OviCast

Latest Episodes:

How to get the most from farmyard manure Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, joins us to discuss farmyard manure and how farmers can get the most from it.

We look at the nutrients contained in FYM, how these are affected by storage and spreading, and the difference in how nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium become available to the crop.

We also discuss some of the wider soil benefits of FYM before finishing with three key considerations when deciding where and when to spread it.

For more information:

https://teagasc.ie/environment/soil/soil-health/soil-health-week/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

September Management Notes Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, chats to Ciaran Lynch about some of the key management tasks for the month ahead.

They discuss grassland management, fodder budgeting and supplementation options for store lambs, as well as ewe and ram management in the coming weeks.

They also highlight the risk of blowfly strike at this time of year and look ahead to the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships.

For more information: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-september-2026/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass Focus for the Month Ahead Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to discuss some key grassland management tips for the month ahead.

We look at current grass growth rates on farms and the recovery in areas that were impacted by the drought.

We discuss the steps farmers can take now to build grass covers as we move into autumn, including fertiliser application and the opportunity to spread lime.

Nikki also discusses managing autumn reseeds and the impact it can have on production next spring.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Selling store lambs this autumn Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

We catch up with Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, to discuss the options for selling store lambs this autumn.

We start by looking at the current market and the impact the drought has had on lamb performance and grass supplies.

We discuss feeding options, key health traits to consider and the potential for finishing lambs on farm. Michael also highlights the importance of preparing lambs for sale, from batching lambs according to weight and gender to ensuring they are presented cleanly.

We also discuss the importance of considering the wider farm system, particularly avoiding the use of grass supplies needed for the breeding flock.

Finally, we look at why you need to do a budget and have a clear plan in place when deciding whether to sell lambs as stores or finish them on farm.

Store lamb calculator:

https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Store-lamb-finishing-calculator.xlsx

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

The Sheep Enterprise at Mountbellew Agricultural College Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

We catch up with Mountbellew Agricultural College farm manager, Ronan Grealis, and enterprise lecturer, Barry Boner, ahead of the upcoming Irish Grassland Association Sheep Event on Thursday, 27 August.

We get an overview of the college farm and its various enterprises before focusing on the sheep system.

Ronan and Barry discuss the flock, split-lambing system, breeding and performance recording, as well as the grazing setup and approach to lamb finishing.

We also hear more about the agricultural courses delivered at the college and the role of the farm in providing practical training for students.

The episode also gives an insight into what farmers can expect from the upcoming IGA Sheep Event, which will focus on flock performance, grassland management, genetics and lamb finishing at Mountbellew Agricultural College.

For more information on the event:

https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/iga-sheep-event/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

August Management Notes Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

We catch up with sheep specialist, Damian Costello, to discuss some of the key management tasks for the coming weeks.

We start by looking ahead to the breeding season, with Damian highlighting the importance of assessing ewe body condition score (BCS) and taking the necessary steps now to correct any issues ahead of mating.

We also discuss ram management, including what to consider when purchasing new rams, and the importance of biosecurity when introducing new stock to the farm.

Finally, we discuss why now is a good time to carry out a drench test and check the efficacy of the products being used on farm.

For more:

https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-august-2026/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Finding the Right Ram for Your Flock Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

With ram sale season underway, we chat to Sean Godfrey from Sheep Ireland.

Sean highlights the impact a ram can have on a flock for a number of seasons; we discuss locating your next ram and the tools on the Sheep Ireland website to make this process easier.

Sean also explains some of the key information in the sales catalogues and how you can easily access more via the ram search tool.

We finish up discussing this year's upcoming multibreed sale.

For more info visit:

https://www.sheep.ie

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Inside an Organic Sheep and Tillage System Aug 04, 2026

Show notes

We catch up with organic sheep and tillage farmer, Joe Nolan, and Teagasc Organic Advisor, Marianne Mulhall.

Joe, who farms near Fenagh, Co. Carlow, outlines his farming system, including the sheep enterprise, tillage rotation and the background to the farm.

He discusses the changes made to the flock in recent years, the organic conversion process and how sheep and tillage are integrated on the holding.

We also discuss lamb finishing, with Joe explaining the role of different grass and clover leys, forage crops and supplementation within the system.

Marianne outlines the current opportunities and challenges facing the organic sheep sector, highlighting the importance of strengthening linkages between organic livestock and tillage farms to improve feed sourcing and the opportunities for lamb finishing.

She also discusses the series of upcoming organic farm walks, including one taking place on Joe's farm on Wednesday 12th August.

To register for one of the events please click here:
https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/events/#lambfinishing

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

What Happens to Worm Burdens During and After a Dry Spell? Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Amanda McEvoy joins us to discuss the impact of recent weather conditions on worm burdens in sheep flocks.

Amanda begins by explaining how lambs become infected and how weather influences the development and survival of parasites on pasture.

We discuss how the recent dry spell has affected worm burdens and why changing weather conditions, particularly increased moisture, can quickly alter the risk on farms.

Amanda also highlights the importance of monitoring worm burdens closely at this stage of the season, especially following this summer's weather patterns.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:

https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Forage Crops: Adding Value to Mixed Farming Systems Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of OviCast, Dr Frank Campion discusses the role of forage crops within an integrated livestock system and the value they can bring to sheep enterprises.

Frank outlines the different forage crop options, their expected yields and the classes of stock they are best suited to.

He also discusses the impact of sowing date, the importance of estimating crop yield and key grazing management considerations.

Finally, Frank explains the levels of lamb performance that can be achieved and highlights how forage crops can improve flock profitability by generating additional income during the winter months.

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