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
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12:10
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12:10
What to consider if mating ewe lambs
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
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14:32
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14:32
The essentials for successful farm succession
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 herehttps://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
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37:46
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37:46
September Grass Update
Teagasc Researcher, Philip Creighton, gives us the monthly update on grassland management.For this episode, Philip covers:-    Current grass growth rates and average farm covers-    Building covers and planning the grazing rotation-    Grazing autumn reseeds-    Fertiliser register, slurry and farmyard manure deadlines  Whether you’re measuring grass weekly or just keeping an eye on conditions, Philip 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
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9:11
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9:11
Getting a handle on ewe condition this autumn
Dr. Frank Campion joins us to talk about managing ewe body condition in the crucial lead-up to mating.  We explore why body condition scoring (BCS) is such a key driver of flock productivity for the year ahead, and how current ewe condition on better farm flocks compares to last autumn. Frank also highlights the management changes that have made a difference on farms this season, and he outlines the practical steps farmers should focus on in the final weeks before ram turnout. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
OviCast is the Teagasc Sheep podcast.
Presented by Ciaran Lynch it brings you the latest advice, insights and technical updates for the sheep industry.
Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/
Ireland