OviCast

David Coen from Sheep Ireland joins this week’s OviCast to discuss the genetic progress being made in hill flocks across the country. David outlines the ongoing efforts of various breeding groups nationwide and highlights the significant increase in the number of animals being recorded over recent years. We also delve into the OviFlock project and explore the positive impact genotyping it’s having on the sector. With the sales season now in full swing, David gives an overview of the upcoming sales and explains how farmers can check whether a hill ram meets the SIS (Sheep Ireland Scheme) requirements. Finally, we discuss the upcoming Sheep Ireland Multibreed Hill Ram Sale, and David emphasises how continued progress in the hill sector can deliver long-term benefits for the national flock. For more info: 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

Dr. Tim Keady joins us on this week’s OviCast to explore the key considerations around mating ewe lambs. We dive into the pros and cons of including ewe lambs in your breeding programme and Tim shares insights on how they can perform within a sheep enterprise.  We also discuss critical factors such as target joining weights, timing and duration of the mating period, and the strategic use of the ram effect. The conversation wraps up with a look at the importance of good nutritional management — both during mating and leading up to lambing — to optimise outcomes. If you're weighing up whether to mate ewe lambs this season, this episode is packed with timely and practical advice.  For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Farm Management specialist, James McDonnell, and Succession Ireland mediator, Clare O’Keeffe, join Ciaran Lynch and Catherine Egan on this week’s joint episode of the Ovicast and the Beef Edge podcast to discuss all aspects of generation renewal, succession and mediation. James highlights the importance of generation renewal while Clare outlines the importance of a mediator to aid the process. It is essential for every farmer to have a farm succession plan in place. There are complex legal and taxation rules that, if planned for, can be managed easily. If not planned for, however, there could be a major impact on the viability of the farm business. Teagasc run Transferring the Family Farm clinics every year. These clinics are designed to help farm families through the process and all aspects that need to be considered when transferring the family farm.  In 2025, clinics will take place at six venues throughout the country. Further details at:https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/farm-management/succession-inheritance/transferring-the-family-farm/ If you missed the Generation Renewal Webinar , you can watch it back herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcKGV0E2InM  For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Researcher, Philip Creighton, gives us the monthly update on grassland management.For this episode, Philip covers:-       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers-       Building covers and planning the grazing rotation-       Grazing autumn reseeds-       Fertiliser register, slurry and farmyard manure deadlines  Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Philip shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn. You can also sign up to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Frank Campion joins us to talk about managing ewe body condition in the crucial lead-up to mating.  We explore why body condition scoring (BCS) is such a key driver of flock productivity for the year ahead, and how current ewe condition on better farm flocks compares to last autumn. Frank also highlights the management changes that have made a difference on farms this season, and he outlines the practical steps farmers should focus on in the final weeks before ram turnout. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 treatments are effective. We then look at why now is an ideal time to carry out a drench test on farms, helping to determine how well the products being used are actually working. How to conduct a drench test: https://youtu.be/1TXV1kpMhs8?si=olWviv4hcCHMjNky For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 eye on conditions, Philip shares timely, practical advice to help you get the best from your grazing this autumn. You can also sign up to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast 

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 vaccination to protect your flock This episode is a timely reminder for anyone planning to buy stock this season. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 RamSearch tool. We discuss the progress being made in performance recording among hill flocks and David gives us a preview of Sheep Ireland’s upcoming multi-breed sale in Kilkenny later this month. The episode closes with a look at why consistency in your breeding plan matters.For more information go to: 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

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 culling-       post-weaning lamb management, finishing groups and improving ewe condition -       his approach to grazing and grassland management this season For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 takes us through the various regulations that need to be adhered to and what farmers should keep in mind when planning rotations. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 maintaining sward quality·       Fertiliser recommendations and the importance of replenish offtakes·       Tips for managing newly reseeded paddocks and multispecies swards You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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. We also explore the challenges of farming on a fragmented unit with varying land types. Plus we spend time discussing the role of mixed-species swards on the farm, with Jonathan sharing his experience of managing them over the past few seasons.  For more details about the farm walk go to:https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/sheep-event-2025/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 event possible and he also walks us through the extensive range of technical information that will be available on the day. Michael highlights the breed competitions and shares some of the other key attractions attendees can look forward to.Margaret provides insights into the trade stands that will be present and discusses additional features of the day – from butchery and cookery demonstrations to sheep shearing and dog training demos. Tune in for a full preview of what’s on offer at Sheep 2025 – a must-attend event for anyone involved in or interested in sheep farming.For more info: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/sheep-2025.php For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 and how they impact wool quality, including the importance of the Shear Success guide recently distributed to farmers as part of the 2024 census. Pat also walks us through the journey that wool takes from the farm to market, explaining how it’s often blended with fibres from other countries to meet customer specifications. We wrap up with a look at ongoing work in the sector, including a new initiative piloted last year that delivered higher returns for farmers. Shear success guide: https://irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/shear-success-guide-for-sheep-farmers-2/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 available treatment options and emphasises how proper application techniques can significantly influence the effectiveness of each product. In relation to the products mentioned:-       CLiK™ EXTRA 65 mg/ml Pour-On Suspension for sheep contains dicyclanil and is indicated for the prevention of blowfly strike on sheep caused by Lucilia sericata or Wohlfahrtia magnifica. -       CLiK™ Pour-On for sheep contains 5% (w/v) dicyclanil and is indicated for the prevention of blowfly strike due to Lucilia sericata or Wohlfahrtia magnifica on sheep -       CLiKZiN™ Pour-On Suspension for Sheep contains the active ingredient dicyclanil and is indicated for the prevention of blowfly strike on sheep due to Lucilia sericata.  Legal category for all: POM in IE. Information regarding the side effects, precautions, warnings and contra-indications can be found in product packaging and leaflets; further information can also be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics.  *Spreads to areas covered by fleece, other areas may not be protected, including the feet. CLiK EXTRA, CLiK, CLiKZiN, Vector, FleeceBind, Elanco and the diagonal bar logo are trademarks of Elanco or its affiliates. Use medicines responsibly (IE) Advice should be sought from the prescriber prior to use. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 different groups of sheep that are released onto the hill at various stages. He also explains how the team will evaluate the botanical composition of the different grazing areas.Michael goes on to describe how GPS collars fitted to the ewes will allow the researchers to track their movements and identify specific grazing zones on the hill.We wrap up the episode with Frank sharing insights into the future direction of the project and the next steps in their research.For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 paddocksWhether you're actively grass measuring or just looking to stay ahead this season, Joseph shares practical, timely advice to help optimise your grazing performance.You can subscribe to the Grass10 newsletter here:https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 optionsWe also take a look at other lameness conditions currently affecting farms, and the importance of accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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