Last week, we scanned the ewes that were artificially inseminated here as part of the Sheep Ireland Central Progeny Testing (CPT) programme.

The results are back slightly on last year with a scan of 1.82 lambs per ewe put to AI, compared with 1.9 previously. This result is only taking into account those that held to AI, approximately 80%, with any that repeated being scanned later this month with the ewe lambs.

The biggest issue seems to be the 6% of ewes which don’t hold to service and show no signs of having cycled afterwards for the rams to pick up. From what I can make out, it can take up to six cycles for them to come into a proper heat, realistically ruling them out for this year’s breeding.

I am in two minds about how to deal with these as most of them would be fine next year if used under natural service conditions.

It is important to keep a close eye on the condition of the ewe lambs that have been mated as they are still growing and need sufficient feeding to grow themselves, as well as maintain foetal growth. Despite having access to forage rape and good silage, I introduced 200g/hd/day of meal to my entire ewe lambs last week. When I scan these later this month, I will review their feed requirement again.

This time of the year is mostly spent filing bits of paper after the jobs around the yard have been completed. This year’s sheep census date was 31 December and we have until 31 January to submit it.

I have also submitted my application for the Sheep Welfare Scheme and, looking at the tasks to be completed, I think there are tasks to suit all sheep farmers without too many complications. It will help improve the health and welfare of our national sheep flock into the future.

Another paper exercise that is underway at present is the completing of the Teagasc Profit Monitor. I have been doing this for several years now and find this a very beneficial exercise for helping me to make financial decisions here on the farm.

It is one of the tasks that also needs to be completed for the Knowledge Transfer (KT) programme and, at present, despite having attended nearly a full quota of meetings, is the only one of the paper exercises that can be done.

I am a bit frustrated with the KT programme. I like to keep on top of work and hate leaving things for the last minute. The programme, I feel, is going to be under severe pressure as many of our tasks cannot be completed yet due to a lacklustre approach to rolling it out. The quiet time of year for farmers is rapidly coming to an end and we have yet to complete flock health plans, breeding plans, grassland management plans and health and safety plans. Not only are us farmers coming into a busy time of year, but also the professionals we require to complete these tasks are as well.

I didn’t sign up to the KT programme for the financial incentive but for the information that I thought I could acquire through attending the meetings that would help me further my farming business.

However, at present, I am feeling a little disillusioned with the whole thing. I do not wish to be penalised either for incomplete tasks, through no fault of my own.

I had high hopes for what was promised at the launch of this scheme which, if delivered as described, would greatly improve all our knowledge. If the Department wants a high uptake, it needs to act now to iron out these issues.