Blowfly strike

Damp humid conditions are giving rise to cases of blowfly strike with more reports in ewes/hoggets with dirty tail ends. Shearing will give a reprieve but with shearers in peak activity temporary measures may have to be taken if shearing is still a significant distance away. Dagging dirty tail ends, while not easy done, will significantly help with early cases of flystrike targeting soiled wool.

When weighing up control options for lambs, price should not be the only factor in making decisions. The type of lambs being treated and the length of protection required should also be taken into account. It is also worth considering other factors for pour-on products such as ease of application. Last week’s sheep handling supplement included a good overview of pour-on and dipping products on the market.

Factory hoggets

Throughput of hoggets in factories has reduced to a low level with some farmers moving tail end supplies or ewe hoggets deemed unsuitable for breeding. Some plants are checking the age of hoggets by using the establishment of two permanent teeth to signify that animals have reached one year old. Some of these animals are quoted a significantly lower price with heavy, aged hoggets quoted in cases back to ewe price. This also depends on negotiating power with plants keen not to lose out on potential supplies but it is worth checking the situation with the plant first.

Weed control

The success of controlling weeds and achieving a good kill with applied herbicide is influenced by the growth stage at which spraying is carried out. Optimum timing for treatment in grassland swards is at what is known as the rosette stage. This is when plants are at a height of about 150mm to 250mm or 6in to 10in for docks, nettles, etc.

The growth pattern of thistles is slightly different in that leaves grow outwards quicker. This allows greater potential to optimise spray coverage at a lower height with the best time to control thistles at approximately 200mm (about 8in). As well as maximising spray coverage, weeds at this height will be growing at their most active and as such chemicals will be taken in and transferred around the plant quicker.

Where weeds have progressed beyond this stage, the best option may be to top and spray regrowth. For silage swards, spot treatment may suffice as spraying may not be a runner at this stage. Remember also in clover swards to choose the type of herbicide carefully as some are not clover safe.

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How much are you paying to treat and prevent blowfly strike?