OviCast

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

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 forecast and what it means for farms across the country this spring.

He also outlines treatment strategies and emphasises the importance of planning ahead to manage the challenge effectively. 

We finish by discussing the potential risk of concurrent infections, particularly Coccidia, and the role of follow-up diagnostics where issues arise.

Link to this year’s forecast: 
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/press-releases/nematodirus-forecast-2026/

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast

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 high-quality silage.

For more episodes from the OviCast podcast, visit the show page at:
https://www.teagasc.ie/animals/sheep/ovicast-sheep-podcast