Sheep scanning: With scanning contractors working at peak activity, farmers should make arrangements in advance of the optimum time frame. For farmers participating in the Sheep Welfare Scheme who selected the scanning measure, the recommendation is to scan ewes approximately 70 to 100 days post-ram turnout.

Scanners recommend that the ideal time frame to scan is about day 80 to day 90 post ram turnout. Delaying scanning beyond 100 days of gestation decreases the accuracy in identifying litter size with this particularly challenging in fat ewes.

Where applicable, the results of the scan must be recorded in the scheme action book with the receipt/invoice (detailing the numbers scanned) maintained to show proof of scanning.

Results must also be acted upon with a feeding programme (and also recorded in the scheme action book) put in place that allows ewes to be managed according to litter size.

Accurate feeding levels: The weight of concentrates can vary significantly between different pelleted feeds and rations.

For example, there can be as much as a 2kg to 3kg difference in weight between a nut and ration in a 20l bucket. This variance can lead to inaccurate estimates on feeding levels and have a significant influence on late pregnancy or lamb finishing feeding programmes.

It is therefore important to get a good gauge of feeding levels, particularly if changing to a different feed. This can be easily done by weighing a given volume of concentrate in a regularly used bucket, container, etc, and using this as a standard measure.

Straw supplies: With earlier housing, it is worthwhile assessing straw supplies when availability is good. A lowland ewe will require 7kg straw bedding per week to absorb all urine while hill ewes require about 4kg to 5kg straw.

As a rule of thumb, one 4 x 4 round bale weighing 140kg will be sufficient to bed 18 to 20 lowland ewes and 30 to 35 hill ewes for one week.

This requirement may reduce 20% to 30% for ewes fed hay or high dry matter haylage while spreading straw through a straw blower will also reduce usage.

Teagasc advises that approximately four to five round bales will be needed, on average, per 100 ewes for bedding individual lambing pens. Round 4 x 4 bales average 150kg but can weigh 140kg to 180kg; 8 x 4 x 3 bales weigh about 360kg (range 350kg to 380kg), while 8 x 4 x 4 bales vary more and can weigh just below 500kg to 600kg with an average weight of 550kg.

Surplus ewe lambs: The recent increase in lamb prices and firm factory appetite should serve to encourage farmers with plainer quality or surplus ewe lambs to assess if sheep are better retained or marketed this spring.

Decisions do not need to be taken yet but taking steps to ensure questionable ewe lambs retain a reasonable cover of flesh will allow potential drafting decisions to be made quicker and offer greater options down the line.