Sheep Newsletter - September 2024

Download Publication (PDF)

In this month's edition:

• Grassland
  As we head into the latter half of the grazing season, farms need to put a plan in place for the latter rotations. Aim for a pre-grazing cover of 1,500-2,000kg DM/ha, or 8-10cm, grazing these swards down to around 6cm with lambs, and following in the rotation with the main ewe group to graze out to between 4 and 4.5cm. Graze thinner ewes alongside finishing or replacement ewe lambs.
• Lamb drafting
  Lamb kill-out will decline as the season progresses, averaging 42-43% for March-born lambs, which needs to be factored in when drafting in order to hit target carcass weights.
• Managing rams as breeding approaches
  Rams need to be in good condition prior to mating (body condition score (BCS) 4.0) as they lose a lot of condition during the mating season. Some supplementation may be required.
• Time to check over the ewe flock
  Checking the fitness of the ewe flock prior to ram turnout will pay dividends for the coming season. Rechecking mouths, udders and assessing condition, among other areas, will invariably identify ewes that may have been previously missed.
• Research Update - Growth and replacement rates
  Philip Creighton, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Athenry, Co. Galway reports on the latest from the Sheep Research Demonstration Farm. Lamb growth rates since weaning have been in the region of 170g/day (grass only group), 194g/day (grass plus white clover), and 195g/day (grass plus white clover plus plantain). Up to mid August, approximately 35% of lambs have been drafted for slaughter. Ewe lamb replacements have been identified but are still running with the main groups.
• Improving BCS
  Frank Campion, Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Athenry, Co. Galway reports on efforts to get ewes ready for breeding on the BETTER sheep farms. As mentioned last month it can take 8-10 weeks for a ewe to put on one full BCS unit, so for flocks lambing in early March they are already inside this window. In early August, all the ewes in the lowland BETTER farm flocks had their BCS assessed and on average were BCS 3.1 – ranging from 2.9 to 3.4. 
• Health & Safety - PTO shaft cover grant
  The National Farm Safety Measure 2024 provides a financial contribution to participating farmers for up to four PTO shaft covers. Closing date for applications is November 1, 2024. The grant aid will be at a rate of 60% subject to a maximum eligible cost of €100 per PTO shaft cover. For further information talk to your advisor or go to: http://www.gov.ie/farmsafety