The theme of this year’s mart demo series is 'Health, housing, breeding and feeding – Getting it right this winter'. With housing taking place on many farms over the last few weeks, this month’s mart demo series aims to update farmers with the key points around winter management and making sure that all targets are met with stock on farms over the next few months.
Health and housing
Health management over the next few months is critical to make sure stock perform to their maximum potential on farms.
Parasites such as worms, fluke and lice can all create problems if not managed correctly. Irish Farmers Journal vet Tommy Heffernan will outline best practice when it comes to dosing sheep and cattle this winter.
Great night In Roscommon talking all things sheep with Darren @FJSheep @farmersjournal
— Tommy Heffernan (@tommythevet) November 21, 2019
We got to show sheep farmers the effects of fluke and the complete life cycle which helps show why treatment selection is so important
Every farm is different we need to know our risk pic.twitter.com/AFpgTa7rp9
Both lung worms (hoose) and stomach worms should be considered when treating weanlings this winter. Vet Conor Geraghty says all weanlings will need a worm dose. “You can use a white dose or a clear drench - do not use a yellow dench as it won’t kill arrested larvae.” pic.twitter.com/NKBIWWrc66
— FJ Beef (@FJBeef) November 14, 2019
He will also look at other common diseases which take place on farms over the next few months, how to treat them and, more importantly, how to prevent them. Tommy will also outline some tips on making sure housing and ventilation is up to spec ahead of the winter months.
All ready to go here in Balla Mart Co Mayo for the second of our @farmersjournal beef mart demos. Health checks on going, feed demo, health discussion and even live cattle going through the ring... stay tuned to @FJBeef for the action... pic.twitter.com/vSbOB69vig
— Matthew Halpin (@MatthewHalpin22) November 14, 2019
Animal feeding
How much meal should I be feeding my weanlings? What effect will silage quality have on weight gains?
What condition should my spring-calving suckler cows be in? How much silage will I need this winter?
What should I look for in my ration? What should I be paying for my ration?
High concentrate diets pre lambing are getting popular and some people getting good results from this system. Feeding space and water very important on these diets. Maize, Barley and Soya bean very good for energy. Watch the ingredient content. @FJSheep @farmersjournal pic.twitter.com/cvoXqQwUc6
— Adam Woods (@ajwwoods) November 18, 2019
Getting feeding right is critical to make sure weanlings are thriving and gaining weight over the winter months. Matthew Halpin will have all the answers to the above questions and much more. Our livestock specialists will take you through the key points to get you through this winter.
The @farmersjournal mart sheep demo kicks off in Cootehill mart, Co. Cavan this evening with Darren Carty going through some feeding tips for the pregnant ewe. Silage quality really important for reducing costs. @FJSheep @FJBeef pic.twitter.com/WQ2LWkmgVu
— Adam Woods (@ajwwoods) November 18, 2019
Breeding
With breeding just around the corner for autumn-calving herds, we will take a look at some top tips at getting breeding right over the next few weeks and months.
Body condition score is key to getting cows back in-calf and we will go through the management of cows that need special attention. A livestock demo will take place at each mart event where cows and calves from AI progeny will be on display.
John Lynch @doveagenetics, and Adam Woods @ajwwoods talking through livestock demo. “If you want a good example of why to use AI, this cow is it. A CWI dam with a super blue calf at foot. Sometimes, especially in the ring, it about visual appearance - not just weight or figures” pic.twitter.com/e9mzWZHuUC
— FJ Beef (@FJBeef) November 14, 2019
Farmer health screening
The Irish Farmers Journal is offering farmers the opportunity to have their blood pressure measurements checked, their pulse checked, individualised healthy eating, exercise and lifestyle advice, completed personal record card and educational materials, a referral to a GP where necessary in accordance with best practice guidelines and follow-up support with identified high-risk individuals where necessary. Nurses from Croi will be available to carry out the consultations from 5pm to 7pm at each event.
The Croí Health Team will be in #Roscommon Mart this evening from 5-7pm offering FREE #healthchecks as part of @farmersjournal's Marts Demo Series. You are the most valuable asset to your farm, so come along and take control of your #hearthealth. #RoscommonEvents pic.twitter.com/5MRcDaREI9
— Croí Heart & Stroke (@CroiHeartStroke) November 20, 2019
Topics covered in Ennis will include:
The event kicks off at 7pm. Attendance is free and everybody is welcome. Tea and refreshments will be served during the event. For enquiries, contact the Irish Farmers Journal on 01-419 9500.
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