With some faecal egg counts analysed coming back with a high count, others are reporting low counts and show the benefit of having a faecal egg count completed to determine the need to dose. If completing this measure under the Sheep Welfare Scheme, it is important to follow the recommended guidelines closely. It is also worth noting that lactating yearling hoggets can take longer to develop natural immunity and therefore may need to be included in the worming programme.

Dates for the diary

There are two good dates for the diary in the next week. Teagasc are holding a Grass10 sheep farm walk this Friday on the farm of PJ Finnerty, Brideswell, Athlone, Co Roscommon, at 2pm. These events, as demonstrated on page 39, are an excellent chance to see improved systems of grassland management on a commercially-run farm. On Wednesday 21 June, there is a major sheep event taking place in Teagasc Mellows Campus Athenry. Practically every aspect of sheep production will be discussed, including grass-based systems of lamb production, breeding evaluations and genomic selection, flock health (parasitology, mineral nutrition and lamb mortality) and hill sheep production. Information will be delivered in numerous formats, with farmers giving their experience of the Teagasc BETTER Farm Sheep Programme, while there will be a series of workshops and practical demonstrations – with a theme of health and safety also prevalent across all topics. As detailed on page 14, there will be in-depth detail on performance in the research demonstration flocks and the INZAC flock, along with other research updates. The event is an approved knowledge transfer event, which opens at 11am and runs until 5pm. The last groups led by Teagasc advisors will commence the circuit at 2pm.

Read more

Sheep management notes

Weaning management

High-output sheep systems give €500/ha net margin

Lamb prices up €5/head