Sheep
BETTER Farm Update: Keeping a close eye on parasites
BETTER Farm Update: Keeping a close eye on parasites Dr Frank Campion of the Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre reports on testing lambs and weaning on the BETTER sheep farms. Internal parasite burdens have been monitored across the flocks since early June, with farms submitting faecal egg samples from lambs […]
13 August 2024
Sheep Schemes: Welfare, Improvement or Both?
Sheep Schemes: Welfare, Improvement or Both? Eamonn Patten, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, takes a closer look at the New National Sheep Welfare Scheme for 2024, including the actions farmers must complete to ensure scheme compliance. Sheep schemes are a valuable income supplement for sheep farmers, but unfortunately the money won’t make […]
13 August 2024
Is autumn reseeding an option?
0 Is autumn reseeding an option? Dr Philip Creighton joins Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss autumn reseeding. The discussion starts with the impact of timing on reseeds, while field prep, different reseeding methods and their suitability, and fertiliser and lime applications are also highlighted. Philip also […]
9 August 2024
Adequate supply of SIS eligible rams available
0 Adequate supply of SIS eligible rams available Through their participation in the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS) and with the breeding season fast approaching, some sheep farmers may be in the market to purchase a SIS eligible 4 or 5-star ram. Joining Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, on a recent episode of the […]
7 August 2024
Best practices on spent sheep dip and footbath solutions
0 Best practices on spent sheep dip and footbath solutions Declan Byrne, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Tinahely, discusses the importance of best practices for sheep dipping to eliminate parasites while also protecting waterways from contamination. The practice of sheep dipping either during summer or winter or both is an important annual practice on sheep […]
2 August 2024
SIS Genotyped Ram Task
0 SIS Genotyped Ram Task We’re joined on this week’s episode of OviCast by Jaynell Anderson, Programme Manager with Sheep Ireland to discuss the SIS Genotype ram task. With ram sales underway, Jaynell gives us a recap on what the requirements of the SIS ram task are for hill and lowland flocks and […]
1 August 2024
Lameness – What impact is it having on your flock?
Lameness – What impact is it having on your flock? Patricia Lynch discusses the costs associated with lame sheep, due to treatment expenses and production losses, effective management requires accurate identification, early intervention, and adherence to a five-point plan. Lame sheep are costly residents to have on any farm not only due […]
31 July 2024
Options for finishing lambs on Irish Sheep Farms
Options for finishing lambs on Irish Sheep Farms Michael Gottstein discusses the challenges sheep farmers face due to difficult weather, impacting lamb performance, grass growth, and the need for strategic lamb drafting and sales to ensure sufficient resources for ewes. It has been an unusual and difficult year for sheep farmers. The […]
30 July 2024
Are your sheep wormers working the way they should?
Are your sheep wormers working the way they should? Monitoring worm burdens through faecal egg counts is a tool available to sheep farmers to save on costs and reduce labour input. Additionally, when used as part of the drench test protocol, it allows farmers to test the effectiveness of the dosing products […]
23 July 2024
Ewe management after weaning
Ewe management after weaning Weaning time gives farmers a chance to press the reset button on thin ewes, writes Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, who looks at strategies to ensure ewes recuperate after weaning. We are seeing a lot of thin ewes on farms at mating time. It is […]
19 July 2024