Livestock top stories DAIRY10 ways to help shield dairy herds from sharp price shocksRising fuel, fertiliser and feed prices caused by the Middle East conflict could add an extra 2.1p/litre to costs, bringing the breakeven cost of milk production to 40-41p/litre. This has… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Calving success measured over staff breakfastCalving’s finished and we’re back to having one group of cows, as to opposed to dry, calving pen, colostrum and milkers. Cow condition is good and they are definitely pumping… HOUSING AND HANDLINGHow cattle handling upgrade improved safety and work rateInvesting in a new cattle handling system has not just made life safer for beef farmer David Drinkwater – work is easier too. For “the price of a front axle… LIVESTOCKHow farmers are turning 1 litre of milk into £18+ of profitWith farmgate milk prices volatile and margins under constant pressure, an increasing number of dairy farmers are discovering that the most profitable thing they can do with their milk isn’t… LIVESTOCK DISEASESSheep scab scheme cuts disease across 2,000 Welsh farmsA Welsh government-backed programme has made significant progress in reducing sheep scab, having helped more than 2,000 farmers manage one of the sector’s most costly diseases. The Gwaredu Scab initiative,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Zero grazing beckons after slurry applicationsWell, I got the pickup back, which is just as well, as I don’t think I could afford to run the V6 courtesy one for any longer. Who’d have thought… PIGSWhy outdoor pig breeder plans expansion into rearingPutting plans into action for a new pig rearing enterprise is top of Norfolk pig farmer Mike Durrant’s to-do list this year. Instead of selling all weaners from his 1,700… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Pig tent moves perfected with telehandlerThe last of the store pigs from our outdoor unit left in the early part of the week with a much higher-than-expected average weight of nearly 50kg. This was pleasing… LIVESTOCKPoultry housing order to be lifted in England and WalesFree-range poultry producers are being urged to start preparing now for their birds’ impending return to the big outdoors, with Defra signalling an end to the mandatory housing order in… BREEDING AND FERTILITYBenefits of annual testing for bull and ram fertilityIn 2025, 28% of bulls tested at Friars Moor Livestock Health failed their bull breeding soundness examination. By identifying and removing this cohort of subfertile bulls, ahead of them being… DAIRYSpring calving index pivots towards grazing-based systemsPlanned revisions to the spring calving index are expected to change the type of animal dominating the male and female rankings. From April, producers running grazing-based, spring-calving dairy herds will… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Can I hold out for bulkier first-cut silage?Well, haven’t things changed in five weeks? Trump decides to bomb Iran and act like a petulant child when no one wants to join him. Aside from that, it will… HEALTH AND WELFAREAuctioneer dismay at Holyrood's approach to bluetonguePlans to reintroduce movement restrictions on livestock to Scotland this summer have prompted concern among auctioneers, who warn the measures could disrupt trade during a key period for the sector.… ASSESSING PERFORMANCEMilk production and herd health gains rise, finds NMR reportDairy farmers are making significant gains in milk yield and fertility, while mastitis levels continue to fall, indicating higher production efficiency and a healthier national herd. The latest National Milk… Livestock news LIVESTOCK DISEASESSheep scab scheme cuts disease across 2,000 Welsh farmsA Welsh government-backed programme has made significant progress in reducing sheep scab, having helped more than 2,000 farmers manage one of the sector’s most costly diseases. The Gwaredu Scab initiative,… HEALTH AND WELFAREAuctioneer dismay at Holyrood's approach to bluetonguePlans to reintroduce movement restrictions on livestock to Scotland this summer have prompted concern among auctioneers, who warn the measures could disrupt trade during a key period for the sector.… PIGSBanning CO2 pig stunning will place high cost on industryNew analysis by the AHDB has highlighted the significant extra costs and disruption that could result from a ban on the use of carbon dioxide in pig abattoirs. Currently 90%… LIVESTOCK MARKETINGDiverse cattle tracing systems could undermine disease controlMeat industry representatives have warned that the development of separate livestock movement recording systems in England, Scotland and Wales could undermine the effectiveness of a previously unified traceability system. But… 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 DAIRY10 ways to help shield dairy herds from sharp price shocksRising fuel, fertiliser and feed prices caused by the Middle East conflict could add an extra 2.1p/litre to costs, bringing the breakeven cost of milk production to 40-41p/litre. This has… HOUSING AND HANDLINGHow cattle handling upgrade improved safety and work rateInvesting in a new cattle handling system has not just made life safer for beef farmer David Drinkwater – work is easier too. For “the price of a front axle… PIGSWhy outdoor pig breeder plans expansion into rearingPutting plans into action for a new pig rearing enterprise is top of Norfolk pig farmer Mike Durrant’s to-do list this year. Instead of