Des Powell
| Farmer | Des Powell |
|---|---|
| Location | Templederry, Co. Tipperary |
| Farm Description | 97 ha of grassland, sheep enterprise with ewes lambing from the start of February and a beef enterprise which is currently focused around a dairy calf to beef system with stock purchased as calves. |
| Teagasc Advisor | Michael Daly |
Farm Plan
A detailed farm plan was drawn up for the farm and reviewed regularly. A summary of details of the plan are laid out below:
Breeding policy
- Develop a maternal/terminal reciprocal cross
- Use high index rams
- Close flock and select replacements from within
- Target output of >1.6 lambs weaned/ewe joined from ewe flock
Grassland management
- Address soil fertility issues (Lime and chemical P & K)
- Increase number of grazing divisions
- Improve animal performance from grass
- Use grass budgeting
Flock management
- Increase ewe numbers and farm stocking rate
- Move lambing date to better match grass growth rates
- Streamline production system