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Darren Carty, Sheep and Schemes Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, joins this week’s 300th episode of OviCast for a wide-ranging conversation as we look at where the sheep industry stands today. We cover ewe numbers, lamb throughput, price trends, export markets and policy changes shaping farm decisions.  We also touch on farmer demographics and highlight areas of resilience and opportunity and discuss what current trends could mean for the road ahead. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, joins us on this week's OviCast to explain about how to make the most of scanning results.   Edward shares insights from over a decade of working with farmer discussion groups to help them use their scanning data more effectively to monitor flock performance.    He discusses both the short-term actions that can improve outcomes immediately, and the long-term management changes that can enhance flock efficiency and productivity over time.   We also explore some of the trends and patterns Edward has observed throughout the years.    For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For the final OviCast of the year, we're reposting one of the most popular shows from 2025 with Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo.   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 episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue.   Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Ireland.    Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread.   Temperature is a major factor in the transmission of bluetongue. The typical transmission period usually runs from late spring to early autumn, especially during the summer months. During the winter, the risk of disease spread is much lower.   Bluetongue is associated with many symptoms. Typically, in affected cattle and sheep, the main symptoms may include: fever and loss of appetite; drop in milk yield (dairy cows); reddening of mucous membranes; sores on the nose, gums or dental pads; swelling of the face, lips or tongue (‘blue tongue’); breathing difficulties, drooling or nasal/eye discharge; lameness due to inflammation at the top of the hoof; abortion or foetal deformities; and, in severe cases, infection can result in death.   For further info:  Teagasc urges vigilance on bluetongue - Teagasc | Agriculture and Food Development Authority   Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, meaning anyone who suspects an animal may have the disease is legally obliged to notify DAFM without delay.   To report a suspected case of Bluetongue virus to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), you should immediately contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) or the National Disease Emergency Hotline.    Contact details: ·      During office hours (9 am - 5 pm): Contact your local Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) ·      Outside office hours (operational 365 days a year): Ring the National Disease Emergency Hotline at 01 492 8026   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss practical approaches to reducing labour demands during the winter housing and lambing period.   Damian outlines key husbandry practices that can help minimise interventions with ewes later in the season, highlighting how early planning can pay dividends when workload is at its peak.    We also explore the importance of shed layout, pen design and ventilation in creating an efficient working environment.   The discussion covers a range of potential investments, from simple, low-cost improvements to more significant upgrades, all aimed at making day-to-day tasks easier and reducing pressure during this time of year.   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to explore key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead.   Nikki discusses end-of-season grazing management, including closing targets and best practices for managing forage crops.    As the grazing season draws to a close, we look at reviewing field grazing performance on your own farm and identify areas for improvement.    We also consider some key investments that could help boost productivity in the year ahead.   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

For this joint episode with the Beef Edge, we’re discussing one of the biggest regulatory changes affecting beef and sheep farms this year.   From 1st December, new rules on veterinary medicines came into effect as part of Ireland’s national strategy to tackle antimicrobial and anti-parasitic resistance.    These changes mean that a range of commonly used products will now require a veterinary prescription, and all prescriptions will be issued and recorded through the National Veterinary Prescription System, or NVPS.   To help explain what this means day-to-day on your farm, we’re joined by Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Superintending Veterinary Inspector with the Department of Agriculture to outline the policy changes.   For more information:  https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/services/national-veterinary-prescription-system/   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us this week to discuss the essential elements of successfully finishing lambs indoors.   Michael covers everything from housing and management basics to nutrition and animal health, highlighting the practical steps farmers can take to avoid costly setbacks.    The episode wraps up with guidance on the importance of regular drafting to maintain performance and efficiency.   For more information, check out the Lamb Finishing Guide: https://bit.ly/lamb_finishing_guide   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead. Nikki shares the latest on grass growth rates and covers across the country, and offers practical advice for managing grazing in challenging conditions.  Plus she outlines the importance of a structured closing plan.    She also discusses how closing decisions now can influence grass availability at turnout, and highlights what farmers should be considering as we approach the final weeks of the grazing season.   You can also sign up to the Grass10 newsletter at: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

Teagasc advisor, Tom Coll, is on this week’s OviCast with some practical management tips as the breeding season draws to a close.   Tom highlights the importance of ram management at this stage — from identifying repeats to dealing with injured or lame rams.    We also chat about why it’s a good idea to group ewes in the latter half of the breeding period and the benefits of having a spare ram available.   The discussion then turns to managing ram lambs, reducing the risk of fighting post-mating, and best practices for ram care once the breeding season ends.   We finish up by talking about the importance of monitoring and managing ewe condition in the lead-up to housing.   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc advisor, James Doran, discusses the practicalities of grazing forage crops on this week's OviCast.   James and Ciaran cover key topics such as estimating yield, calculating carrying capacity, and setting up grazing systems—including fencing, crop allocation, and utilisation.    James also shares advice on introducing animals to forage crops and outlines important management considerations for ewes and lambs grazing for extended periods.     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.  In this episode, Sarah covers: -       Current grass growth rates and average farm covers -       Autumn closing plan and its importance -       Achieving good cleanouts on swards -       Tweaking the closing plan for new grass/clover and multispecies leys   Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Sarah 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

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 here https://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