selling all weaners from his 1,700… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTFeeding calves colostrum: Focus on quality over quantityThe industry must develop a new blueprint for colostrum and transition milk feeding that aligns vets and nutritionists to give calf rearers clarity on early-life nutrition. The industry standard has… BREEDING AND FERTILITYBenefits of annual testing for bull and ram fertilityIn 2025, 28% of bulls tested at Friars Moor Livestock Health failed their bull breeding soundness examination. By identifying and removing this cohort of subfertile bulls, ahead of them being… SHEEPMore lambs hit carcass spec for information exchange groupSharing ideas, problems and solutions for 15 years has helped a group of Welsh lamb producers improve performance across their sheep systems. The farmers are all members of a Farming… FEED AND NUTRITIONWholecrop barley silage solves key challenges on dairy farmCases of milk fever in the 400 high-yielding pedigree Holsteins at Poyerston Farm numbered just two in the last calving period. Roger Lewis, who runs the autumn-calving herd in partnership… HOUSING AND HANDLINGAdvice on harvesting rainwater to build farm resilienceWet days are not just a reminder of broken gutters and downpipes in need of repair. They are an ideal time to look at the potential for recycling rainwater. Calculating… LIVESTOCKHow drying poultry manure can deliver for the bottom lineChicken manure does not always receive the best press – blamed to varying degrees for water pollution, obnoxious smells and general unpleasantness. But for north-east egg producer and regenerative arable… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTBenefits of smart ear tag calf data for targeted treatmentSmart ear tags for calves can pick up signs of pneumonia at least 24 hours before they are obvious to humans. But the advantage of this earlier disease detection will… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTHow to ensure calves absorb vital antibodies from colostrumCalves with poor immunity have a lower chance of reaching first insemination and reduced conception rates, resulting in delayed age at first calving. This finding was from a recent study… POULTRY4 year-round biosecurity focus areas to combat bird flu riskPoultry farmers can enhance year-round biosecurity to prevent avian influenza by focusing on vermin control, water management and human activity. Wild waterfowl such as geese, swans and ducks, are the… DAIRYTips on getting the most from benchmarking to drive profitBenchmarking is good for business, but only if you are honest with the figures. The exercise becomes meaningless if the numbers are incorrect, says Cheshire-based consultant Gaynor Wellwood. Results are… LAYERSWhy egg producer includes humic acid in layer rationsThe latest cycle of hens at Glanalders in Radnorshire produced 14 eggs a bird more than the breed average, worth an additional revenue of £37,300 across the flock of Burford… DAIRYHow milk source heat pumps have slashed dairy’s energy billsInstalling three milk source heat pumps is saving a Somerset cheesemaker more than £70,000 a year on electricity bills. Investment by Barber’s, Maryland Farm, Ditcheat, in this new technology is… DAIRYHow difficult succession talks led to dairy expansionDespite being a partner in the business at the age of 18 and driving many key decisions, John Cartledge found his ambition had outgrown the acreage at his family’s dairy… Lambing advice How to identify and treat five sheep 'iceberg diseases' Step-by-step guide to dealing with vaginal prolapse in sheep 5 tips for successfully feeding newborn lambs How to recognise and manage ringwomb in livestock in labour 5 top tips to prevent watery mouth in lambs Expert advice on assessing and managing lambing difficulties Guide to preventing enzootic abortion in ewes Video: How to successfully wet-adopt a lamb Meat markets and pricesSee all MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESThame farmers' market given go-ahead to relocate and expandPlanning permission has been granted for Thame Farmers Auction Mart to relocate to a new site on the edge of Thame in Oxfordshire. The livestock market is currently based in… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESStrong Easter demand for lamb while retailers slash pricesDemand for red meat is expected to increase over the Easter weekend with more than half (54%) of households planning a roast dinner, according to consumer research by Pilgrim’s Europe.… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLivestock throughput rises as market turnover tops £3bnHigher livestock prices and increased throughput across almost all categories has enabled live auction marts to achieve record sales of just over £3bn in 2025. This represents a 22% increase… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESLamb trade breaks £8/kg barrier driven by strong demandFinished hoggs lifted to £8/kg deadweight at UK abattoirs in March, putting prices 60p/kg up from year-earlier levels. Strong seasonal demand throughout Ramadan and in the build-up to Easter has… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESUK finished pig prices fall to three-year lowFinished pig prices have fallen by 13p/kg since the start of the year, reaching their lowest levels since the industry backlogs of 2022. The Standard Pig Price stood at 184.6p/kg… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESGlobal demand for meat set to grow as production risesGlobal meat consumption is expected to increase over the next five years, with demand for red meat and poultry projected to climb. Dr Phil Hadley, secretary general of the International… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Calving success measured over staff breakfastCalving’s finished and we’re back to having one group of cows, as to opposed to dry, calving pen, colostrum and milkers. Cow condition is good and they are definitely pumping… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Zero grazing beckons after slurry applicationsWell, I got the pickup back, which is just as well, as I don’t think I could afford to run the V6 courtesy one for any longer. Who’d have thought… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Pig tent moves perfected with telehandlerThe last of the store pigs from our outdoor unit left in the early part of the week with a much higher-than-expected average weight of nearly 50kg. This was pleasing… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Can I hold out for bulkier first-cut silage?Well, haven’t things changed in five weeks? Trump decides to bomb Iran and act like a petulant child when no one wants to join him. Aside from that, it will… Dairy DAIRY10 ways to help shield dairy herds from sharp price shocksRising fuel, fertiliser and feed prices caused by the Middle East conflict could add an extra 2.1p/litre to costs, bringing the breakeven cost of milk production to 40-41p/litre. This has… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTFeeding calves colostrum: Focus on quality over quantityThe industry must develop a new blueprint for colostrum and transition milk feeding that aligns vets and nutritionists to give calf rearers clarity on early-life nutrition. The industry standard has… DAIRYSpring calving index pivots towards grazing-based systemsPlanned revisions to the spring calving index are expected to change the type of animal dominating the male and female rankings. From April, producers running grazing-based, spring-calving dairy herds will… ASSESSING PERFORMANCEMilk production and herd health gains rise, finds NMR reportDairy farmers are making significant gains in milk yield and fertility, while mastitis levels continue to fall, indicating higher production efficiency and a healthier national herd. The latest National Milk… FEED AND NUTRITIONWholecrop barley silage solves key challenges on dairy farmCases of milk fever in the 400 high-yielding pedigree Holsteins at Poyerston Farm numbered just two in the last calving period. Roger Lewis, who runs the autumn-calving herd in partnership… HOUSING AND HANDLINGAdvice on harvesting rainwater to build farm resilienceWet days are not just a reminder of broken gutters and downpipes in need of repair. They are an ideal time to look at the potential for recycling rainwater. Calculating… DAIRYAre transition cows getting enough metabolisable protein?Dairy producers could be limiting early lactation performance by underfeeding metabolisable protein, as well as the amino acids methionine and lysine, to transition cows. Prof Jim Drackley of the University… YOUNGSTOCK MANAGEMENTBenefits of smart ear tag calf data for targeted treatmentSmart ear tags for calves can pick up signs of pneumonia at least 24 hours before they are obvious to humans. But the advantage of this earlier disease detection will… DAIRYTips on getting the most from benchmarking to drive profitBenchmarking is good for business, but only if you are honest with the figures. The exercise becomes meaningless if the numbers are incorrect, says Cheshire-based consultant Gaynor Wellwood. Results are… DAIRYHow milk source heat pumps have slashed dairy’s energy billsInstalling three milk source heat pumps is saving a Somerset cheesemaker more than £70,000 a year on electricity bills. Investment by Barber’s, Maryland Farm, Ditcheat, in this new technology is… DAIRYHow difficult succession talks led to dairy expansionDespite being a partner in the business at the age of 18 and driving many key decisions, John Cartledge found his ambition had outgrown the acreage at his family’s dairy… DAIRYAdvice on balancing fibre and concentrates in dairy dietsDairy farmers who capitalise on a positive milk-to-feed-price ratio by upping concentrates in herd diets risk triggering acidosis and other metabolic issues if they fail to consider fibre. Although milk… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all MOWERSClaas Disco 1100 plain disc mower gets crop swathing augersBuyers of Claas’s big Disco 1100 plain butterfly disc mowers can now spec a Direct Swather system on the back. It comprises a pair of augers that grab crop straight… GRASSLAND AND MAIZE EQUIPMENTTwo-in-one Visqueen silage cover speeds up clamp sheetingVisqueen has developed a twin-layer sheet that halves the time it takes to properly seal a silage pit. The first part of the Synergy combination is the firm’s Clingseal vacuum… LOADING SHOVELSDriver’s view: The good and bad of JCB’s 435S loading shovelJCB’s self-proclaimed “king of the clamp” underwent some subtle surgery last winter, giving it more power, more torque and a nifty new lever-steer system. An early example of this latest… MOWERSRT Sales’ stabilising frame reduces mower strain on tractorsMowing tractors could be in for an easier life, thanks to a nifty stabilising frame developed by RT Sales that promises to reduce the strain on cross-shafts and linkages. The… Most popular this week
