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BEEF

How grass growth benefits from early beef cattle turnout

Beef farmers running low on silage or bedding straw can turn out a small group of yearlings, or other lightweight cattle, in February to graze overwintered grass. Not only will…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Legume project aims to reduce nitrogen fertiliser use

A new industry-led legume project is hoping to eliminate the UK’s dependence on applied nitrogen fertiliser in grassland farming. The Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency of Legumes (NUE-Leg) project aims to reduce…

DAIRY

Februdairy campaign urges support for British dairy industry

The UK dairy industry has launched its annual #Februdairy social media campaign, urging consumers to champion British milk, cheese and dairy products at a time of intense pressure for dairy…

LAMBING

How recording lamb losses led to better flock performance

Inspiring farmers to record lamb survival rates and benchmark performance was the aim of the game when Synergy Farm Health first launched its lamb survival survey. Now in its eleventh…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Benchmarking confirms strong sow performance

It feels as though 2026 is already flying by and we are still playing catch-up after a bit of time off over Christmas. One thing we were really hoping to…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Three cattle dead after hare-coursing havoc

Salisbury Plain’s unique landscape, with its wide-open chalk grassland stretching on for miles, is frequently used by members of the public. However, not all of the visitors are welcome –…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Heifer weights on track in run-up to calving

With January just about gone, we are on the verge of getting busy with calving once again. It was with great relief that we passed our annual bovine TB test…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Why poor water management limits dairy herd potential

How much water can a lactating dairy cow drink if she has access to ad-lib, fresh, clean and palatable water? The answer is unknown on many dairy farms, because of…

SHEEP

Moorland grazed sheep produce fewer emissions study finds

Sheep grazing on moorland in the Yorkshire Dales emit lower levels of both methane and carbon dioxide than those grazing improved grassland lower down in the valley, according to a…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Advice on forage intakes for pregnant ewes

With lambing time approaching for many, we have started to see a few cases of twin lamb disease in early lambers. This has prompted a more in-depth review of nutrition…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Sow rations up to counter cold and wind chill

Well, it didn’t take 2026 long to remind us what winter can feel like, after what had been a pleasant, mild end to last year. When the temperatures drop below…

LIVESTOCK

How farming brothers are preparing for business succession

Clearly defined goals, and a roadmap for achieving them, are essential ingredients for a farming business to transition successfully to the next generation. Northumberland farming brothers Duncan and Angus Nelless…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Dairy business course focuses on cost control

Santa surpassed himself this year and managed to get a Scalextric track down the chimney. Apparently, it was for the boys, but I had a great time reliving my youth.…

Livestock news

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Legume project aims to reduce nitrogen fertiliser use

A new industry-led legume project is hoping to eliminate the UK’s dependence on applied nitrogen fertiliser in grassland farming. The Nitrogen Utilisation Efficiency of Legumes (NUE-Leg) project aims to reduce…

DAIRY

Februdairy campaign urges support for British dairy industry

The UK dairy industry has launched its annual #Februdairy social media campaign, urging consumers to champion British milk, cheese and dairy products at a time of intense pressure for dairy…

SHEEP

Moorland grazed sheep produce fewer emissions study finds

Sheep grazing on moorland in the Yorkshire Dales emit lower levels of both methane and carbon dioxide than those grazing improved grassland lower down in the valley, according to a…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Defra puts use of processed animal protein in feed on hold

Defra has agreed to allow the inclusion of processed animal protein (meat and bonemeal) in pig and poultry rations – but is delaying implementation until it has signed a new…

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BEEF

How grass growth benefits from early beef cattle turnout

Beef farmers running low on silage or bedding straw can turn out a small group of yearlings, or other lightweight cattle, in February to graze overwintered grass. Not only will…

LAMBING

How recording lamb losses led to better flock performance

Inspiring farmers to record lamb survival rates and benchmark performance was the aim of the game when Synergy Farm Health first launched its lamb survival survey. Now in its eleventh…

BREEDING AND FERTILITY

How cattle in-vitro fertilisation breeds more elite females

The use of in-vitro fertilisation in cattle breeding is growing globally, driven by advances in genomics and an increasing desire among farmers to breed more intensively from their best animals.…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Advice on forage intakes for pregnant ewes

With lambing time approaching for many, we have started to see a few cases of twin lamb disease in early lambers. This has prompted a more in-depth review of nutrition…

