Livestock top stories GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTBenefits of low-power sensors for grazing infrastructureBawling from a group of cattle is a sound that can strike fear into a farmer, signalling a herd on the loose or thirsty animals. Add this summer’s record temperatures… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Lucerne crop is only green area on farmLike many others this summer, harvest was all wrapped up and finished before the end of July. This was a first for us, having finished in the middle of August… LIVESTOCKFarmers urged to reveal true impact of bluetongueAn industry-wide survey has been launched to establish the impact of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) on UK livestock farms as confirmed cases continue to rise. Ruminant Health & Welfare… SHEEPHow performance recording helped lift profit by £3.46 a eweImproving flock performance while maintaining breed traits that best match a ewe to its environment and farm system can be a tricky balance. But a range of strategies is helping… BREEDING AND FERTILITY£16.6m cattle genotyping scheme opens to NI farmersDairy and beef suckler farmers in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to join a new cattle genotyping scheme offering payments of £13 for each eligible animal. The Bovine Genetics Genotyping… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Early winter feed costing extra £1,000/dayWith not much rain for August in the forecast, we took the decision earlier in the month thatthe silage harvest campaign on our ground was over for 2026. The focus… HEALTH AND WELFAREHow flock tested six wormer groups to inform drench strategyA Glamorgan lamb producer has revised his worming protocols after a project investigating anthelmintics resistance established which species could survive a range of treatments in his flock. Dai John runs… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTTips on avoiding cow health risks when grazing after droughtOnce rain returns, though it may be welcome, grassland managers are warned to be careful as substantial rain following a drought encourages grass growth that could be rich in nitrates.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Grass challenge – but drought not to blameAugust is the time of year when farming in Ayrshire becomes less about careful planning and more about staring at weather apps until one eventually tells you what you want… LIVESTOCKHow to reduce the risk of enterococcus lameness in broilersLameness is one of the most significant economic and welfare challenges facing every UK livestock sector, and commercial broiler production is no exception. As with digital dermatitis in cattle, lameness… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue control zone imposed in south-west ScotlandTemporary restrictions are being introduced on livestock movements in Dumfries and Galloway after bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected near Lockerbie, prompting the Scottish government to establish a temporary… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Vaccine is best hope against bluetongueWell, how things have changed. The country is facing one of its driest summers on record and the countryside is turning various shades of brown. Having heavier ground, we are… LIVESTOCK DISEASESHow bluetongue vaccination decisions affected two flocksThere was never any doubt that David Rendle would vaccinate his flock for bluetongue. He had done so last year, when there were few cases in his area, and this… LIVESTOCK DISEASESFarmers urged to order BTV-3 vaccine to spur productionFarmers are being urged to place orders for bluetongue vaccine now to spur the pharmaceutical industry into additional manufacturing as the outbreak continues to spread. Vaccine availability in the UK… Livestock news LIVESTOCKFarmers urged to reveal true impact of bluetongueAn industry-wide survey has been launched to establish the impact of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) on UK livestock farms as confirmed cases continue to rise. Ruminant Health & Welfare… BREEDING AND FERTILITY£16.6m cattle genotyping scheme opens to NI farmersDairy and beef suckler farmers in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to join a new cattle genotyping scheme offering payments of £13 for each eligible animal. The Bovine Genetics Genotyping… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue control zone imposed in south-west ScotlandTemporary restrictions are being introduced on livestock movements in Dumfries and Galloway after bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected near Lockerbie, prompting the Scottish government to establish a temporary… LIVESTOCK DISEASESFarmers urged to order BTV-3 vaccine to spur productionFarmers are being urged to place orders for bluetongue vaccine now to spur the pharmaceutical industry into additional manufacturing as the outbreak continues to spread. Vaccine availability in the UK… 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 GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTBenefits of low-power sensors for grazing infrastructureBawling from a group of cattle is a sound that can strike fear into a farmer, signalling a herd on the loose or thirsty animals. Add this summer’s record temperatures… SHEEPHow performance recording helped lift profit by £3.46 a eweImproving flock performance while maintaining breed traits that best match a ewe to its environment and farm system can be a tricky balance. But a range of strategies is helping… HEALTH AND WELFAREHow flock tested six wormer groups to inform drench strategyA Glamorgan lamb producer has revised his worming protocols after a project investigating anthelmintics resistance established which species could survive a range of treatments in his flock. Dai John runs… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTTips on avoiding cow health risks when grazing after droughtOnce rain returns, though it may be welcome, grassland managers are warned to be careful as substantial rain following a drought encourages grass growth that could be rich in nitrates.… LIVESTOCKHow to reduce the risk of enterococcus lameness in broilersLameness is one of the most significant economic and welfare challenges facing every UK livestock sector, and commercial broiler production is no exception. As with digital dermatitis in cattle, lameness… LIVESTOCK DISEASESHow bluetongue vaccination decisions affected two flocksThere was never any doubt that David Rendle would vaccinate his flock for bluetongue. He had done so last year, when there were few cases in his area, and this… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue: What farmers need to know as cases climbBluetongue cases are continuing to spread from the initial north Devon hotspot, with vets reporting a sharp increase in calls from concerned farmers. Tom Clarke, clinical director at Synergy Farm… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTHow efficient grazing unlocked hill farm’s potentialFertiliser costs have been cut by 80% and feed costs halved on a Dumfriesshire beef and sheep farm that credits improved grassland management for its changing fortunes. Taking part in… FEED AND NUTRITIONTips for deterring starlings before winter flocks arriveHit early, hit hard and be consistent with scare tactics to prevent “scout” birds from settling and avoid ending up with a whole flock of starlings on farm this winter.… SHEEPHow failed succession plan led to new beef and sheep setupA progressive beef and sheep farmer in the Scottish Borders served notice to vacate the family farm after 32 years has succeeded in rebuilding a profitable business. Determined it would… DAIRYAdvice as drought pressures dairy forage stocksWeeks of dry weather have taken their toll on forage crops, raising fears that many farmers will face winter feed shortages. Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales… DAIRYFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Dairy Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists are profitable block-calving herds with a good work/life balance and high standards in staff management. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2026 Poultry Farmer of the Year finalists… LIVESTOCK DISEASESAdvice for dealing with bluetongue as cases spread rapidlyNorth Devon-based Torch Farm and Equine Vets were called out to their first suspected case of bluetongue (BTV) on 7 July. In less than a month (up to 3 August),… HEALTH AND WELFAREBenefits of practical approach to dry cow therapy protocolsResearch and tighter rules on antibiotics use have given one Somerset dairy farm the push it needed to move away from blanket dry cow therapy and adopt a more selective… DAIRYThe five non-negotiables of a resilient dairy businessFarming with one eye on the future – hoping some of their nine grandchildren will want to join their dairy business – Rodney and Dorothy Elliott are also learning from… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: 2026 Poultry Farmer of the Year finalistsUnlike last year when all three finalists were egg producers, this year sees three poultrymeat producers vying for the coveted title. See also: FW Awards 2026: Meet the finalists The… Grazing advice Benefits of digestible cocksfoot and tall fescue in drought 3 ways for dairy units to make on/off grazing work Advice on grazing management to reduce tick risk to cattle Spring grazing strategies to maximise lamb performance Meat markets and pricesSee all BUSINESSExport potential lifts pig market outlookMarket prospects have brightened for pig producers, with stronger German prices supporting confidence and Danish welfare and environmental reforms potentially creating new export opportunities for the UK. In the week… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESCattle markets move in opposite directionsCattle markets moved in opposite directions across Northern Ireland and Great Britain this week, with prime cattle values easing slightly in NI while GB prices made gains. In Northern Ireland,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESCalf prices stay strong as buyers chase depleted numbersThe UK calf market continues to be in a strong position for farmers, with the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) reporting “incredible” prices in some areas, driven by a shortage of… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESBreeding sheep set new records at Thame summer saleBreeding sheep enjoyed an exceptionally firm trade at the recent Thame Summer Sheep Fair, despite ongoing challenges presented by grass shortages and bluetongue disease. The event, sponsored by Shearwell Data,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESFarm groups fear influx of Brazilian meat after EU banOrganisations representing UK farmers and meat processors are demanding the suspension of imports of meat and animal products from Brazil in line with action the EU will instigate next month.… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESMeat exporters challenge new French border inspectionsLegal action by UK meat suppliers is being prepared to challenge new border inspections of meat carcasses destined for France. Since 1 August, hauliers are being ordered to assist French… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Lucerne crop is only green area on farmLike many others this summer, harvest was all wrapped up and finished before the end of July. This was a first for us, having finished in the middle of August… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Early winter feed costing extra £1,000/dayWith not much rain for August in the forecast, we took the decision earlier in the month thatthe silage harvest campaign on our ground was over for 2026. The focus… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Grass challenge – but drought not to blameAugust is the time of year when farming in Ayrshire becomes less about careful planning and more about staring at weather apps until one eventually tells you what you want… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Vaccine is best hope against bluetongueWell, how things have changed. The country is facing one of its driest summers on record and the countryside is turning various shades of brown. Having heavier ground, we are… Dairy BREEDING AND FERTILITY£16.6m cattle genotyping scheme opens to NI farmersDairy and beef suckler farmers in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to join a new cattle genotyping scheme offering payments of £13 for each eligible animal. The Bovine Genetics Genotyping… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTTips on avoiding cow health risks when grazing after droughtOnce rain returns, though it may be welcome, grassland managers are warned to be careful as substantial rain following a drought encourages grass growth that could be rich in nitrates.… LIVESTOCK DISEASESBluetongue: What farmers need to know as cases climbBluetongue cases are continuing to spread from the initial north Devon hotspot, with vets reporting a sharp increase in calls from concerned farmers. Tom Clarke, clinical director at Synergy Farm… LIVESTOCKWhy ultrasound scanner is one vet’s favourite bit of kitIf I had to choose one piece of kit I wouldn’t want to be without as a vet, would it be the traditional yet still indispensable stethoscope or thermometer? Or… DAIRYAdvice as drought pressures dairy forage stocksWeeks of dry weather have taken their toll on forage crops, raising fears that many farmers will face winter feed shortages. Nearly three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales… STAFF MANAGEMENTArla launches schools drive to tackle dairy skills gapArla is targeting more than 100 schools and 100,000 young people in a drive to tackle a persistent skills gap in British dairy farming. The dairy cooperative’s new outreach programme… DAIRYGenosource Jumpstart P heads young Holstein sire rankingStrong health and production credentials have put a new bull at the top of the latest AHDB young Holstein sire evaluations, published 11 August. Genosource Jumpstart P transmits 56.8kg (+0.28%)… DAIRYFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Dairy Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists are profitable block-calving herds with a good work/life balance and high standards in staff management. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2026 Poultry Farmer of the Year finalists… LIVESTOCK DISEASESAdvice for dealing with bluetongue as cases spread rapidlyNorth Devon-based Torch Farm and Equine Vets were called out to their first suspected case of bluetongue (BTV) on 7 July. In less than a month (up to 3 August),… HEALTH AND WELFAREBenefits of practical approach to dry cow therapy protocolsResearch and tighter rules on antibiotics use have given one Somerset dairy farm the push it needed to move away from blanket dry cow therapy and adopt a more selective… DAIRYThe five non-negotiables of a resilient dairy businessFarming with one eye on the future – hoping some of their nine grandchildren will want to join their dairy business – Rodney and Dorothy Elliott are also learning from… DAIRYWhat makes a good employee on a dairy unit?Punctuality is top of the list when it comes to the attributes dairy farmers seek in an employee, closely followed by someone who has a “happy personality” and is “willing… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all MOWERSPottinger brings greater output to trailed mower rangeA third model in Pottinger’s Novacat T trailed mower-conditioner range offers greater output for busy hay and silage makers, along with a number of updates shared with its two siblings.… LOADING SHOVELSDriver's view: Mark Tiplady's Volvo L70H loading shovelFor years, JCB has reigned supreme on the silage clamp, batting off challenges from steadier industrial-grade loading shovels with relative ease. But for some outfits, the extra bulk, hydraulic power… TEDDERSMid-range Claas Volto tedders get major driveline revampClaas has revamped its mid-range tedders to bring them into line with the larger trailed machines. Five models span working widths from 6.6m to 10.8m, with the largest available in… TECHNOLOGYConverted Leyland 255 powered by used electric car partsA quick drive-by of Ben Bament’s low-key workshop in Farmborough, Somerset would reveal nothing of the wizardly engineering cloaked under the most ordinary of machines berthed outside. Among his curious… Most popular this week
