Sheep
September grassland management of sheep farms
September grassland management of sheep farms As we head into the latter half of the grazing season, farms need to put a plan in place for the later rotations, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, Ciaran Lynch tells us more. Aim for a pre-grazing cover of 1,500-2,000kg DM/ha, or 8-10cm, grazing these swards down […]
10 September 2024
CODD prevalence on Irish sheep farms higher than initially thought
0 CODD prevalence on Irish sheep farms higher than initially thought The prevalence of CODD (Contagious Ovine Digital Dermatitis) – an infectious disease causing lameness in sheep – may be higher than initially thought, results of a recent survey of Irish sheep farmers have shown. Completed by Jake Delaney as part of the […]
9 September 2024
Lameness: Survey results of causes and farmer management practices in Ireland
0 Lameness: Survey results of causes and farmer management practices in Ireland Jake Delaney, a Postgraduate student at Teagasc, joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss some of the results of a survey he collected last year looking at ovine lameness in Ireland and assessment of farmer management. Jakes gives […]
8 September 2024
Lamb finishing, monitoring worm burdens and preparing for breeding
0 Lamb finishing, monitoring worm burdens and preparing for breeding Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer at Teagasc, tells us about Amy and Ross Jackson’s mixed sheep and tillage organic farm in Co. Tipperary, highlighting lamb performance and drafting, the use of faecal egg counts to monitor worm burdens and preparations for […]
3 September 2024
Post-weaning lamb performance
0 Post-weaning lamb performance Dr. Frank Campion joined the latest episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss lamb performance post-weaning. Joining host Ciaran Lynch, Frank talks about lamb performance on farms post-weaning and some of the factors that influence this. Lamb growth rates since weaning and how farmers enrolled in the BETTER Farm […]
3 September 2024
Ewe BCS: Start now to ensure ewes are fit for the year ahead
0 Ewe BCS: Start now to ensure ewes are fit for the year ahead Having ewes in the correct body condition score at mating will not only improve flock performance but will also make flock management for the year ahead easier, Dr Frank Campion of the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre […]
3 September 2024
A refresher on the sheep schemes for 2024
A refresher on the sheep schemes for 2024 With so many schemes now available to farmers, Glen Corbett, B&T Advisor, Teagasc Galway/Clare, explains why it is no harm sometimes to take stock of what schemes you have applied for and what are the requirements/options you have signed up to for each one. […]
24 August 2024
Do you need to purchase a SIS-eligible ram?
Do you need to purchase a SIS-eligible ram? Farmers are reminded to check if 2024 is the year they need to purchase a qualifying ram under the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS). If purchasing, ensure that the ram is SIS eligible on the day of purchase using the Sheep Ireland ram search facility […]
21 August 2024
Investing in farmyard infrastructure will boost flock health and profits
Investing in farmyard infrastructure will boost flock health and profits Sheep farmers need to look at making full use of TAMS grants to develop housing and handling facilities that will pay for themselves in a short period of time. Michael Gottstein, Head of Teagasc Sheep Knowledge Transfer, shared some key information on […]
20 August 2024
The importance of monitoring ewe body condition score
The importance of monitoring ewe body condition score Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, highlights the importance of body condition scoring your ewe flock, explaining that “with the right score, there is always a better chance of winning the match.” Most mid-season flocks have just completed weaning, with ewes on a restricted […]
18 August 2024