Livestock Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Two-flock solution to maedi visna under wayThis is my first article of 2026 and so far all we have had is rain. The ground is totally waterlogged, and store lambs are spending more time on the… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Dairy upgrade begins despite milk price slumpThe dusting of snow we had at the start of the year didn’t affect us much – we have the sea on three sides within just a couple of miles,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Ewe scan to reveal impact of tough summerThe little pedigree flock has been housed in preparation for lambing. I would have liked to keep them out longer, but weather is worsening so it dictated my decision a… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Benchmarking confirms strong sow performanceIt feels as though 2026 is already flying by and we are still playing catch-up after a bit of time off over Christmas. One thing we were really hoping to… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Three cattle dead after hare-coursing havocSalisbury Plain’s unique landscape, with its wide-open chalk grassland stretching on for miles, is frequently used by members of the public. However, not all of the visitors are welcome –… 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… More articles
