Sheep
19 October 2020
Making Life Easier on the Farm
Andy Ryder, drystock advisor, says handling facilities are often overlooked as farms are developed. Labour on most farms is limited to the farmer and help from family members. Therefore, handling of animals requires good facilities that enables one person to complete the necessary routine tasks
17 October 2020
Sheepdog Series Part 2: Communicating with your Dog
In the second video of this series, Martin Feeney of Atlantic Sheepdogs speaks about how the way you communicate with your dog can directly influence their performance.He also outlines the benefits of the dog being trained to the whistle
16 October 2020
Working Towards Positive Mental Health
Over the last number of months, farming has been challenging. COVID-19 has made the normal demands of farming even more difficult which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed. Francis Bligh & John McNamara, Teagasc Health & Safety Specialists have some advice on Positive Mental Health.
15 October 2020
Watch out for Liver Fluke in sheep
Glen Corbett, Drystock Advisor, says Liver fluke is Farm, Year and even Field specific, meaning that there are numerous factors that can make the incidence of liver fluke in a flock more or less severe. He advises on dose rotation so that the same active ingredients are not always used
14 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 13 October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips on the paddocks to close throughout October; holding onto AFC; Autumn checklist for farmers; Autumn closing plan for John O’Connell, Sheep GFOY Winner and more.
13 October 2020
Flock Management at Mating
Breeding efficiency is a major component in the overall efficiency of sheep production. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, Teagasc takes a look at practical management tips for successful breeding, including body condition score, pre-mating tasks, raddle use, ram group mating and breeding ewe lambs
13 October 2020
Mating Management
With the breeding season underway for many flocks, Ciarán Lynch catches up with Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist on this week's episode of OviCast to discuss mating management.
11 October 2020
Farm Business Options Webinar Series
A new weekly Teagasc webinar called ‘Farm Business Options’ will feature news, views and interviews on current topics relevant to farm business diversification in Irish Agriculture. Farm Business Options will be broadcast live from 11am to 12noon every Tuesday from October 13th 2020.
11 October 2020
Sheepdog Series Part 1: The Importance of a good dog
In the first of a series of four videos, Martin Feeney of Atlantic Sheepdogs outlines the importance of a good dog on a sheep farm.
08 October 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 6th October 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Tips on the paddocks to close throughout October, Autumn checklist for farmers, closing plan for dairy calf to beef farmer Aidan Maguire, Co. Meath and Autumn grazing research study Teagasc Moorepark
06 October 2020
Sheep Newsletter - October 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team in this month's newsletter. It includes: Grassland management; mating management; BETTER Farm Update - Examine the last 5% to lamb; Research Update - Planning mating for the INZAC flock and health & safety advice.
06 October 2020
Ovicast Episode 43
Quad bikes are an extremely useful machine on many farms and on this episode of OviCast, Ciaran Lynch is joined by Francis Quigley machinery specialist, who chats about basic maintenance and some general advice on safe use and how to keep quads in good working order.
01 October 2020
Reducing ewe wintering costs
Eamonn Patten, Teagasc Drystock Advisor looks at extended grazing as an alternative to housing ewes in winter and outlines some basic rules to make it work. Good fencing is a must and alternative forages may also be considered with good planning.
30 September 2020
Ovicast Episode 42
On this week's Ovicast Michael Gottstein, Teagasc’s Head of Sheep joins Ciarán Lynch to discuss fluke control this autumn.
30 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 29th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week, grazing tips for closing paddocks, applying remaining slurry using LESS methods, Kevin Moran's closing plan and grass budget as well as a clover update from Clonakilty research farm.
29 September 2020
Safe Sheep Handling
In the video, Edward Egan, Drystock Advisor, outlines the importance of having good safe handling facilities on the farm. Edward also demonstrates some very useful tips and safety practices to use when carrying out sheep handing work in a safe manner. These can be implemented on all sheep farms.
29 September 2020
Management of Grass Reseeds
Reseeding grassland is an expensive operation and ensuring that the new seedlings establish into a strong and vibrant sward is essential. Michael Gottstein and Philip Creighton, Teagasc Sheep outline some key steps that need to be taken in order to maximise the performance of the reseed.
