissions per tonne of grain produced. Speaking at the open day, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, said: The tillage sector has a major role to play in achieving Ireland's climate targets. I welcome this new development in AgNav, which allows farmers to understand their emissions profile and to identify ways of making further sustainability improvements at farm level. John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land use Programme in Teagasc, said: 'This is an important development for growers and for the tillage sector. Farmers will be able to sign up and get a demonstration of how to use the system. I would encourage all growers to register and use AgNav so that we can get a good view of the carbon footprint of Irish tillage crops.' Dr Siobhán Jordan, Head of Teagasc Technology Transfer office, said: 'Teagasc, and its partners ICBF and Bord Bia, are committed to the ongoing development of the AgNav tool, and plans are in place to include other farming enterprises in the years ahead. (Left to right) John Spink, Teagasc; Professor Frank O'Mara, Teagasc Director; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon; Dr Jack Kennedy, editor of the Irish Farmers Journal and Liam Woulfe, Teagasc Authority at the official opening of the Crops and Technology Open Day in Teagasc Oak Park. Picture: Dylan Vaughan "It facilitates informed decision-making by farmers to identify the actions for their own individual farms that will have the greatest impact in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing carbon.' The 'Crops and Technology' Open Day in Oak Park was organised in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal. The open day covered the latest research on all main tillage crops and horticulture field crops, and a major machinery demonstration with particular focus on sprayers and the technology available for more accurate applications. Read More Government sets out next phase of agriculture emission target plans
Irish Examiner
04-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Lime use key to improving water quality, says Teagasc director
Spreading lime will play a big role in improving water quality, said Teagasc director of research Professor Pat Dillon in a recent podcast. He explained soil fertility was an important objective of Teagasc's Better Farming for Water campaign. The campaign calls for optimal lime, phosphorus and potassium in soils. But analysis of soil samples submitted in 2024 showed 52% had sub-optimal pH. Increasing soil pH to greater than 6.2 will increase phosphorus availability, increase nitrogen use efficiency, and be really important for clover establishment. 'If there's something we need to focus on as part of the programme, I think the big one there is about soil pH,' Prof Dillon said. 'Lime is a very cheap fertiliser. It can have significant impacts, and it's really important where we want to move in terms of water quality and in terms of climate change'. The Better Farming for Water campaign was launched last year to support and accelerate actions on farms which improve the quality of water where agriculture is a significant pressure on "good" or "high" ecological status. Agriculture is a key risk factor in 1,023 (62%) of the 1,649 water bodies designated with "at risk" status. There are eight Better Farming for Water actions for change. 'Farmers need support to implement these actions for change at farm level,' Prof Dillon said. Action one is the reduction of the surplus per hectare of purchased nitrogen and phosphorus fertiliser. Comparing 2018 with 2024, chemical nitrogen sales reduced by 24%, phosphorus sales by 38%, and potash sales by 27%. Research at Moorepark shows nitrates leaching from dairy farms has reduced in the period 2019 to 2023. 'Nitrogen balance improved on these farms, with the result that nitrogen leaching reduced,' Prof Dillon said. Action two is using lime to raise the soil pH above 6.2, so less fertiliser is needed. Action three is ensuring fertiliser and organic manure are applied at appropriate times and conditions. 'The right time, the right rate, and in the right place, that's really important,' Prof Dillon said. He advised farmers to be guided by Teagasc's weekly Grass 10 newsletter, which facilitates precision nutrient management. The AgNav platform can also be used to support a reduction in the farm nitrogen balance. PastureBase Ireland can also be used to improve nutrient use efficiency. Greater use of organic manure is another way to reduce chemical nitrogen usage. Action four is ensuring sufficient storage for slurry and soiled water. Teagasc surveys estimate there is a requirement of 20% additional storage capacity, needed for dairy farms in particular. 'Increasing slurry storage really is important, especially from the dairy farmer's point of view, improving nutrient efficiency and thereby improving water quality,' Prof Dillon said. He encouraged farmers to use the available grants to upgrade their nutrient storage facilities. Action five is managing and minimising nutrient loss from farmyards and roadways. Preliminary findings of Teagasc's national slurry monitoring surveys indicate 20 to 40 litres of water per cow per week enters slurry storage tanks. Pollution from farmyards and roadways can be a significant source of nutrients and sediment in waterways. 