OviCast

Grass tetany is one of the challenges in early spring and on this week’s OviCast, Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, talks to us about this in more detail. Damian explains how it occurs, the pre-disposing factors and high risk periods. We discuss the symptoms and treatment in acute cases and Damian describes the various preventative measures and how these can be implemented on farms. Read more about it here:https://bit.ly/Grass_Tetany_24 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep specialist, Michael Gottstein, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss some timely advice for hill flocks in the run up to lambing. Michael discusses some of the key areas to focus on this spring highlighting how ewe condition is a challenge. We discuss the basics of nutrition and some of the feeding strategies that might be employed. We finish up on to discuss some health areas that require attention in the lead into lambing. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

When focusing on improving fertiliser use efficiently, one often overlooked aspect for the return on investment is the fertiliser spreader itself. For this episode of OviCast I’m joined by Teagasc machinery specialist, Francis Quigley, to take us through some of the practical considerations around this piece of equipment. Francis explains many aspects from basic maintenance checks before the season commences, to correct set-up on the tractor and its impact that can have on the spread pattern. We also discuss calibration, use of technology and the impact of the operator. For more information: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/soil--soil-fertility/fertiliser-spreaders/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, we catch up with Dr Frank Campion to get an update on the BETTER farm sheep flocks. We discuss this year’s scanning results, dealing with issues and benchmarking performance. We move on to ewe condition score on the farms at scanning and since tupping and discuss the practical steps farmers can take to manage this. We finish up discussing grass supplies, preparing for lambing and culling problem ewes. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, we’re joined by Seamus Fagan from the Department of Agriculture’s regional veterinary lab in Athlone. As a follow-on from his talk at the recent Sheep Conference, we discuss the importance of records to highlight flock health issues on farm and to help provide a better flock history, particularly in the case of abortion. We discuss the submission process and the timeline for results. We also discuss some of the challenges seen in the lab this spring with a notable fluke challenge present on farms. Finally we finish up discussing some of the findings from the ongoing thin ewe survey. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, I’m joined by my Teagasc colleague, Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, as we discuss financial management tips on drystock farms with Teagasc Financial Specialist, Kevin Connolly.Kevin first explains the benefits of completing a profit monitor and we discuss what data is required and the ways to simplify this process. Kevin takes us through the information the profit monitor can generate and how it can be used to highlight key areas to focus on, allowing farmers to benchmark their own farm performance. We finish up with Kevin offering his three key pieces of advice for listeners to undertake in 2024.For those interested in completing a profit monitor you can find out more at:https://www.teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/financial-analysis/farm-profit-analysis/For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast we head west to Corrandulla, Co. Galway to hear from sheep and beef farmer Michael Forde who is a participant on the BETTER farm programme. Michael first discusses his farming system and some of the challenges of a managing a fragmented farm. We chat about the impact of a difficult 2023 on lamb performance, sales and ewe condition and how he managed the flock this winter. Plus we discuss the steps he has taken to address ewe condition since housing, this year’s scanning results and his feeding plans for ewes in late pregnancy. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast we look forward to the Teagasc National Sheep Conference with Dr Philip Creighton previewing the topics being covered. Philip discusses the times and locations of this year’s conferences and highlights the speakers and the topics they are covering. These include ‘Nutrition during pregnancy: management and the consequences’, to ‘Simplifying farm transfers: key considerations and strategies’ and ‘Diagnosing and managing flock health issues - on farm experiences’. For more details visit: www.teagasc.ie/sheepcon24 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With scanning complete on many flocks, on this week’s OviCast we chat to Sheep Specialist Michael Gottstein about making use of this information. We start off talking about this year’s scanning results and move on to discuss the immediate management changes that can be made by setting up feeding groups. Michael discusses why we need to divide them on the basis of scanned litter size and lambing date but also highlights the importance of assessing and managing ewe condition score this season. We also discuss pregnancy rate and the causes of higher empty rates. Scan results are also a useful benchmark and we finish up the episode chatting about using this information to highlight key areas to focus on in the short and longer term. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, we hear from a recent Let’s Talk Sheep webinar with Sheep Specialist Damian Costello speaking about key management advice at housing this winter. Damian covered various aspects from some of the challenges faced this year to managing ewe condition to practical advice at housing. Damian also answers some audience questions on the topic. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast we talk to independent sheep and beef consultant, Dr Liz Genever, about an on-farm project she was involved in examining various bedding options. Liz gives us a background to the project, what bedding options they compared, how they set it up and what they examined. We discuss the levels of usage of the various bedding sources, labour input, ewe cleanliness and ultimately costs involved. We move on to discuss the suitability of each, a hybrid bedding model incorporating different bedding options and how the farm where the project was conducted changed practices. Finally, Liz highlights the ways to stretch supplies with key areas to focus on. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast we talk to Dr Tim Keady about the importance of silage testing and what the results mean. Tim emphasises the importance of getting a silage test conducted correctly early to know the feed value of your winter forage. He explains the variation in results nationally, what each of the measures mean and most importantly, the implications for feeding. We discuss how the results could highlight areas to focus on for next year’s silage harvest. We finish up with Tim discussing the implications of feeding different feed value silages has on animal performance and the amount of supplementation required. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Veterinarian, Shane McGettrick, who is Laboratory Manager at the Department of Agriculture Regional Veterinary Laboratory in county Sligo is on this week’s OviCast to talk about the fluke challenge this winter. We start with Shane discussing what fluke-related issues they are seeing in the lab at this point in the season. We discuss the Department’s fluke forecast and how this may be a more challenging season for fluke. We move on to discuss treatment with Shane highlighting the importance of choosing the correct active ingredient, potential flukicide resistance, and why it’s important to work with your vet to put a control programme in place on farm. We finish up discussing rumen fluke and the risk it may poses on certain farms. Read the 2023 DAFM fluke forecast at: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ec21e-liver-fluke-forecast-november-2023/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast we’re joined by post-graduate student, Mark Dolan, to discuss different aspects of management of forage brassicas. Mark gives us some background to some of the work he has been involved in using forage brassicas to finish store lambs. We discuss yields of the different crops, utilisation rates and the factors that influence them and how they have adapted management during periods of poor weather conditions. We finish up discussing lamb kill out on the crops and the impact of regular drafting on grazing days. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc sheep specialists, Damian Costello and Frank Campion, are on this week’s OviCast to discuss the challenging grazing conditions in recent weeks that has put pressure on farms both in terms of lamb performance and grass utilisation and supply. We discuss the option of housing remaining lambs for finishing indoors and also discuss some of the key factors to consider at housing, levels of performance, kill out percentages, nutritional requirements and feed management. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Darren Carty, Sheep and Schemes Editor with the Farmers Journal is on this week’s OviCast episode to look back on the trends in the national ewe flocks over the past decade and the implications of this for the sheep industry. Darren discusses the change in ewe numbers, the regional shift and the impact this has had on the sector. We discuss breeding sales this year, opportunities and resilience in the sector and finish the conversation with Darren highlighting some of the technical areas that will come more into focus in the coming seasons. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Fergus O’Rourke and Niall Conaty from Teagasc Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Co. Cavan join us on the latest OviCast podcast for an update on the flock. We start with Fergus giving us a bit of background to the farm and flock. Niall discusses the breeding plan, keeping an eye on ewe condition mating management. With the difficult grazing conditions Niall discusses how they have adapted management to graze out heavier covers while we also discuss the closing plan for the farm and current targets. Fergus discusses lamb performance as some of the challenges this season with finishing remaining ram lambs indoors. To find out more about Ballyhaise Agricultural college visit: https://www.teagasc.ie/education/teagasc-colleges/ballyhaise/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Tim Keady joins us on the latest OviCast podcast to discuss joining ewe lambs and some of the factors that influence its success. Tim discusses what the key drivers of the system are, we discuss the impact of joining weight and the influence that the ram effect can have. Tim offers his insights on the duration of the breeding season and ram management during the mating period. We discuss post mating management with Tim emphasising the importance of nutrition and the need to manage ewe lambs separately during the production cycle. We finish up discussing the potential knock-on effect of joining ewe lamb on subsequent performance. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