27 September 2020
Tractor Safety
Up to 50% of fatalities in agriculture involve a farm vehicle or machinery. Serena Gibbons, Teagasc Education Officer Athenry talks through some top tips to staying safe and making our farms safer when it comes to working with tractors
25 September 2020
Blackstairs Farming Futures (BFF)
The Blackstairs Farming Futures (BFF) is an upland European Innovation Partnership project. The Operational Group includes members from Teagasc, GMIT and NPWS. Catherine Keena, Teagasc Owen Carton, Tomas McCarthy, Thomas Gorman & Martin Shannon, BFF provide more information.
25 September 2020
MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership Project
The MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership Project is an upland European Innovation Partnership project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Mary Toomey & Patricia Deane, Macgillycuddy Reeks EIP provide more information.
25 September 2020
Best practice for health and safety on sheep farms
Farm accidents causing serious injury average 2,500 a year. These can lead to permanent disability and interfere with a person’s ability to far. Farmers also have high levels of preventable ill health. Teagasc Health & Safety staff John McNamara, Francis Bligh and Serena Gibbons give some advice
25 September 2020
Inishowen Upland Farmers Project
The objective of the Inishowen Upland Farmers project is to have a whole farm approach to landscape management and develop innovative measures to increase farm profitability. Teagasc environment specilaist Catherine Keena and Henry O'Donnell of the Inishowen Upland Farmers Project give information.
25 September 2020
North Connemara Locally Led Agri-Environment Scheme (NCLLAES)
The North Connemara Locally Led Agri-Environment Scheme (NCLLAES) is an upland European Innovation Partnership project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Joe Mannion & Cathy Connelly, NCLLAES, Forum Connemara have more information.
25 September 2020
SUAS (Sustainable Uplands Agri-Environment Scheme)
SUAS (Sustainable Uplands Agri-Environment Scheme) is an upland European Innovation Partnership (EIP) project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Catherine Keena, Teagasc; Declan Byrne, SUAS Project; Monica Gorman and Helen Sheridan, UCD provide more information.
25 September 2020
Sustainable upland management
Catherine Keena,Teagasc and Jim Kinsella, UCD discuss farming in upland areas, the challenges, the policies impacting on upland farming, and the sustainable management of uplands to achieve ‘Favourable Conservation Status’.
25 September 2020
Emissions on sheep farms – greenhouse gases and ammonia
Dominika Krol and Aude Mancia, Teagasc Research staff, look at the main emissions, including nitrous oxide, from sheep production. They discuss their promising initial results, as well as ways to further reduce these emissions.
24 September 2020
SheepNet and EuroSheep - EU thematic networks to improve sheep profitability
Sheep meat and sheep milk production are very important farm enterprises in Europe. Tim Keady, Teagasc Researcher provides some information on two networks, SheepNet and EuroSheep who use a multi-actor approach, bringing together all stakeholders involved in sheep production.
24 September 2020
Lamb mortality - when it occurs, causes and management practices
Lamb mortality impacts on ewe productivity (number of lambs reared per ewe joined), and farm profitability. It is estimated that each 1% change in lamb mortality nationally, is worth approximately €3 million annually. Teagasc Researchers Tim Keady and Dwayne Shiels provide more information.
24 September 2020
Lamb birth weight
Tim Keady, Teagasc Researcher defines optimum birth weight and lists the benefits in achieving this. He analyses the relationship between birth weight and lamb mortality and he stresses the importance of having a good nutrition plan in place to achieve optimum birth weight.
24 September 2020
Late pregnancy concentrate - be aware of ingredient composition
Most ewes are offered concentrate supplement during late pregnancy to provide additional nutrients to meet the demands of the growing foetuses and for colostrum production. Dr. Tim Keady summarises research results from Athenry on the effects of concentrate composition during late pregnancy.
24 September 2020
Nutrition during late pregnancy – the foundation to flock profitability
Late pregnancy and early lactation is the most traumatic time during the year for pregnant ewes. Inadequate nutritional management at this time increases labour requirement and lamb mortality. Researcher Tim Keady has information and advice on nutritional managment at this critical time.
24 September 2020
Ewe genotype – the key factor influencing ewe productivity
Tim Keady Teagasc Research Officer examines how ewe genotype affects ewe productivity and lamb performance.
24 September 2020
Cobalt Supplementation
Teagsac researchers, Tim Keady and Daniel Hession discuss cobalt supplementation to lambs post weaning and ewes pre joining.
