Sheep
It's well documented the changes that farmers have to make on their farms when making the conversion to organic farming.
Two critical points to keep in mind at housing time are lying and feed space. Both of which are critical to get right in order to avoid any issues with performance.
With the housing of ewes well underway on many farms, a couple of key considerations should be taken into account.
It's important that farmers provide ewes with adequate floor and feed space, in order to optimise performance and reduce lamb mortality rates.
According to Teagasc, shearing ewes – that will lamb in March – at housing has many advantages.
Buildings
The Moylett brothers, just outside Ballinrobe, in Co. Mayo, have recently put up two grant-spec sheep sheds.
As we edge closer to the lambing period, it's important farmers keep an eye out to ensure that their ewes have adequate floor and feed space.
With the early-lambing season underway, the focus will turn to ensuring ewes are healthy and in good condition.
Over the next few weeks, farmers will be looking to house their ewes for the winter period until they lamb down next spring.
With the breeding season having kicked off, sheep farmers across the country will be getting ready for the busy months that lie ahead.
When sheep are housed, it's important to insure that the lambing shed allows for efficient management of both in-lamb and lambed ewes.
Shearing ewes at housing in December has a significant impact on subsequent ewe and lamb performance.
The North's Department of Agriculture has invested £825,000 (€921,666) in a new sheep housing and handling facility at CAFRE Campus.
