New Flock Number - what next?

westcoast66

Hi - I wonder if someone could give me some advice. I have a few acres and applied for a flock number a few weeks ago. An inspection was done and I got my flock number in the post today.

Just wondering if I can go off and buy my sheep now or do I need anything else? Also, where do I get the tags?

Thanks...

Username John

westcoast66 wrote: »

Hi - I wonder if someone could give me some advice. I have a few acres and applied for a flock number a few weeks ago. An inspection was done and I got my flock number in the post today.

Just wondering if I can go off and buy my sheep now or do I need anything else? Also, where do I get the tags?

Thanks...

You need a flock register book, to record all sheep movements & tagging details. Ring your local dvo for one.
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationmovement/nationalsheepidentificationsystem/

For tags - you need to buy them. You'll need a tagger as well.
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationandmovement/nationalsheepidentificationsystem/Tagsupplierstags100512.pdf

Best of luck. Let us know how you get on.

westcoast66

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at those links.

So, I need to contact a company and get a batch of EID tags and an applicator? Any recommendation on which company to use?

Username John

westcoast66 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. I had a look at those links.

So, I need to contact a company and get a batch of EID tags and an applicator? Any recommendation on which company to use?

Yes - you will need EID tags if you're planning on keeping them. Altho, seeing as you starting a flock, I guess you will be keeping em
EDIT : There's various rules around tagging, I wouldn't be sure of all of em, so you might want to ask again when you get the sheep, as it depends on what kinda tags they have.

I use Mullinahone, haven't used anyone else, but am sure others can comment better than I can.

westcoast66

Thanks!

I just rang the DVO and they said that I should get a flock register book in the coming days.

BTW - I had a look at the Mullinahone website and I see the link for ordering the tags - http://www.mullinahonecoop.ie/new_Sheep_tag_order_form.html

One thing, I'm a bit confused about. The top of that form has got a place for the 'Flock No.' . Surely its the desigantor number that goes here as this is the number that will be going on the tags?

Username John

westcoast66 wrote: »

Thanks!

I just rang the DVO and they said that I should get a flock register book in the coming days.

BTW - I had a look at the Mullinahone website and I see the link for ordering the tags - http://www.mullinahonecoop.ie/new_Sheep_tag_order_form.html

One thing, I'm a bit confused about. The top of that form has got a place for the 'Flock No.' . Surely its the desigantor number that goes here as this is the number that will be going on the tags?

I always ring em, and give the flock number, and what kinda tags I want, and they do the rest... But I am lazy too

But - maybe someone else will recommend another tag company. Like I say, I have only dealt with one crowd, so I cant say how they compare...

Username John

Tell us more about your plans?

I see you asked about an auction for 8 acres - did you get the 8 acres?

(I also see you asked about a an 80 acre out-farm 12 months ago... maybe you bought this? :eek: )

westcoast66

Username John wrote: »

Tell us more about your plans?

I see you asked about an auction for 8 acres - did you get the 8 acres?

(I also see you asked about a an 80 acre out-farm 12 months ago... maybe you bought this? :eek: )

Ah - thanks for the interest! Always been interested in farming but dont come from a farming background myself. Have lots of friends though in it.

Anyway, had a bit of money saved over the years (never bought into the property boom) and suddenly in the last couple of years prices came down to a level where I thought we could have a go at it.

4 farms came up for sale in our locality. Were outbid on the first three and were successful on the fourth. To be honest, we are sick of estate agents now and just want to get on with the farming!

So this farm is a good size and a mizture of hill/level grazing and some wetland. Needs a lot of work done to it as it was neglected for years. Once the wife got over the initial shock (of telling her that we just bought a farm), she has been very enthusiastic about it. Just looking forward to the spring/summer time now!

Username John

westcoast66 wrote: »

Ah - thanks for the interest! Always been interested in farming but dont come from a farming background myself. Have lots of friends though in it.

Anyway, had a bit of money saved over the years (never bought into the property boom) and suddenly in the last couple of years prices came down to a level where I thought we could have a go at it.

4 farms came up for sale in our locality. Were outbid on the first three and were successful on the fourth. To be honest, we are sick of estate agents now and just want to get on with the farming!

So this farm is a good size and a mizture of hill/level grazing and some wetland. Needs a lot of work done to it as it was neglected for years. Once the wife got over the initial shock (of telling her that we just bought a farm), she has been very enthusiastic about it. Just looking forward to the spring/summer time now!

ha ha - no specifics on the number of acres, and a comment saying it has both good and bad land - very coy - oh, you'll fit into farming well

Well, the very best of luck with it.