OviCast

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 ac...

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 time...

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 o...

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 resee...

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...

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 al...

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 stra...

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 mor...

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...

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 stra...

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/grass...

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, an...

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 highli...

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...

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 sam...

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...

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.    Michae...

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 topic...

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...

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 farm...

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, has her monthly update on the OviCast podcast discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.    Niamh discusses the closing plan on farms, grazing conditions and the impact of re-grazing paddocks on spring growth.    We discuss the variation in performance of individual fields on farms and some investments to improve productivity next year.     You can...

Sheep specialist Damian Costello joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss winter housing.    Damian talks to us about some of the key considerations at housing, penning and space allowances.    We discuss straw usage, alternative bedding and keeping slats clean during the winter before finishing up discussing housing for organic flocks.  For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the s...

Dr Frank Campion joins us on this week’s OviCast as we discuss grazing management on forage brassicas.  Frank discusses yields and why you should do a feed budget for the crop. We then discuss intakes, utilisation and the factors that influence it.  Frank also explains fencing, crop allocation and managing in wet conditions and he has advice for managing the crop in frosty conditions.  We finish u...

Dr. Frank Campion joins us on the latest OviCast as we discuss ewe condition and mating management in hill ewes.    Frank discusses the impact of ewe condition on performance in hill flocks, plus we discuss the targets and variation in ewe weight on the BETTER farms.    We move on to discuss single sire mating and crossbreeding, finishing up with Frank offering some tips on reducing the impact of...

Teagasc Grass10 advisor, Niamh Doyle, gives her monthly update on the latest OviCast discussing grass management tips for the month ahead.    Niamh discusses the higher growth rates over the past few weeks and the impact this has had on grazing this back end.    We also discuss the closing plan and the importance of staying on target and we finish up with Niamh offering some tips on achieving good...