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Breeding in the ewe flock commenced on 2 November, three weeks after Toxovax was administered to the last ewes receiving vaccination.
Four mature Charollais rams were joined to the batch of 150 mature Mule ewes while a mature Charollais ram was joined to the batch of 20 Mule hoggets.
The four rams were fitted with harnesses and yellow crayon while handling facilities where the fourth ram is being run are more suitable to catching this ram easier and as such yellow raddle powder was applied.
The raddle colour will be changed weekly to keep a better handle on breeding dates while the single Charollais ram will be switched back to the mature ewe group to guard against infertility.
Grazing
The mature ewe group have been grazing reseeded swards for the last three to four weeks with weather conditions in the last 10 days allowing excellent utilisation of lighter covers.
A heavier cover was skipped to allow these lighter covers which are more prone to damage to receive a grazing.
Ewes are now grazing this heavier cover of 1,600kg DM/ha with another paddock available with a similar cover. Following this, ewes will be used to clean off paddocks for closing.
Fencing on the block of ground at the farm yard is ongoing with the upturn in weather also limiting ground damage.
Sheep wire and a row of electric wire is being applied with fencing grant aided under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme.
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