OviCast

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Latest Episodes:

Grass Growth Update: Managing Through the Dry Spell Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us for an update on grass growth across the country.

Nikki discusses how the recent dry spell has affected grass growth, highlighting the varying impact on farms in different regions.

She offers practical advice for farmers where grass supplies are becoming restricted and outlines the key management decisions to consider in the weeks ahead.

We also discuss grazing management for the remainder of the summer, the importance of assessing silage stocks, and the potential role of autumn reseeding in improving grass production on some farms.

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

July Management Notes Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us to discuss the key management tasks for the month ahead.

We start by looking at grassland management, including how to maintain sward quality through the remainder of the grazing season and the opportunities that autumn reseeding can offer.

Attention then turns to flock management, with Michael outlining best practice around weaning lambs, drying off ewes, and managing ewe body condition to ensure ewes are in the right condition ahead of the next breeding season

With lamb performance a key focus at this time of year, we also discuss mineral supplementation, including the role of cobalt, and when supplementation may be required. Finally, we examine lameness, why reducing its incidence should be a priority on sheep farms, and the practical measures that can help improve flock health and productivity.

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

Results from the Teagasc labour survey on sheep farms Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss the preliminary results of the labour survey.

We explore some of the key findings from the latest analysis, including the age profile of farmers, levels of off-farm employment, and how farm tasks are managed throughout the year.

Damian discusses the facilities available on farms, the challenges created by farm fragmentation, and how these factors influence farm management and future development.

We also look at the level of TAMS uptake, the barriers farmers face when accessing the scheme, and what improvements could encourage greater participation.

To finish, Damian shares his thoughts on future trends and what the outlook may be for farm numbers going forward.

View Damian’s presentation on the labour survey here:

https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Damian-Costello.pdf

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

Previewing the 2026 National Sheep Conference Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc's Amanda McEvoy, joins us as we preview the 2026 National Sheep Conference.

Amanda outlines the new format for this year's event and discusses the speakers and key topics that will feature in the indoor conference sessions.

A first for the National Sheep Conference will be an on-farm evening programme, where attendees will have the opportunity to hear about ongoing sheep research studies being undertaken at Teagasc Athenry.

The evening will also include a series of practical workshops, giving participants an insight into the latest research and technologies being developed for the sheep sector.

For more information on the 2026 National Sheep Conference, visit:
https://teagasc.ie/news--events/news/teagasc-national-sheep-conference-2026/

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

June Management Notes Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

For this week’s OviCast, grass management, weaning decisions, cull ewe selection and shearing are all discussed.

Damian Costello and Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Ciaran Lynch, break down the key messages from the June Sheep Advisory Newsletter, discussing how to maintain grass quality, prepare for weaning, assess ewes for culling and get the most from shearing day.

This is a practical episode full of seasonal advice for sheep farmers as lambs approach weaning and grass growth peaks.

Find out more:

https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-sheep-advisory-newsletter-june/

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

How are lambs performing this so far this year? May 26, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Frank Campion joins us as we discuss lamb performance on the BETTER farms this spring.

We discuss lamb mortality levels and how they compare with previous years, while also examining strong lamb growth rates seen on farms so far this season.

Frank outlines some of the key factors driving performance and finishes with practical advice for the weeks ahead to help maintain progress.

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

May Grass Focus May 12, 2026

Show notes

Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to take a look at grazing management priorities for the weeks ahead.

Nikki discusses current grass growth rates, grazing targets and managing farm covers, along with the options around taking out surplus paddocks for silage.

We also cover fodder budgeting and fertiliser and slurry applications as farmers plan ahead for the season.

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

May Management Notes May 08, 2026

Show notes

Teagasc Sheep specialist, Damian Costello, joins us as we run through the key management priorities for sheep farmers in May.

We cover practical advice on grassland management, maintaining lamb performance, and planning ahead for first-cut silage.

There’s also a timely reminder of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) deadline and what’s required to maximise payments.

On the flock health side, we focus on seasonal risks including Nematodirus, scald, and blowfly strike, with clear guidance on prevention and treatment.

For more information:

https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-sheep-advisory-newsletter-may/

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

Don’t Be on the Hind Foot When Tackling Scald May 01, 2026

Show notes

Jake Delaney, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, joins us this week to discuss scald in lambs and why it’s such a common challenge at this stage of the season.

Jake explains what causes scald, how it affects animal performance and welfare, and why it should never be ignored.

We also explore how scald can act as a gateway for more severe conditions such as footrot and CODD, making early detection and treatment essential.

The episode covers practical treatment options and outlines best-practice approaches for managing and preventing foot issues in your flock this season.

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

Weed control on pasture and silage ground Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

In a joint episode with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge, we’re joined by Chris Maughan from TP Whelehan to explore practical weed control strategies.

Chris outlines a wide range of control options for common problem weeds, including docks, thistles, and ragwort.

We also discuss clover-safe sprays and how to plan weed control programmes when establishing or maintaining clover and multispecies swards. The conversation covers key technical considerations such as sprayer setup, nozzle selection, and how water quality can influence spray performance.

The episode wraps up with best practice advice on managing water quality and the safe disposal of chemical containers.

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