Livestock top stories SHEEPAdvice on reducing sheep rejections at abattoirLamb producers should study their kill sheets to see where they may be losing out and how they can reduce future risk, so they maximise financial returns. Whether it is… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Late calvers go to reduce stocking rateWith September upon us and summer drawing to a close, what does your grass situation look like? Are you still feeding silage reserves? Ask any farmer in Northern Ireland and… NEWSVets raise concerns over new bluetongue reporting systemVets have warned that changes to bluetongue case reporting could have unintended consequences for disease surveillance. Changes introduced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) on Friday (11 September)… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Mixed Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s mixed farmer of the year finalists show a strong sense of business resilience and are producing exceptional beef cattle from contrasting systems. See also: FW Awards: Meet the… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Morale and winter forage up after rainIt finally rained, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. We had been holding off drilling the forage crop as the forecast was looking very hit and miss.… BEEFAdvice on suckler cow checks after summer stressesSpring-calving suckler herds are advised to bring pregnancy checks forward this year and condition score cows at the same time. After the challenges of heatwaves, drought, poor grass growth and… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Bluetongue confusion ahead of ram saleAs I write my penultimate article, I am watching a beautiful shower of rain: not too heavy, just enough to soak in. I hope it’s not my imagination, but I… LIVESTOCKGrass mixes for outdoor pigs: what are the options?Improved soil health, lower risk of run-off and a less dusty environment are among the benefits of running outdoor pigs on grass, rather than bare soil. Grazing keeps pigs occupied,… BOVINE TBScientists seek proof badger vaccine cuts cattle TBScientists have called for stronger evidence that badger vaccination is reducing bovine TB in Welsh cattle, amid gaps in measuring the programme’s impact. A new British Ecological Society (BES) Welsh… LIVESTOCKAdvice on pasteurisation of colostrum to improve calf healthAntibody-rich colostrum strengthens a neonatal calf’s immune system, reducing the animal’s future risk of contracting a microbial infection. But when that feed is contaminated with bacteria, absorption of those immunoglobulins… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Herd fertility takes hit in summer heatI am reluctant to say how well harvest has gone for fear of upsetting those who have struggled. But there have been plenty of bad weather years farming in Cumbria,… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Sheep Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists run diverse systems, but all recognise the value of good grassland management and healthy stock. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2026 Poultry Farmer of the Year… BOVINE TBNorthern Ireland bovine TB wildlife consultation extendedA public consultation on potential wildlife interventions to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland has been extended by two weeks. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera)… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTHow simple system keeps calf losses at 1% for block calverKeeping calf mortality low while calving 650 cows in a 10-week block is no small feat. At Norwood Place Farm in Surrey, a simple feeding system, tight hygiene protocols and… Livestock news NEWSVets raise concerns over new bluetongue reporting systemVets have warned that changes to bluetongue case reporting could have unintended consequences for disease surveillance. Changes introduced by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (Apha) on Friday (11 September)… BOVINE TBNorthern Ireland bovine TB wildlife consultation extendedA public consultation on potential wildlife interventions to tackle bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Northern Ireland has been extended by two weeks. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera)… 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… 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 SHEEPAdvice on reducing sheep rejections at abattoirLamb producers should study their kill sheets to see where they may be losing out and how they can reduce future risk, so they maximise financial returns. Whether it is… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Mixed Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s mixed farmer of the year finalists show a strong sense of business resilience and are producing exceptional beef cattle from contrasting systems. See also: FW Awards: Meet the… BEEFAdvice on suckler cow checks after summer stressesSpring-calving suckler herds are advised to bring pregnancy checks forward this year and condition score cows at the same time. After the challenges of heatwaves, drought, poor grass growth and… LIVESTOCKGrass mixes for outdoor pigs: what are the options?Improved soil health, lower risk of run-off and a less dusty environment are among the benefits of running outdoor pigs on grass, rather than bare soil. Grazing keeps pigs occupied,… LIVESTOCKAdvice on pasteurisation of colostrum to improve calf healthAntibody-rich colostrum strengthens a neonatal calf’s immune system, reducing the animal’s future risk of contracting a microbial infection. But when that feed is contaminated with bacteria, absorption of those immunoglobulins… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: Meet the 2026 Sheep Farmer of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists run diverse systems, but all recognise the value of good grassland management and healthy stock. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2026 Poultry Farmer of the Year… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTHow simple system keeps calf losses at 1% for block calverKeeping calf mortality low while calving 650 cows in a 10-week block is no small feat. At Norwood Place Farm in Surrey, a simple feeding system, tight hygiene protocols and… LIVESTOCKAdvice on keeping track of dairy heifer rearing costsKeeping calf and heifer rearing costs on a separate spreadsheet can highlight areas to cut waste and improve efficiency, while also monitoring to see if growth targets are being met.… LIVESTOCKHeat-detection tags for beef herds: do they work?Heat-detection technology in combination with artificial insemination is helping fast-track genetic improvement in a Pembrokeshire suckler herd by unlocking access to top-ranking bulls. Mark and Catherine Davies and their daughters… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on how much milk to feed to grow resilient heifersCalves on automatic machines can drink up to15 litres a day (when given the choice) in as few as seven and as many as 13 visits to the feeding station.… LIVESTOCKAdvice for preventing TB in Scotland when buying cattleBovine TB cases in Scotland are increasing, with 31 new herd breakdowns recorded in the year to March 2026. Although herd prevalence remains low, at just 0.1%, and Scotland has… LIVESTOCKFW Awards: The 2026 Livestock Adviser of the Year finalistsThis year’s finalists focus on better dairy cow nutrition and heifer care and encouraging new pig farmers. See also: FW Awards: Meet the 2026 Dairy Farmer of the Year finalists… 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.… 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 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… 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.… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Late calvers go to reduce stocking rateWith September upon us and summer drawing to a close, what does your grass situation look like? Are you still feeding silage reserves? Ask any farmer in Northern Ireland and… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Morale and winter forage up after rainIt finally rained, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. We had been holding off drilling the forage crop as the forecast was looking very hit and miss.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Bluetongue confusion ahead of ram saleAs I write my penultimate article, I am watching a beautiful shower of rain: not too heavy, just enough to soak in. I hope it’s not my imagination, but I… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Herd fertility takes hit in summer heatI am reluctant to say how well harvest has gone for fear of upsetting those who have struggled. But there have been plenty of bad weather years farming in Cumbria,… Dairy LIVESTOCKAdvice on pasteurisation of colostrum to improve calf healthAntibody-rich colostrum strengthens a neonatal calf’s immune system, reducing the animal’s future risk of contracting a microbial infection. But when that feed is contaminated with bacteria, absorption of those immunoglobulins… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTHow simple system keeps calf losses at 1% for block calverKeeping calf mortality low while calving 650 cows in a 10-week block is no small feat. At Norwood Place Farm in Surrey, a simple feeding system, tight hygiene protocols and… LIVESTOCKAdvice on keeping track of dairy heifer rearing costsKeeping calf and heifer rearing costs on a separate spreadsheet can highlight areas to cut waste and improve efficiency, while also monitoring to see if growth targets are being met.… DAIRYM&S rolls out AI cattle monitoring across milk poolDairy farmers supplying M&S are to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor cow mobility and body condition as part of a rollout across its entire milk pool. Computer vision… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTAdvice on how much milk to feed to grow resilient heifersCalves on automatic machines can drink up to15 litres a day (when given the choice) in as few as seven and as many as 13 visits to the feeding station.… LIVESTOCKAdvice for preventing TB in Scotland when buying cattleBovine TB cases in Scotland are increasing, with 31 new herd breakdowns recorded in the year to March 2026. Although herd prevalence remains low, at just 0.1%, and Scotland has… 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… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all RAKES AND MERGERSPottinger’s mounted rake trails in corners for neater swathsFor neatly laid swaths that a baler, forage harvester or silage wagon can easily follow through corners, Pottinger’s latest tractor-mounted rake behaves like a trailed unit. The two-rotor Top V… BALERS AND WRAPPERSHarvest Assist app records bale weight, moisture and locationBaling contractors and operators keen to learn more about the efficiency of their operations can gather a whole load of potentially useful data by using the latest version of Pottinger’s… FORAGE WAGONSStrautmann adds smaller models to Magnon forage wagon rangeProfessional spec, smaller sizes; that sums up the latest additions to Strautmann’s Magnon self-loading forage wagon range, which are half a metre shorter and 4cu m less capacious than their… 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.… Most popular this week