24 September 2020
Slowing the development of anthelmintic resistance
The continuous use of wormers in sheep leads to drug resistant worms, known as anthelmintic resistance. Resistant worms are those that can survive a dose of the wormer that would normally kill them. Teagasc researcher Orla Keane Ciaran Lynch, Damian Costello and Michael Gottstein have advice
24 September 2020
Season of shearing impacts flock profitability
Ewes are normally shorn once annually in early summer. However many producers are now shearing either at housing in December or prior to joining in September. Sheep researcher Tim Keady presents results from studies at Athenry on how season of shearing affects subsequent animal performance.
23 September 2020
Guidelines for Finishing Store Lambs on All-Concentrate Diets
Ireland’s strength in sheep production is its ability to produce meat from an almost entirely grass-based diet. This gives a competitive advantage over many EU competitors. Maximizing production from grazed grass is important but at times store lambs are finished on concentrate and roughage diets.
23 September 2020
Investigating the potential for finishing of hill lambs to carcass weights of 12-16kg
Teagasc Researchers, Frank Campion & Michael Diskin, take a look at finishing hill-bred lambs at lighter carcass weights following short-term ad-lib concentrate feeding under good management.
23 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 22nd September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips for building or holding AFC if you are behind; Sean Barry, heavy soils farmer on his closing plan; clover update from Athenry research centre. Social media links to podcasts & webinars also
23 September 2020
Preparing Hill Ewes for the Breeding Season
To maximise the output & margins from a hill sheep enterprise the breeding season is most important. Research on the Teagasc BETTER farms hill sheep flocks has demonstrated that relatively high levels of production are achievable on hill sheep flocks. Researcher Frank Campion gives some information
23 September 2020
Finishing Store Lambs on All-Concentrate Diets
Frank Campion, Noel Claffey, & Michael Diskin, Teagasc, investigate the potential for finishing hill lambs on all concentrate diets. They advise careful management and performance monitoring to maximise the return from these lambs.
22 September 2020
Breeding from ewe lambs –an opportunity to increase flock profitability
The cost of a replacement ewe joining the flock at 18 months is equivalent to 25% of the value of lamb carcass output that she produces in her lifetime. One option to cut replacement cost is to join ewe lambs to lamb at one year, with the aim to increase lifetime productivity, Dr. Tim Keady outlines
22 September 2020
Measuring methane from sheep systems
To date methane emissions have never been measured from Irish sheep production systems. Teagasc and UCD researchers together aim to develop methods of measuring methane production from sheep and to investigate if sheep can be bred to produce lower methane emissions.
22 September 2020
Reducing the labour requirement at lambing through breeding
Both ewe mothering ability and lamb vigour can be improved through breeding. In fact all improvements made through breeding are permanent and cumulative being passed on from one generation to the next as Teagasc researchers Áine O’Brien and Donagh Berry and Alan Bohan, Sheep Ireland explain.
22 September 2020
Irish National Sheep Breeding Indexes
Teagasc & Sheep Ireland Researchers, Nóirín McHugh, Fiona McGovern, Eamon Wall, Kevin McDermott and Aine O’Brien, explain how to use genetic indexes when selecting rams while emphasising the importance of commercial data in strengthening the national breeding indexes
22 September 2020
The validation of the Sheep Ireland €uro-star Replacement index
Genetics are responsible for over 50% of production gains on farm. A four year study was carried out at Teagasc Athenry. The study aimed to investigate the effect of genetic merit on sheep performance traits to validate the Sheep Ireland €uro-star Replacement index and to compare Irish & NZ genetics
22 September 2020
Ovicast Episode 41
On this week's OviCast Ciarán Lynch finds out about joining ewe lambs and the key criteria that influence performance with Dr Tim Keady
21 September 2020
Teagasc Sheep Autumn Closing Planner
Philip Creighton, Grassland Science Research Officer, outlines why Autumn is the starting point of the grassland year. Management and decisions made in this period have a direct effect on the quality and availability of grass the following spring.
21 September 2020
Incorporating white clover and other companion forages into sheep grazed swards
The impact of incorporating white clover and other companion forages into sheep grazed swards on the productivity of pasture-based lamb production systems is being researched in Athenry. Researcher Philip Creighton is currently evaluating this imapct and here he gives an update and more information.
