Show Notes
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
More from OviCast
Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to discuss grassland management for the weeks ahead. We discuss recent growth rates, grass covers and ground conditions, achieving good clean-outs in heavier covers, autumn closing plans and managing autumn reseeds. We also discuss farmyard manure (FYM) application deadline and the opportunity to spread lime before the end of the year. Autumn closing planner: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily-archive/teagasc-sheep-autumn-closing-planner/
Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us to discuss the key management tasks for October. We discuss grassland management, including protecting autumn regrowth, planning winter fodder supplies and closing paddocks for spring grass. Attention then turns to lamb finishing, with advice on drafting lambs regularly, assessing market options and ensuring flock health is not limiting performance. With mating underway on many farms, Michael highlights the importance of ewe body condition and effective ram management. We discuss dipping and the importance of ensuring it is carried out effectively and safely. Finally we discuss bluetongue vaccination. For more info: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/sheep-management-notes-october-2026/
Dr. Veronica Nyhan, Teagasc Soil and Plant Nutrition Specialist, joins us to discuss farmyard manure and how farmers can get the most from it. We look at the nutrients contained in FYM, how these are affected by storage and spreading, and the difference in how nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium become available to the crop. We also discuss some of the wider soil benefits of FYM before finishing with three key considerations when deciding where and when to spread it. For more information: https://teagasc.ie/environment/soil/soil-health/soil-health-week/
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/
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