Sheep
Stores lambs – weighing up the options
Stores lambs – weighing up the options At this time of year many farms that run a breeding ewe flock are assessing their options for the remaining lambs on the farm. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses preparing a budget, targeting cheap weight gain from grass, and estimated slaughter date. At this […]
14 September 2021
How to check the ewe is fit for breeding
0 How to check the ewe is fit for breeding Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Co. Meath has compiled a fact sheet for sheep farmers on how to check the ewe is fit for breeding. Edward outlines 10 key areas that need addressing and he advises beginning the ewe check early – at […]
8 September 2021
How to check the ram is fit for breeding
0 How to check the ram is fit for breeding Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Co. Meath has compiled a fact sheet for sheep farmers on how to check the ram is fit for breeding. Edward outlines 10 key areas that need addressing and he advises beginning the ram check on time – […]
3 September 2021
Mating Ewe Lambs
Mating Ewe Lambs This year will probably see an increased interest in mating ewe lambs due to the high cost of breeding hoggets, as a result of the unprecedented sheep meat prices. Michael Gottstein, Teagasc Head of Sheep discusses steps sheep farmers should remember when considering whether or not to mate ewe […]
31 August 2021
Drafting well under way in Co. Louth
Drafting well under way in Co. Louth Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist and Hugh Rooney, Teagasc Advisor catch up with long-time participant in the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme, Peadar Kearney. Farming near Louth village, Peadar runs a closed flock of 300 crossbred ewes plus replacements. Peadar operates a high output mid-season […]
28 August 2021
Liver Fluke on Farms
Liver Fluke on Farms As autumn approaches, both dairy and beef farmers can be fairly sure of the prospect of having Liver Fluke in their stock. Teagasc advisor Niall Treanor gives information about Liver Fluke and advice on treatment options. The Liver Fluke parasite, Fasciola hepatica, is a parasite which affects cattle, […]
24 August 2021
Ram Factors for the Breeding Season
Ram Factors for the Breeding Season When sourcing the ram it will pay to know as much as possible of the previous flock history. It only takes one animal to import numerous disease issues. Eamon Patten, Drystock Advisor, Teagasc Ballinrobe has a wealth of advice here on having a good ram for […]
21 August 2021
Assessing supply and demand for the autumn rotation
Assessing supply and demand for the autumn rotation As we move into the latter part of August it’s important we start to plan and implement an autumn grazing plan on farms. Ciaran Lynch, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, discusses grassland management, assessing the flock’s grass demand, and building grass supply. As some of the […]
17 August 2021
Culling and Body Condition Scoring your Flock
Culling and Body Condition Scoring your Flock Eamonn Dempsey, Teagasc Advisor in Tralee, Co. Kerry, discusses culling and body condition scoring your flock. Culling is one of the most important jobs on a sheep farm & should take place once ewes have dried off after weaning. Culling Experience in culling is vital […]
15 August 2021
High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect
0 High Genetic Merit Belclare Sires Having the Desired Effect Francis Gonley and his family run an all sheep farm on the outskirts of Sligo town. The farm is part of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, reports the latest on sheep performance and farm plan progress. The […]
7 August 2021