Livestock top stories BEEFWhy farm data matters in breeding robust cowsGreater use of genetic data to support breeding decisions is key to improving suckler herd productivity and efficiency. Recording figures does two jobs, says AHDB’s lead animal genetics expert for… LIVESTOCKHow advanced lighting controls cut broiler feed billA 2% improvement in feed conversion ratio has saved an average £3,580 a crop across four broiler houses on a Shropshire farm since installing a lighting system that mimics natural… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Tough decision as tractor purchase loomsWe are in the middle of drilling winter wheat. All being well, we should have the majority finished by early October. The soil is dry, but has been working nicely… LIVESTOCKWhat will the dairy farm of tomorrow look like?For dairy farmers, the next big decision may not simply be about producing more milk. It could be about finding a way to produce it with less pressure on labour,… DAIRYHow herd exceeds 12,000 litres on twice-a-day milkingA simple, consistent system is helping a Cornish dairy to achieve the UK’s highest yield on twice-a-day milking. According to the National Milk Records’ annual production report, cows at Sixty… DAIRYHow spate of returns to service led to Q fever diagnosisStriving for high health status together with efficient production from a block-calving, grazing system hit a snag in 2023 for Dorset dairy farmer Nick Tuke. A portion of cows in… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Nant Ffrancon project spells end for farmersI've been thinking about the resilience of the farming community while attending the breeding sheep sales dotted about North Wales. We have endured a really tough time over the past… DAIRYTips to minimise fetch cows in a free-access robot systemDairy farmers who have settled their cows into free-access automated milking need to regularly monitor their list of fetch cows. It’s important to take care that being escorted to milking… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Show win softens fifth-cut silage fiascoSeptember is always extremely busy, and this year was no exception. We harvested the maize in three days during the first week of the month, and it was a very… LIVESTOCKAdvice on reducing the risk of dry-period mastitisThe first few weeks of lactation are one of the most valuable times to collect mastitis data, yet it’s easy for data recording to slip down the priority list. Mastitis… LIVESTOCK DISEASESFarmers urged to watch for Shamonda virusFarmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to monitor livestock closely after Shamonda virus (Shav) was detected on two farms in the Republic of Ireland. Department of Agriculture, Environment and… DAIRYCurious cows produce more milk, NZ study revealsPersonality influences performance: the “curious” cow has been shown in a New Zealand study to produce a higher milk yield and more milk solids. She also spends more time grazing… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Just enough forage to see us through winterThe recent good weather here meant we managed to cut some more forage this month. That’s more than we have done so far throughout this year. It is good to… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTAdvice on building drought resilience into grazing plansGrazing managers are advised to review the lessons learned from this year’s prolonged drought and successive heatwaves, then use them to plan for the same conditions forecast for next year.… Livestock news LIVESTOCK DISEASESFarmers urged to watch for Shamonda virusFarmers in Northern Ireland are being urged to monitor livestock closely after Shamonda virus (Shav) was detected on two farms in the Republic of Ireland. Department of Agriculture, Environment and… DAIRYNFU rejects claims that large dairy farms are bad for natureClaims that so-called “mega-dairies” pose a disproportionate risk to nature have been rebuffed by farmer representatives, who say farm size alone is not a reliable indicator of environmental performance. The… BLUETONGUENI farmers warned over rising bluetongue threatNorthern Ireland farmers are being warned to remain vigilant after bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) was detected in the Republic of Ireland, bringing the livestock disease closer to the border than… ENVIRONMENTDairy farms trial 200 measures to cut emissionsDairy farmers are trialling more than 200 practical measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions through the UK Dairy Carbon Network (UK-DCN), including nutrition, breeding, animal health and nutrient management. The… 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 BEEFWhy farm data matters in breeding robust cowsGreater use of genetic data to support breeding decisions is key to improving suckler herd productivity and efficiency. Recording figures does two jobs, says AHDB’s lead animal genetics expert for… LIVESTOCKHow advanced lighting controls cut broiler feed billA 2% improvement in feed conversion ratio has saved an average £3,580 a crop across four broiler houses on a Shropshire farm since installing a lighting system that mimics natural… DAIRYHow herd exceeds 12,000 litres on twice-a-day milkingA