OviCast

Teagasc advisor, Tom Coll, is on this week’s OviCast with some practical management tips as the breeding season draws to a close.

Tom highlights the importance of ram management at this stage — from identifying repeats to dealing with injured or lame rams. 

We also chat about why it’s a good idea to group ewes in the latter half of the breeding period and the benefits of having a spare ram available.

The discussion then turns to managing ram lambs, reducing the risk of fighting post-mating, and best p...

Teagasc advisor, James Doran, discusses the practicalities of grazing forage crops on this week's OviCast.

James and Ciaran cover key topics such as estimating yield, calculating carrying capacity, and setting up grazing systems—including fencing, crop allocation, and utilisation. 

James also shares advice on introducing animals to forage crops and outlines important management considerations for ewes and lambs grazing for extended periods.

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

Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management.

 In this episode, Sarah covers:

-       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers

-       Autumn closing plan and its importance

-       Achieving good cleanouts on swards

-       Tweaking the closing plan for new grass/clover and multispecies leys

Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Sarah shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn.

You can also sign up...

David Coen from Sheep Ireland joins this week’s OviCast to discuss the genetic progress being made in hill flocks across the country.

David outlines the ongoing efforts of various breeding groups nationwide and highlights the significant increase in the number of animals being recorded over recent years.

We also delve into the OviFlock project and explore the positive impact genotyping it’s having on the sector.

With the sales season now in full swing, David gives an overview of the upcoming sales and explains how farmers can che...

Dr. Tim Keady joins us on this week’s OviCast to explore the key considerations around mating ewe lambs.

We dive into the pros and cons of including ewe lambs in your breeding programme and Tim shares insights on how they can perform within a sheep enterprise. 

We also discuss critical factors such as target joining weights, timing and duration of the mating period, and the strategic use of the ram effect.

The conversation wraps up with a look at the importance of good nutritional management — both during m...

Teagasc Farm Management specialist, James McDonnell, and Succession Ireland mediator, Clare O’Keeffe, join Ciaran Lynch and Catherine Egan on this week’s joint episode of the Ovicast and the Beef Edge podcast to discuss all aspects of generation renewal, succession and mediation.

James highlights the importance of generation renewal while Clare outlines the importance of a mediator to aid the process. It is essential for every farmer to have a farm succession plan in place. There are complex legal and taxation rules that, if planned for, can be managed easily. If not planned for, howev...

Teagasc Researcher, Philip Creighton, gives us the monthly update on grassland management.

For this episode, Philip covers:

-       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers

-       Building covers and planning the grazing rotation

-       Grazing autumn reseeds

-       Fertiliser register, slurry and farmyard manure deadlines 

Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Philip shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn.

You can also sign up to the Grass10 newsle...

Dr. Frank Campion joins us to talk about managing ewe body condition in the crucial lead-up to mating. 

We explore why body condition scoring (BCS) is such a key driver of flock productivity for the year ahead, and how current ewe condition on better farm flocks compares to last autumn.

Frank also highlights the management changes that have made a difference on farms this season, and he outlines the practical steps farmers should focus on in the final weeks before ram turnout.

For more episodes from the OviC...

One of the key factors influencing lamb performance at this stage of the season is managing and effectively treating the worm burden. For this OviCast episode, Sheep Specialist Damian Costello joins us to discuss this in detail.

Damian explains why it’s important to monitor worm challenge regularly and how to interpret the results. He also highlights the key areas to focus on to ensure treatments are effective.

We then look at why now is an ideal time to carry out a drench test on farms, helping to determine how well the...

Teagasc Researcher Philip Creighton gives us the monthly update on grassland management on this week’s OviCast.

 In this episode, Philip covers:
 · Current grass growth rates and average farm covers
 · Assessing demand and starting to build covers
 · Fertiliser recommendations and timing of application
 · Tips for managing autumn reseeds

Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Philip shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn.

You can also sign up to the Grass10 newslet...

Every time an animal enters or re-enters a flock it poses the risk of bringing unwanted health challenges with it.

With sales in full swing, on this week’s OviCast we talk to Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, about how to reduce the risks. 

