OviCast

OviCast

OviCast is the Teagasc Sheep podcast. Presented by Ciaran Lynch it brings you the latest advice, insights and technical updates for the sheep industry. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/

  1. Sheep Road Map 2030

    4 DAYS AGO

    Sheep Road Map 2030

    The Teagasc Sheep Sector Roadmap 2030 outlines a strategic plan for Ireland's 34,000+ sheep farmers to enhance sustainability, productivity, and profitability.   This week we’re joined by Dr Philip Creighton, Sheep Enterprise Leader, and Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer, to discuss this in more detail.  We look at the current profile and performance of the sector, key economic metrics, and the targets set out for the industry to 2030.  Michael and Philip also outline the economic, social and environmental challenges facing sheep farming, and the role research, knowledge transfer and on-farm innovation will play in helping the sector progress towards the roadmap’s target For more, go to:  https://teagasc.ie/wp-content/uploads/uploads/media/website/publications/2026/Sheep-Road-Map-2030.pdf For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    31 min
  2. March Management Notes

    6 MAR

    March Management Notes

    Lambing is in full swing on many farms across the country and for this episode of OviCast, Damian Costello steps in to host and is joined by Ciaran Lynch to discuss the key messages from the March sheep newsletter.  They cover spring grazing targets, fertiliser planning, lamb survival and colostrum management, treating hypothermic lambs, flock biosecurity, culling problem ewes, identifying replacement ewe lambs, and managing the risk of grass tetany in early lactation. For more from the newsletter: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/teagasc-advisory-newsletter-sheep/   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    31 min
  3. Weather Challenges and Flock Management Strategies

    26 FEB

    Weather Challenges and Flock Management Strategies

    With current weather conditions creating significant challenges on farms, this episode focuses on practical management strategies to support flock performance.   We’re joined by Michael Gottstein, Head of Sheep Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, to discuss key actions farmers can take during difficult weather.    The conversation covers a range of important topics including maintaining hygiene standards, managing group pens effectively, and selecting and handling young lambs at turnout.   Michael also shares advice on outdoor supplementation strategies and highlights common health risks to watch for during prolonged wet or cold conditions.    This episode offers timely, practical guidance to help safeguard lamb performance and reduce losses during challenging periods   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    20 min
  4. Clostridial Vaccination Pre-Lambing – Timing, Immunity & Best Practice

    18 FEB

    Clostridial Vaccination Pre-Lambing – Timing, Immunity & Best Practice

    Eleanor Brady, Ruminant Veterinary Manager with MSD Animal Health, joins us to discuss the critical role of clostridial vaccination in sheep flocks ahead of lambing. Eleanor outlines the impact of clostridial disease and the significant losses it can cause if not properly controlled.  We explore the optimal timing of vaccination in ewes before lambing, how to maximise passive transfer of immunity to lambs through colostrum, and what this means for early lamb protection. We finish by discussing best practice when handling and administering vaccines to ensure maximum efficacy. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    12 min
  5. February Grass Update

    12 FEB

    February Grass Update

    Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to discuss key grassland management priorities for the weeks ahead.    We look at current challenging ground conditions, opening farm covers, and the importance of soil sampling and making full use of your nutrient management plan.    Nikki also shares practical advice on planning spring fertiliser purchases, along with key tips for applying fertiliser and organic manures when conditions allow. Sign up to the Grass10 newsletter here: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/grassland/grass10/grass10-enewsletter/   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    11 min
  6. February Management Notes

    9 FEB

    February Management Notes

    Damian Costello joins us to discuss key sheep management priorities for February as farms gear up for lambing.    We cover grassland management and planning for early nitrogen applications when conditions allow, along with the importance of getting ewe nutrition right in late pregnancy, including practical feeding tips.    We also discuss flock health, with a focus on lameness with advice on preparing supplies ahead of the lambing season.    Damian reminds farmers about the sheep census deadline, and finishes by highlighting the upcoming Teagasc National Hill Sheep Conference   For more tips and information visit:  https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/managing-your-sheep-farm-through-february/   For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    13 min
  7. Taking Stock: Ewe Numbers, Markets & the Road Ahead for Sheep Farming

    3 FEB

    Taking Stock: Ewe Numbers, Markets & the Road Ahead for Sheep Farming

    Darren Carty, Sheep and Schemes Editor with the Irish Farmers Journal, joins this week’s 300th episode of OviCast for a wide-ranging conversation as we look at where the sheep industry stands today. We cover ewe numbers, lamb throughput, price trends, export markets and policy changes shaping farm decisions.  We also touch on farmer demographics and highlight areas of resilience and opportunity and discuss what current trends could mean for the road ahead. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    46 min
  8. Turning Scanning Results into Better Flock Performance

    20 JAN

    Turning Scanning Results into Better Flock Performance

    Teagasc Advisor, Edward Egan, joins us on this week's OviCast to explain about how to make the most of scanning results.   Edward shares insights from over a decade of working with farmer discussion groups to help them use their scanning data more effectively to monitor flock performance.    He discusses both the short-term actions that can improve outcomes immediately, and the long-term management changes that can enhance flock efficiency and productivity over time.   We also explore some of the trends and patterns Edward has observed throughout the years.    For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

OviCast is the Teagasc Sheep podcast. Presented by Ciaran Lynch it brings you the latest advice, insights and technical updates for the sheep industry. Visit the show page at: https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast/

Information

  • Creator
    OviCast
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    306
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Teagasc
  • Show Website
    OviCast

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