'We need better gutters and downpipes in good working order, to pipe water directly to soakaways, and not mixing with dirty water on the farm. "We need to divert clean water away from yards and concrete areas. We need to restrict the farm traffic to certain parts of the yard,' Prof Dillon advised. Regular cleaning of soiled yards is crucial too. 'Simple actions can have significant benefits in terms of improving water quality,' he said. Action six is fencing off watercourses to prevent cattle access. Action seven promotes targeted use of riparian margins, buffer strips, and sediment traps to mitigate nutrient and sediment loss to water. Action eight is maintaining over-winter green cover to reduce nutrient leaching, especially of nitrates, from tillage soils. 'Cover crops can reduce nitrogen loss by 20 kilos per hectare,' Prof Dillon explained. He said, 'All of those eight actions are a priority'. A specific plan for each of the eight river catchments selected for priority water quality improvement is the preferred Better Farming for Water approach. Coordinators have been appointed to work in the selected catchments, to organise the efforts of all relevant stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural cooperatives, industry representatives, local authorities, and other relevant organisations, and to put in place a comprehensive, tailored plan to improve water quality in each catchment area. A farmer is the preferred chairperson of each catchment coordinating committee. Encouragingly, the EPA's March 2025 Early Insights Nitrogen Indicator showed nitrogen levels in rivers had reduced in 2024 compared to the previous year. However, nitrogen levels remained too high in the southeast of the country. The effort in Munster has a head start, compared to the national picture from Environmental Protection Agency monitoring, which indicates only 54% of Irish water bodies are deemed to have good or high ecological status. Prof Dillon said 67% of the water bodies on the Bandon River are "either high or good". This figure is 62% for the Lee catchment area and 66% for the Blackwater. But only 36% of the water bodies on the Suir and on the Barrow are high or good, and only 32% on the Boyne. Read More New hedge must be planted before old one removed, farmers told
Agriland
16-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
Dairygold marks ‘milestone' in nutrient balance consultations in 2025
As of May 15, 2025, 1,500 Dairygold milk suppliers (70% of the milk suppliers) have completed a one-to-one nutrient balance consultation with Teagasc as part of the company's Grassroots Sustainability Programme since December 2024. This according to the co-op marks another 'milestone' for the programme and highlights the interest and enthusiasm that farmers have in improving their nutrient efficiency and environmental sustainability on farm. These individual consultations provide farmers with their current nitrogen and phosphorus balance figures and offer a tailored plan to enhance both economic and environmental sustainability on each individual farm. The figures are delivered via AgNav, a platform developed by Teagasc, Bord Bia, and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) that identifies the nutrient sources contributing to an individual farm's nutrient balance. Speaking about this milestone, Dairygold head of member services and engagement, Billy Cronin said: 'We're delighted to hit another milestone in our successful Grassroots Sustainability Programme.' 'The feedback from our milk suppliers has been very positive, and the strong uptake amongst our milk supplier base is evidence of the strong passion amongst our farmers for long-lasting, sustainable change in how we farm.' Cronin added: 'These consultations and the resulting action plans will help to deliver improvements in water quality and also increase profitability on farm.' Nutrient balance consultation During the consultations, the water quality status in nearby rivers or streams is also discussed, using data from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maps to highlight areas of the farm that are susceptible to nitrogen leaching or phosphorus run-off. The consultation provides an action plan for the participating farmer, outlining steps to mitigate nutrient loss, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance biodiversity on their farm. The consultations, which began in late December, are organised by Dairygold and delivered by Teagasc's sustainability advisors. According to the development manager of the Teagasc Advisory Programme, Dr. George Ramsbottom: 'This partnership with Dairygold shows what can be achieved when Teagasc and industry work together. 'We see initiatives such as this as a blueprint for other processors to follow on the journey to greater sustainability for Irish agriculture.'
