On this episode James is joined by John, Claire, Eoin and Ed.  The talk about the mineral need of animals and different ways of providing them.  They also cover the risk of mineral deficiencies and hold to identify some of the causes.  The Grassland Agro mineral block range is covered and the new names to help avoid confusion.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode the Technical Team from Grassland Agro gather to have a conversation about a recent article on The Irish Farmers Journal by Aidan Brennan, Does it Pay to Milk On This Winter?

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined by Edward Healy from the Product and Technical Team and Sean McMahon one of the original Sod Podders returns.  These guys have a great chat about many topics from winter housing, department regulations, Body Condition Scoring, what's happening in Grassland Agro now and even a hockey reference.

Link to Donal Kavanagh talking Actisan 360;
https://youtu.be/GjkLQF_8qic?si=WzwfGjX8TX7w8fk0

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John loaded up the car with Edward Healy, Product and Technical Manager and Will Keane, Regional Manager East Region and headed over to Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow to the farm of Kyle and Emma Hanbidge.  The Hanbidge family are 3rd generation farmers with a winter milk set-up.  They have a huge focus on grass, clover and maize.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Lauren, Claire and Eoin where joined by Mark Waters from ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation).
They have a conversation about the National Genotyping Programme.  The National Genotyping Programme is a collaborative initiative designed to enable Ireland to take the first step in achieving a fully genotyped national herd. The programme has been developed based on a cost-sharing model between the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, the beef & dairy industry & participating farmers.
Genotyping the national herd will provide a huge opportunity for the Dairy and Beef industry to increase its sustainability credentials on a global scale. Ireland will become the first country in the world to provide a DNA-verified traceability system. It will lead to an acceleration in the rates of gain of our national breeding indexes (e.g. EBI, Eurostar and DBI), which will enhance farm sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
To find out more; https://www.icbf.com/

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this bonus episode of The Sod Pod James roamed around the Grassland Agro trade stand in the Innovation arena and caught up with many Grassland Agro employees to discuss Ploughing 2023 and how it is going so far.
Many people interviewed from Liam Woulfe and Donagh Barrow, to Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel, Nikki McGrath, John O'Loughlin and David Corbett

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James and Lauren are joined by Lorraine Rossiter our Human Resources Manager in Grassland Agro and two of our Technical Sales Advisors Evelyn Fenlon and John Delee.
The group have a great discussion about working in Grassland Agro, the continued expansion and the opportunities within.

If you would like to find out more;
Email: careers@grassland.ie
or check out our current opportunities at;
https://roullier.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/20/home?c=roullier

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman,  Eoin Quinn and Lauren Stanley welcome Matt Thompson to The Sod Pod.  Matt is an agronomist for Grassland Agro covering the East Wicklow Region.  But Matt has a very interesting story about how "the guy from the housing estate" in Bray fell in love with farming from a very young age and has never looked back.  Matt has, this season, also entered into a Dairy Calf to Beef partnership and his story is a brilliant listen.  No John O'Loughlin this week as he sits in the SIN BIN for his escapades on a "rival" podcast, The Dairy Edge.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman is joined with the usual suspects Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin. But the newest member of the team Eoin Quinn from County Tyrone comes on to make his Sod Pod debut also.
They discuss a handful of topics including the national fertiliser database and veterinary bill.  These are coming thick and fast on us so every piece of information we can piece together will help alleviate some of those worries and concerns.

OUT THE GAP; https://ie.timacagro.com/2023/07/31/out-the-gap-issue-7/

AGFOOD LOGIN;
https://agfood.agriculture.gov.ie/sso-auth-ui-applicant/#/login

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James Freeman sits down with Lauren Stanley, Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin to have a great discussion with Cork dairy farmer, Mike Bermingham.
Mike gives us a great insight into his own farm, grass measuring, Grass10, Clover, fertiliser and the all important ginger nut biscuit.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined with Lauren, Claire and John as they discuss the soil sample reports that the department of agriculture have been sending out to farmers to allow them to have a better understanding of its details.
A very detailed report and we have attempted to summarise it in slightly more understandable language.  No mean feat!