As part of Sustainability Week, on this week’s episode of OviCast we chat to signpost programme participant, John O’Connell, to discuss how he has implemented the 12 steps to reduce gaseous emissions from his farming system. We chat about the various measures he has implemented from addressing soil fertility to better grassland management. John explains the importance of animal health planning for his breeding programme and we finish up discussing his experience of over-sowing clover and the role he sees for it on his farm. For more information on the 12 Steps:https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/climate-change/signpost-programme/12-Steps-to-Reduce-Gaseous-Emissions-on-Sheep-Farms.pdf And to find out more about the Signpost programme go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/environment/climate-change--air-quality/signpost-programme/For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Michael Gottstein re-joins us for the second part of the episode on store lambs, with a focus on those purchasing lambs. He highlights the importance of getting health treatments in place on arrival and what impact this has. We discuss expected performance, diets and mineral nutrition particularly for those lambs that will be intensively finished on farms, and explain the importance of feed and financial budgets and what hill flocks can do to improve saleability. You can find the store lamb calculator at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/financial-management/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We’re joined over the next two episodes by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, to discuss store lambs. In this first part, Michael discusses the current market condition for stores, some of the challenges and the potential of store lamb finishing. We discuss the options for lowland and hill farmers with remaining lambs on farms, the importance of feed and financial budgets and what hill flocks can do to improve saleability. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

David Coen from Sheep Ireland is on this week’s OviCast to talk about progress in breeding in the hill sector. David discusses the impact hill genetics has on the national flock, SIS scheme and ram eligibility. We discuss the work by the 17 breeding groups over the past year to get rams genotyped and the impact this has had on developing flock books. Finally we finish up with David discussing how breeders can build on this going forwards to improve genetic improvement in hill flocks. Some links discussed in this week’s episode to search for potential rams or to sign up to Sheep Ireland are:Ram Search:https://appsh.sheep.ie/ram-searchRam sales/catalogues:https://www.sheep.ie/?page_id=29Sign up online form:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=AH5m37xZikKh2Tgra-Oid02OFzIK2SJKuUbHvUCuGqJURVpMT1ZLRU02RkxPTDdGTkhFRFNKNFpLTS4uFor more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Fiona Mc Govern is on this week’s OviCast to discuss the impact of ewe condition at mating on ewe productivity. Fiona discusses the usefulness of body condition scoring as a management tool. She also explains the impact of condition on litter size and its carry over effects on lambing assistance, lamb birth weight and productivity next spring. We finish up with Fiona discussing the importance of getting condition right this autumn to build ewe body reserves. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Finbarr O’Regan from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) Inspectors joins us on this week’s OviCast. Finbarr discusses the introduction of the National Fertiliser Database and the fertiliser register taking us through the key dates, registration process and how it will work for the coming season including some of the implications for both merchants and farmers. We finish up discussing the importance of entering the closing stocks this autumn. For more information visit the DAFM National Fertiliser Database page at:https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/98355-national-fertiliser-database/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

