Pasture Innovations, a groundbreaking long-term collaboration between Teagasc and Goldcrop, a dynamic partnership to enhance the development of new superior pasture varieties specifically designed for Irish farmers
Click to watch our overview video.
The Irish agrifood industry thrives on the strength of its Pasture Systems, which serve as the backbone supporting the growth and success of Irish farmers.
Recognising the importance of continuously improving the Economic and Environmental efficiency of forage grasses, clovers, and herbs, remarkable strides have been made in forage breeding. Through extensive research and innovation, experts have been able to develop cutting-edge techniques and methodologies that enhance the productivity and sustainability of pastures.
In this context, we are excited to introduce Pasture Innovations, a groundbreaking long-term collaboration between two prominent leaders in the agricultural industry: Teagasc and Goldcrop. This dynamic partnership aims to revolutionise the development of new pasture varieties, specifically tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by Irish farmers and beyond.
The core objective of Pasture Innovations is to create and introduce new, superior pasture varieties of Perennial Ryegrass, White Clover, Red Clover, and Herbs that exhibit enhanced performance in terms of seasonal yield, grazing utilisation, quality, persistence and disease resistance empowering Irish farmers to achieve higher profitability while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and reducing environmental impact.
The expert collaborative efforts of Teagasc and Goldcrop under the umbrella of Pasture Innovations will bring together scientific expertise, practical know-how, and state-of-the-art technology. This holistic approach will enable the development of cutting-edge pasture varieties that align with the ever-evolving needs and demands of the agrifood industry, both domestically and internationally.
At the forefront of this initiative is the Teagasc and Goldcrop Grass and Clover Genetic Improvement Program. This esteemed plant breeding program, operating from Teagasc OakPark in Carlow, is dedicated to creating enhanced varieties of Perennial Ryegrass, White Clover, Red Clover, and Herbs.
The program’s primary objectives encompass the following key areas, tailored to meet the needs of Irish farmers:
Click to watch our overview video.
Seasonal Yield
At Pasture Innovations, we understand the importance of maximising seasonal yield for Irish farmers. Our programme utilises advanced agronomic techniques and scientific research to enhance pasture productivity throughout the year. We provide innovative strategies and technologies to help you achieve higher yields, ensuring a consistent and abundant supply of nutritious forage for your livestock.
Grazing Utilisation
Efficient grazing utilisation is crucial for sustainable farming practices. Our programme offers tailored solutions to optimise grazing management, enabling you to make the most of your pasture resources. We provide guidance on rotational grazing systems, pasture allocation, and timing to ensure optimal utilisation, resulting in improved animal performance, reduced feed costs, and enhanced soil health.
Quality
Pasture quality directly impacts the nutritional value of feed for your livestock. We prioritise the enhancement of pasture quality, enabling you to produce highly nutritious forage. Our programme focuses on soil health management, nutrient balance, and seed selection to promote the growth of high-quality pasture species. By improving the nutritional content of your forage, you can enhance animal health, growth rates, and overall farm profitability.
Persistence
Ensuring the persistence of pasture species is essential for long-term sustainability. Our programme emphasises the selection and development of robust, persistent pasture varieties that can withstand the Irish climate and environmental conditions. By incorporating resilient species into your pasture composition, you can increase the longevity of your pastures, reduce the need for frequent reseeding, and maintain optimal forage production over time.
Disease Resistance
Disease outbreaks can have a detrimental impact on livestock and pasture health. We recognise the significance of disease resistance in maintaining a thriving farming operation. Our programme integrates the latest advancements in breeding and disease management strategies to enhance the disease resistance of pasture species. By selecting disease-resistant varieties and implementing appropriate management practices, you can minimise the risk of disease outbreaks and protect the health and productivity of your livestock.
I am delighted to introduce Goldcrop’s groundbreaking partnership with Teagasc, Pasture Innovations. This momentous collaboration marks a significant milestone in our journey. As a company committed to the future of Irish farms, we take immense pride in our strategic investments that ensure the availability of cutting-edge varieties.
In today’s agricultural landscape, the importance of enhanced pasture genetics cannot be overstated. Goldcrop recognises the urgency of this matter, and we embrace our responsibility to deliver practical solutions directly to farmers through the development of superior varieties.
Our long-term collaboration with Teagasc Forage breeding paves the way for unparalleled advancements in the field. By combining our expertise and resources, we are forging a path towards a brighter future for Irish agriculture. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, Goldcrop is dedicated to providing farmers with the most viable and effective solutions at the farm level.
Together, we are revolutionising the way we approach pasture genetics, ensuring that Irish farms remain at the forefront of progress and this transformative journey as we unlock the full potential of our agricultural landscape.
Through this collaboration, significant breakthroughs have already been achieved, yielding compelling results from official trials. Goldcrop has initiated successful seed propagation and wholesale distribution, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey.
Here are just a few of the noteworthy advancements accomplished thus far.
Click to watch our overview video.
The highest yielding White Clover on the England and Wales recommended list. Clodagh sets a new standard for White Clover performance. Seed availability begins in 2025.
Ireland’s first-ever bred Red Clover with exceptional persistence. Fearga received the sustainability award at the prestigious 2022 Enterprise Ireland Innovation Arena. Seed availability starts in 2024.
A commercially available Late Tetraploid variety. Glenfield showcases excellent spring growth on the Pasture Profit Index and boasts a 5-star rating for Grazing Utilisation.
Grassland Research is an integral part of Teagasc’s mission. Through Pasture Innovations and this long-term strategic partnership with Goldcrop, We are dedicated to enhancing genetics through pasture breeding, providing Irish farmers with superior genetic traits to maintain their competitiveness in the long run.
Our accomplishments in advancing clover varieties have resulted in robust options that farmers can rely on. These improved clovers not only offer high quality but also allow farmers to minimize their dependency on chemical nitrogen, promoting sustainable agricultural practices. At Teagasc, we take great pride in contributing to the genetic progress and providing farmers with viable alternatives.
