Sheep

Be vigilant of Nematodirus
0 Be vigilant of Nematodirus Each spring, farmers are advised of the predicted risk of disease, chiefly in lambs, caused by the roundworm Nematodirus battus. Published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in collaboration with Met Éireann, UCD and Teagasc, the Nematodirus Forecast 2025 – an aid to prevent the […]
7 April 2025

What fertiliser does your silage ground need?
0 What fertiliser does your silage ground need? Mark Plunkett, Specialist on the Teagasc Signpost Programme, joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to explore the nutrient requirements for this year’s silage crop. Mark provides valuable insights into the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) demands of a silage crop, detailing […]
1 April 2025

Actions for the new National Sheep Welfare Scheme revealed
0 Actions for the new National Sheep Welfare Scheme revealed Details of the new €22 million National Sheep Welfare Scheme were released yesterday, March 31, by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Consisting of mandatory (category A) and voluntary (category B) actions, participants must complete two of the former and one […]
1 April 2025

A good start is half the work
A good start is half the work Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe, discusses the key challenges of lambing season as the focus shifts from ewes to lambs. From nutrition and grass availability to disease threats, managing lamb health and performance is crucial for flock success. Lambing season is upon us and […]
30 March 2025

Troubleshooting problems in the field
Troubleshooting problems in the field Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss how to stay ahead of potential issues in the flock post-turnout. Michael provides insights into the current situation on farms and shares practical advice for maintaining performance, especially where grass supplies are tight. […]
25 March 2025

Grass tetany control in ewes
Grass tetany control in ewes Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist at Teagasc, tells us why it is really important to have a grass tetany control programme in place, sharing tips on its control and high risk conditions. A welcome sight in recent weeks is ewes and young lambs being turned out to grass. […]
25 March 2025

Every lamb saved is an extra lamb that is available for sale
Every lamb saved is an extra lamb that is available for sale Infections and starvation/exposure are the biggest factors causing lamb mortality on Irish sheep farms. The following tips should be considered on all farms to help to reduce lamb mortality: Clean out and disinfect lambing pens between ewes; Dip navels of […]
21 March 2025

Grass10 Update: Grazing Strategies and Fertilizer Planning
Grass10 Update: Grazing Strategies and Fertilizer Planning Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. Niamh discusses current growth grass rates, grazing management, setting up a rotation and targets for the month ahead as well as fertiliser advice. Subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter […]
18 March 2025

New simulators provide opportunity to practice lambing skills safely
New simulators provide opportunity to practice lambing skills safely An investment of €320,000 in seven ewe simulators for use by students completing agricultural training courses has been announced by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for Farm Safety, Michael Healy-Rae TD. The […]
12 March 2025

Listen: Tips for the lambing shed
Listen: Tips for the lambing shed Niall Conaty from Ballyhaise Agricultural College joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss practical tips for the lambing shed. Topics covered include setup, pen layout, group pens and dedicated areas for problem cases, and Niall offers insights on streamlining tasks to reduce workload […]
11 March 2025