Grassland management: Grass growth rates have been hugely variable in recent weeks with supplies tightening significantly on some farms. This is stemming in many places from low volumes of rainfall and a rising soil moisture deficit. There is rainfall forecast but again not for all parts. The best response will obviously be achieved where fertiliser application coincides with rainfall but regular application should not be delayed on this premises as it will only compound problems down the line. Attention should also be focused on addressing soil fertility deficits and applying compound fertilisers to address issues. Where surplus grass has been dropped out of the rotation it should be cut quickly to reduce the timeframe to bring it back into the rotation. Having a source of top-quality grass coming on stream will also help to underpin lamb performance as milk yield declines and depending on the lambing date will fit in nicely for February lambing flocks which are approaching weaning.

Blowfly protection: Sales of blowfly preventative products are gradually rising with sporadic reports of strike starting to emerge in recent days. Selection decisions should look beyond price with products differing greatly in the level of protection they offer and equally important they differ significantly in their withdrawal date. A number of products offer protection in the region of up to seven to eight weeks while Clik Extra provides the longest duration of cover for blowfly strike of up to 19 weeks but has one of the longest withdrawal periods of 40 days. Some pour-on products also offer protection to other risks with Young Vector for example offering control for ticks, headflies and biting lice. Irrespective of the product, the level of protection offered will be strengthened by taking steps such as dagging dirty tail-ends and handling sheep in a manner that prevents fleeces from becoming soiled.

Quality assurance scheme: The Bord Bia Sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme can be applied for by completing an application form and returning it by email to info@agridata.ie or by post to Bord Bia Service Office, Cluen, Bansha, Tipperary. Application forms can be accessed at https://www.bordbia.ie/farmers-growers/farmers/quality-assurance-schemes or alternatively the majority of processors will also be in a position to help with applications. Areas focused on in the audit include animal remedy purchase and usage records and concentrate purchase records along with an assessment of storage areas for these.

Animal identification and movement record also play another big part of the audit while the audit also now takes into account farm health and safety concerns and pesticide usage records. The scheme portal on the Bord Bia website also provides detailed information on the scheme, a preparation checklist and sustainability survey which also needs to be completed at the audit.

Dates for diary: The All Ireland and All nations Sheep Shearing and Wool Handling Championships takes place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May in the grounds of Cashel RFC. The National Sheep Breeders Association are holding their breed championships on Saturday 8 June in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny Mart. Along with breed championships and exhibits there will also be commercial exhibits and specialist information on offer.