Those in the Sheep Welfare Scheme who normally sell cull ewes immediately after weaning may need to consider ewe numbers on the farm before selling sheep. Ewe numbers must remain in line with the average from the 2014 and 2015 Sheep Census returns. Dry hoggets born in 2016 can be added into the calculation of the number of ewes present. If inspected and ewe numbers are below census levels, payment will be reduced. There are two options for those for whom selling will reduce numbers below the reference number: hold off selling cull ewes or purchase replacements earlier. Alternatively, you can contact the Department stating that your ewe numbers have reduced and you can be paid on the lower number for 2017. This will not affect the reference number in subsequent years.

Breeding ewes

Early lambing flocks should be focused on having ewes in optimum condition for breeding. Easter 2018 is 1 April, meaning farmers looking to lamb in early January will need to be breeding in late July/early August. Ramadan starts on 15 May.

On many farms, good grass supplies have meant some ewes are in strong condition and they may need to be offered poorer quality pasture to prevent gaining excessive condition. Grazing stemmy grass left behind by lambs is ideal. On the other hand, thin ewes will need preferential treatment to reach a body condition score of 3.5 for lowland ewes at breeding. It takes eight to 10 weeks on top-quality grass for ewes to gain one condition score so if any are falling well behind target, you may have to look at sourcing replacements.

Dates for the diary:

On Monday 3 July the National Sheep Association Northern Ireland will hold a large sheep event at Ballymena Mart. It will have technical sheep seminars and trade stands, an open fleece competition, the sale of working sheepdogs and pups and the Next Generation Shepherd of the Year competition. On Sunday 2 July the annual sheep shearing competition will take place at the Craic in the Brack, Aughabrack football pitch, Co Tyrone.

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Prices back slightly but a strong trade continues

Sheep management: weaning