Sheep
Understanding your ewe ration energy rating
0 Understanding your ewe ration energy rating With attention soon turning to feeding the pregnant ewe, Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc, Meath, takes a closer look at ration specifications, highlighting the key variables to keep in mind when purchasing a ration. Ewe’s late pregnancy energy needs A ewe’s energy and protein needs increase […]
9 January 2025
Listen: Tips for dealing with the cold snap on sheep farms
0 Listen: Tips for dealing with the cold snap on sheep farms With the cold snap this week, there’s a bonus OviCast episode with sheep specialists Damian Costello and Michael Gottstein sharing valuable insights on managing sheep farms during the present conditions. Damian addresses challenges such as water supply and handling stock, emphasising […]
8 January 2025
Listen: Situation and outlook for sheep in 2025
0 Listen: Situation and outlook for sheep in 2025 On this episode of the OviCast podcast, Ciaran Lynch sits down with Teagasc researcher Anne Kinsella to discuss the performance of the sheep sector in 2024 and the outlook for 2025. Each year, the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department reviews the current […]
7 January 2025
Housing ewes – practical aspects to consider
Housing ewes – practical aspects to consider Largely dependent on grass supply, ewe condition, lambing date and ground and weather conditions, many sheep farmers will be preparing to house their ewe flock in the not too distant future. In order to ensure that the housed period is a success and to prevent […]
31 December 2024
Listen: Feeding the ewe in mid-pregnancy
Listen: Feeding the ewe in mid-pregnancy Dr. Tim Keady is on the latest episode of OviCast podcast to discuss feeding the ewe during mid-pregnancy and its impact on productivity. Tim outlines the energy requirements of the ewe during this phase, we discuss the impact of grass supply and feed value in outdoor […]
29 December 2024
Diversifying the farm business
Diversifying the farm business Kilkenny sheep farmer, Brian Nicholson joins this episode of the OviCast podcast to talk about the changes to his farm system in recent years. Joining podcast host Ciaran Lynch, Brian describes how he has converted part of his farm over to an organic system. A discussion takes place […]
24 December 2024
Listen: Key advice for housing sheep
Listen: Key advice for housing sheep Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, joins Ciaran Lynch on this episode of the OviCast podcast to discuss winter housing. Damian talks about some of the key considerations at housing, penning and space allowances. Straw usage, alternative bedding and keeping slats clean during the winter are […]
17 December 2024
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