Livestock top stories BOVINE TBHow one dairy farmer is getting a grip on bovine TBA Pembrokeshire dairy farmer who decided a fresh approach was needed to manage bovine TB in his herd has seen promising results by working more closely with his vet and… DAIRYDairy software systems 'holding back' business progressFragmented dairy herd data stored in multiple farm software packages are difficult to analyse and turn into actionable information, say experts, which is hampering farmers' ability to progress their businesses.… POULTRYBuoyant outlook for UK poultrymeat and egg marketThe outlook for the UK’s poultrymeat and egg sectors is buoyant as chicken gains market share from red meat, and egg demand strengthens as the high-protein food movement grows. See… LIVESTOCKHow dairy farm cut calf scour with vaccinationA Lancashire dairy farmer has significantly reduced calf scours, mortality, and antibiotic use by implementing stricter hygiene and husbandry measures alongside vaccinating cows in late pregnancy against Cryptosporidium parvum. The… WHATS IN YOUR LIVESTOCK SHEDBeef shed design combines low effort and high welfareA beef housing system in Powys is designed to minimise labour, maximise animal health and welfare, and protect the farming system from increasingly frequent weather extremes. The Morris family replaced… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Disappointing in-calf heifer rate forces rethinkAnd just like that, autumn has blown in. It feels like yesterday we were starting breeding and watching as grazing was taking off. With the fertiliser ban quickly approaching, before… POULTRYKey waste water actions for poultry farmsTaking an “audit, capture and treat” approach to waste water could allow poultry farmers to change the default perception that they are the “villains” when it comes to the health… PIGSFW Awards 2025 Pig Farmer of the Year finalistsAlthough their businesses vary greatly, this year’s three finalists share good business sense and a keen eye for detail. The finalists Mike Durrant, Bunns Farm, Norfolk Chris Fogden, Bridge Cottage,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Supplementing lambs but shearling ewes are goodI think I totally jinxed the weather with my last article, when I said the farm was finally starting to green up. That didn’t last long — just a month… LIVESTOCKVaccination is no silver bullet for TB control, say expertsCattle vaccination can play an important role in the fight against bovine TB, but must not be seen as a “silver bullet”, according to industry experts. Vaccination trials are currently… SHEEPHow a Romney flock is adapting to frequent droughtsRepeat periods of drought have highlighted the value of selecting resilient forage crops and breeding animals at Dineley Farming, near Shaftesbury, Dorset. Perin Dineley says the business, which is home… POULTRYPoultry producers warned against co-grazing with livestockAs the UK poultry industry braces itself for a “difficult” autumn and winter of avian influenza infections, a strong warning is being issued to producers who also keep cattle and… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: New clamp filled with grass and wholecropSince the beginning of June, it has been pretty manic here. Even being one member of staff down, we have achieved a great deal. A 1,000t silage clamp was constructed,… BOVINE TBEngland-Wales bovine TB data shows mixed pictureNew data on bovine TB shows contrasting trends across England and Wales, with both countries experiencing a slight rise in herd incidence but differing patterns in animal slaughter and regional… Livestock news LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue movement rules relaxed for Wales and ScotlandLivestock keepers who want to move bluetongue-vaccinated animals from the restricted zone (RZ) into Scotland and Wales are set to benefit from relaxed rules. From midday on Sunday 21 September,… LIVESTOCKVaccination is no silver bullet for TB control, say expertsCattle vaccination can play an important role in the fight against bovine TB, but must not be seen as a “silver bullet”, according to industry experts. Vaccination trials are currently… HEALTH AND WELFAREVMD launches strategy to secure future animal vaccine suppliesThe Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the UK’s regulatory authority for veterinary medicines, has launched a strategy to address potential vaccine shortages working with the wider industry. The statement of intent,… DAIRYDairy industry welcomes launch of new GB calf strategyA new strategy that challenges the dairy-beef sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value has received a positive response from the dairy industry. The GB… More articles Explore livestock Know How Business advice Essential guides Practical tips Case studies Dairy Beef Sheep Pigs Other livestock Grassland management Slurry and manure management Explore all topics Latest from livestock Know HowSee all BOVINE TBHow one dairy farmer is getting a grip on bovine TBA Pembrokeshire dairy farmer who decided a fresh approach was needed to manage bovine TB in his herd has seen promising results by working more closely with his vet and… WHATS IN YOUR LIVESTOCK SHEDBeef shed design combines low effort and high welfareA beef housing system in Powys is designed to minimise labour, maximise animal health and welfare, and protect the farming system from increasingly frequent weather extremes. The Morris family replaced… PIGSFW Awards 2025 Pig Farmer of the Year