Longford farming: 'Looking after yourself is as important as looking after livestock'

By Donall Fahy, Drystock Advisor, Ballinasloe

Calving and lambing are the busiest, most tiring weeks of the year.

Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after livestock.

When you’re rested, organised and working safely, you make better decisions and keep everyone safer.

Why it matters

Tiredness leads to mistakes.

The calving/lambing period is physically demanding and a lot of livestock injuries involve cows with calves. Good facilities, clean yards and asking for help cut the risk.

Your health counts. During busy spells it’s easy to skip meals, forget gloves, or ignore a cut.

Wash hands often, wear gloves at lambing/calving, and mind any cuts to avoid infection or even sepsis.

Pregnant women should steer clear of lambing pens because of toxoplasmosis risk.

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Simple, practical tips

Get set up early: Power-wash and disinfect pens, lime and bed well.

Have the kit ready (gloves, lubricant, ropes, stomach tube, iodine, electrolytes). Good hygiene helps prevent scour and pneumonia in calves and lambs, and reduces disease spread. Isolate any sick young stock.

Work safely with stock: Keep a strong gate between you and freshly calved cows. Use proper pens, head gates and non-slip floors. Avoid heavy lifting and awkward postures; use lifting aids and get help when needed.

Manage the workload: Make a simple plan for each day. Tidy, clutter-free yards make work easier and safer—many accidents can be avoided with better housekeeping. Share night checks where possible, or use cameras. Short breaks keep you sharp.

Mind sleep and stress: Aim for a regular sleep routine when you can. Even a 20–30 minute rest helps. If you’re not sleeping or feeling burnt out, talk to your GP or a trusted adviser early.

Your wellbeing is part of good animal care. By preparing early, keeping hygiene high, working safely and taking short breaks, you’ll get through calving and lambing with less stress and better outcomes for you and your stock.

Teagasc provides a Local Advisory and Education service to farmers. They have offices based in Roscommon Town (Tel: 090 6626166), Castlerea (Tel: 094 9620160) and Longford Town (Tel: 043 3341021).

You can find them on Facebook @Teagasc roscommonlongford, Instagram @teagasc.rnld and X @teagascRNLD. Email; RoscommonLongford Advisory@teagasc.ie

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