Catch crops are becoming an essential part of sustainable tillage farming offering environmental protection, improving soil structure, and providing valuable grazing options for livestock. For this week’s OviCast, Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan, joins us to discuss how and why catch crops are used, the impact of sowing date and the practicalities of sowing them effectively. Plus, Shay takes us through the various regulations that need to be adhered to and what farmers should keep in mind when planning rotations. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
--------
16:58
--------
16:58
July Grass Update
Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management. Whether you're actively measuring grass or just looking to stay ahead this season, Sarah shares practical, timely tips to help you make the most of your grazing this season. In this episode, Sarah covers:· Current grass growth rates and average farm covers· Key grazing targets and maintaining sward quality· Fertiliser recommendations and the importance of replenish offtakes· Tips for managing newly reseeded paddocks and multispecies swards You can subscribe 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
--------
10:12
--------
10:12
Multispecies swards add the finishing touch on Sligo farm
Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo, joins us on this week’s OviCast. The duo are also hosts of this year’s Irish Grassland Association Sheep Farm Walk. 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 details about the farm walk go to:https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/sheep-event-2025/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
--------
29:13
--------
29:13
Sheep 2025 Preview
Sheep 2025 – the largest dedicated sheep-focused open day on the island of Ireland – takes place on Saturday, 21st June, from 10am to 5pm at the Teagasc Mellows Campus in Athenry, Co. Galway.For this week’s OviCast, Teagasc’s Michael Gottstein and Margaret O’Donovan preview this free event for us. Michael acknowledges the vital contributions of industry partners and sponsors who help make the event possible and he also walks us through the extensive range of technical information that will be available on the day. Michael highlights the breed competitions and shares some of the other key attractions attendees can look forward to.Margaret provides insights into the trade stands that will be present and discusses additional features of the day – from butchery and cookery demonstrations to sheep shearing and dog training demos. Tune in for a full preview of what’s on offer at Sheep 2025 – a must-attend event for anyone involved in or interested in sheep farming.For more info: https://www.teagasc.ie/news--events/national-events/events/sheep-2025.php For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast
--------
16:21
--------
16:21
Wool, shearing and improving the market prospects
With the shearing season in full swing, on this week’s OviCast, we're joined by Pat Coffey, merchant, wool exporter, and member of the Irish Grown Wool Council. Pat brings four generations of experience to the wool industry and gives us a valuable insight into the current state of the wool market, explaining some of the key factors influencing it today. We discuss best practices in shearing and how they impact wool quality, including the importance of the Shear Success guide recently distributed to farmers as part of the 2024 census. Pat also walks us through the journey that wool takes from the farm to market, explaining how it’s often blended with fibres from other countries to meet customer specifications. We wrap up with a look at ongoing work in the sector, including a new initiative piloted last year that delivered higher returns for farmers. Shear success guide: https://irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/shear-success-guide-for-sheep-farmers-2/ 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