What to look for before you buy:

·      Quarantine and parasite control plans

·      Reducing the risk of lameness in new arrivals

·      Using vaccination to protect your flock

This episode is a timely reminder for anyone planning to buy stock this season.

With the ram sale season in full swing, we’re joined by David Coen from Sheep Ireland to discuss how genetic information can help farmers make more informed breeding decisions.

David explains the Eurostar Terminal and Replacement Indexes, outlining what they mean and how to interpret them when selecting rams. We also explore how to check if a ram is SIS-eligible, and how to make the most of the RamSearch tool.

We discuss the progress being made in performance recording among hill flocks and David gives us a preview of Sheep Irel...

Shane Moore, a BETTER Farm participant based in Co. Roscommon, joins this week’s OviCast.

Shane runs a mixed sheep and beef enterprise and he shares insights into how the season has progressed so far, including the challenges of joint ill at lambing time and the rebound in lamb performance and drafting.

We also discuss:

-       how Shane selects replacements and identifies problem ewes for culling

-       post-weaning lamb management, finishing groups and improving ewe condition 

-       his approach to grazing and grassland management this season

Catch crops are becoming an essential part of sustainable tillage farming offering environmental protection, improving soil structure, and providing valuable grazing options for livestock.

For this week’s OviCast, Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan, joins us to discuss how and why catch crops are used, the impact of sowing date and the practicalities of sowing them effectively.

Plus, Shay takes us through the various regulations that need to be adhered to and what farmers should keep in mind when planning rotations.

For more episodes from the OviCast podca...

Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management.

Whether you're actively measuring grass or just looking to stay ahead this season, Sarah shares practical, timely tips to help you make the most of your grazing this season.

 In this episode, Sarah covers:

·       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers

·       Key grazing targets and maintaining sward quality

·       Fertiliser recommendations and the importance of replenish offtakes

·       Tips for managing newly reseeded paddocks and multispecies swards

 
You can subscribe to the Grass10 newslett...

Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo, joins us on this week’s OviCast. The duo are also hosts of this year’s Irish Grassland Association Sheep Farm Walk.

Jonathan talks to us about their contract rearing system and we delve into the performance and management of the ewe flock in detail. We also explore the challenges of farming on a fragmented unit with varying land types.

Plus we spend time discussing the role of mixed-species swards...

Sheep 2025 – the largest dedicated sheep-focused open day on the island of Ireland – takes place on Saturday, 21st June, from 10am to 5pm at the Teagasc Mellows Campus in Athenry, Co. Galway.

For this week’s OviCast, Teagasc’s Michael Gottstein and Margaret O’Donovan preview this free event for us. 

Michael acknowledges the vital contributions of industry partners and sponsors who help make the event possible and he also walks us through the extensive range of technical information that will be available on the day. Michael highlights the breed competitions and shares some of the other key a...

With the shearing season in full swing, on this week’s OviCast, we're joined by Pat Coffey, merchant, wool exporter, and member of the Irish Grown Wool Council.

Pat brings four generations of experience to the wool industry and gives us a valuable insight into the current state of the wool market, explaining some of the key factors influencing it today.

We discuss best practices in shearing and how they impact wool quality, including the importance of the Shear Success guide recently distributed to farmers as part of the 2024 census.

 <...

Brian McConnell, Technical Consultant for Elanco in Ireland, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss blowfly strike prevention for the upcoming season. 

Brian outlines the duration and severity of the seasonal risk period before delving into how blowfly strike occurs, the life cycle, and why early intervention is critical for effective control. 

Brian also walks us through the range of available treatment options and emphasises how proper application techniques can significantly influence the effectiveness of each product.

In relation to the products mentioned:

-     ...

Teagasc Walsh Scholar, Michael Dever, and Teagasc researcher, Dr. Frank Campion, join us on this week’s OviCast to discuss an exciting new project, recently launched in collaboration with SRUC. The project aims to use GPS technology to better understand hill sheep grazing patterns.

Frank provides background on the project, while Michael outlines how they will assess animal performance across different groups of sheep that are released onto the hill at various stages. He also explains how the team will evaluate the botanical composition of the different grazing areas.

