Diary date: BETTER Sheep Farmer to host farm walk

Shane Moore, a participant in the BETTER Farm Sheep Programme, will host a farm walk on his farm in Co. Roscommon later this week. Operating a mid-season lambing flock near Athleague, Co. Roscommon, Shane has grown his lowland sheep enterprise, along with a store cattle enterprise, in recent years.

Shane’s farm comprises mainly of good, free-draining soil, but a smaller area of more marginal land is also present which is usually only grazed by cattle.

A key goal of Shane’s since joining the Teagasc Sheep BETTER Farm Programme in 2018 was to increase output from the flock, while controlling costs and improving profitability. The steps he has implemented to achieve this will be discussed at the event, including a focus on breeding policy to incorporate maternal genetics to boost litter sizes.

Along with the genetic make-up of the flock, Shane has made significant strides in terms of grassland management and the infrastructure present on farm – both necessary when striving for a more efficient and profitable system. The farm walk will shed light on the improvements Shane has made in this regard and will feature updates on making quality silage and best practice when establishing white clover in grassland swards for sheep. Upgrades Shane has made to his sheep housing and handling facilities will also be detailed.

The topic of lameness will also be covered by Teagasc specialists and researchers, focusing specifically on the causes of lameness, initial results from a Teagasc survey on lameness being completed by Teagasc Walsh Scholar Jake Delaney, and how to design an effective footbath suitable for your flock size.

When and where?

The walk will take place on the farm of Shane Moore, Cloneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon, Eircode: F42 N263, at 7pm on Thursday, May 30. Shane is also a participant in the Teagasc Signpost Programme.

Click here for more information on the event.

Find out more about the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme here.

Learn more about the sheep farmers enrolled in the Signpost Programme here.