LIVESTOCK

How farming brothers are preparing for business succession

Clearly defined goals, and a roadmap for achieving them, are essential ingredients for a farming business to transition successfully to the next generation. Northumberland farming brothers Duncan and Angus Nelless…

SLURRY AND MANURE MANAGEMENT

How new slurry store sets up dairy to optimise spreading

Investing in six months of covered slurry storage, an integral stirrer and a separator has future-proofed an 850-cow dairy herd’s ability to produce milk and comply with environmental standards. The…

DAIRY

8 ways calf clubs are transforming rearing efficiency

Wyvern Farm Vets’ Proactive Farmer Programme has shown what many farmers already suspected: when calf rearers, vets and vet techs work together consistently, calf performance improves dramatically. Over the past…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Advice on planning forage stocks for spring-calving herds

Turnout dates for spring-calving herds should not be dictated by a silage shortage. Businesses must plan to have enough forage of milking-cow quality on hand to supplement poor grazing conditions…

DAIRY

How smart ear tags are improving calf health and saving time

Smart ear tags are saving a Kelso dairy about two hours a day manually checking every calf. The technology is allowing the team at KSH Farms to focus on the…

POULTRY

How bokashi is helping a poultry farm's nutrient management

At Woodend Farm on the Scottish Borders, manure produced by the farm’s 32,000 free-range hens is mixed with woodchip, chopped straw and an inoculant rich in microbes. By sealing this…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Advice on protecting grass reseeds with nurse crops

Episodes of extreme weather are adding new and recurring challenges to reseeding. In response, some farmers are opting to establish fast-growing temporary crops with grass to protect and support the…

DAIRY

Advice on dairy biosecurity to minimise endemic disease risk

Assessing risk, asking the right questions and designing an ongoing, farm-specific management strategy are the foundations of good biosecurity when buying in stock. According to vets, buying in animals remains…

FOOT HEALTH

Pros and cons of lameness data analysis for cattle mobility

Hoof health data from mobility scoring and trimming records can be a powerful tool for identifying lameness patterns and guiding management decisions on dairy farms. But how can the practical…

SHEEP

How feeding clover silage cut costs in run-up to lambing

High-quality red and white clover silages have allowed a Powys sheep farm to shave nearly £2 a head from the purchased feed bill of twin-bearing ewes. Concentrate feed was one…

BEEF

How to make sure suckler cows produce top-quality colostrum

Ensuring suckler cows have at least 14% crude protein in their diet before calving will help antibody production and improve colostrum quality. But the drought in 2025 means that forage…

SHEEP

Young couple transform livestock farm with focus on costs

Streamlining operations, a tighter grip on costs and a proper renumeration package are among key changes a young Northumberland farming couple has made since completing a profit-focused business course. Rich…

Lambing advice

Meat markets and prices

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MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Margins tighten for beef finishers as abattoirs cut prices

A number of major meat processors have cut base prices for beef cattle in the past week, as more animals come forward. Finished beef prices have been well supported throughout…

BUSINESS

EU-Mercosur deal signed amid farmer outcry

After more than two decades of negotiations, the EU has formally signed a trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, creating one of the world’s…

BUSINESS

Scotch Beef finds new markets in Sweden

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is preparing for a landmark moment in international foodservice with the launch of its Scotch Beef Club in Sweden later this month, marking the initiative’s first…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Tight supplies keep lamb trade above £7/kg

A shortage of lambs coming forward at livestock markets and abattoirs has helped the trade get off to a strong start in 2026. The GB deadweight SQQ lifted to 721p/kg…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2026: Consolidation poses threats to pork sector

Are integrated supply chains good for the industry? And who actually controls the UK’s pig supply chain? As we look towards a further year of uncertain financial stability in the…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2026: Sheep market strong but expansion unlikely

For the second year in a row, we have seen the UK breeding flock decrease, with Defra’s December 2024 survey reporting a 5% fall to 13.1 million ewes. That is…

Livestock community

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FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Benchmarking confirms strong sow performance

It feels as though 2026 is already flying by and we are still playing catch-up after a bit of time off over Christmas. One thing we were really hoping to…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Three cattle dead after hare-coursing havoc

Salisbury Plain’s unique landscape, with its wide-open chalk grassland stretching on for miles, is frequently used by members of the public. However, not all of the visitors are welcome –…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Heifer weights on track in run-up to calving

With January just about gone, we are on the verge of getting busy with calving once again. It was with great relief that we passed our annual bovine TB test…

FARMER FOCUS

Farmer Focus: Sow rations up to counter cold and wind chill

Well, it didn’t take 2026 long to remind us what winter can feel like, after what had been a pleasant, mild end to last year. When the temperatures drop below…

Dairy

DAIRY

Februdairy campaign urges support for British dairy industry

The UK dairy industry has launched its annual #Februdairy social media campaign, urging consumers to champion British milk, cheese and dairy products at a time of intense pressure for dairy…

BREEDING AND FERTILITY

How cattle in-vitro fertilisation breeds more elite females

The use of in-vitro fertilisation in cattle breeding is growing globally, driven by advances in genomics and an increasing desire among farmers to breed more intensively from their best animals.…

FEED AND NUTRITION

Why poor water management limits dairy herd potential

How much water can a lactating dairy cow drink if she has access to ad-lib, fresh, clean and palatable water? The answer is unknown on many dairy farms, because of…

SLURRY AND MANURE MANAGEMENT

How new slurry store sets up dairy to optimise spreading

Investing in six months of covered slurry storage, an integral stirrer and a separator has future-proofed an 850-cow dairy herd’s ability to produce milk and comply with environmental standards. The…

DAIRY

8 ways calf clubs are transforming rearing efficiency

Wyvern Farm Vets’ Proactive Farmer Programme has shown what many farmers already suspected: when calf rearers, vets and vet techs work together consistently, calf performance improves dramatically. Over the past…

GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT

Advice on planning forage stocks for spring-calving herds

Turnout dates for spring-calving herds should not be dictated by a silage shortage. Businesses must plan to have enough forage of milking-cow quality on hand to supplement poor grazing conditions…

DAIRY

How smart ear tags are improving calf health and saving time

Smart ear tags are saving a Kelso dairy about two hours a day manually checking every calf. The technology is allowing the team at KSH Farms to focus on the…

LIVESTOCK

AHDB pilots Farm Data Exchange for beef and dairy sector

The AHDB has launched a proof of concept pilot with farm businesses to explore opportunities for data sharing and address challenges around data ownership. The Farm Data Exchange, previously branded…

DAIRY

5 new products to improve dairy efficiency

Rising costs, tighter environmental rules and ongoing pressure on margins are driving manufacturers to focus increasingly on technologies that help producers work smarter. That may be through improving cow health,…

ASSESSING PERFORMANCE

How even tiny losses in body condition impact dairy fertility

Small changes in body condition score – invisible to the human eye – can have a detrimental impact on fertility in the next lactation, a commercial study has shown. See…

DAIRY

Advice on dairy biosecurity to minimise endemic disease risk

Assessing risk, asking the right questions and designing an ongoing, farm-specific management strategy are the foundations of good biosecurity when buying in stock. According to vets, buying in animals remains…

FOOT HEALTH

Pros and cons of lameness data analysis for cattle mobility

Hoof health data from mobility scoring and trimming records can be a powerful tool for identifying lameness patterns and guiding management decisions on dairy farms. But how can the practical…

Livestock machinery

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GRASSLAND AND MAIZE EQUIPMENT

Lamma 2026: Taylor Attachments debuts Fortis compactor

The chunky rings of Taylor Attachments’ new 3m and 3.5m Fortis silage compactors should help penetrate air pockets below the clamp surface. They are 1.26m in diameter, so protrude well…

MOWERS

Lamma 2026: KRM unveils 8.5m Sprinter topper

A new flail mower from KRM promises to make light work of pasture topping and field margin maintenance. The Sprinter 8500P comprises a brace of 3m rear flail heads to…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2026: Kubota brings big SVL 75-3 skid-steer to the UK

National plans to increase solar capacity was a major motivator behind Kubota’s decision to bring its SVL 75-3 skid-steer handler to the UK. Its 1.7m width allows contractors to slink…

TELEHANDLERS

Lamma 2026: Compact JCB 526-60 gets swankier cab

JCB has lavished its compact Loadall telehandlers with some attention, fitting higher-spec cabs, improved brakes and twin-line trailer braking. The 526-60 is the smaller of the two models, benefiting from…

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