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PODCAST

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/

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All Episodes

21:32

April Management Notes

OviCast ·

2026/04/08

Sheep specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins this week’s OviCast to outline the key priorities for the month ahead.We discuss the challenges around fertiliser use and rising costs, why replacing fertiliser with concentrates can be a false economy, and how simple management changes like grouping ewes and subdividing paddocks can boost grass growth. We also cover key flock health risks, including parasites, lameness and grass tetany, before finishing up with practical tips on preparing for

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10:12

Coccidiosis in Lambs

OviCast ·

2026/03/31

Dr. Orla Keane joins us to discuss coccidiosis in lambs, a common but often underestimated issue affecting flock performance. We cover what causes coccidiosis, its impact on lamb health and growth, and the key symptoms farmers should watch for. With the challenging spring weather conditions, we also look at why the risk of infection may be higher this year and what that means for on-farm management. We finish with a practical discussion on treatment and prevention, including how different

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13:31

March Grass Update

OviCast ·

2026/03/25

We catch up with Grass10 advisor, Nikki Kennedy, to discuss grassland management for March. Nikki shares an update on grass covers across the country, outlines key grazing targets for the first rotation, and highlights the importance of grouping ewes effectively. We finish discussing fertiliser and lime application strategies for the spring. For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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18:48

Identifying Potential Replacements: Turning Lambing...

OviCast ·

2026/03/18

With lambing season well underway, we catch up with Dr. Nóirín McHugh to discuss how to identify and select the best ewe lambs as future replacements, and what genetics we are introducing into the flock.Nóirín explains how genetics influences a wide range of production and behavioural traits — from litter size and lambing ease to mothering ability and lamb vigour — as well as their role in reducing undesirable issues such as prolapse and lameness.We also explore how observations made during

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31:13

Sheep Road Map 2030

OviCast ·

2026/03/10

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

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30:54

March Management Notes

OviCast ·

2026/03/06

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

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20:18

Weather Challenges and Flock Management Strategies

OviCast ·

2026/02/26

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

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12:14

Clostridial Vaccination Pre-Lambing – Timing,...

OviCast ·

2026/02/18

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

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11:00

February Grass Update

OviCast ·

2026/02/12

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:

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12:35

February Management Notes

OviCast ·

2026/02/09

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,

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45:55

Taking Stock: Ewe Numbers, Markets & the Road Ahead...

OviCast ·

2026/02/03

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

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15:29

Turning Scanning Results into Better Flock Performance

OviCast ·

2026/01/20

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

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28:41

Repost: Multispecies swards add the finishing touch...

OviCast ·

2025/12/30

For the final OviCast of the year, we're reposting one of the most popular shows from 2025 with Jonathan Higgins, who with his father Philip, runs a mid-season lambing sheep flock, alongside a contract heifer-rearing system in Skreen, Co. Sligo. Jonathan talks to us about their contract rearing system and we delve into the performance and management of the ewe flock in detail. We also explore the challenges of farming on a fragmented unit with varying land types. Plus we spend time

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24:57

Understanding Bluetongue: Early Signs and On-Farm Action

OviCast ·

2025/12/23

For this special joint podcast on bluetongue with Catherine Egan from the Beef Edge and Stuart Childs from the Dairy Edge, we’re joined by vet John Donlon to get an insight into bluetongue. Primarily transmitted via biting midges, the cases on farms in Northern Ireland significantly reinforces the need for awareness on farms in the Republic of Ireland. Early action, identification and isolation will be key in reducing the potential for further virus spread. Temperature is a major factor in

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20:46

Labour-Saving Ideas for Winter Housing and Lambing

OviCast ·

2025/12/16

Sheep Specialist, Damian Costello, joins us to discuss practical approaches to reducing labour demands during the winter housing and lambing period. Damian outlines key husbandry practices that can help minimise interventions with ewes later in the season, highlighting how early planning can pay dividends when workload is at its peak. We also explore the importance of shed layout, pen design and ventilation in creating an efficient working environment. The discussion covers a range of

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12:25

December Grass Update

OviCast ·

2025/12/10

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, joins us to explore key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead. Nikki discusses end-of-season grazing management, including closing targets and best practices for managing forage crops. As the grazing season draws to a close, we look at reviewing field grazing performance on your own farm and identify areas for improvement. We also consider some key investments that could help boost productivity in the year ahead. Sign up to the Grass10 newsletter

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15:42

Vet Med Shake-Up: What’s Changing on Your Farm

OviCast ·

2025/12/02

For this joint episode with the Beef Edge, we’re discussing one of the biggest regulatory changes affecting beef and sheep farms this year. From 1st December, new rules on veterinary medicines came into effect as part of Ireland’s national strategy to tackle antimicrobial and anti-parasitic resistance. These changes mean that a range of commonly used products will now require a veterinary prescription, and all prescriptions will be issued and recorded through the National Veterinary

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23:31

Practical Steps for Successful Indoor Lamb Finishing

OviCast ·

2025/11/25

Sheep Specialist, Michael Gottstein, joins us this week to discuss the essential elements of successfully finishing lambs indoors. Michael covers everything from housing and management basics to nutrition and animal health, highlighting the practical steps farmers can take to avoid costly setbacks. The episode wraps up with guidance on the importance of regular drafting to maintain performance and efficiency. For more information, check out the Lamb Finishing Guide:

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9:11

November Grass update

OviCast ·

2025/11/19

Grass10 Advisor, Nikki Kennedy, is on this week’s OviCast to discuss key grazing management tips for the weeks ahead.Nikki shares the latest on grass growth rates and covers across the country, and offers practical advice for managing grazing in challenging conditions. Plus she outlines the importance of a structured closing plan. She also discusses how closing decisions now can influence grass availability at turnout, and highlights what farmers should be considering as we approach the

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18:07

Management tips as breeding season enters the final...

OviCast ·

2025/11/05

Teagasc advisor, Tom Coll, is on this week’s OviCast with some practical management tips as the breeding season draws to a close. Tom highlights the importance of ram management at this stage — from identifying repeats to dealing with injured or lame rams. We also chat about why it’s a good idea to group ewes in the latter half of the breeding period and the benefits of having a spare ram available. The discussion then turns to managing ram lambs, reducing the risk of fighting post-mating,

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