The Marches Farm Vets farm open day will focus on sheep weaning, parasites and pasture, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) said.

The event will take place from 1:30p.m-5:00p.m on Monday, June 3, at New House Farm, Hayton’s Bent, Ludlow, Shropshire.

AHDB said the impacts of the Schmallenberg virus and a lengthy wet winter/spring on ewes, lambs and pasture has been “keenly felt”.

The event will discuss:

  • Weaning decisions based on ewe body condition score, lamb growth rates and pasture availability;
  • Setting up a grazing rotation for lambs for high performance;
  • Known and emerging parasitic diseases and the sustainable control of parasites.

AHDB said attendees will also discuss how best to support performance, mitigate impacts from disease and weather events and enhance resilience in their production systems.

Emily Postlethwaite of Marches Farm Vets will be a speaker at the event, as well as Matt Blyth of Blyth Livestock Advisory Services and Sarah Morgan of Precision Grazing.

AHDB said that, weather permitting, the event will be followed by a barbecue.

There will also be a free faecal egg count. Attendees are encouraged to bring a fresh sample from their flock to find out about worm burdens and treatment options for their lambs.

Due to limited availability, Those interested in attending are urged to sign up early to reserve their space.