OviCast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, chats to Ciaran Lynch about some of the key management tasks for the month ahead. They discuss grassland management, fodder budgeting and supplementation options for store lambs, as well as ewe and ram management in the coming weeks. They also highlight the risk of blowfly strike at this time of year and look ahead to the Teagasc stand at the National Ploughing Championships. For more information: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-september-2026/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to discuss some key grassland management tips for the month ahead. We look at current grass growth rates on farms and the recovery in areas that were impacted by the drought. We discuss the steps farmers can take now to build grass covers as we move into autumn, including fertiliser application and the opportunity to spread lime. Nikki also discusses managing autumn reseeds and the impact it can have on production next spring. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, to discuss the options for selling store lambs this autumn. We start by looking at the current market and the impact the drought has had on lamb performance and grass supplies. We discuss feeding options, key health traits to consider and the potential for finishing lambs on farm. Michael also highlights the importance of preparing lambs for sale, from batching lambs according to weight and gender to ensuring they are presented cleanly. We also discuss the importance of considering the wider farm system, particularly avoiding the use of grass supplies needed for the breeding flock. Finally, we look at why you need to do a budget and have a clear plan in place when deciding whether to sell lambs as stores or finish them on farm. Store lamb calculator: https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Store-lamb-finishing-calculator.xlsx For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with Mountbellew Agricultural College farm manager, Ronan Grealis, and enterprise lecturer, Barry Boner, ahead of the upcoming Irish Grassland Association Sheep Event on Thursday, 27 August. We get an overview of the college farm and its various enterprises before focusing on the sheep system. Ronan and Barry discuss the flock, split-lambing system, breeding and performance recording, as well as the grazing setup and approach to lamb finishing. We also hear more about the agricultural courses delivered at the college and the role of the farm in providing practical training for students. The episode also gives an insight into what farmers can expect from the upcoming IGA Sheep Event, which will focus on flock performance, grassland management, genetics and lamb finishing at Mountbellew Agricultural College. For more information on the event: https://www.irishgrassland.ie/event-detail/iga-sheep-event/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with sheep specialist, Damian Costello, to discuss some of the key management tasks for the coming weeks. We start by looking ahead to the breeding season, with Damian highlighting the importance of assessing ewe body condition score (BCS) and taking the necessary steps now to correct any issues ahead of mating. We also discuss ram management, including what to consider when purchasing new rams, and the importance of biosecurity when introducing new stock to the farm. Finally, we discuss why now is a good time to carry out a drench test and check the efficacy of the products being used on farm. For more: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-august-2026/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

With ram sale season underway, we chat to Sean Godfrey from Sheep Ireland. Sean highlights the impact a ram can have on a flock for a number of seasons; we discuss locating your next ram and the tools on the Sheep Ireland website to make this process easier. Sean also explains some of the key information in the sales catalogues and how you can easily access more via the ram search tool. We finish up discussing this year's upcoming multibreed sale. For more info visit: https://www.sheep.ie For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

We catch up with organic sheep and tillage farmer, Joe Nolan, and Teagasc Organic Advisor, Marianne Mulhall. Joe, who farms near Fenagh, Co. Carlow, outlines his farming system, including the sheep enterprise, tillage rotation and the background to the farm. He discusses the changes made to the flock in recent years, the organic conversion process and how sheep and tillage are integrated on the holding. We also discuss lamb finishing, with Joe explaining the role of different grass and clover leys, forage crops and supplementation within the system. Marianne outlines the current opportunities and challenges facing the organic sheep sector, highlighting the importance of strengthening linkages between organic livestock and tillage farms to improve feed sourcing and the opportunities for lamb finishing. She also discusses the series of upcoming organic farm walks, including one taking place on Joe's farm on Wednesday 12th August. To register for one of the events please click here: https://teagasc.ie/rural-economy/organics/events/#lambfinishing For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Amanda McEvoy joins us to discuss the impact of recent weather conditions on worm burdens in sheep flocks. Amanda begins by explaining how lambs become infected and how weather influences the development and survival of parasites on pasture. We discuss how the recent dry spell has affected worm burdens and why changing weather conditions, particularly increased moisture, can quickly alter the risk on farms. Amanda also highlights the importance of monitoring worm burdens closely at this stage of the season, especially following this summer's weather patterns. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

