Workshops focus on planning winter feed options for sheep

Following this year’s challenging weather conditions, AHDB Beef & Lamb are partnering with Teagasc for a series of workshops to help sheep farmers reduce impact on the 2019 lamb crop.

The five workshops will focus on planning winter feed budgets, with discussion around the options for farmers facing deficits for winter feed. Attendees will also hear from Dr Phil Creighton, Sheep Systems Researcher at Teagasc, who will be discussing how to set up grazing rotations during the winter to ensure fields are ready for the spring.

Commenting on the events, Dr Phil Creighton said: “Given the challenging conditions experienced during 2018, it will be more important than ever this autumn to try and build grass covers and put plans in place to have adequate grass available for the flock in spring.

“The temptation to keep sheep at grass for as long as possible, or to re-graze closed fields in December and January, will be there, especially this year where winter feed reserves may be low, but this grass is worth much more in the spring to the freshly lambed ewe than in mid-pregnancy.”

Dr Liz Genever, AHDB Senior Sheep Scientist, will also be on hand for a practical session which demonstrates how farmers can understand their feed demand and supply, and develop a winter feed budget. The events are free and places will be available on a first come, first served basis. Events will be held on the following dates: 

1st Oct - Worcester

2nd Oct - Somerset

3rd Oct - Bedfordshire

4th Oct - Leek

5th Oct - Morpeth

To find out more about the events and to book your place, visit beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/events or call our Knowledge Exchange events team on 01904 771212.