F&M:NOCOMPLACENCY
SHEEP UPDATE
F&M:NOCOMPLACENCY
It is difficult to get away from foot-and-mouth. Whether directly or indirectly affected, the legacy of this scourge will be with producers for years to come.
Although it is impossible to find words to describe the horror of this crisis for the sheep sector, it may hasten a reappraisal of many issues, including breeding, traceability and marketing, which will benefit the industry longer term.
Although signs are that F&M may be subsiding, it is too early to become complacent. Here, we consider short-term issues such as how to shear sheep without risking F&M. With producers forced into deadweight selling for the foreseeable future, we also investigate how to make the most of this marketing system.
Another issue certain to influence future lamb marketing is a tightening of identification rules. The Irish have decided to go all the way on this, adopting a full identification and traceability system this month, which we look at.
Replacing ewes may not be uppermost in minds at this time of year. But with likely breeding stock shortages in autumn, we look at how to make older ewes last another year and selecting ewe lamb replacements.
Away from the doom and gloom, there are many healthy flocks out there munching on pastures – but could you manage them better? We offer a few tips on making the most of grass this summer.