Sheep Production Cycle with Joe Day - Farm Walk And Talk

A sustainable sheep enterprise requires planning, skill and hard work. Kildalton College lecturer Joe Day gives information on the college flock, detailing what is required to have a successful mid-season lambing flock.
Lambing on flat land generally takes place in February or March. Lambing on mountainous or hilly land is usually from April onwards. It is important to plan well in advance and to consider a number of factors:
-The market for your lambs
- What labour will be available at lambing time.
- What facilities are available
- What output your are targeting
In general, the earlier you lamb down the higher the stocking rate you will carry and the greater your output will be.
The first step is the the selection of ewes for breeding taking into account the health of the ewe. On average, an ewe is pregnant for 145-147 days. Many ewes regularly have more than one lamb each year. Ewes rearing more than one lamb may require extra feed. Lambs are generally weaned from their mothers at 12 - 14 weeks. This video outlines the 12 steps towards creating a sustainable sheep enterprise.