William burchill

Congratulations to Samson Mwangi Ithagu, winner of the 2025 Agricultural Science Post‑Graduate Award UCC, sponsored by the Fertiliser Association of Ireland. Award presented on 12 Dec 2025, recognising the achievements of the UCC Class of 2025.

Apply sufficient P based on soil test results to drive early grass growth especially on index 1 and 2 soils. Aim to apply 50% of P now on the free draining soils and the apply the remaining 50% of P in 4 to 8 week’s time. bit.ly/efficient-phos…

Quality first cut silage starts with getting the fertilizer strategy right. A balanced application of N, P, K & S, applied through a strategic combination of animal slurry and chemical fertilizers should be used to maximise both quality & quantity. fertilizer-assoc.ie/fertilising-1s…

Sulphur is a key nutrient for silage crops—it improves nitrogen efficiency, drives strong yields and also increases grass protein, helping to improve silage quality. For grazing: 12–16 units/acre/year in 3 splits. For silage: 8–12 units/acre per cut. teagasc.ie/news--events/d…

Honoured to have judged this year's awards with @teagascs Grainne Hurley. The standard of milk quality and sustainability across the finalists was outstanding!!! Huge congratulations to all!! @uccBEES @SEFSUCC

Last night An Taoiseach Micheál Martin crowned @DairygoldCo_Op Milk Suppliers Aileen Sheehan and Philip O’Leary, Whitechurch the overall winners of the 2024 Dairygold Milk Quality and Sustainability Awards #WeGrowTogether

With current Soil Moisture Deficits (SMD) ranging from 40-50mm, grass growth is becoming restricted and consequently nitrogen uptake will be reduced. Nitrogen applications of 20-30 kg N/ha will meet grass requirements. Credit to @MetEireann for the data

Check soil test results and apply recommended lime to correct soil pH to pH 6.3 to 6.5. For more info see teagasc.ie/media/website/…

Identify fields with good soil fertility (pH +6.5, P & K Index 3) for clover over sowing. For more info see teagasc.ie/media/website/…

Grass is flying😎

Adjust fertiliser N rates for N applied in cattle slurry for example 3,000gals/ac will supply ~ 27 units/N/ac

Target cattle slurry to silage fields as it’s a valuable source of K and 1st cut silage crops require 80 to 100 units/ac. For more info see: teagasc.ie/media/website/…

Consult farm fertiliser plan and select a well balance N-P-K fertiliser such as 18-6-12+S for grazing fields. For more info see: teagasc.ie/crops/grasslan…

Moisture driving grass growth on the dry farms!

2nd rotation is the best time to start sulphur applications on grazing ground to boost N efficiency and grass growth. Aim for a total of 10-15 units S/acre over the months of April, May, June and July!

@UCC Agricultural Science 1st Years visited @teagasc Athenry this week to learn about the research supporting sustainable sheep poduction in Ireland. Thanks to @PhilCreighton1 for organising and the researchers for their time @uccBEES @DHeifers @burchill_w @aoife_leader

Exciting PhD opportunity within our Teagasc nutrition group, in collaboration with UCC, focusing on autumn-calving/winter-milk systems: teagasc.ie/media/website/… Retweets appreciated! @teagasc @uccBEES @PastureBase

@UCC 1st Year Agricultural Science Students had a great introduction to dairy calf to beef from @JamieODriscol10 and @nicholaslbyrne and suckler systems from @PeterDoyle_1 @teagasc Grange. Even the cattle were listening! @DHeifers @burchill_w @aoife_leader @uccBEES

Great day on farm with @JackKearney321 and his student Mark. Mark is on placement from @UCC for the spring updating all his dairy skills including grass measuring, breeding , farm finances etc.

End of year review for the @teagasc @TirlanFarmLife monitor farmers. A mixed year with a not so bad backend! Estimated MS/cow just under 500kgs for the group. Average grass grown on the MP just over 13tonnes DM/ha All group reports can be found on this 🔗 teagasc.ie/animals/dairy/…