Drought-induced feed shortages are intensifying on farms with the east, south and midlands worst hit while problems are now spreading across the country. Many sheep farmers must plan for feed shortages on three possible fronts. In the short term, the challenge is grass for finishing lambs and for maintaining breeding stock.

In the medium term, the test will be grass for ewes for the final eight weeks before mating, while in the longer term there are concerns for fodder supplies next winter. From when we get rain, it will still take two to three weeks for a recovery in growth. As we move through July a recovery becomes less and less likely to be enough to replace next winter’s fodder shortfall. There are a number of areas farmers should focus on with early intervention now reducing the gravity of the situation down the line.

Early decision-making

Acting now will reduce problems later. Keep making positive decisions that mean progress for you and the farm. Set yourself up to take opportunities when the rain comes, ie be ready with FYM, slurry, fertiliser and a way of spreading it.

Access to capital

Access to money gives you more options for dealing with this drought. Farmers are competing to buy a limited amount of fodder which is driving up the price. The higher prices paid by some farmers is making buying fodder a very expensive option for many drystock farmers. So do a cashflow budget, talk to your bank manager and consider options so you have capital.

Summer feeding

Assess how much grazing is available, its quality, the type of sheep present and the feed needed to ensure these sheep achieve what is required of them at different stages. Most mid-season flocks can be broken down into four groups for feeding, ie unsold lambs, breeding ewes, stock rams and replacement ewe lambs.

Wean early

In a normal year, weaning at 14 weeks old is recommended by Teagasc. Many farmers are still talking about weaning lambs that are 16 weeks and older. Because there is such a shortage of grass, some farmers are weaning lambs as young as 10 to 11 weeks old. The advantage of earlier weaning is that you can keep the best grass for the lambs and stretch grass supplies and half the ewes’ grass requirement. Some farmers are introducing meals to lambs a few weeks before weaning to lessen the stress. Meal before weaning will be an advantage when weaning early, especially if weaning lambs less than 11 weeks old.

Unsold lambs

The first priority group is your remaining lambs for slaughter. Lamb growth must not be compromised. You do not want large numbers of lambs around in the autumn competing with ewes for grass. While feeding meal is costly, it will stretch grass supplies. Lambs will also finish earlier taking pressure off grazing. Some farmers are grouping lambs based on weight. This will reduce bullying and handling times at drafting. Lambs over 35kg will get 0.5kg to 0.75kg of meal per day until finished. Avoid digestive upsets by slowly increasing meal levels. Lambs lighter than 35kg will get a lower level of meal possibly for the next few weeks. Review this each week taking into account rainfall, grass supply and lamb growth.

Ad-lib meal feeding is costly as lambs will eat up to 1.5kg meal per day. This should only be practised in extreme situations. Some sheep farmers have opted to start grazing second-cut silage swards. To stretch grass and minimise waste, subdivide these fields with temporary fences.

Cull early

The second priority group are your breeding ewes. Earlier weaning allows earlier sale of culls. At weaning time, go through your ewes and pick out the culls. This is a year to cull hard. Keep the most productive. Cull ewes that are going to struggle in drought condition, ie older ewes, very thin ewes and repeatedly lame ewes. Traditionally, many flocks would pick out culls later and fatten them before sale. Where there is a lack of grass, sell culls immediately. Do not forget about your reference number of ewes for the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

Breeding ewes and rams

Breeding ewes can be left on tighter grass for two to three weeks. They must not lose too much condition. The focus after that for mid-season flocks must switch to getting ewes into good condition from eight weeks before mating.

Rams are often forgotten about at this time of year.

Check your rams daily and provide them with shade and water. Poor condition means poor fertility so where there is not enough grass you need to provide sufficient meal. Cull hard and straight away if required.

Replacement ewe lambs

Avoid any setback in growth. Ewe lambs going to the ram this autumn must reach their target mating weights. If grass is not available, provide meal until there is a sufficient amount of it.

It is critical to plan for winter feeding now. How many bales do you need for the winter? How many have you got today? How many more can you realistically make and how will you fill the gap? Farms that rent autumn-winter grazing to sheep farmers may not have it if these landowners attempt late silage cuts. Talk to your supplier early and plan for the different scenarios. Consider the what if scenarios – solutions need to be identified and implemented when needed.

Plan now for winter bedding. Many tillage farmers may not have straw to sell this year. In the last few weeks, many of these cereal crops have been sold for whole cropping. Talk to your supplier early so you can look at other options such as peat.