Sheep handling

The Kepak All-Ireland and All Nations Sheep Shearing Championships take place on Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 2 June, in the grounds of Mountbellew Co-operative Mart. Darren Carty reports.

The inclement weather experienced to date in 2024 has left few farmers thinking about blowfly and tick control but this situation will quickly change.

Jake Delaney, Teagasc, gives an update on current research establishing the incidence and causes of lameness and also touches on dealing with a spike in cases of scald.

The company is holding open days next week in Kilkenny and Mayo and will be demonstrating new mobile versions of the Cotter Crate and their automated drenching gun.

Vaccines are a good insurance policy to guard against disease but their value can be quickly eroded if handled incorrectly.

The scheme offering payment of €8 per ewe in return for completing two actions closes on 21 May 2024.