From Challenges to Confidence: How I’m Preparing the Ewes for a Strong Tupping Season

Preparing for Tupping: Lessons From Last Year and Hopes for the Months Ahead

It feels like only yesterday that I was putting in the tups with the breeding ewes. With everything that happened in 2024, I started last year’s tupping on the back foot. I had taken my eye off the ball while caring for a very ill friend who was battling cancer, and it really knocked my confidence. I took it to heart and was disappointed in myself, but life is never a straight road. We hit bumps along the way, and sometimes the best thing we can do is be gentle with ourselves. That was something many good friends reminded me of.

This year, preparation for tupping has been at the forefront of my mind. I have put a whole new nutrition plan in place. Alongside continued use of Crystalyx mineral licks, I have added Farmsense vitamin drenches throughout the year. Fecal Egg Counts have been closely monitored, and the ewes have had a pre tupping fluke drench. The aim is to ensure they are in the best condition possible for the tups. With a bit of luck, scanning results will return to where they normally sit at around 187 percent, rather than the upsetting results I received earlier this year.

Farming never offers guarantees. Every day is shaped by uncertainty. Weather patterns, market prices, unexpected health issues and fluctuating sheep conditions all play a part, and many of these factors are completely outside a farmer’s control. Last winter I seemed to get hit with everything at once. Worms, fluke and orf were only part of the list. The constant challenges nearly destroyed me mentally.

As a first generation farmer now finishing my fourth year, I have to remind myself that I am still learning on the job. Unlike many careers, this one involves livestock and the unpredictability that comes with them.

I have everything crossed for January 2026 when the ewes will be scanned again. For now, Brutus and Barney Rubble, my two tups, seem to be doing an excellent job. The coloured raddle chalks are certainly showing their efforts.

Strengthening Nutrition With Farmsense Drenches

This year I also introduced two Farmsense drenches, Maxi Grow and Nutri Max, as part of improving the ewes’ nutritional foundation ahead of tupping.

Maxi Grow is designed to support overall growth, frame development and body condition, particularly in younger or lighter ewes. It provides a focused boost of essential vitamins, trace elements and amino acids that aid rumen efficiency and metabolism. Using Maxi Grow before tupping helped bring any ewes slightly below target condition back up to where they needed to be.

Nutri Max is a comprehensive drench that supports fertility, immunity and general health in breeding ewes. It delivers a strong mix of vitamins, minerals and chelated trace elements that help prepare the ewes for conception and early pregnancy. Regular use throughout the year has helped close mineral gaps, improve energy utilisation and hopefully support stronger embryo retention, something particularly important after last year’s disappointing results.

Together, Maxi Grow and Nutri Max form a key part of my updated nutrition plan. Combined with Crystalyx licks, improved monitoring and strategic worm and fluke control, I am hopeful that this more proactive approach gives the ewes everything they need for a successful breeding season.

Posted: November 4, 2025