21 September 2020
Grassland management targets to improve sward quality and animal performance
Once the basic building blocks of soil fertility, infrastructure and grazing management are in place, the next step to getting more from grass is to develop grass measurement and budgeting skills. Philip Creighton, Grassland Science Research Officer explains that this needn't be complicated.
21 September 2020
High feed value grass silage
The foundation to ewe productivity and profitability is high feed value grass silage. The majority of ewes housed during mid and late pregnancy are offered grass silage. Thus grass silage feed value is the foundation of a nutrition plan. Sheep researcher Tim Keady gives information and advice.
18 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Friday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Friday, 25 September is Policy and Environment. Guest speaker, Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity will join us on this, the last day of Virtual Sheep Week
17 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Thursday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Thursday, 24 September is Flock Health. Having a high flock health status is a critical corner stone to improving flock productivity and profitability. This webinar will cover the key factors that impact on your flock health
16 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 15th September 2020
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; clean graze outs and grazing some of the more challenging areas of the farm; tips for building grass covers if you are running behind the autumn grazing targets and information on upcoming events.
16 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Wednesday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Wednesday, 23 September is Hill Sheep & Store Lambs. The webinar will focus on up-to-date Teagasc research on developing systems for finishing hill-bred store lambs. BETTER Hill Sheep Farms will also be showcased.
15 September 2020
Timely hill lamb weaning vital for performance
The Teagasc BETTER Farm hill sheep flocks weaned their lambs in recent weeks Frank Campion, Teagasc Sheep Researcher outlines the importance of getting lambs weaned on time, to allow decision making on selling lambs and to allow the ewes sufficient time to recover condition before mating
15 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Tuesday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Tuesday, 22 September is Genetics and Breeding. The webinar will focus on increasing productivity and efficiency through breeding and genetics. Follow Tuesday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels
15 September 2020
Farmer focus: Denis O’Riordan on hill farming, selling lambs and managing ewes in West Cork
On this week's OviCast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by Denis O’Riordan, one of the BETTER Farm Programme participants from West Cork, to give an insight into his farm and the system he is managing
14 September 2020
Virtual Sheep Week 2020 - Monday
The focus of Virtual Sheep Week on Monday, 21 September is Grassland Management. The webinar will focus on current grassland research for sheep and grazing management strategies that can be applied at farm level. Follow Monday's activities by staying tuned to our social media channels.
13 September 2020
The Ram Effect in Breeding Ewes
So how does the ram effect work? Brian Hughes, Drystock Advisor, outlines how this natural method of stimulating a ewe's reproductive system can benefit compact lambing and explains how to achieve this in practice.
12 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Commonage/ Rough Grazing
One of the new measures to be implemented this year as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4 relates to commonage and rough grazing. This new measure will affect about 500+ farmers. Teagasc Advisor in the Galway/Clare region has some information.
10 September 2020
Teagasc Virtual Sheep Week
Teagasc is hosting a Virtual Sheep Week from 21 – 25 September. Get daily updates showcasing the on-going research and advisory work in grassland, genetic improvement, flock health, hill sheep, as well as information on environmental and policy issues will be provided on multiple online platforms
09 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 8th September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; Tips to reduce demand and build grass supply as farmers struggle to hit Autumn grazing targets; Flyer for John Trant social media takeover day on Wednesday 16th September.
08 September 2020
Sheep BETTER Farm Update - John Joe Fitzgerald
John Joe Fitzgerald is a hill sheep farmer based in Ballyferriter on the Dingle peninsula in Co. Kerry and is a participant in the Teagasc BETTER Farm sheep programme since 2018. John Joe gives an update on his flock and how he plans to sell his male lambs this year.
08 September 2020
Forage crops – carrying capacity & grazing setup
Drs Philip Creighton & Frank Campion join Ciarán Lynch on this week’s episode of OviCast to discuss some key aspects of forage crop management.
08 September 2020
Sheep Newsletter September 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team. In this month's newsletter: Grassland management; Drafting lambs; Getting ready for breeding; Better Farm Update - Strong grass growth brings its own challenges; Research Update - Ensuring good autumn grass growth; Virtual Sheep Week.
04 September 2020
Nitrates Derogation 2020 - Biodiversity
Biodiversity loss is an on-going concern and farmers are required to implement a biodiversity measure on derogation farms. This year 2020 has seen the implementation of new measures as part of the Nitrates Action Plan 4. One of these measures is to improve farm biodiversity.
