John Joe Fitzgerald
| Farmer | John Joe Fitzgerald |
|---|---|
| Location | Baile an Lochaigh, Bally David, Co. Kerry |
| Farm Description | Hill sheep enterprise with 81Ha share of hill grazing on commonage with a further 11 ha of fenced off hill grazing and 12 ha of ‘green’ ground. |
| Teagasc Advisor | Kevin O’Sullivan |
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
- Begin using more Scottish Blackface breeding for replacement ewes
- Breed underperforming ewes to terminal rams
- Target output 1.10 lambs weaned/ewe joined
Flock management
- Start scanning ewes and separating twins for late pregnancy
- Introduce a feeding plan based on litter size for final weeks pre-lambing
- Targeted post-weaning lamb management based on weaning weight
Grazing management
- Soil fertility being addressed across the farm
- Strategic use of grazing of enclosed land
- Increase grazing divisions using temporary fencing equipment
Health
- Use FECPAK analysis to make decisions regarding dosing lambs
- Build a batch footbath
- More targeted mineral supplementation for ewes and lambs