Sheep
Methane emission on sheep farms
Methane emission on sheep farms Sustainable sheep systems are being researched at Teagasc, Athenry. Eoin Dunne tells us more on this interesting research which can help reach future emission targets, while still focusing on breeding animals that increase profitability in a sustainable manner. Methane (CH₄) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), and […]
17 December 2024
Positive signs for sheep sector in 2025
Positive signs for sheep sector in 2025 Agricultural economists at Teagasc, Anne Kinsella and Kevin Hanrahan examined the prospects for the Irish sheep farming sector in 2025 as part of the Teagasc Outlook 2025, Economic Prospects for Agriculture, noting that higher margins are expected. Prices In 2025, Irish lamb prices are forecast […]
10 December 2024
Listen: Grazing management of forage brassicas
Listen: Grazing management of forage brassicas Dr Frank Campion joins Ciaran Lynch on this episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss grazing management of forage brassica crops. The importance of assessing the yield of the crop along with completing a feed budget are outlined, while Ciaran and Frank discuss intakes and utilisation […]
10 December 2024
Sustain Sheep: Breeding for lower-emitting animals
Sustain Sheep: Breeding for lower-emitting animals A new international project creating knowledge and infrastructure to incorporate genetic merit for low environmental impact traits into national breeding schemes for sheep is being led by Teagasc, with the support of Sheep Ireland. Teagasc has received funding for the project from the Department of Agriculture, […]
10 December 2024
Managing rams post mating
0 Managing rams post mating Rams are a sizable investment for any flock. Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, Ciaran Lynch takes a closer look at post-mating management to ensure your rams’ longevity and wellbeing is prioritised. Reducing the risk of fighting and injuries One of the first areas where we can encounter problems is […]
3 December 2024
Listen: Hill flock focus on condition and mating management
Listen: Hill flock focus on condition and mating management Dr. Frank Campion joins Ciaran Lynch this week’s episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss ewe body condition and mating management on hill flocks. Frank discusses the impact of ewe condition on performance in hill flocks, plus the targets and variation in ewe […]
26 November 2024
Economic sustainability of upland farms in a precarious position
Economic sustainability of upland farms in a precarious position Dr Emma Dillon, Economist and Senior Research Officer in the Teagasc Rural Economy & Development Programme, provided food for thought on the economic and social dynamics of upland farm at the Uplands Symposium, an event jointly organised by Teagasc and CAFRE on November […]
21 November 2024
Market update: High lamb prices and positive outlook
Market update: High lamb prices and positive outlook Sheep Sector Manager at Bord Bia, Seamus McMenamin joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to provide an update on market conditions. Along with discussing the current trade and what’s driving prices, projected numbers and how they might impact the trade for the […]
19 November 2024
Mating and Closing
Mating and Closing Philip Creighton of AGRIC, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway reports on mating, forage crops, and closing on the Sheep Research Demonstration Farm. Rams were turned out to ewes on October 11. The average body condition score (BCS) of ewes going to the ram was 3.4, which is an increase of […]
16 November 2024
Lamb finishing rations and feed management
Lamb finishing rations and feed management Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at Teagasc, Aisling Claffey joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss lamb finishing rations. Aisling explains ration spec and highlights some of the key areas to look out for when choosing a finishing ration, highlighting why it’s important that it’s […]
15 November 2024