02 September 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 1st September
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass10 team including PastureBase data for the week; switch focus back from wet weather management to the autumn grazing targets; sward quality at Clonakilty and the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
01 September 2020
Shearing Store Lambs
As producers start to plan for the autumn and winter finishing of store lambs one of the things they will be giving consideration to will be whether to shear the lambs or not and also when should they shear them? Researchers Frank Campion and Michael Diskin have some advice.
01 September 2020
Managing autumn reseeds
Teagasc Researcher Dr Philip Creighton joins Ciarán Lynch on this week's episode of OviCast, Teagasc Sheep Podcast to discuss management of autumn reseeds.
31 August 2020
Closing date extended for Grassland Farmer of the Year
The closing date for applications for the 2020 Grassland Farmer of the Year has been extended. Applications will now close on Friday September 11th 2020.
30 August 2020
Reduction in the Crude Protein content of Concentrates fed to Grazing Dairy cows/Livestock
All Nitrate Derogation farmers should now be aware that there are reduced levels of crude protein permissible in concentrates fed to grazing livestock from 1st April to the 15th September, 2020. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Use of Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment
Agriculture is estimated to be responsible for 99% of ammonia losses in Ireland, while slurry and farmyard manure spreading is thought to be responsible for 30% of those losses. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
29 August 2020
Today's Farm September - October
The September - October edition of our bi-monthly magazine is now available online. The main focus of this edition is on getting into dairy farming. Recent entrants to dairy farming are profiled. Find out more about the Dairy Start-up Course.
28 August 2020
Farm Scale Liming Programme
All derogation farmers must now adopt a farm scale liming programme based on a current Nutrient Management Plan and associated soil analysis results. Teagasc advisors Mark Coyne and Jim Moyles have advice and information.
26 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 25th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week; tips during this sustained spell of wet weather for keeping grass in the diet and testimonials from the four category winners in the 2019 Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
25 August 2020
Autumn shearing - performance benefit?
Dr Tim Keady, Teagasc joins Ciarán Lynch on the latest episode of OviCast to discuss the effects of autumn shearing on the performance of ewes, ewe lambs and store/finishing lambs.
24 August 2020
Are you a new entrant to farming?
Could you be Ireland’s best new entrant farmer? This competition invites entries from people who have recently taken up farming or have diversified their farming business
20 August 2020
High rainfall making grazing conditions challenging
High rainfall across parts of the country has left grazing conditions extremely difficult. Paudie O'Brien, Heavy Soils Farmer in Kerry gives an update on how he is managing grazing during the wet weather. Joseph Dunphy, Teagasc Grass10 Advisor gives some advice on managing grazing.
20 August 2020
Autumn Grassland management for sheep
As we move into late August attention must now turn to managing grass to maintain finishing lamb performance, getting ewes into adequate condition prior to mating and planning for grass for next spring. Researcher Philip Creighton gives some advice and guidance.
19 August 2020
Grass10 Newsletter - 18th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including PastureBase data for the week, Autumn Grazing targets and information on the Grassland Farmer of the Year Competition.
18 August 2020
Getting ewe condition right
Dr Frank Campion joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s OviCast to discuss the importance of getting ewes in the right condition at joining.
14 August 2020
Sheep Preparation for the Breeding Season
While mating season is mostly October and November, the time to be assessing your flock is now. Colm Murray, B&T Drystock Advisor, Teagasc, Galway/Clare has some information and advice on preparing your flock for the breeding season.
11 August 2020
Ram Management
The ram flock represents 50% of the genetics of every sheep farmers flock. The importance of managing these sheep for maximum performance and longevity plays a large role in the success and subsequent profitability of any sheep enterprise. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep gives some advice.
11 August 2020
August grassland management focus
Dr Philip Creighton joins Ciaran Lynch on this week’s episode of OviCast to discuss grassland management for the coming weeks.
09 August 2020
Maximising Days at Grass this Autumn Using the Pasturebase Grass Budget
As we enter August, our focus turns to autumn grass management on farms. Join Micheal O'Leary, Pasturebase Ireland and Donal Patton, Teagasc Specialist on Wednesday, 12 August at 8pm for a live interactive discussion on how to best use the Pasturebase Autumn Grazing Budget to maximise days at grass.
