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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Topics covered in Ennis will include:

  • Dosing plan for cattle and sheep this winter – Tommy Heffernan, Irish Farmers Journal Vet.
  • Feeding for growth in cattle – Matthew Halpin, Livestock Specialist, Irish Farmers Journal.
  • Livestock breeding demo and budget – Adam Woods, Beef Editor, Irish Farmers Journal.
  • Farmer Schemes and Programmes (BEAM, BEEP, BDGP, BPS, ANC. GLAS) – What should I be in and how do I maximise payment?
  • Health Screening: Come and get an NCT at the mart. Have your blood pressure and other important health monitoring completed at each event.
  • 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.