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Claire Aspel and John O'Loughlin catch up with three of our seven Work placement Students as the give us an insight into what they are seeing in farming and their experiences so far with Grassland Agro.
We have Eoghan Devereux from The Model County, Wexford.  Tadhg Griffin from The Kingdom of Kerry and Dara Heffernan from The Premier County, Tipperary.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James was tied up as he attended a milk quality event organised by Tirlán so Lauren, Claire and John carried the show.  They have a lovely conversation about many topics facing farmers at the moment from soil health to sheep.  From Clare losing the Munster final to muted microphones

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode John and David had the pleasure of being joined by David Wall and Cathal Somers from Teagasc.  As we stare down the barrel of drought conditions they give some really practial urgent advice on what steps are best to take to help manage these pressure points.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode Lauren and Claire headed off to Tipperary to meet You Tube and Instagram Influencer / Entertainer MC Milking It.
Mark loves Showing how milk is produced on our grass based, dairy family farm in Ireland 🌱🐄
Promoting Social, Economic & Environmental Sustainable Agriculture 🚜

YouTube;  youtube.com/c/MCMilkingIt
Insta;  https://www.instagram.com/mcmilkingit/

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this latest episode, James is joined by Lauren, Claire and Davy to chat where we’re at as regards farming at this time of year.  They discuss growth rates and weather conditions with some tips to gain an edge in maximising grass returns.
Lauren and Claire also give a summary on the latest edition of their monthly news bulletin; Out The Gap.
May is one of the busiest months on farm so planning and preparation is key. However, best laid plans are fully exposed to weather and time constraints so we need a little bit of luck on side also!

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James is joined by Lauren, John, Claire and Social Media Farming Influencer Andrew Macky!
Andrew is a Dairy Farmer in New Zealand and milks his cows Once A Day. He posts videos of daily farm life milking 320 jersey cows in beautiful sunny New Zealand.
The cows are on a all grass system with a bit of supplement to allow for hot dry summers. They also stay outside on grass for 365 days of the year!
To learn more about Andrew in New Zealand check out his social channels;
YouTube;  https://www.youtube.com/@TheOnceADayFarmer/
Instagram;  https://www.instagram.com/theonceadayfarmer/

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James is joined by Lauren, John, Claire and Davy and they discuss a recent outing in Teagasc Grange where they all got an insight in Calf To Beef and Red Clover.  In the morning they had the privilege along with all The Grassland Agro Team to be welcomed onto the farm of Morty O'Sullivan where John Maher gave a grass measuring masterclass.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode James is joined by Claire Aspel, Lauren Stanley, David Corbett and John O'Loughlin.  They discuss many of the topical issues on farm today from reseeding, clover, soil health and a splash of GAA to booth.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, Lauren, John and Davy headed on down to Teagasc Soil, Environment and Land use Research Centre in Johnstown Castle, County Wexford.  A brilliant event took place, The Farming for Soil Health event.
James got the easy job of indoor edits and recording from the comfort of Paddy Ryan's pub in Listerlin, while the lads battled the crowds and the elements in Johnstown Castle.
The first speaker that joined them was Cathal Somers, Teagasc Sustainability Advisor and also co-host of the Teagasc Podcast Environment Edge with Deirdre Glynn.
They are then joined by PhD student Thomas McCarthy from West Cork.  Mainly focusing on Potassium and its effect on Nitrogen Use Efficiency.

Happy St. Patricks Day
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this latest episode, James, is joined by John, Davy, Lauren and Claire. They have a great chat about Spring Grazing and cover many of the triggers to watch out for to maximise  growth rates .  Lauren and Claire have also launched issue two of their monthly one pager Out The Gap.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this latest episode, James, John and Davy made a visit to Kildalton Agricultural College where they were joined by Vice Principal, James Ryan and had a chat about the college, farming, a splash of GAA and plenty more !

James, a Tipp native is currently in his fifth year as vice principal at Kildalton.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode, James packs John and David into the car and they head up the road to County Laois where they land onto the farm of John Brennan, Senior Business Manager for the East Region with Tirlán.
After a quick cup of Barry's Tea and some purple snacks they settle down for the serious business and chat with John about a range of topics including veterinary regulations, calving season, farming practices and the Tirlán dairy hygiene drive.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

Its Season Two and we are back!
This season will see a larger focus on overall Nitrogen Use Efficiency.
On this episode, James catches up with John, David, Lauren and Claire, the full crew and all experts in their own rights.
They take a look at the year ahead, what we need to plan for and talk fertiliser regulations, slurry and soil health amongst many other topics.

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/

On this episode we review Season One of The Sod Pod.
Nikki McGrath joins James Freeman to talk about the season and pull out some of their favourite clips.
There is also a blooper reel near the end.
A huge thank you to all who helped make season one possible.  The panel, the guests, the backroom team and most importantly, you, the listener.
Everyone at Grassland Agro would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Mind Yourself Out There, Farm smart, Farm Safe

The Sod Pod; https://ie.timacagro.com/podcast-the-sod-pod/