Teagasc BETTER sheep farmer shares vital autumn management updates
Galway farmer Michael Forde has reported a strong recovery in grass growth alongside healthy fodder reserves for the winter months ahead. Regular flock monitoring and targeted grazing practices have positioned the farm well for the upcoming breeding and finishing season.
Source:
Teagasc Agricultural News
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⏱️ 2 min read
Michael Forde, a participant in both the Signpost and BETTER Sheep Programmes, has shared an encouraging update on his enterprise, highlighting a significant improvement in grass growth and robust winter fodder reserves. Despite a challenging summer for many agricultural holdings across the country, recently reseeded paddocks are performing exceptionally well, with regular grass walks on PastureBase Ireland ensuring precise management of grazing covers and surplus baling.
Fodder supplies for both cattle and sheep are secure for the winter ahead, bolstered by a healthy safety reserve. Silage quality is anticipated to be high following adherence to soil test results and strategic grazing protocols, which helps offset rising contracting, fuel, and fertiliser expenses. Following the final silage harvest, farmyard manure will be applied to replenish vital phosphorus and potassium levels, while ewes are maintaining optimal body condition thanks to proactive scoring and preferential feeding ahead of the ram introduction.
Meanwhile, drafting lambs for the factory continues with strong returns, achieving competitive prices per kilogram as remaining stock benefits from targeted ration feeding. Cattle are also thriving and will soon transition indoors for a concentrate finish with the objective of completing factory sales before Christmas. Working alongside Teagasc adviser Keith Fahy, the farm continues to demonstrate sustainable practices, with further details available on the official Teagasc website.
Fodder supplies for both cattle and sheep are secure for the winter ahead, bolstered by a healthy safety reserve. Silage quality is anticipated to be high following adherence to soil test results and strategic grazing protocols, which helps offset rising contracting, fuel, and fertiliser expenses. Following the final silage harvest, farmyard manure will be applied to replenish vital phosphorus and potassium levels, while ewes are maintaining optimal body condition thanks to proactive scoring and preferential feeding ahead of the ram introduction.
Meanwhile, drafting lambs for the factory continues with strong returns, achieving competitive prices per kilogram as remaining stock benefits from targeted ration feeding. Cattle are also thriving and will soon transition indoors for a concentrate finish with the objective of completing factory sales before Christmas. Working alongside Teagasc adviser Keith Fahy, the farm continues to demonstrate sustainable practices, with further details available on the official Teagasc website.
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