simple, consistent system is helping a Cornish dairy to achieve the UK’s highest yield on twice-a-day milking. According to the National Milk Records’ annual production report, cows at Sixty… DAIRYHow spate of returns to service led to Q fever diagnosisStriving for high health status together with efficient production from a block-calving, grazing system hit a snag in 2023 for Dorset dairy farmer Nick Tuke. A portion of cows in… DAIRYWays housed herds can plan for the next heatwaveMitigating heat stress needs to be a key element of a farm’s management strategy for cows housed in summer. But taking inspiration from hot climates and simply investing in an… DAIRYTips to minimise fetch cows in a free-access robot systemDairy farmers who have settled their cows into free-access automated milking need to regularly monitor their list of fetch cows. It’s important to take care that being escorted to milking… LIVESTOCKAdvice on reducing the risk of dry-period mastitisThe first few weeks of lactation are one of the most valuable times to collect mastitis data, yet it’s easy for data recording to slip down the priority list. Mastitis… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTAdvice on building drought resilience into grazing plansGrazing managers are advised to review the lessons learned from this year’s prolonged drought and successive heatwaves, then use them to plan for the same conditions forecast for next year.… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTFive ways to get more from grass on suboptimal soilsWeather patterns have a big influence on farm profitability, not least on holdings with less-than-perfect soils. New challenges have been added to the management of fields with heavy or poorly… DAIRY7 things dairy farms need to grow their businessesGrowth in the dairy sector will be needed to meet future food demand and environmental targets, but planning remains a major “choke” to investment. This was the message from NFU… HOUSING AND HANDLINGHow farm's cattle-handling revamp ups efficiency and safetyRegularly weighing cattle is central to Robert Neill’s beef operation in the Scottish Borders. Progeny from his 380-cow suckler herd are taken to finishing weight – bulls this year are… HOUSING AND HANDLINGHow updating slats helped sheep farm cut lameness and labourA purpose-built slatted lambing shed that was put up in the 1960s on a Monmouthshire farm has reduced labour and straw while keeping flock lameness below 1%. Over this time,… HOUSING AND HANDLINGDairy roofs: What is best for cows in a changing climate?A clear roof has created pleasant working conditions for staff, a great living environment for cows in winter – and has been keeping cows cool during this summer’s heatwaves. See… BLUETONGUEFarmers told 'not too late' to vaccinate against bluetongueDairy farmers are being urged to vaccinate against BTV-3 if they haven’t already, with vets warning midges are still active and the disease will overwinter. “Everybody in England should consider… HEALTH AND WELFAREWhat worked on dairy units to combat this year’s heatwaves?“Soakers”, space, diet and shade have been effective tactics in reducing heat stress in dairy cows this year – Britain’s hottest on record, with five official heatwaves logged since May.… LIVESTOCKBenefits of heat exchangers for poultry performanceIt makes a lot of sense to reuse heat that is present in poultry housing. Warming up the incoming fresh air to provide the necessary ventilation keeps the internal atmosphere… 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 BUSINESSScottish cattle herd edges higher after years of declineScotland’s cattle herd has increased for the first time since 2021, providing a tentative sign of stabilisation for the livestock sector after years of decline. The June Agricultural Census 2026… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESTight supplies underpin slightly firmer beef marketTight supplies are supporting GB cattle prices, with steers gaining nearly 8p in the week ending 26 September, to average 631p/kg deadweight. Heifers rose by 7p to average 627p/kg dw,… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESSteady pig prices reflect sector challengesFour weeks of consecutive increase in the GB EU-spec Standard Pig Price (SPP) ended in the week to 26 September, with prices dropping from 180.84p/kg deadweight to 180.25p/kg dw. As… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESPrime cattle prices rise as autumn demand strengthensStronger autumn demand and continued limited availability have driven GB prime cattle prices up another 4p/kg to 615p/kg deadweight in the week ending 12 September. At the same time, steers… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES20,000gns Texel tops record £3m Builth ram saleA 20,000gns Texel shearling led a record £3m-plus trade at the National Sheep Association (NSA) Wales and Border Main Ram Sale at Builth Wells on Monday (21 September). Some 2,857… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLamb trade holds firm despite export market cautionThe prime lamb trade is starting to strengthen, with latest auction returns showing prices holding well despite an increase of lambs now coming forward. “The dry weather conditions