Dr Catherine Keena, Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist
Powdery mildew on whitethorn - look out for powdery mildew on whitethorn hedges.
The white powdery coating on the leaves is a disease but plants will out-grow this. Farmers appear to be more aware of diseases on newly planted hedges because of the fireblight scare and are relieved when powdery mildew is diagnosed.
It may be more prevalent on topped hedges protected with compostable film, or hedges in drier conditions, as powdery mildew does not like wet conditions. There is no need to worry or do anything.
Learn more at Hedgerow Week events on Teagasc farms in Ballyhaise, Athenry, Clonakilty, Curtins Moorepark and Kildalton at 11am on 2 – 6 September respectively – promoting native Irish biodiversity.
The Classy Massey
By Jonathan Roth
Walking down Bridge Street in Westport on a silage summer’s day nearly all my senses are assaulted.
My pupils dilate as the sun, 93 million miles away, is blocked out by the 20 foot high Case III tractor flying up the street to the next field of virgin grass.
My ears go into lockdown mode by the sound of the massive engine noise of the 200 hp tractor tank booting it up the street in 3rd gear.
No point talking as you can’t be heard over the huge tractor noise and the beaty music being blared out by the 17 year old lad driver.
The smell sense is completely overtaken by the sweet smell of diesel smoke.
After two minutes things go back to normal.
An hour later walking down James Street in Westport it is a totally different tractor experience.
It’s the sight of a lovely 1980 Massey Ferguson tractor.
A beauty of a red 1980 Massey Ferguson MF240 in a loved condition.
The senses this time are different from an hour previous.
The sweet melodic sound of the slowly ticking over of the 44-year-old 24 horse power engine.
The sight of the proud owner in his 80’s dismounting on his daily run into town for “de dinner”.
The smell of clean air and history all around you.
There is no doubt about it, you can’t beat a Classy Massey.
Heritage Week continues until 25 August and there are hundreds of free events all over the country showcasing the many aspects of the country’s history and heritage.
In Westmeath, Moate Library looks back on the 50-year history of the town with dairy business Snowcream. It first opened in 1958, and went on to become a huge part in the community and a welcome addition to the town for employment.
A new exhibition examines the business history of Snowcream with personal memories plus wonderful stories gathered from the staff and farmers.
Included in the exhibition, running until 24 August, are a wide variety of old photographs, which will jog many happy memories for the locals and those further afield in the region.
"I love the farm, I have no life regrets, but it hurts my heart to leave my elderly family members. There is nothing for it but to keep going, though.”- Desperate Farmwife.
Pharmacists are spending 30 hours a week managing medicine shortages, according to the Irish Pharmacists Union (IPU) annual medicine shortage survey.
The Full Moon Rising Festival in Limerick is about harnessing the power of the community, with all funds raised going back into local projects, according to organisers.
The music event, now in its third year, features something for all tastes in Kilmeedy village on 14 September.