The Irish Farmers Journal, in association with FBD Insurance, is kicking off a series of beef and sheep mart demonstrations, starting in Gortatlea Mart next Tuesday, 12 November, at 7pm and Balla Mart, Co Mayo, next Thursday, 14 November, at 7pm.

The theme is “Health, housing, breeding and feeding –Getting it right this winter.”

The livestock team, including Irish Farmers Journal vet Tommy Heffernan, will give presentations on winter management including:

  • Feeding cattle for growth.
  • Dosing plans for cattle and sheep for the months ahead.
  • Tips on farmers’ schemes and programmes and maximising payments.

    • A livestock demonstration will also take place at each of the mart venues.

    New this year are free health checks for farmers, in association with Croí, the heart and stroke charity. The checks, from 5pm to 7pm at each venue, include blood pressure checks, pulse checks, individual health plans and identifying high-risk individuals. Attendance is free and everybody is welcome.

    Further events will take place in Cootehill, Roscommon, Ennis and Carndonagh in November and December.