This week’s sheep features show the merit of improving farm infrastructure and implementing a rotational grazing system. Achieving approval for permanent fencing under TAMS II will take a few months, with the next tranche closing for applications on 30 June, the go-ahead following this generally taking two to three months. This puts permanent divisions with grant aid out of the equation for this grazing season but, as featured in the article on John Bell, there are plenty of other options. Some farmers opt to forego the TAMS grant and concentrate on purchasing materials at the best cost.

Temporary fencing also presents a good opportunity to subdivide fields, with the typical cost of 200m of fencing ranging from as low as 50c/m to 60c/m where light polywire and PVC posts are used, to €1.20/m to €1.40/m where heavier-gauge wire is used and geared reels are purchased for ease of use. Specialist fences, such as the Gallagher smart fence, cost €2.50/m to €2.80/m while electrified netting costs anywhere from €1.70/m to €3/m with differences on price down to the spec of posts and wire. The strength of the shock has a big bearing on the success of the fence, and this should be borne in mind when purchasing. One option where fences will be used on an outfarm is getting a mains connection.

Read more

Management changes delivering on Galway sheep and suckler farm

Transformed grass-based system in Co Westmeath

Sheep management: shearing activity

Sheep management: KT scheme deadline