Sheep Newsletter - April 2025

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In this month's edition:

• Grassland management
  Weather conditions in early March gave a good opportunity on many farms to apply some early nitrogen (N). These farms should be looking to apply a second round of fertiliser in early April when conditions are suitable. Where the farm nutrient management plan indicates a phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) requirement, a compound such as 18-6-12 could be used at this stage. On farms with heavier ground where fertiliser is yet to be applied, it should be spread at the first opportunity.
• Target high-feed-value silage
  You can reduce the level of concentrate fed pre lambing next season if you make top-quality silage. Aim to harvest top-quality grass, that has been appropriately managed since before closing, at the right growth stage.
• Nematodirus infection in lambs
  Nematodirus battus is the first worm lambs will be exposed to once they start eating grass. These worms overwinter on pasture and a mass hatch takes place after a period of warmer weather. Look out for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s (DAFM) Nematodirus forecast, usually published around the middle of April, which predicts when the hatch is likely on a regional basis.
• Take steps to prevent grass tetany
  Hypomagnesaemia, or grass tetany as it is more commonly known, is caused by low magnesium (Mg) levels in the blood and is frequently fatal. It is therefore prudent to put prevention measures in place early before you are presented with a clinical case.
• BETTER Farm Update - Variable Farm Covers
  Frank Campion of Teagasc AGRIC, Athenry, Co. Galway, reports on grassland management and feeding on the lowland farms. At the time of writing, weather conditions for lambing on the lowland Teagasc BETTER sheep farms has been favourable and lambing is progressing well across the farms. Grass covers prior to start of lambing were variable, ranging from 225-800kg DM/ha. All the conventional lowland farms have applied between 15kg and 25kg N/ha in the form of protected urea, while the organic farms have been trying to apply slurry where possible in recent weeks.
• Research Update - Lambing 2025
  Anne Biggins, Teagasc AGRIC, Athenry, Co. Galway, reports on lambing in the INZAC and breeding flocks at Teagasc Athenry. Lambing commenced in the INZAC flock on February 21. Having our ewes synchronised prior to AI in early October means that our lambing spread has been quite compact, with 80% of the ewes lambed at the time of writing (March 12). Lamb mortality is running at approximately 8% on average. Lamb birth weights range from 6.18kg for singles and 5.35kg for twins to 4.37kg for triplets.
• Health & Safety - Safe fertiliser spreading
  Check your tractor and machine before spreading fertiliser. Ensure that PTO guards are in place and secure. Lifting equipment for large fertiliser bags must be in good condition. Use long-handled knives to open bags, stay clear, and always lower equipment when it is not in use. Drive carefully at all times, especially in the farmyard. If you must travel on slopes, carefully assess the risk of overturning. Stay vigilant.