OviCast

With current weather conditions creating significant challenges on farms, this episode focuses on practical management strategies to support flock performance.
 
We’re joined by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, to discuss key actions farmers can take during difficult weather. 
 
The conversation covers a range of important topics including maintaining hygiene standards, managing group pens effectively, and selecting and handling young lambs at turnout.
 
Michael also shares advice on outdoor supplementation strategies and highlights common health risks to watch for during prolonged wet or cold conditions. 
 
This episode offers timely, practical guidance to help safeguard lamb performance and reduce losses during challenging periods
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Eleanor Brady, Ruminant Veterinary Manager with MSD Animal Health, joins us to discuss the critical role of clostridial vaccination in sheep flocks ahead of lambing.
Eleanor outlines the impact of clostridial disease and the significant losses it can cause if not properly controlled. 

We explore the optimal timing of vaccination in ewes before lambing, how to maximise passive transfer of immunity to lambs through colostrum, and what this means for early lamb protection.

We finish by discussing best practice when handling and administering vaccines to ensure maximum efficacy.

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 key grassland management priorities for the weeks ahead. 
 
We look at current challenging ground conditions, opening farm covers, and the importance of soil sampling and making full use of your nutrient management plan. 
 
Nikki also shares practical advice on planning spring fertiliser purchases, along with key tips for applying fertiliser and organic manures when conditions allow.

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

Damian Costello joins us to discuss key sheep management priorities for February as farms gear up for lambing. 
 
We cover grassland management and planning for early nitrogen applications when conditions allow, along with the importance of getting ewe nutrition right in late pregnancy, including practical feeding tips. 
 
We also discuss flock health, with a focus on lameness with advice on preparing supplies ahead of the lambing season. 
 
Damian reminds farmers about the sheep census deadline, and finishes by highlighting the upcoming Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference
 
For more tips and information visit: 
https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/managing-your-sheep-farm-through-february/
 
For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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