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Latest Episodes:

Making high DMD silage May 05, 2020

Show notes

e also describes ways to reduce the risk of soil contamination, improve preservation and the importance of correct storage. The overall silage requirement for use in late pregnancy is relatively low Damian discusses how removing surpluses from the grazing rotation could help meet his demand.

Here is a link to a short technical article discussing this in more detail:
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/importance-of-quality-silage-for-sheep.php

And heres a short video clip on removing surplus grass as baled silage:
https://youtu.be/RW8D4bk4Rws

For more information:
https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2020/importance-of-quality-silage-for-sheep.php

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the sheep sector Apr 28, 2020

Show notes

With additional pressure on family farm incomes this year Kevin urges a cautious approach, paying particular attention to expenditure in the farm business for the coming year.

Keeping with that theme in the latter half of the podcast we are joined by Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc who highlights key areas where costs can be reduced and where the easy gains can be made. With uncertainty in the economy Michael also discusses on farm investment for the coming season.

19: Episode 19: Nematodirus infection in young lambs Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

Nematodirus is one of the first parasite challenges young lambs will face during the grazing season. In this episode of OviCast we are joined by Dr. Orla Keane who explains the life cycle of Nematodirus and how it differs from other stomach worms. We also discuss how the parasite affects young lambs. Orla describes how to recognise the condition and the role the DAFM Nematodirus forecast plays in determining when to treat lambs in different regions throughout the country. In the final section we discuss timing of treatment and choice of anthelminthic product for this particular condition. DAFM 2020 Nematodirus forecast: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/press/pressreleases/2020/april/title,141793,en.html

18: Episode 18: Sheep sector market update Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

For this episode we are Joined by Declan Fennell, sheep Sector Manager with Bord Bia. Declan starts by discussing what has been happening in the market in the past 12 months , some of the challenges faced and the new opportunities that have arisen. With the current Covid-19 crisis Declan describes is happening on the markets over the last month or so , how its influencing demand for lamb domestically and in other countries and how restrictions in other countries affecting the movement of meat. We also discuss what the potential outlook is shaping up like for the rest of the year when markets reset and how global trade of sheep meat has changed. Declan finished up by highlighting on going promotional activity from Bord Bia at present. For more information check out their website www.bordbia.ie or follow them @Bordbia

17: Episode 17: Grazing management: Keeping on track in April Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

Dr Philip Creighton re-joins us in this episode to discuss grazing management and key targets during April. He starts by giving us a quick update on progress on the farm in Athenry. With grass growth rates increasing in favour of supply over demand Philip outline’s the key targets for the coming month – opening covers, residuals and farm covers/days grazing ahead. Philip emphasises the importance of assessing farm covers and the percentage of the farm grazed at this stage of the year and what the short and long term actions farmers need to stay on track for the coming weeks. Further updates available on grass growth and advice available from @PastureBase and @TeagascSheep over the coming weeks

16: Episode 16: Artificially rearing lambs Apr 01, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we are joined by Tomas O'Leary who is farming outside Killarney Co. Kerry. Tomas runs a 300 ewe sheep flock along side a contract heifer rearing system. Running a prolific flock of ewes with an annual scanned litter size of 2.2 Tomas has a lot of multipiles on the farm. In order to effectively manage the additional lambs, he choses to artifically rear the third lamb along with any other orphan lambs that arise. We catch up with Tomas towards the end of lambing to discuss how he manages his artifically rearing system. He also shares some of his top tips on how to make it more efficent. Heres a link to a short video clip of his setup: https://youtu.be/AJ91aIXJRwo

15: Episode 15: Coccidiosis in lambs Mar 27, 2020

Show notes

In this episode Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc joins us to discusss coccidiosis in lambs. Michael starts by discribing the condition itself and the clinical symptoms infected lambs will display. He moves on to describe the impact it has on lamb health, subsequent performance and ways by which farmers can reduce the enviromental challenge . In the final segment Michael outlines the various treament options available.

14: Episode 14: Grass Tetany in ewes – predisposing factors and prevention measures Mar 12, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we are joined By Michael Gottstein Head of Sheep in Teagasc who discusses the Grass Tetany in ewes. With many ewes in the early stages of lactation the difficult grazing conditions and adverse weather this spring presents a high risk period for Grass Tetany. Michael discusses the predisposing factors encountered on farms that increase the risk and some of the preventive measures that can be employed at this stage of the season. Michael finishes up discussing how clinical cases need to be treated.

13: Episode 13: Managing Ewe lambs Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

In this episode we focus on the management of ewe lambs during the growing phase from the first winter to Joining as 18 month old Hogget’s. We are joined by Dr. Tim Keady who has conducted a number of research studies in this area. Tim outlines how management during the growing phase can influence subsequent performance as mature ewes. We discuss the key performance targets, nutrient requirements and what interventions can be made to keep performance on track.

12: Episode 12: Nitrogen use efficiency Feb 18, 2020

Show notes

Episode 12: Nitrogen use efficiency In this episode we a focus on nitrogen use on farms. We are joined by Dr. David Wall Teagasc Johnstown Castle who starts by discussing the various factors affecting the efficiency of Nitrogen use. David offers his tips on how to get the best return on early spring applications. With an increased emphasis on the inclusion of protected urea in fertilizer programmes, David explains the difference between protected and standard urea and how it has benefits both economically and environmentally for farmers. List of Protected-urea Fertilisers: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/Protected-Urea-List--December,--2019.pdf Technical information on protected urea: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/soil--soil-fertility/protected-urea/ Spring Fertilizer advice: https://www.teagasc.ie/media/website/environment/soil/Early-Nitrogen-Advice---Grassland.pdf

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