08 August 2020
Sheep Newsletter August 2020
Get the latest information & advice from the Teagasc Sheep team. In this month's edition: Grassland management; Ewe body condition; Lameness; Biosecurity for bought-in stock; Better Farm Update; Research Update and more.
08 August 2020
Teagasc National Farm Survey 2019 Mid Season Lowland Lamb Enterprise Factsheet
This factsheet summarises results for farms with a mid-season lamb enterprise and only sheep farms with more than 20 ewes are included in the analysis. The data relates to 91 farms and is nationally representative of 9,815 farms.
07 August 2020
Teagasc Fodder Survey July 2020 - National picture secure but 10% of farms have deficits
Over the last number of weeks, Teagasc advisors have completed almost 700 winter fodder budgets for drystock and dairy farmers nationwide. This was carried out as part of a new initiative to promote better feed security planning on livestock farms.
06 August 2020
Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 launched
The Grassland Farmer of the Year competition for 2020 was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dara Calleary, T.D at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Dublin this week.
06 August 2020
Dosing gun calibration
Under dosing is one of the contributing factors to the development of anthelmintic resistance. It is important that we ensure the dosing equipment we are using is delivering the correct amount of dose that is required. Damian Costello, Teagasc Sheep Specialist has some advice.
05 August 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter 4th August
Get the latest grass news and updates from the Grass 10 team including information on current and predicted grass growth, targets and tips for managing grass as we move into August and white clover update from Teagasc Moorepark.
05 August 2020
Impact of COVID-19 on farm incomes in 2020 now likely to be more limited
At present, fears of a sharp COVID-19 related drop in Irish farm incomes in 2020, seem to have been averted following a gradual recovery in commodity prices and the provision of additional supports to the sector, according to Mid Year Outlook for 2020 produced by Teagasc economists.
04 August 2020
Farmer focus: John Bell – paddock system & finishing groups
On a blustery evening in the end of July, for this episode of Ovicast, Ciaran Lynch caught up with Co. Westmeath Farmer John Bell, a former winner of the Sheep Farmer of the Year Competition and a previous host of the Irish Grassland Association Sheep event.
31 July 2020
Sheep Handling – Make Life Easier
One of the biggest challenges on a sheep farm is the labour requirement. It is possible to improve the situation by having better handling facilities. Eamonn Patten, Drystock Advisor, Ballinrobe has some advice and information
28 July 2020
Stomach worm control - Anthelmintic groups
Parasite control is largely based on suppression of the parasitic burden using anthelmintic products. Sheep Specialist Damian Costello, outlines the five anthelmintic classes that we rely on for the control of stomach worms.
28 July 2020
Identifying worm burden - routine faecal sampling
Carrying out routine dung samples from a batch of lambs will help identify whether or not the lambs need a dose. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep, outlines what oulshd be done and also runs through the process of how you take a sample.
28 July 2020
Ram selection – making use of indices
With the ram sales underway, Ciaran Lynch is joined on this week’s OviCast by Eamon Wall from Sheep Ireland who discusses ram selection.
24 July 2020
Farm Safely with Tractors, Farm Vehicles and Machinery
Summer is a busy time on farms. Farmers are making the most of the long days and dry conditions to harvest grass and crops, get slurry spread and carry out work around the farmyard. Working safely must be at the core of each and every job.
22 July 2020
Child Safety on Farms
Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years. Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved.
22 July 2020
Grass 10 Newsletter July 21st
Grass growth exceeding demand. The focus this week is on: Grass quality during the last round of summer grazing, grazing management and applying K. Walk your farm every 5 days during the next few weeks so you can react to the high growth rates at present.
21 July 2020
Designing a Flock Breeding Programme
The number of lambs reared per ewe joined is a key determinant of the overall financial performance of a lowland sheep enterprise. Sheep Specialist Damian Costello outlines the factors to be considered in a flock breeding programme including: culling, ram selection and purchase of breeding stock.
21 July 2020
How to check the ram is fit for breeding
Rams should be checked 10 weeks before the breeding season to ensure they are fit to breed. This is to allow time to build body condition, sort out health problems, buy replacement rams, acclimatise replacements and quarantine replacements. Drystock advisor Edward Egan demonstrates what is needed.
21 July 2020
Early Lamb Systems?