Michael goes on to de...

Teagasc Grass10 Advisor, Joseph Dunphy, returns with the monthly update on grassland management.

In this episode, Joseph covers:

·       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers

·       Key grazing targets and maintaining sward quality

·       Fertiliser recommendations for second-cut silage and how to replenish offtakes

·       Tips for managing newly reseeded paddocks

Whether you're actively grass measuring or just looking to stay ahead this season, Joseph shares practical, timely advice to help optimise your grazing performance.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops...

Jake Delaney joins us on the latest OviCast to explore the issue of scald and other lameness problems on farm, and their wider impact on flock performance.

Jake breaks down:

- the causes and risk factors behind scald

- why early intervention is essential

- treatment options

We also take a look at other lameness conditions currently affecting farms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

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

In a joint episode this week, we’re joined by Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, as we catch up with Dr Mary McEvoy, Technical Development manager with Germinal, to discuss all things reseeding. 

Mary discusses her top tips, from field preparation to seed mixes for grazing and silage as well as clover inclusion. 

We also discuss post sowing management and the impact that can have on a successful reseed.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.tea...

Teagasc Grass10 Advisor, Joseph Dunphy, has the monthly update on grassland management.

In this episode, Joseph discusses:

·      Current grass growth rates and average farm covers

·      Tips for managing grass supply through April into early May

·      How to handle surpluses and maintain short residency periods

·      Fertiliser options for silage ground

·      Considerations for spring reseeding

Whether you're actively grass measuring or just looking to stay ahead this season, Joseph offers practical, timely advice to help optimise grazing performance.

You can subscribe to the Gr...

David Buckley from the Department of Agriculture joins us to discuss the 2025 National Sheep Welfare Scheme and the Sheep Improvement Scheme. 

David outlines key elements of the Welfare Scheme, including eligible tasks, increased payment rates, and compliance requirements. 

We also cover the application process, key dates, and record-keeping obligations. 

The conversation then shifts to the Sheep Improvement Scheme—now in its third year—as we explore some of the key tasks involved and the opportunities available for new entrants. We finish up with a look at the 2025 payment schedule.

For more informa...

Teagasc Specialist, Mark Plunkett, joins us on this week’s OviCast to explore the nutrient requirements for this year’s silage crop. 

Mark provides valuable insights into the nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) demands of a silage crop, detailing how slurry and farmyard manure contribute to nutrient supply and what additional inputs may be necessary to achieve optimal yields.

We also discuss the essential role of sulphur and why it should be incorporated into fertiliser applications. 

Additionally, Mark offers guidance on selecting appropriate fertilisers for grazing a...

Sheep specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us on this week's OviCast to discuss how to stay ahead of potential issues in the flock post-turnout.

Michael provides insights into the current situation on farms and shares practical advice for maintaining performance, especially where grass supplies are tight. 

He explains why managing a separate group of problem ewes and lambs can be a beneficial strategy.

We also cover key health concerns, including the treatment and prevention of grass tetany, as well as common challenges farmers may face - ranging from mastitis and lameness to coccidiosis in l...

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh discusses current growth grass rates, grazing management, setting up a rotation and targets for the month ahead as well as fertiliser advice. 

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

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

Niall Conaty from Teagasc Agricultural College Ballyhaise joins us to discuss practical tips for the lambing shed. 

We cover setup, pen layout, group pens and dedicated areas for problem cases and Niall offers insights on streamlining tasks to reduce workload during this busy period.

We also discuss how simple additions, such as whiteboards and labels on pens, can improve communication, along with best practices for recording replacements, identifying problem ewes, and maintaining hygiene and biosecurity throughout lambing.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.i...

Dr. Philip Creighton joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss key aspects of grazing management for the weeks ahead. 

We discuss opening covers on farms this spring, the factors influencing them, and their implications for management post-turnout. 

Philip also shares insights on fertiliser application response rates and the economics behind it. 

Additionally, we dive into grazing management strategies, target residuals, spring rotation budgeting and setting up the second rotation.

