Roundwood cheviot farm

On today's Roundwood Cheviot Farm podcast, we're discussing some important decisions facing sheep farmers.

What should you do with sheep you're not keeping for breeding? Is the mart or factory the better option, and what should farmers consider before making that decision?

We're also looking at the star rating system. Does it actually help farmers make better breeding decisions, or is there more to a good sheep than the stars suggest?

Finally, we're discussing bluetongue and what we would do if faced with the risk on our own farm.

Plenty to talk about this week, and as always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the podcast. Thanks for watching and supporting Roundwood Cheviot Farm.

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This week at Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we’re talking tipping ewe lambs and we want to hear what other sheep farmers think.

We look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of tipping ewe lambs, and put the question out to you, do you tip ewe lambs or leave them until the following year?

If you do tip them, what type of ram do you prefer to use and why? Let us know your own experience in the comments.

We also get into farm training courses, with more requirements and courses seemingly coming down the line. Training has its place, but is the level of paperwork and administration becoming too much for working farmers?

As always, these are our own experiences and opinions from the farm…we’d like to hear yours too.

Roundwood Cheviot Farm…unfiltered farming, sheep and real conversations from the farm.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

Buying replacements is a big part of building and developing a flock, but there’s more than one way to go about it.

In this podcast from Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we have a fresh and honest conversation from the next generation of sheep farmers about buying replacement sheep and the decisions that come with it.

From ewe lambs and hoggets to proven breeding sheep and older ewes, we talk through the different options, the pros and cons of each and what we look for when deciding what to bring into the flock.

We get into the ups and downs, the do’s and don’ts, what has worked for us, what hasn’t, and some of the lessons we’re picking up along the way.

It’s an open conversation about making your own decisions, learning through experience and what the next generation of sheep farming looks like from those actually living it.

Sit back and join us for an honest discussion from Roundwood Cheviot Farm.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

Getting the ewes ready for tipping isn't just about putting the ram out...the preparation beforehand can make all the difference.

This week on Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we're looking at some of the essential dos and don'ts as mating season approaches, including mineral dosing, getting the ewes into the right condition and planning ahead before the ram goes in.

We also look at the other half of the equation..the ram. From preparation and condition to the checks and care that can easily be overlooked, we go through some of the practical things we're doing ahead of tipping.

Whether you're preparing a handful of ewes or a larger flock, this episode covers plenty of practical points worth considering before mating season gets underway.

An essential watch for anyone getting sheep ready for the breeding season.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In this episode from Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we’re joined by Eamon, a Financial Advisor, to talk about one of the biggest conversations for any farming family…,planning financially for the future of the farm.

We discuss inheritance, succession planning and the financial decisions that can help protect both the farm and the family, including why it’s important to start these conversations early rather than waiting until circumstances force them.

Eamon shares practical insights into what farmers and their families should be thinking about when it comes to passing on the farm, planning ahead and putting the right financial structures in place.

Whether you’re actively looking at farm succession, expecting to inherit a farm in the future, or simply want to make sure your family is prepared, this episode is well worth a listen.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In this episode, we visit Robert Langrell on his Wicklow hill farm to learn about his unique farming system.

Robert explains how he manages sheep and cattle together, why he’s developing an easy-care flock, and how balancing farming with an off-farm job has shaped the way he runs his business. As the years go by, his focus is on working smarter, making life easier, and continuing to enjoy farming.

Set against the stunning Wicklow landscape, this is an honest conversation about practical farming, adapting to change, and building a sustainable system for the future.

Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more real farming stories from across Ireland.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In this episode of the Roundwood Cheviot Farm Podcast, we’re taking a closer look at one of the most popular terminal sire breeds in commercial sheep farming… the Beltex.

We discuss why we’ve introduced Beltex genetics into our flock, the qualities we’re aiming to improve, and how these sheep can make a real difference when producing high-quality factory lambs.

In this episode we cover:
 • Why Beltex rams are used as terminal sires
 • Improving carcass conformation and factory grades
 • The benefits of Beltex-cross lambs for meat production
 • Kill-out percentages and producing lambs that meet factory specifications
 • Selecting genetics to improve flock performance
 • How Beltex sheep fit into a commercial sheep enterprise
 • Rotational grazing with sheep and cattle
 • A relaxed farm family chat about everyday life on the farm

Beltex genetics are widely recognised for producing heavily muscled lambs with excellent loin and leg shape, high killing-out percentages and strong EUROP conformation grades, making them a popular choice for farmers targeting premium factory specifications (Beltex Sheep Society)

Whether you’re running Cheviots, Mules or crossbred ewes, this episode explores how careful breeding decisions today can improve the quality and profitability of future lamb crops.

If you enjoy practical sheep farming, grazing management and honest conversations from everyday farm life, don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment letting us know what breeds work best on your farm.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In the very first episode of our new series, The Step Into the Unknown, we’re joined by an inspiring Aberdeen Angus breeder whose journey proves that taking a chance can lead to incredible opportunities.

From discovering her passion for Aberdeen Angus cattle, to studying in England, building an AI (Artificial Insemination) business and becoming deeply involved in one of the world’s most respected beef breeds, she shares the lessons, challenges and successes that have shaped her career.

In this episode we discuss:

• Starting out in the Aberdeen Angus breed
• Studying agriculture in England
• Building a successful AI business
• The importance of breeding, genetics and continuous learning
• Advice for anyone thinking about getting involved in Aberdeen Angus cattle
• The opportunities available to young people entering the industry

Whether you’re an established cattle breeder, new to farming or simply interested in hearing the stories of people who have taken the leap into agriculture, this is an episode packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Subscribe to Roundwood Cheviot Farm for more conversations with farmers, breeders and rural entrepreneurs sharing their knowledge and experiences from across Ireland and beyond.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In this episode of Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we make the journey to Galway to discover that traditional farming is still very much alive and well in modern Ireland.

Join us as we visit a unique farm where horses continue to play an important role in everyday farming life. We learn how horses are still being used to plough fields and top grass, blending generations of farming knowledge with modern agricultural practices.

We also get a closer look at the versatile Cob horse and explore a farm that successfully manages sheep, cattle, and horses all on the one holding.

It’s a fascinating insight into Ireland’s rich farming heritage and a reminder that some traditional methods still have a valuable place in agriculture today.

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Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm

In this week's update from Roundwood Cheviot Farm, we're taking a look at how the solar panel system is performing after six months in operation and whether it has lived up to expectations.

We also discuss mixed grazing and ask the question many farmers are now debating – is mixed grazing becoming a thing of the past on many farms, or does it still have a place in modern sheep farming?

Plus, we look at the latest lamb prices, current market trends, and what they could mean for sheep farmers heading into the second half of the season.

As always, there's plenty of honest farming discussion, practical insights, and a look at what's happening on the farm right now.

Support the show

Follow Michael's & Roundwood Cheviot Farm journey on instagram @roundwoodcheviotfarm