In this episode we focus of on effective footbath design. We are joined by Sheep Specialist Damian Costello who starts by discussing the role of good footbath facilities in a lameness control programme and why batch footbaths are preferable.

In this episode we catch up with George Graham Campion sheep shearer (sheepshearingcourses.com - @GGtheShearer).

As we approach the high risk period for Blowfly by Teagasc Advisor Tom Coll who discusses the topic in detail.

In this episode we are joined by Damian Costello, Sheep Specialist. Damian discusses the some of the key steps in producing high DMD silage.

In the first half of this episode we are joined by Dr. Kevin Hanrahan, Head of the Rural Economy and Development Programme in Teagasc who shares his views on how the global recession will impact the Agri-sector with a particular focus on the sheep industry.

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

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

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

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

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.