OviCast

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us to discuss the key management tasks for October.
We discuss grassland management, including protecting autumn regrowth, planning winter fodder supplies and closing paddocks for spring grass. 
Attention then turns to lamb finishing, with advice on drafting lambs regularly, assessing market options and ensuring flock health is not limiting performance.
With mating underway on many farms, Michael highlights the importance of ewe body condition and effective ram management. We discuss dipping and the importance of ensuring it is carried out effectively and safely. Finally we discuss  bluetongue vaccination.
For more info: 
https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-october-2026/

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

Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, joins us to discuss farmyard manure and how farmers can get the most from it. 
We look at the nutrients contained in FYM, how these are affected by storage and spreading, and the difference in how nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium become available to the crop.
We also discuss some of the wider soil benefits of FYM before finishing with three key considerations when deciding where and when to spread it.
For more information:
https://teagasc.ie/environment/soil/soil-health/soil-health-week/

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, chats to Ciaran Lynch about some of the key management tasks for the month ahead. 
They discuss grassland management, fodder budgeting and supplementation options for store lambs, as well as ewe and ram management in the coming weeks. 
They also highlight the risk of blowfly strike at this time of year and look ahead to the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships.
For more information:
https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-september-2026/

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 discuss some key grassland management tips for the month ahead.
We look at current grass growth rates on farms and the recovery in areas that were impacted by the drought. 
We discuss the steps farmers can take now to build grass covers as we move into autumn, including fertiliser application and the opportunity to spread lime.
Nikki also discusses managing autumn reseeds and the impact it can have on production next spring.
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, to discuss the options for selling store lambs this autumn. 
We start by looking at the current market and the impact the drought has had on lamb performance and grass supplies.
We discuss feeding options, key health traits to consider and the potential for finishing lambs on farm. Michael also highlights the importance of preparing lambs for sale, from batching lambs according to weight and gender to ensuring they are presented cleanly.
We also discuss the importance of considering the wider farm system, particularly avoiding the use of grass supplies needed for the breeding flock. 
Finally, we look at why you need to do a budget and have a clear plan in place when deciding whether to sell lambs as stores or finish them on farm.
Store lamb calculator: 
https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Store-lamb-finishing-calculator.xlsx

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