With the breeding season kicking off, this week’s OviCast discusses the pros, cons and alternatives to early lambing systems. In this episode, Ciaran Lynch is joined by Shane Moore, who is farming just outside Athleague in Co. Roscommon and Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep in Teagasc.
21 July 2020
Farm Safety for Older Farmers
In 2019 twelve farmers over 65 years lost their lives due to farm accidents. This represents 66% of the total number of fatalities. Getting older impacts on a person’s ability to undertake farm related tasks. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John Mc Namara have some relevant advice
20 July 2020
Working Safely with Livestock on Farms
Working with livestock is responsible for 39 farm workplace deaths on Irish farms in the last 10 years. During this period 7 deaths were caused by an attack by a bull, 22 by cows and heifers and 5 were associated with cattle. Farm safety specialists Francis Bligh and John McNamara have some advice
19 July 2020
Drench Test - Checking Product Efficacy
The drench test is a very simple procedure to check and see if the drench is working and killing the worms in the lambs. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep in Teagasc runs through checking product efficacy of drench.
19 July 2020
Soil Health Series: Soil Physical Quality Indicators
Soil health is described as the continued capacity of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals & humans. Researchers investigated different types of soil physical indicators. Teagasc Researchers Owen Fenton, Dermot Forristal & Giulia Bondi give more information.
14 July 2020
Checking for resistance – the Drench test
Dealing with anthelminthic resistance is an issue on Irish sheep farms. Determining the efficacy of the products used is a necessary first step in adapting to this challenge and on this episode of OviCast, Ciaran Lynch is joined by Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, to discuss it further.
14 July 2020
Cobalt Supplementation in Sheep
Cobalt is an important mineral that's required by sheep and is used by the bugs in the rumen to metabolize vitamin B12 which is important for lamb thrive. Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep with Teagasc runs through best practice for supplementing with cobalt
13 July 2020
The Hill Sheep Sector in Ireland
The Irish Hill Sheep sector plays an important role in the economic health of rural economies and the maintenance of the natural landscape in many of Ireland’s most scenic areas. Hill sheep are a very hardy and resilient breed. Michael G. Diskin and Frank Campion, Teagasc Athenry tell us more.
11 July 2020
Better Farm Sheep Update - Patrick Dunne, Co. Wicklow
Patrick Dunne is a participant in the Teagasc Sheep Better Farm Programme. The programme focuses on grassland management, breeding and production methods. Patrick gives an overview of this farm as well as an update on what's been happening on the farm.
07 July 2020
Mineral supplementation in sheep flocks
Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep in Teagasc joins Ciaran Lynch on this episode of OviCast to discuss mineral supplementation in sheep flocks.
30 June 2020
Control of Stomach Worms – improving sustainability
Internal parasites, in particular gut worms, are a major challenge to sheep production systems. Parasite control is largely based on suppression of the parasitic burden using anthelmintic products.
29 June 2020
Lower production costs and exceptional aid measures led to a modest increase in average farm income in 2019
The average family farm income rose by 2% in Ireland in 2019, according to a new report by Teagasc. A combination of factors were responsible for the increase in income in 2019, which averaged €23,933.
24 June 2020
Questions and Answers with Organic Farmers Ross and Amy Jackson
Ross and Amy Jackson are farming organically in Lacka, Carrig, Co Tipperary. A farm walk was due to take place on their farm. Organic Specialist Elaine Leavy got an update from Ross and Amy.
23 June 2020
Selecting Flock Replacements
Breeding ewe replacements from within your own flock has a number of advantages including allowing you to breed the best performing ewes in the flock with a high genetic merit maternal sire. Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist, has more information.
20 June 2020
Bales can kill with lethal force
According to Health and Safety Authority (HAS) show falling bales account for about 5% of farm workplace deaths. There are many safety issues around working with bales.
17 June 2020
5 Minutes to get your Cash Flowing
Teagasc are highlighting the importance of Cash Flow Planning as a vital business tool that all farmers should engage in.
16 June 2020
Finishing lambs from grass only
One of the biggest challenges for sheep farmers is to finish lambs as quickly as possible from grass. Edward Egan, Teagasc Drystock Advisor in Meath gives some advice and information.
16 June 2020
Using a creep gate to creep graze lambs
Creep grazing is extremely useful when grass supplies are tight & during dry spells. Hugh Rooney, Teagasc Drystock Advisor highlights the advantages of creep grazing & explains how to set up creep grazing for lambs.