Lamb showcase in Fenagh tomorrow

AN event showcasing how to finish lambs in an organic system will take place on the farm of a local Carlow farmer. Joe Nolan, who operates a diverse 98-hectare organic sheep and tillage enterprise on his farm in Fenagh, will open his yard to the public tomorrow (Wednesday) for the final event in Teagasc’s three-part series From Farm to Fork, which explores the opportunities and challenges of organic lamb production.

Beginning at 6.30pm, the event will bring together farmers, researchers, processors and industry leaders combining practical on-farm demonstrations with the latest research that attendees can apply to their own enterprises.

There will be a live demonstration of drafting lambs, aimed at helping farmers make better decisions when choosing lambs fit for slaughter. Attendees will also be able to sit in on a discussion with processors and industry stakeholders.

Since making the move to organics a number of years ago, Joe has altered his sheep system and now uses the Easy-Care breed.

He has a flock of 310 Easy-Care ewes, which he lambs in March, while also keeping 20 pedigree Charolais ewes. He also finishes approximately 300 store lambs, which he carries over the winter.

Cover crops of rape and leafy turnip, which Joe sows after harvesting his spring cereals, make up the flock’s winter diet, while protein crops are undersown with grass and winter clover to provide overwinter grazing.

Barley and oats grown on the farm are used to supplement store lambs, while peas are also fed to ewes to boost milk production.

Joe has also developed a comprehensive flock health plan that balances productivity with organic principles. Key management practices include targeted worm control based on regular faecal egg counts, vaccination against clostridial diseases, careful management of medicine withdrawal periods, the use of non-organophosphate products for flystrike prevention and foot health, strategic mineral supplementation and routine fluke control.

For more information and to register to attend, visit www.teagasc.ie/organicevents.