Ewes missing tags: There have been a few queries in recent weeks regarding trading mature ewes born since 2011 that may be missing either an electronic or permanent tag from the EID (electronic identification) set. NCIS rules state that sheep missing one tag cannot be traded and must possess two tags before leaving the holding. There are two options available for dealing with ewes with one tag. An individual tag (whichever is missing – electronic or permanent tag) with an identical number to the tag an animal possesses can be ordered and inserted. Alternatively, the existing tag can be replaced with a new tag set with the tag change correlated in your flock register. Small numbers of aged ewes born pre 2011 continue to be governed by rules previous to the introduction of EID and can be traded with one permanent tag.

Dispatch documents: Where trading sheep from mixed origins, it is important to note that the full 12-digit tag number (including the flock designator) must be recorded. It is not sufficient to only record the individual animal number. Where farm-to-farm movements are taking place, the pink copy of the dispatch document must be submitted to your local district veterinary office within seven days of movement. It is the obligation of the purchaser to submit this record.

Ewe lamb mating weight: Where ewe lambs are being bred, it is critical that weight targets are met. At a minimum, the aim should be to have ewe lambs weighing 60% of mature weight at mating. For a lowland ewe with a mature weight of 75kg, this equates to 45kg liveweight, rising to 48kg for a 80kg lowland ewe. Having lambs above this weight will pay dividends in reducing pressure on lambs later in the year to meet requirements of maintenance, growth and the growing foetus(es). Implementing the ram effect will work successfully to induce ewe lambs that are close to the onset of normal cyclic activity to start cycling, provided it is practised in the correct manner. Females should not have any contact, either sight or smell, with rams for at least the previous month. When rams (teaser, neighbouring paddock, ram with apron applied to impede breeding) are then introduced to ewe lambs, it will trigger silent heats that are generally not detected by rams. Teagasc advises removing rams after 24 to 36 hours and reintroducing them 14 days later. Peak activity is expected to occur at days 18 and 23 after rams were initially introduced. It is also advised to reduce the ram-to-ewe ratio and use mature rams.

ANC payments: Payments are commencing next week under the Areas of National Constraint (ANC). Eligibility for payment will be based on applicants meeting the minimum stocking rate requirement of 0.15LU per forage hectare over the calendar year and a minimum stocking rate of 0.15LU/ha over a seven-month continuous retention period within the calendar year. Sheep stocking rates are based in general on census returns and where any doubt exists that an applicant may not have met the required stocking rate requirements, payments may be delayed. In cases such as this, it is important to have your flock register up to date, as it may be required to be submitted to prove stocking rates have been met.