In this episode of OviCast, Dr Frank Campion discusses the role of forage crops within an integrated livestock system and the value they can bring to sheep enterprises. Frank outlines the different forage crop options, their expected yields and the classes of stock they are best suited to. He also discusses the impact of sowing date, the importance of estimating crop yield and key grazing management considerations. Finally, Frank explains the levels of lamb performance that can be achieved and highlights how forage crops can improve flock profitability by generating additional income during the winter months. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins Catherine Egan, host of the Beef Edge podcast, to chat with Roscommon farmer and Future Beef Programme participant, Olivia Hynes, ahead of the upcoming open day on her farm. Olivia discusses her mixed suckler and sheep enterprise, explaining how paddock grazing has improved grass utilisation and overall farm performance. She also outlines her use of AI within the suckler herd and why it is well suited to her system. The conversation also explores the sheep enterprise, how she manages the spring workload across both enterprises, and the key changes she has implemented on the farm in recent year. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us for an update on grass growth across the country. Nikki discusses how the recent dry spell has affected grass growth, highlighting the varying impact on farms in different regions. She offers practical advice for farmers where grass supplies are becoming restricted and outlines the key management decisions to consider in the weeks ahead. We also discuss grazing management for the remainder of the summer, the importance of assessing silage stocks, and the potential role of autumn reseeding in improving grass production on some farms. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us to discuss the key management tasks for the month ahead. We start by looking at grassland management, including how to maintain sward quality through the remainder of the grazing season and the opportunities that autumn reseeding can offer. Attention then turns to flock management, with Michael outlining best practice around weaning lambs, drying off ewes, and managing ewe body condition to ensure ewes are in the right condition ahead of the next breeding season With lamb performance a key focus at this time of year, we also discuss mineral supplementation, including the role of cobalt, and when supplementation may be required. Finally, we examine lameness, why reducing its incidence should be a priority on sheep farms, and the practical measures that can help improve flock health and productivity. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss the preliminary results of the labour survey. We explore some of the key findings from the latest analysis, including the age profile of farmers, levels of off-farm employment, and how farm tasks are managed throughout the year. Damian discusses the facilities available on farms, the challenges created by farm fragmentation, and how these factors influence farm management and future development. We also look at the level of TAMS uptake, the barriers farmers face when accessing the scheme, and what improvements could encourage greater participation. To finish, Damian shares his thoughts on future trends and what the outlook may be for farm numbers going forward. View Damian’s presentation on the labour survey here: https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/Damian-Costello.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc's Amanda McEvoy, joins us as we preview the 2026 National Sheep Conference. Amanda outlines the new format for this year's event and discusses the speakers and key topics that will feature in the indoor conference sessions. A first for the National Sheep Conference will be an on-farm evening programme, where attendees will have the opportunity to hear about ongoing sheep research studies being undertaken at Teagasc Athenry. The evening will also include a series of practical workshops, giving participants an insight into the latest research and technologies being developed for the sheep sector. For more information on the 2026 National Sheep Conference, visit: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/news/teagasc-national-sheep-conference-2026/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

For this week’s OviCast, grass management, weaning decisions, cull ewe selection and shearing are all discussed. Damian Costello and Teagasc Sheep Specialist, Ciaran Lynch, break down the key messages from the June Sheep Advisory Newsletter, discussing how to maintain grass quality, prepare for weaning, assess ewes for culling and get the most from shearing day. This is a practical episode full of seasonal advice for sheep farmers as lambs approach weaning and grass growth peaks. Find out more: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-sheep-advisory-newsletter-june/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Dr. Frank Campion joins us as we discuss lamb performance on the BETTER farms this spring. We discuss lamb mortality levels and how they compare with previous years, while also examining strong lamb growth rates seen on farms so far this season. Frank outlines some of the key factors driving performance and finishes with practical advice for the weeks ahead to help maintain progress. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to take a look at grazing management priorities for the weeks ahead. Nikki discusses current grass growth rates, grazing targets and managing farm covers, along with the options around taking out surplus paddocks for silage. We also cover fodder budgeting and fertiliser and slurry applications as farmers plan ahead for the season. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Teagasc Sheep specialist, Damian Costello, joins us as we run through the key management priorities for sheep farmers in May. We cover practical advice on grassland management, maintaining lamb performance, and planning ahead for first-cut silage. There’s also a timely reminder of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme (NSWS) deadline and what’s required to maximise payments. On the flock health side, we focus on seasonal risks including Nematodirus, scald, and blowfly strike, with clear guidance on prevention and treatment. For more information: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-sheep-advisory-newsletter-may/ For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

Jake Delaney, Teagasc Walsh Scholar, joins us this week to discuss scald in lambs and why it’s such a common challenge at this stage of the season. Jake explains what causes scald, how it affects animal performance and welfare, and why it should never be ignored. We also explore how scald can act as a gateway for more severe conditions such as footrot and CODD, making early detection and treatment essential. The episode covers practical treatment options and outlines best-practice approaches for managing and preventing foot issues in your flock this season. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

In a joint episode with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge, we’re joined by Chris Maughan from TP Whelehan to explore practical weed control strategies. Chris outlines a wide range of control options for common problem weeds, including docks, thistles, and ragwort. We also discuss clover-safe sprays and how to plan weed control programmes when establishing or maintaining clover and multispecies swards. The conversation covers key technical considerations such as sprayer setup, nozzle selection, and how water quality can influence spray performance. The episode wraps up with best practice advice on managing water quality and the safe disposal of chemical containers. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast