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LIVESTOCK

Dairy herd health maintained as antimicrobials use cut

The dairy sector has achieved further reductions of antibiotics usage without compromising on the health and welfare of animals, a new report has found. The annual Kingshay Antimicrobial Focus Report…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Freezing conditions ease slurry storage

January seems to have disappeared alarmingly quickly. I remember the older generation saying that the years seem to go faster, but I’m completely unprepared for actually being that generation. Luckily,…

BEEF

Shetland suckler herd targets fertility in simple system

Suckler performance targets were among the topics discussed at the British Cattle Breeders Conference beef day.  Superstars are not wanted in Jamie Leslie’s 90-cow Angus suckler herd at Scholland Farm…

DAIRY

Heifer rearing launch pad gets new entrant dairying

Rhidian Glyn had done one milking in his life before he started dairy farming in his own right last spring. However, he had 10 years’ experience of heifer rearing, silage…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Fencing change should help calving next time

As the busy calving, followed by 12 weeks of breeding, draws to a close by early February, it’s often a good chance to review how the hectic season has progressed…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

How foliar feeding maintained grass growth at half N rate

Dairy farmer Robin Nicolson has halved nitrogen use on grazing leys while maintaining annual growth at 12t/ha dry matter by foliar feeding instead of using conventional, prilled fertiliser. Foliar feeding…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Climate change is affecting farm output

Many of us know “global warming” as a buzzword created by science and used by scientists. But should we farmers be considering what it could mean for us and for…

DAIRY

Heifer rearing launch pad gets new entrant dairying

Rhidian Glyn had done one milking in his life before he started dairy farming in his own right last spring. However, he had 10 years’ experience of heifer rearing, silage…

PARASITIC DISEASES

Liver fluke treatment must be priority industry groups warn

Cattle and sheep farmers and vets are being urged to prioritise liver fluke over rumen fluke when making treatment decisions, as the latter rarely causes disease despite its increasing presence…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Fencing change should help calving next time

As the busy calving, followed by 12 weeks of breeding, draws to a close by early February, it’s often a good chance to review how the hectic season has progressed…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

How foliar feeding maintained grass growth at half N rate

Dairy farmer Robin Nicolson has halved nitrogen use on grazing leys while maintaining annual growth at 12t/ha dry matter by foliar feeding instead of using conventional, prilled fertiliser. Foliar feeding…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Climate change is affecting farm output

Many of us know “global warming” as a buzzword created by science and used by scientists. But should we farmers be considering what it could mean for us and for…

SHEEP

Ram alliance and outcross lift Devon breeder’s income

A Devon sheep breeder has used outcrossing and collaboration to lift income across his maternal and terminal stud flocks, respectively. Peregrine Aubrey, of Eastergrounds Farm, near Kingsbridge, has lifted prime…

LIVESTOCK

Several bluetongue restrictions lifted but zones to remain

The UK has entered a seasonally vector low period for bluetongue, with midges less prevalent during the colder months. Defra guidance states that midge activity is currently lower and there…

Livestock news

DAIRY

Optimism for Scottish dairy industry despite lower herds

NFU Scotland has expressed concern over a decline in the number of dairy herds in Scotland, but remains optimistic about the industry’s future due to improved efficiency and production growth.…

NEWS

Sheep dip disposal licences to be scrapped in Wales

The ending of waste sheep dip permits in Wales has been slammed by NFU Cymru, which is calling for an immediate reversal to the government’s plans. Natural Resources Wales (NRW)…

BOVINE TB

Severe mental health toll of bovine TB revealed in report

A newly commissioned report by The Farming Community Network (FCN) highlights the severe health and wellbeing effects of bovine tuberculosis on farmers across the UK. Based on contributions from more…

PARASITIC DISEASES

Liver fluke treatment must be priority industry groups warn

Cattle and sheep farmers and vets are being urged to prioritise liver fluke over rumen fluke when making treatment decisions, as the latter rarely causes disease despite its increasing presence…

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SHEEP

Farmers warned care needed with triclabendazole alternatives

Animal health leaders concerned about anthelmintics resistance are urging farmers reaching for alternatives to an established drug to research the active ingredients in liver fluke products. Resistance to triclabendazole, the…

BEEF

Shetland suckler herd targets fertility in simple system

Suckler performance targets were among the topics discussed at the British Cattle Breeders Conference beef day.  Superstars are not wanted in Jamie Leslie’s 90-cow Angus suckler herd at Scholland Farm…

DAIRY

Heifer rearing launch pad gets new entrant dairying

Rhidian Glyn had done one milking in his life before he started dairy farming in his own right last spring. However, he had 10 years’ experience of heifer rearing, silage…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

How foliar feeding maintained grass growth at half N rate

Dairy farmer Robin Nicolson has halved nitrogen use on grazing leys while maintaining annual growth at 12t/ha dry matter by foliar feeding instead of using conventional, prilled fertiliser. Foliar feeding…

SHEEP

Ram alliance and outcross lift Devon breeder’s income

A Devon sheep breeder has used outcrossing and collaboration to lift income across his maternal and terminal stud flocks, respectively. Peregrine Aubrey, of Eastergrounds Farm, near Kingsbridge, has lifted prime…

DAIRY

Advice on flexible milking as a management tool

Building flexibility into milking frequency could boost production, alleviate staff shortages, or create a better work-life balance at certain times of the year. There is scope for farm owners to…

SHEEP

How autumn flock resilience plan cuts lambing and cake bill

Prioritising fertility and challenging ewes to milk off forage has halved an autumn lambing flock’s labour requirement and saved on 27t of bought-in feed.  Focus has shifted from aiming for…

LIVESTOCK

How to improve output from cows grazing in poor conditions

To improve the utilisation of grazed grass this year, the focus must be on the first two grazing rounds. Poor ground conditions from February to April, with incorrect management, can…

DAIRY

How milking robots have driven upland dairy’s expansion

Bromfield Farm, near Wigton in Cumbria, has embraced cutting-edge technology with the installation of seven robotic milking systems and two robotic feed pushers. This has eased workloads and improved cow…

LIVESTOCK

Meet the 2024 NMR RABDF Gold Cup finalists

Six herds breeding robust cows, developing their staff, and reducing their farm’s carbon footprint, are competing for the 2024 Gold Cup award. Sponsored by the Royal Association of British Dairy…

LIVESTOCK

Why Angus breeder prioritises health and forage-only diets

High health status, easy calving genetics and performance from forage are the foundations of Angus Stovold’s Aberdeen Angus herd. His cattle, although largely sold for breeding, also have to succeed…

DAIRY

Benefits of a post-calving vet check for herd health

A post-calving vet check not only helps prevent subclinical endometritis, but it also lets the farm vet keep track of a herd’s overall health status. It is not just at-risk…

YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENT

Benefits of a calf cart for moving newborn calves

Investing in a calf cart (or trolley) may be the key to keeping staff happy and healthy. The aim of calf transport is to move calves hygienically and safely between…

SLURRY AND MANURE MANAGEMENT

How a Wiltshire dairy makes better use of slurry

Investment in a new slurry system on a Wiltshire dairy farm has resulted in a drop in bagged nitrogen use of more than 100kg/ha a year on the grazing platform.…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Advice on managing silage stocks effectively for dairy diets

Feed accounts for the biggest proportion of variable costs on a dairy farm. But that cost is often unnecessarily high because farmers fail to match silage quality to the needs…

LIVESTOCK

How a Cornish dairy curbed its carbon footprint

While cutting carbon emissions has come into focus over recent years, it has been a long-term priority for Cornish dairy farmer Andrew Brewer. Farming in partnership with his wife, Claire,…

Ewe management advice

Meat markets and prices

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MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Finished pig prices fall to almost £2/kg as numbers increase

Higher throughputs of pigs at UK abattoirs have put pressure on farmgate prices. The EU-spec standard pig price (SPP) dropped to 204p/kg deadweight in January, roughly 8p/kg down on last…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Beef prices rocket in Scotland as destocking takes its toll

The impact of a declining beef herd in Scotland has been felt by the trade, with fewer store and finished cattle coming forward. Scottish government figures show that the total…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Tesco pushes for greater price stability for its pig farmers

Pig producers supplying Tesco will be paid using a new pricing mechanism, calculated using a combination of industry prices and costs of production on farm. It is hoped the new…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

GB import ban on German livestock following FMD outbreak

Cattle, pigs and sheep and their products may no longer be imported from Germany to Great Britain, the government has announced, in response to the single case of foot-and-mouth disease…

BUSINESS

US beef and pork exporters target UK market

US meat exporters are pursuing improved access to the UK marketplace for both beef and pork. The US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) anticipates that a potential free trade agreement between…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Beef finishers chase £6/kg for prime cattle this spring

The beef trade has kicked off to a flying start in 2025 with finished prices skyrocketing at both abattoirs and in the live ring. Deadweight prices have gone from strength…

Livestock community

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FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Freezing conditions ease slurry storage

January seems to have disappeared alarmingly quickly. I remember the older generation saying that the years seem to go faster, but I’m completely unprepared for actually being that generation. Luckily,…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Fencing change should help calving next time

As the busy calving, followed by 12 weeks of breeding, draws to a close by early February, it’s often a good chance to review how the hectic season has progressed…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Climate change is affecting farm output

Many of us know “global warming” as a buzzword created by science and used by scientists. But should we farmers be considering what it could mean for us and for…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Long housing period is looking attractive

I have learned a lot, again, in the past year. First, a twin to a Schmallenberg lamb is a runt, will hang around forever and come to nothing – even…

Dairy

LIVESTOCK

Dairy herd health maintained as antimicrobials use cut

The dairy sector has achieved further reductions of antibiotics usage without compromising on the health and welfare of animals, a new report has found. The annual Kingshay Antimicrobial Focus Report…

DAIRY

Optimism for Scottish dairy industry despite lower herds

NFU Scotland has expressed concern over a decline in the number of dairy herds in Scotland, but remains optimistic about the industry’s future due to improved efficiency and production growth.…

DAIRY

Heifer rearing launch pad gets new entrant dairying

Rhidian Glyn had done one milking in his life before he started dairy farming in his own right last spring. However, he had 10 years’ experience of heifer rearing, silage…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

How foliar feeding maintained grass growth at half N rate

Dairy farmer Robin Nicolson has halved nitrogen use on grazing leys while maintaining annual growth at 12t/ha dry matter by foliar feeding instead of using conventional, prilled fertiliser. Foliar feeding…

DAIRY

Advice on flexible milking as a management tool

Building flexibility into milking frequency could boost production, alleviate staff shortages, or create a better work-life balance at certain times of the year. There is scope for farm owners to…

LIVESTOCK

How to improve output from cows grazing in poor conditions

To improve the utilisation of grazed grass this year, the focus must be on the first two grazing rounds. Poor ground conditions from February to April, with incorrect management, can…

DAIRY

Data collection for dairy herds: What to consider

Developing cow technology in response to the trend for fewer dairy farms milking more cows, and ongoing labour shortages, has to be more than just a data generating system. Capturing…

DAIRY

Ulster trio lists five dairying tips from study tour

Business scale and financial performance were just two of the top five insights gained by three young dairy Nuffield scholars visiting leading dairy operators last summer. Young farmers Bronagh Dempster,…

DAIRY

How milking robots have driven upland dairy’s expansion

Bromfield Farm, near Wigton in Cumbria, has embraced cutting-edge technology with the installation of seven robotic milking systems and two robotic feed pushers. This has eased workloads and improved cow…

DAIRY

5 new products at Dairy-Tech 2025 to improve efficiency

In a precarious time for the industry, technology to enhance productivity has never been more important. Here, we take a look at just a few of the new products that…

LIVESTOCK

Meet the 2024 NMR RABDF Gold Cup finalists

Six herds breeding robust cows, developing their staff, and reducing their farm’s carbon footprint, are competing for the 2024 Gold Cup award. Sponsored by the Royal Association of British Dairy…

BREEDING AND FERTILITY

Cattle conference to debate breeding goals for industry

The role of dairy beef cattle in regenerative farming systems, and obstacles challenging the progress of UK dairy genetics, are among the topics under discussion at the upcoming 2025 British…

Livestock machinery

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MUCKSPREADERS

Grippier lug for Agriflex+ 377XT spreader tyre

Lugs with a ledge is a key visual feature of a new tyre from Alliance designed primarily for self-propelled sprayers, and lime, fertiliser and manure spreaders needing a combination of…

TRAILERS

Lamma 2025: Weeks name revived for lower-cost trailers

Richard Western has revived the Weeks brand for use on a lower-spec trailer that’s kinder on the pocket. Much of the design is based on the firm’s popular Suffolk model,…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2025: More power for Weidemann’s compact T6025 handler

Competition is ramping up in the compact telehandler market, with Weidemann the latest to unveil a machine that will slot through a 2m-square alley. The new 6m/2.5t T6025 supersedes the…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2025: Quicke unveils stripped back N-series loader

Stock farmers fancying the lift capacity of Quicke's premium Q-series loaders but without the expensive frills can now buy exactly that. The new N-series is a stripped-back, utility-spec model that…

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