experienced in… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Tough decision as tractor purchase loomsWe are in the middle of drilling winter wheat. All being well, we should have the majority finished by early October. The soil is dry, but has been working nicely… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Nant Ffrancon project spells end for farmersI've been thinking about the resilience of the farming community while attending the breeding sheep sales dotted about North Wales. We have endured a really tough time over the past… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Show win softens fifth-cut silage fiascoSeptember is always extremely busy, and this year was no exception. We harvested the maize in three days during the first week of the month, and it was a very… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Just enough forage to see us through winterThe recent good weather here meant we managed to cut some more forage this month. That’s more than we have done so far throughout this year. It is good to… Dairy DAIRYHow herd exceeds 12,000 litres on twice-a-day milkingA simple, consistent system is helping a Cornish dairy to achieve the UK’s highest yield on twice-a-day milking. According to the National Milk Records’ annual production report, cows at Sixty… DAIRYHow spate of returns to service led to Q fever diagnosisStriving for high health status together with efficient production from a block-calving, grazing system hit a snag in 2023 for Dorset dairy farmer Nick Tuke. A portion of cows in… DAIRYWays housed herds can plan for the next heatwaveMitigating heat stress needs to be a key element of a farm’s management strategy for cows housed in summer. But taking inspiration from hot climates and simply investing in an… DAIRYTips to minimise fetch cows in a free-access robot systemDairy farmers who have settled their cows into free-access automated milking need to regularly monitor their list of fetch cows. It’s important to take care that being escorted to milking… LIVESTOCKAdvice on reducing the risk of dry-period mastitisThe first few weeks of lactation are one of the most valuable times to collect mastitis data, yet it’s easy for data recording to slip down the priority list. Mastitis… DAIRYCurious cows produce more milk, NZ study revealsPersonality influences performance: the “curious” cow has been shown in a New Zealand study to produce a higher milk yield and more milk solids. She also spends more time grazing… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTAdvice on building drought resilience into grazing plansGrazing managers are advised to review the lessons learned from this year’s prolonged drought and successive heatwaves, then use them to plan for the same conditions forecast for next year.… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTFive ways to get more from grass on suboptimal soilsWeather patterns have a big influence on farm profitability, not least on holdings with less-than-perfect soils. New challenges have been added to the management of fields with heavy or poorly… DAIRY7 things dairy farms need to grow their businessesGrowth in the dairy sector will be needed to meet future food demand and environmental targets, but planning remains a major “choke” to investment. This was the message from NFU… DAIRYNFU rejects claims that large dairy farms are bad for natureClaims that so-called “mega-dairies” pose a disproportionate risk to nature have been rebuffed by farmer representatives, who say farm size alone is not a reliable indicator of environmental performance. The… BREEDING AND FERTILITYAberdeen-Angus Cattle Society launches Dairy Beef IndexThe Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has launched a breeding tool to help dairy farmers select genetics that will suit the dairy herd while also producing a good beef calf. See also: Why… HOUSING AND HANDLINGDairy roofs: What is best for cows in a changing climate?A clear roof has created pleasant working conditions for staff, a great living environment for cows in winter – and has been keeping cows cool during this summer’s heatwaves. See… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all TRACTORSMore driverless tech for Amos Power's 85hp electric tractorA US digital tech business hopes to emulate European manufacturers such as AgXeed by selling a twin-track driverless tractor for field work. Weighing in at about 3t, the Amos Power… FORAGE WAGONSScania forage truck proves good value for Hants contractorHundreds of German contractors consider field-going haulage trucks the perfect foil for maize-munching foragers. These rough terrain HGVs are yet to gain the same following here, but with an ever-growing… BALERS AND WRAPPERSKrone refreshes Big Pack baler line-up with new modelsThe beefed-up flagship in Krone’s Big Pack square baler line-up is being joined by more “Gen6” models with uprated features and two levels of specification to suit different user needs… TRACTORSZetor moves tractor production from Czech to India and ChinaTractor maker Zetor has finally acknowledged it can no longer manufacture and assemble its products competitively in the city of Brno, its long-standing home in the Czech Republic. Dwindling sales… Most popular this week
