OviCast

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 treatment...

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 e...

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 vaccinat...

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...

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 cul...

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...

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 maintainin...

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...

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 ev...

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 an...

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 avai...

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 diffe...

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...