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

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh also highlights opening covers on farms and current growth rates, plus we discuss fertiliser prices and targeted application before finishing up with grazing management.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/

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

Kieran O’Mahony, Area Veterinary Manager at Zoetis, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss Clostridial vaccination in sheep. 

Kieran outlines the challenges posed by Clostridial disease, followed by an in-depth discussion on vaccination strategies and optimal timing for both ewes and lambs. 

We also cover key practical considerations, including proper vaccine storage and administration, and why these steps are crucial for effectiveness. 

Additionally, we address the supply challenges encountered this year and their impact on vaccination programmes.

For more episodes from the Ov...

As lambing season approaches, we're joined by Dr. Frank Campion to discuss key aspects of managing ewe condition at this critical stage of the production cycle. 

Frank begins by analysing the latest scan results from the BETTER farms and comparing them to previous seasons. We also examine the challenges posed by lower feed value silage this year and its implications for feeding plans.

Frank highlights the significant impact of ewe body condition score (BCS) on lamb survival, growth rates, and flock culling decisions. 

We explore practical short-term strategies to mitigate these effects, with a...

Jason Callaghan from the AIMS division in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine joins this week’s OviCast to discuss various aspects of the Sheep Census.  

Jason outlines the key dates and deadlines for submission and explains the three different methods available:

-        Written form

-        Agfood account

-        Using the AIMS Services app

He also walks us through the different census categories and provides guidance on how to complete the submission process. 

For more information contact: sheepid@agriculture.gov.ie

For more episode...

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update discussing grass management tips for the month ahead. 

Niamh first discusses over-winter growth and the importance of assessing opening covers; she then explains the spreading dates for chemical and organic fertiliser and the need to ensure conditions are suitable before spreading. 

Finally, Niamh encourages anyone who has soil samples to collect to do so in the coming weeks to address soil fertility this year.

You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:

https://www.teagasc.ie/crops...

Environmental specialist, Tim Hyde, joins us on this week’s OviCast to discuss calculating nitrate stocking rates on farms. 

Tim explains how this figure is calculated for different classes of livestock. We discuss how to find the figures for cattle and how to calculate the contribution of sheep on the farm. 

With new regulations in effect this year, Tim explains how this may impact producers for the coming season and the importance of knowing your own farm figures. 

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teaga...

With the cold snap this week, there’s a bonus OviCast episode with sheep specialists Damian Costello and Michael Gottstein sharing valuable insights on managing sheep farms during the present conditions. 

Damian addresses challenges such as water supply and handling stock, emphasising the importance of safety during this difficult period and highlighting key considerations for farmers. 

Michael discusses the impact on livestock, providing guidance on managing hypothermic lambs and the importance of supplementing feed. 

He concludes by encouraging farmers to check in on their neighbours and reaching out for...

Each year, the Teagasc Agricultural Economics and Farm Surveys Department reviews the current production year and examines the prospects for the upcoming agricultural season. 

For this week’s OviCast, recorded just before Christmas, I sit down with Teagasc researcher Anne Kinsella to discuss the performance of the sheep sector in 2024 and the outlook for 2025.

Our conversation covers key topics, including price trends, changes in input costs, export markets, and profit margins. We also explore the outlook for the coming season, the influence of international markets on producers, and recent trends in globa...

Dr. Tim Keady is on the latest OviCast podcast to discuss feeding the ewe during mid-pregnancy and its impact on productivity. 

Tim outlines the energy requirements of the ewe during this phase, we discuss the impact of grass supply and feed value in outdoor scenarios and the impact of different qualities of silages indoors. 

Tim also talks about mobilising reserves, potential condition score loss and the impact that can have on next year’s lamb performance. 

We finish up discussing feed management introducing supplementation to thinner ewes and plan...

Kilkenny sheep farmer, Brian Nicholson, joins this week’s OviCast to talk about the changes to his farm system in recent years. 

Brian describes how he has converted part of his farm over to an organic system, we discuss the sheep, beef and tillage systems and their integration and how he has adapted his farm to suit. 

We finish up discussing how he is incorporating agro-forestry into his farming system.  

 
The Teagasc/FBD Environmental Sustainability Awards video of Brian Nicholson’s farm:

https://youtu.be/jXgk4ZnJxxo