finalistsAlthough their businesses vary greatly, this year’s three finalists share good business sense and a keen eye for detail. The finalists Mike Durrant, Bunns Farm, Norfolk Chris Fogden, Bridge Cottage,… SHEEPHow a Romney flock is adapting to frequent droughtsRepeat periods of drought have highlighted the value of selecting resilient forage crops and breeding animals at Dineley Farming, near Shaftesbury, Dorset. Perin Dineley says the business, which is home… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on step-down weaning for calves to avoid setbacksFeeding high volumes of milk to calves during their most efficient and cost-effective growth phase needs a step-down protocol to ensure a smooth transition through weaning. Without it, the two… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTHow regen principles are building Powys farm’s resilienceRegenerative farming techniques including adaptive multipaddock grazing and integration of livestock and arable enterprises are helping bolster the resilience of a Powys beef and sheep farm. See also: How partial budgeting… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: Meet the 2025 Mixed Farmer of the Year finalistsAll three finalists are passionate about enterprise integration, with a focus on home-grown feed. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2025 Contractor of the Year finalists The finalists Ollie Blackburn,… FEED AND NUTRITIONAdvice on eking out forage supplies for winterBeef and dairy farmers with poor forage stocks need to budget now – not wait until the new year when marketplace supplies are running low and prices are even higher.… DAIRYAdvice on siting a new dairy building in the farmyardLocation, logistics and taking a long-term view about potential future expansion will ensure that any new building added to the yard will work for cows, people and the farm routine.… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on minimising dairy calf moves to reduce stressEvery change in environment, social grouping and diet is an upset for a young calf. This impacts feed intake, which, in turn, affects growth rate. Anecdotal evidence, from business consultant… DAIRYThe challenges of running a dairy herd on an islandEscalating costs are a challenge for any dairy farmer, but to avoid incurring extra expense through inefficiency, milk production on an island has to be organised. Furthermore, it helps to… SHEEPFW Awards: Meet the 2025 Sheep Farmer of the Year finalistsThe systems and challenges may vary, but all the finalists in the Sheep Farmer of the Year category share the drive and enthusiasm to get the best flock performance. See… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENT7 ways small changes in calf rearing can bring big gainsAs a vet working with dairy and beef farms, one of the most common questions I am asked is: “Do we need to make a big change to improve our… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTAutumn grazing tips to optimise grass nutrient value in springTo achieve optimal production from pasture, dairy farmers should avoid leaving long grass and feeding cows too much cake, according to expert advice. “When you allow your grazing covers to… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTBenefits of ad-lib milk feeding for calvesGiving pre-weaned calves access to as much calf milk replacer as their appetites demand has transformed the performance of Scottish dairy farmer Rory Christie’s heifer replacements. Dourie Farming Co, at… PIGSAdvice on supporting the piglet microbiomeFrom probiotics to antioxidants and yeast-based solutions, there has been a rapid increase in products coming to market that are claimed to enhance piglet gut health. These products are intended… Get ready for winter How to budget and allocate rotational grazing for ewes Winter grazing crop outperforms brassicas in sheep trial Benefits of winter sheep grazing for silage performance Advice for winter feeding in-calf beef heifers How to manage poultry housing environments in winter Advice for beef winter rations as feed shortages loom large Tips on preparing your pig unit for winter Dairy winter housing upgrade helps cut new infection rates Meat markets and pricesSee all BUSINESSAHDB host EU meat buyers on inward missionA group of European meat buyers have joined farmers and processors to learn about how British lamb is produced as part of a major inward trade mission. The three-day visit… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBeef prices face pressure due to increased cattle suppliesIt has been an exceptionally strong year for beef producers, but a temporary surge in finished cattle numbers is starting to weigh on domestic prices. Finished beef prices slipped back… MARKETS AND TRENDSBritish beef in the spotlight at Miami trade showBritish beef exporters have been gearing up to benefit from the Economic Prosperity Deal agreed with the US, showcasing their produce at a key industry event in Miami this week.… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBreeding ewe sales notice uplift as trade picks up at martsAnnual sales of breeding ewes and shearlings are now in full swing at livestock markets across the UK, with prices seemingly up on last year’s levels. A much needed flush… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESSmall abattoirs must adapt to serve farmers – AHDBSmall abattoirs need to broaden their services and work with other partners to secure their survival, a new report from the AHDB suggests. The study points to ongoing consolidation in… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESRed meat exports grow 10% in first half of yearThe value of red meat exports have increased by almost 10% during the first half of 2025, driven by higher farmgate prices. HMRC figures show that UK exports reached £966m… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Disappointing in-calf heifer rate forces rethinkAnd just like that, autumn has blown in. It feels like yesterday we were starting breeding and watching as grazing was taking off. With the fertiliser ban quickly approaching, before… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Supplementing lambs but shearling ewes are goodI think I totally jinxed the weather with my last article, when I said the farm was finally starting to green up. That didn’t last long — just a month… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: New clamp filled with grass and wholecropSince the beginning of June, it has been pretty manic here. Even being one member of staff down, we have achieved a great deal. A 1,000t silage clamp was constructed,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Feed shortage risk eased by forward planningHarvest 2025 is done, and it must surely be the earliest – and possibly the easiest – on record. The spring beans were last to be harvested and were finished… Dairy DAIRYDairy software systems 'holding back' business progressFragmented dairy herd data stored in multiple farm software packages are difficult to analyse and turn into actionable information, say experts, which is hampering farmers' ability to progress their businesses.… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on step-down weaning for calves to avoid setbacksFeeding high volumes of milk to calves during their most efficient and cost-effective growth phase needs a step-down protocol to ensure a smooth transition through weaning. Without it, the two… FEED AND NUTRITIONBenefits of following maize with Westerwolds ryegrassIncluding freshly cut Westerwolds ryegrass in the ration during housing is increasing daily milk yield by 2 litres a cow in a Ceredigion dairy herd and capturing significant cost savings… FEED AND NUTRITIONAdvice on eking out forage supplies for winterBeef and dairy farmers with poor forage stocks need to budget now – not wait until the new year when marketplace supplies are running low and prices are even higher.… DAIRYDairy industry welcomes launch of new GB calf strategyA new strategy that challenges the dairy-beef sector to ensure every calf is reared with care, purpose and value has received a positive response from the dairy industry. The GB… DAIRYAdvice on siting a new dairy building in the farmyardLocation, logistics and taking a long-term view about potential future expansion will ensure that any new building added to the yard will work for cows, people and the farm routine.… HEALTH AND WELFARECattle botulism cases linked to contaminated feedCases of botulism in a herd of cattle are being investigated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) after hundreds of cows are… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on minimising dairy calf moves to reduce stressEvery change in environment, social grouping and diet is an upset for a young calf. This impacts feed intake, which, in turn, affects growth rate. Anecdotal evidence, from business consultant… DAIRYThe challenges of running a dairy herd on an islandEscalating costs are a challenge for any dairy farmer, but to avoid incurring extra expense through inefficiency, milk production on an island has to be organised. Furthermore, it helps to… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENT7 ways small changes in calf rearing can bring big gainsAs a vet working with dairy and beef farms, one of the most common questions I am asked is: “Do we need to make a big change to improve our… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTBenefits of ad-lib milk feeding for calvesGiving pre-weaned calves access to as much calf milk replacer as their appetites demand has transformed the performance of Scottish dairy farmer Rory Christie’s heifer replacements. Dourie Farming Co, at… BREEDING AND FERTILITYGenetic index reset shows financial value to dairy farmersDairy herds in the top 25% for genetic merit earn £173 more a cow a year than herds of average genetic merit, a reassessment of the value of profitable lifetime… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all BALERS AND WRAPPERSAuto pivoting drawbar ups Vicon round bale consistencyA revamp of Vicon’s two variable chamber round balers promises to deliver more bales an hour and better feed-in consistency. Both VariBale models – the 160 producing 1.65m rounds and… TELEHANDLERSOn test: Neomach's versatile Nova X40 pivot-steer loaderFarms are perennially craving more power and capacity, but for those still mucking out pokey old sheds built in the pitchfork era, size matters. Miniature pivot-steers, with their typical 3m… FORAGERSClaas unleashes 1,110hp Jaguar 1200 forage harvesterClaas has finally unveiled full details of its new flagship Jaguar forage harvester range, which is headed by its most powerful model yet. All four newcomers are propelled by the… BALERS AND WRAPPERSVariable chamber Claas Cerex 700 enhances round bale densityClaas has bolstered its variable chamber round baler range, adding a heavy-duty model that packs far more crop into each bale. Unlike the firm’s long-standing Variant, the Cerex 700 RC… Most popular this week