At a point in the season where we’re looking at how lambs perform and where the tail end lambs come from, on this week’s OviCast podcast, we chat to Dr Frank Campion about how foster lambs perform in commercial flocks. Frank discusses some work he has recently presented on the topic, we discuss how these lambs grow in early and late lactation, the variation among them and their counterparts and some of the reasons why some lag behind and others aren’t successfully reared drop off. We finish up discussing how ewe management this autumn can impact this next spring. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep enterprise leader, Dr Philip Creighton, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss planning ahead for this autumn. We discuss the impact poor grazing conditions has had on lamb performance this year and the knock-on effect this has on management for the autumn. Philip emphasises the importance of accessing grass supply and increased demand on farms. We discuss grass growth rates, fertiliser applications and building covers as we move into the autumn. We finish up with Philip discussing the need to put plans in place for finishing lambs and ensuring there is sufficient grass covers heading into September. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Bord Bia Sheep Sector manager, Seamus McMenamin, joins us on the latest OviCast podcast to give a market update. Seamus discusses current throughput and some of the challenges with light carcass at present. He also discusses the international trade, in particular the increased volumes of Australian lambs and what impact that has had on our export market. Seamus has an update on plant approval to get lamb exported onto the US market, and with store lamb sales ramping up, we move on to discuss the potential impact of an earlier Easter and Ramadan on the hogget trade next spring. Finally, we discuss domestic promotional activity to target a younger audience to improve domestic consumption. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, joins us on the latest OviCast episode to discuss designing a sheep handling unit. Having good handling facilities can reduce labour, improves both safety and welfare for handler and sheep alike and also encourages timely preventative actions. Edward talks about the booklet he produced, ‘A Guide to Designing a Sheep Handling Unit’ and he discusses the key aspects of design from considering the sheep’s behaviour, location and size, to some of the key features that can be incorporated into a handling unit. You can read the booklet here: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2020/A-Guide-to-Designing-a-Sheep-Handling-Unit.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We’re joined on the latest OviCast episode by Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, to talk to us about the sheep handling equipment available under the TAMS III Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme. We discuss what the grant aid rates are and how these are calculated; Edward outlines what fixed and mobile equipment covered under the scheme; and he takes us through the application process highlighting some of the key dates and information required at submission and explains how to check if the application has been approved. Finally we finish up discussing how applicants make their claim for payment and what information is required to complete the process. To find out more: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/4f3ae-farm-safety-capital-investment-scheme/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Frank Campion joins us on this episode of OviCast with an update on lamb performance and management on the BETTER farms. Frank starts off describing the bounce back in lamb growth rate on the farms in May and June. We tease this out discussing grassland management, parasite challenge and the impact of early weaning. We move on to discuss the current state of play on the farms with regards to weaning weight, drafting the implications of carrying increased numbers for some into the second half of the season. In the latter part of this episode we talk about some management aspects over the coming weeks, finishing groups, grassland, fertiliser, forage crops and parasite control. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Kevin Mc Dermott, Sheep Ireland manager, joins us on this week’s OviCast to talk about the genotyped ram task that forms part of the Sheep Improvement Scheme. Kevin first explains what’s involved in the task for lowland and hill producers. He talks about ram eligibility and how to identify these rams using the Sheep Ireland ram search tool or the sales catalogues. Finally, he discusses the numbers of eligible rams that are available via the Sheep Ireland ram search at: ramsearch.ie For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep specialist, Damian Costello, is on this week’s OviCast to talk about managing the parasite challenge over the coming weeks. Damian explains what the burden is and he and Ciarán discuss the current challenge, monitoring worm burden and deciding when to dose. Damian explains the importance of knowing how effective your wormer is, how to conduct a drench test and interpret the results. Finally, he highlights some of the resource material available to help explain some of the issues raised in more detail. For more info: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/flock-health/anthelmintic-resistance/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

This week’s OviCast catches up with Ger Carey from Gurteen College in this week’s episode to give us a run down on the 450 strong sheep system they operate in Gurteen. Ger brings us through the early and mid-season production systems, how this has changed to accommodate students and future plans on the flocks. We discuss breeding, wintering on forage crops and managing ewe condition. We talk about lamb performance this year, drafting and the importance of hitting carcass spec for their system. The college has made some significant investments in housing and handling facilities on the farm over the past number of years, we discuss how this has improved management and productivity in the flock. Finally, Ger discusses the skills that students acquire during their time at the college, including the shearing course they run annually. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Why are ewes leaving the flock and can we reduce the level of ewe wastage? On this week’s OviCast podcast, we discuss this topic in more detail with Prof. Paul Keynon from New Zealand’s Massey University. Paul discusses the reasons ewes are culled and lost out of the system and explains the impact this can have on flock output, lamb performance and costs in the system. Paul also talks to us about variation in ewe replacement rates in flocks in New Zealand and some of the reasons for these differences among farms. Finally, he discusses how we can alter management on farms to improve ewe longevity in a flock and improve overall productivity. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast, we talk to Dr. Frank Campion about the impact this spring has had on lamb performance. Frank gives us an update of the lamb growth rate on the BETTER farms and we talk about the variation among the flocks and how the performance compares to previous years. Frank discusses some of the reasons for this and how the difficult conditions following turnout made this worse. We finish up discussing what impact this will have on lamb sales this year as well as some of the steps farmers are taking to mitigate this. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast episode, Ciarán Lynch caught up with Prof. Paul Keynon, Head of School, School of Agriculture & Environment/Professor in Sheep Husbandry at Massey University in New Zealand to discuss the option of early weaning as a management tool for certain sheep systems. Paul defines what early weaning is and at what age and weight lambs need to be for it to be considered. They discuss when and where it could be considered an option for flocks and what impact it can have on their system and Paul talks about post weaning management, highlighting the need to ensure high quality feed is available to ensure these weaned lambs perform. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With the shearing season underway, for this week’s episode we chat to shearer and Mayo native David Heraty. First David describes a typical shearing season for him and how this year has started off. David tells us how he got started and built up his shearing contracting business over the past decade. We discuss the importance of shearing courses to equip farmers with this skill and the challenge of getting the next generation involved. We also talk about the preparation on the day of shearing to make the job that bit easier on all involved. David who is the Irish Sheep Shearer’s Association representative on the newly formed wool council talks about its aims and what they hope to achieve over the coming years. We finish up the episode talking about the challenge of improving wool presentation and what steps farmers can take. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, we chat to post-graduate student, Lisa McGrane, about some of the factors influencing the establishment and persistency of companion herb and legume forages in sheep swards. Lisa discusses some of the work they have undertaken in the area, examining the impact of herbs (chicory & plantain) and legumes (white and red clover) on performance and productivity. We discuss the impact of various establishment methods on sward content of companion herbs and legumes, issues around their persistency and challenges associated with re-establishing them in sheep swards. We also discuss the impact of seeding rate at establishment and type of ryegrass used in the mix has on both the content and persistency in a sward. As with all reseeds, post-sowing grazing management has an impact and Lisa discusses what they have found by altering the post-grazing sward height on these different forages. Finally we finish up the episode with Lisa offering some advice for those sowing it this year on targeting finishing lambs and getting the grazing infrastructure right to get the best out of their reseed. To find out more about the work Lisa has been undertaking you can watch her presentation from this year’s National Sheep conference at: https://youtu.be/eNdAmoM9Nik For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

