Finishing lambs

Adam Woods previews what’s inside this week’s special indoor health management focus.

From exploring the merits of shearing lambs to ration formulation and offering roughage with ad-lib concentrates, Darren Carty shares reader queries addressing topics cropping up at present.

Farmers facing tight grass supplies will have much more options to overcome challenges if they take stock of current circumstances and put a plan in place early.

Grass growth rates have improved significantly in recent weeks, but sight should not be lost of the importance of applying fertiliser where needed to ensure positive growth continues.

In Wexford, the horse shows are Ciara Kinsella’s social outings as all lambs are taken to the local factory.

For farmers buying store lambs, Kieran Mailey outlines the steps to consider when completing a breakeven budget.

Hot topics included vaccination for enzootic abortion, a poor killout in lambs, worm control and Easycare genetics.

Australian prices have increased to the equivalent of upwards of €5/kg, but New Zealand farmers remain in big trouble, with farmgate returns at just €3.70/kg.