Farmer Focus: Leitrim farmer John O’Connell on managing ewes this winter, scanning & setting the flock up for lambing

For the latest OviCast podcast, Ciarán Lynch is joined by county Leitrim farmer, John O’Connell, who is a participant in the Teagasc Signpost programme.

John discusses what’s been happening on the farm in the past few weeks as he has housed the ewe flock.

He also talks about grazing management this autumn and some of the challenges and benefits of winter grazing off farm.

John explain maintaining ewe condition and the move to winter shearing ewes in recent seasons as well as why he has moved to precision chop silage to feed to ewes on slats.

Finally, he discusses the scan results this year and his feeding plans this spring, plus the importance of getting the basics right now as he prepares for lambing.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast