PODCAST · government
OviCast
by 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/
Episodes
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October Management Notes
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...
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How to get the most from farmyard manure
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...
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September Management Notes
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...
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Grass Focus for the Month Ahead
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...
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Selling store lambs this autumn
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...
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The Sheep Enterprise at Mountbellew Agricultural College
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…
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August Management Notes
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...
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Finding the Right Ram for Your Flock
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...
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Inside an Organic Sheep and Tillage System
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...
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What Happens to Worm Burdens During and After a Dry Spell?
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...
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Forage Crops: Adding Value to Mixed Farming Systems
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…
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Improving Performance on a Mixed Beef and Sheep Farm
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...
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Grass Growth Update: Managing Through the Dry Spell
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...
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July Management 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....
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Results from the Teagasc labour survey on sheep farms
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.…
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Previewing the 2026 National Sheep Conference
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...
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June Management Notes
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...
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How are lambs performing this so far this year?
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...
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May Grass Focus
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...
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May Management Notes
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...
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Don’t Be on the Hind Foot When Tackling Scald
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...
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Weed control on pasture and silage ground
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…
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Nematodirus Forecast 2026
Dr James O’Shaughnessy from the Department of Agriculture’s Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Backweston joins us to discuss this year’s Nematodirus forecast. James explains what Nematodirus is, how it impacts young lambs, and the key symptoms to watch out for. We discuss this year’s...
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April Management Notes
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…
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Coccidiosis in Lambs
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...
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March Grass Update
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…
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Identifying Potential Replacements: Turning Lambing Data into Genetic Gain
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 —...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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Repost: Multispecies swards add the finishing touch on Sligo farm
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...
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Understanding Bluetongue: Early Signs and On-Farm Action
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…
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Labour-Saving Ideas for Winter Housing and Lambing
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...
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December Grass Update
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...
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Vet Med Shake-Up: What’s Changing on Your Farm
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...
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Practical Steps for Successful Indoor Lamb Finishing
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…
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November Grass update
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...
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Management tips as breeding season enters the final phase
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…
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Practical Tips for Grazing Forage Crops
Teagasc advisor, James Doran, discusses the practicalities of grazing forage crops on this week's OviCast. James and Ciaran cover key topics such as estimating yield, calculating carrying capacity, and setting up grazing systems—including fencing, crop allocation, and utilisation. James also…
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October Grass Update
Teagasc Researcher, Sarah Woodmartin, gives us the monthly update on grassland management. In this episode, Sarah covers: - Current grass growth rates and average farm covers - Autumn closing plan and its importance - Achieving good cleanouts on swards - Tweaking the closing plan for new...
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Genetic progress in the hills
David Coen from Sheep Ireland joins this week’s OviCast to discuss the genetic progress being made in hill flocks across the country. David outlines the ongoing efforts of various breeding groups nationwide and highlights the significant increase in the number of animals being recorded over…
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What to consider if mating ewe lambs
Dr. Tim Keady joins us on this week’s OviCast to explore the key considerations around mating ewe lambs. We dive into the pros and cons of including ewe lambs in your breeding programme and Tim shares insights on how they can perform within a sheep enterprise. We also discuss critical factors…
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The essentials for successful farm succession
Teagasc Farm Management specialist, James McDonnell, and Succession Ireland mediator, Clare O’Keeffe, join Ciaran Lynch and Catherine Egan on this week’s joint episode of the Ovicast and the Beef Edge podcast to discuss all aspects of generation renewal, succession and mediation. James highlights...
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September Grass Update
Teagasc Researcher, Philip Creighton, gives us the monthly update on grassland management. For this episode, Philip covers: - Current grass growth rates and average farm covers - Building covers and planning the grazing rotation - Grazing autumn reseeds - Fertiliser register, slurry and farmyard...
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Getting a handle on ewe condition this autumn
Dr. Frank Campion joins us to talk about managing ewe body condition in the crucial lead-up to mating. We explore why body condition scoring (BCS) is such a key driver of flock productivity for the year ahead, and how current ewe condition on better farm flocks compares to last autumn. Frank also...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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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OviCast
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does OviCast have?
OviCast currently has 333 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is OviCast 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/
How often does OviCast release new episodes?
OviCast publishes regularly with 333 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to OviCast?
You can listen to OviCast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts OviCast?
OviCast is created and hosted by OviCast.
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