This week on OviCast, I got the opportunity to sit down with father and son duo, Eddie and Aidan Connell, who farm at Clonbullogue, Co Offaly, and who are hosting this year’s Irish Grassland sheep event. The father and son partnership are running a 400 ewe mid-season flock, finishing upwards of 150 bulls and grow winter barley and maize for their own use. Eddie and Aidan talk about how each of the enterprises operate and the integrated nature of the farm. We discuss some of the challenges this spring and the carry-over impacts of last year’s drought on flock productivity. We discuss grassland management, paddock setup and silage and the impact on lamb performance. With a lot of stock purchased on the farm each year, Eddie talks about the importance of a good vaccination programme for the purchased ewes and weanlings each autumn. Managing the workload on the farm is also important and Aidan talks about the sheep shed they constructed in 2018, some of the key adaptions made to it as well as upgrades made to their handling system to improve overall labour efficiency on the farm. For more details of Irish grassland Association sheep event go to:https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/sheep-event/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Darren Carty, sheep and schemes editor from the Irish Farmers Journal is on this week’s OviCast to talk about the Sheep 2023 industry event which takes place in Gurteen Agricultural College on June 18th. Darren explains where this year’s event is happening and the background to it and previous events. He discusses the broad range of activities that are on display from sheep shows and breed exhibits to trade stands and the host of technical workshops that will be there on the day. Darren highlights how this focused sheep event provides a shop window for exhibitors and attendees to interact and see what’s new in the industry. He talks about the various demonstrations that will run throughout the day from butchery and cooking through to shearing and sheep dog training demonstrations. Darren also describes the host of other activates that are on display on the day including the keenly contested Young Shepherd competition. Sheep breed societies, and for those interested in taking a trade stand at the event can make a booking through an online booking portal at: bit.ly/SHEEP2023Form Or email [email protected] For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast, I’m joined by Catherine Egan host of the Teagasc Beef Edge podcast for a joint episode to discuss all things clover with Dr. Mike Egan, Teagasc researcher. Mike starts by highlighting the potential role of clover in drystock systems, how it works and the potential cost savings. We discuss the impact of soil fertility and weed control has on successful establishment and Mike talks about the impact of timing, sowing rate and varieties selection and over-sowing methods of incorporating clover in to sward. Post-sowing management can have a big impact on establishment and Mike brings us through grazing management from establishment to closing up at the end of the grazing season as well as offering some tips on minimising the risk of bloat. Finally, Mike highlights the suite of resources available for farmers to find out more about clover. For more information go to:https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/publications/2022/Clover-Management-2022.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

