OviCast

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 paddocks

Whether 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 options

We 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

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 reseeding

Whether you're actively grass measuring or just looking to stay ahead this season, Joseph offers practical, timely advice to help optimise 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

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 Improvement Scheme—now in its third year—as we explore some of the key tasks involved and the opportunities available for new entrants. We finish up with a look at the 2025 payment schedule.

For more information:

2025 National sheep welfare scheme: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b253f-national-sheep-welfare-scheme/

Sheep Improvement Scheme: 

https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/sheep-improvement-scheme/

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

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 also discuss the essential role of sulphur and why it should be incorporated into fertiliser applications. 

Additionally, Mark offers guidance on selecting appropriate fertilisers for grazing applications and strategies for replenishing nutrient offtakes throughout the summer.

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