Sheep
Farmer Focus: Olivia Hynes’ mixed grazing system in Roscommon
Farmer Focus: Olivia Hynes’ mixed grazing system in Roscommon On a recent episode of OviCast Roscommon beef and sheep farmer, Olivia Hynes, gave an overview of her system, discussed breeding and the use of AI in her suckler herd, lamb performance this spring and some of the challenges it has posed. With […]
25 May 2024
Identifying and managing poor performing ewes
Identifying and managing poor performing ewes A difficult season will always highlight the poorer performing ewes, writes Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Ciaran Lynch. One of the most effective ways of boosting flock performance is to remove the poorest performers or put in place the necessary interventions to address the underlying issues. Some of […]
22 May 2024
Trebling of organic lamb supplies expected
Trebling of organic lamb supplies expected Influenced by higher payment rates available under the Organic Farming Scheme and the desire of some farmers to move away from conventional farming systems, the land area dedicated to organic farming has increased significantly in recent times. This will result in production of more organic lambs. […]
17 May 2024
Flukicide residues – observing withdrawal dates and correct usage
Flukicide residues – observing withdrawal dates and correct usage For this week’s OviCast, Terry McElvaney, Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, joins host Ciaran Lynch to discuss some issues that have occurred with flukicide residues in lamb carcasses. They discuss the problems encountered and the follow up […]
14 May 2024
Lameness in sheep – don’t allow your profits to limp away
Lameness in sheep – don’t allow your profits to limp away How easy sheep farming would be if we didn’t have to deal with lame sheep! Lameness is a significant issue on many sheep farms, writes Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Programme at Teagasc, who questions is it time you made some […]
14 May 2024
Knowing the chemical fertiliser limit for your farm
0 Knowing the chemical fertiliser limit for your farm Environmental Specialist, Tim Hyde is on this week’s OviCast to discuss fertiliser limits on farms. Joining host Ciaran Lynch, they discuss how the introduction of the National Fertiliser Database has put purchased fertiliser more in the spotlight on farms. Tim explains the implications of […]
7 May 2024
An update from Brian Keane’s BETTER Sheep Farm
0 An update from Brian Keane’s BETTER Sheep Farm Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep KT Programme at Teagasc, talks you through the happenings on Brian Keane’s BETTER Sheep Farm in Co. Wexford, highlighting the challenges that have occurred on the farm this spring. Brian and Blathnáid Keane farm 96ha in conjunction with Brian’s […]
7 May 2024
Target quality silage for sheep farms
Target quality silage for sheep farms Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, shares key advice to ensure you produce enough high-quality silage for your ewes next winter. The inclement weather has presented many challenges to sheep farmers this spring, not least forcing a delay in fertiliser applications and the closing up of silage ground […]
30 April 2024
The key aspects of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme
The key aspects of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme David Buckley from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss key aspects of the new National Sheep Welfare Scheme. Joining host Ciaran Lynch, David first gives an overview of the scheme, eligibility requirements, reference […]
23 April 2024
Management tasks for the present on sheep farms
Management tasks for the present on sheep farms Sheep Specialists, Michael Gottstein and Damian Costello are on this week’s OviCast to discuss some of the key management tasks to do on farms at present. Joining host Ciaran Lynch, they discuss fertiliser applications, planning for silage and grazing management, and they also look […]
20 April 2024