After a difficult number of weeks, conditions appear to be turning the corner providing an opportunity to get grazing back on track, and on this week’s OviCast, we’re joined by Dr Philip Creighton to discuss some of the steps needed over the coming weeks. Philip starts by discussing the impact recent conditions have had on sheep systems. He discusses grazing targets, fertiliser type and application rates for the coming weeks, emphasising the need to boost supplies during a period of high demand. Philip highlights need to plan for making a proportion of high quality silage and replenishing stocks that were depleted this spring. Finally, he discusses grazing groups, batching up and residence periods in grazing paddocks. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Orla Keane is on this week’s OviCast podcast to discuss the challenge of Nematodirus in lambs this spring. Orla first explains how the Nematodirus challenge can carry over on farms from year to year. She highlights the Department of Agriculture Nematodirus forecast and the implications for farmers. Orla explains what age it affects lambs, the clinical signs, as well as the risk for young calves. She also discusses the possibility of co-infection with Coccidia and explains the treatment options and best practice when administering doses to young lambs. Here is the link to the Department of Agriculture Nematodirus forecast for 2023: https://bit.ly/Nematodirus_Forecast_23 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

On this week’s OviCast podcast, we’re joined by postgraduate student, Jake Delaney, and Teagasc Researcher, Dr Frank Campion, to discuss a new project that aims to examine lameness and associated issues on Irish farms. Jake first outlines the common causes and issues around lameness, while Frank discusses the impact it has on performance and some of the practical control issues that occur at farm level. Jake explains what they will be examining in the study and highlights an online survey that is currently available and that he encourages farmers to complete. The survey can be accessed here:https://bit.ly/Lameness23 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Conditions during March have been difficult and has thrown up many challenges for farmers. On this week's OviCast podcast, we’re joined by Teagasc’s Head of Sheep, Michael Gottstein, to discuss this in more detail and offer some advice on how to manage things through this period for those at different stages - from those lambed in early March, to those currently lambing and with outdoor lambing flocks. We discuss various aspects of management, grazing, nutrition and hygiene and highlight some of the disease risks during the period with Michael offering some useful tips and advice on each. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Having access to some source of hot water in the farmyard is essential, especially in spring. For some farms however, there is a requirement to supply larger volumes either for artificial rearing of lambs or calves or for general farm use. So what are the options and which suits best? This week’s OviCast is joined by Teagasc Researcher, Dr John Upton, to shed some light on this topic. John first outlines the various heat sources that are available and emphasises the importance of knowing what the individual demand is on the farm. He discusses the capacity, energy efficiency and running costs of the various heating systems before offering some tips on the maintenance of these systems and highlighting some factors that will influence their longevity on farms. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep specialist, Michael Gottstein, is on this week’s OviCast podcast to talk about diagnosing and treating hypothermia in lambs. Michael explains what hypothermia is, the symptoms and predisposing factors. They discuss steps involved to warm these lambs up to normal body temperature based on age, severity and the type of energy source required. Michael explains why and how to use the glucose/intra-peritoneal injection, describing the technique, how to make up the glucose solution and why it’s a vital lifesaving technique that farmers can use. Here also is a link to a recent Let’s Talk Sheep webinar covering this and other lambing related topics: https://bit.ly/Letstalksheep_Mar23 For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr Emer Kennedy joins Ciarán Lynch on this latest OviCast podcast to talk about some key aspects of colostrum management on farms. Emer explains the importance of colostrum in newborn ruminants and discusses the importance of hygiene during the collection process, storage both fresh and frozen of the colostrum, as well as the correct thawing procedure. Emer highlights the impact management has on colostrum quality during each of these tasks and offers some useful practical tips that farmers can implement this spring. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

County Antrim veterinarian and sheep farmer, Paul Crawford, who is also the chairman of the Northern Ireland Sheep Scab Group joins us on the latest OviCast podcast to discuss sheep scab. Paul starts by explaining what causes sheep scab, the clinical symptoms and how to diagnose it in flocks. We discuss the routes of transmission and risk factors for the spread of mites before Paul takes us through the treatment options and the challenge of developing resistance to some of these, highlighting the importance of best practice. We discuss some of the findings from his Ph.D. studies on the numbers of outbreaks, disease awareness and treatment in practice in Northern Irish flocks. Finally, Paul highlights a new project that launched last year to tackle the issue on farms. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

In this bonus episode from a recent Let’s Talk Sheep webinar, you'll hear from veterinarian Charles Chavasse who is the Area Veterinary Manager with Zoetis. Charles describes what the different clostridial diseases are and how they affect the animal. He goes on to explain the vaccination process adding some useful tips and highlights some common pitfalls. Charles also takes questions submitted by the audience on the night and a full recording of the webinar will be available on the Teagasc YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/TeagascMedia For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast