Livestock Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Heifer weights on track in run-up to calvingWith January just about gone, we are on the verge of getting busy with calving once again. It was with great relief that we passed our annual bovine TB test… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Sow rations up to counter cold and wind chillWell, it didn’t take 2026 long to remind us what winter can feel like, after what had been a pleasant, mild end to last year. When the temperatures drop below… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Dairy business course focuses on cost controlSanta surpassed himself this year and managed to get a Scalextric track down the chimney. Apparently, it was for the boys, but I had a great time reliving my youth.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Milk price cut forces delay in improvementsAfter a couple of years of receiving around 50p/litre for our milk, going into 2026 at about 35p/litre is unwelcome, but not unexpected. For me, it means a couple of… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Best ever silage quality boosts cattle weightsIs Donald Trump mad enough to plunge the world into conflict? We are definitely living in a time of change in the world order. Our government is populated with delusional… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Aussie friends swap sun for Scottish BordersThis time last year, we were in Australia having a “hot” Christmas. Our hosts decided to join us this year to experience a Scottish Borders Christmas and Hogmanay. Thankfully, they… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Work smarter, not harder, is my new year aimEarly January is a time to plan, making to-do lists to ensure everything that needs to be done in the short term will be completed before lambing starts in late… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Review and reset ahead of spring calvingWhether you are autumn or spring block-calving, the “dry” period in the calendar is not only a time of rest in preparation for the year ahead, it is also an… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Relief at inheritance tax 'adjustment'I hope everyone managed to enjoy some time off over the festive period and has begun 2026 happy, healthy and full of optimism. I’ve got the year right, so it’s… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Open gate causes Christmas morning mayhemPeople who know me will know I’d be the first person to extol the virtues of outwintering cattle in a well-managed system. I take a kind of pride in laying… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Time to tell politicians our side of the storyBlwyddyn Newydd Dda (Happy new year). I’m sure by now everyone has had enough of turkey curry and may be entertaining the idea of a dry January. The new year… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Slurry channel snarl-up tests patienceI enter 2026, like many of you I'm sure, with a mix of enthusiasm and trepidation. The milk markets are still a complete disaster zone, government policy seems completely against… More articles
