Shearing on the hill farms in the programme is progressing well and the farmers can now see the end of the task for another year.
As ewes have been brought off the hills for clipping, the farmers are also taking the opportunity to keep on top of lameness. Ewes and lambs are going through the footbath to reduce problems with scald.
Unfortunately, the lack of soil moisture continues to limit grass growth, despite the rainfall over the past week.
Tynan, Co Armagh
Like the majority of the programme farmers, Kate and Peter are taking their first steps in grass measuring. Grazing fields and subsequent grass covers are being recorded on the Agrinet grass programme.
The first cut has also been completed and yields are down by approximately 20% on last year.
Although grass growth is struggling, Kate and Peter have found that lambs have performed well, with more than 50 of this year’s crop sold to the abattoir.
The Romney ewes have encountered some problems with grey crows, with sheep being attacked. However, this is being addressed.