Livestock top stories DAIRYHow integrated data systems could transform livestock farmsTechnology using artificial intelligence has the potential to transform management of livestock farms, but further development to integrate disparate data sources is needed to truly unlock farm-changing insights. Such integrated… LIVESTOCK DISEASESOrf disease: Two ways sheep farmers are tackling the virusOrf is the more common name for contagious pustular dermatitis, and is considered endemic in the UK, and prevalent on most sheep farms. A recent study by the Royal Veterinary… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Two-flock solution to maedi visna under wayThis is my first article of 2026 and so far all we have had is rain. The ground is totally waterlogged, and store lambs are spending more time on the… BEEFHow to save money by meeting beef retail market specFailing to meet UK retail market specifications for beef can cost farmers about 30p/kg for cattle over 30 months of age, and about 10p/kg for those under 270kg or over… SHEEPPractical advice on reducing lamb losses from joint illWashing hands, wearing gloves, and sterilising tubes and taggers are simple steps in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene at lambing. And they could go a long way to protecting flocks… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Dairy upgrade begins despite milk price slumpThe dusting of snow we had at the start of the year didn’t affect us much – we have the sea on three sides within just a couple of miles,… LAMBINGWhy early weaning should be the exception, not the ruleWeaning lambs early may be a useful tool to manage poor ewe body condition, but it should be seen as an exception – not an annual event. It risks setbacks… LIVESTOCKCornish herd claims 2025 NMR RABDF Gold Cup awardHigh genetic merit, business efficiency and strategic management have earned a Cornish farm a top dairy accolade. Paul Broad and Irwin Morrow of TN Morrow and Partners, Treveale Farm, Ladock,… DAIRYEnergy-saving heat pump wins Royal Dairy Innovation AwardAn energy-efficient milk cooling and water heating system has won a top prize for innovation in the dairy industry. Arkaya Energy’s Milk Source Heat Pump scooped the 2026 Royal Dairy… MEDICINESAntimicrobials usage falls again in UK dairy herdsA 4% drop in antimicrobials usage on UK dairy farms means industry reduction targets have been met just months after they were set. Average total antimicrobials usage (AMU) between 2024… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Ewe scan to reveal impact of tough summerThe little pedigree flock has been housed in preparation for lambing. I would have liked to keep them out longer, but weather is worsening so it dictated my decision a… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTLegume project aims to reduce nitrogen fertiliser useA 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… DAIRYFebrudairy campaign urges support for British dairy industryThe 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… BEEFHow grass growth benefits from early beef cattle turnoutBeef 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… Livestock news DAIRYEnergy-saving heat pump wins Royal Dairy Innovation AwardAn energy-efficient milk cooling and water heating system has won a top prize for innovation in the dairy industry. Arkaya Energy’s Milk Source Heat Pump scooped the 2026 Royal Dairy… MEDICINESAntimicrobials usage falls again in UK dairy herdsA 4% drop in antimicrobials usage on UK dairy farms means industry reduction targets have been met just months after they were set. Average total antimicrobials usage (AMU) between 2024… GRASSLAND MANAGEMENTLegume project aims to reduce nitrogen fertiliser useA 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… DAIRYFebrudairy campaign urges support for British dairy industryThe 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… 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 DAIRYHow integrated data systems could transform livestock farmsTechnology using artificial intelligence has the potential to transform management of livestock farms, but further development to integrate disparate data sources is needed to truly unlock farm-changing insights. Such integrated… LIVESTOCK DISEASESOrf disease: Two ways sheep farmers are tackling the virusOrf is the more common name for contagious pustular dermatitis, and is considered endemic in the UK, and prevalent on most sheep farms. A recent study by the Royal Veterinary… BEEFHow to save money by meeting beef retail market specFailing to meet UK retail market specifications for beef can cost farmers about 30p/kg for cattle over 30 months of age, and about 10p/kg for those under 270kg or over… SHEEPPractical advice on reducing lamb losses from joint illWashing hands, wearing gloves, and sterilising tubes and taggers are simple steps in maintaining excellent standards of hygiene at lambing. And they could go a long way to protecting flocks… LAMBINGWhy early weaning should be the exception, not the ruleWeaning lambs early may be a useful tool to manage poor ewe body condition, but it should be seen as an exception – not an annual event. It risks setbacks… BEEFHow grass growth benefits from early beef cattle turnoutBeef 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… LAMBINGHow recording lamb losses led to better flock performanceInspiring 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 FERTILITYHow cattle in-vitro fertilisation breeds more elite femalesThe 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 NUTRITIONAdvice on forage intakes for pregnant ewesWith 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… LIVESTOCKHow farming brothers are preparing for business successionClearly 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 MANAGEMENTHow new slurry store sets up dairy to optimise spreadingInvesting 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… DAIRY8 ways calf clubs are transforming rearing efficiencyWyvern 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 MANAGEMENTAdvice on planning forage stocks for spring-calving herdsTurnout 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… DAIRYHow smart ear tags are improving calf health and saving timeSmart 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… POULTRYHow bokashi is helping a poultry farm's nutrient managementAt 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 MANAGEMENTAdvice on protecting grass reseeds with nurse cropsEpisodes 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… 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 PRICESFalling pig prices leave producers struggling to break evenBritish pig producers are once again grappling with tight margins, as farmgate prices fall while costs remain stubbornly high. The Standard Pig Price (SPP) stood at 190.35p/kg deadweight at the… NEWSUK food labelling reform demanded by NFUSNFU Scotland has called for urgent reform of UK food labelling rules, warning that current regulations are “confusing, inconsistent and unfair” to consumers and domestic producers. The call comes with… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESAberdeen Angus sells for 60,000gns at Stirling Bull SalesFarmers were out in force with a full ringside of pedigree and commercial buyers at Stirling Bull Sales on 1 and 2 February. The trade at the sale was underpinned… MEAT MARKETS AND PRICESMargins tighten for beef finishers as abattoirs cut pricesA 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… BUSINESSEU-Mercosur deal signed amid farmer outcryAfter 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… BUSINESSScotch Beef finds new markets in SwedenQuality 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… Livestock communitySee all FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Two-flock solution to maedi visna under wayThis is my first article of 2026 and so far all we have had is rain. The ground is totally waterlogged, and store lambs are spending more time on the… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Dairy upgrade begins despite milk price slumpThe dusting of snow we had at the start of the year didn’t affect us much – we have the sea on three sides within just a couple of miles,… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Ewe scan to reveal impact of tough summerThe little pedigree flock has been housed in preparation for lambing. I would have liked to keep them out longer, but weather is worsening so it dictated my decision a… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Benchmarking confirms strong sow performanceIt 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… Dairy DAIRYHow integrated data systems could transform livestock farmsTechnology using artificial intelligence has the potential to transform management of livestock farms, but further development to integrate disparate data sources is needed to truly unlock farm-changing insights. Such integrated… LIVESTOCKCornish herd claims 2025 NMR RABDF Gold Cup awardHigh genetic merit, business efficiency and strategic management have earned a Cornish farm a top dairy accolade. Paul Broad and Irwin Morrow of TN Morrow and Partners, Treveale Farm, Ladock,… DAIRYEnergy-saving heat pump wins Royal Dairy Innovation AwardAn energy-efficient milk cooling and water heating system has won a top prize for innovation in the dairy industry. Arkaya Energy’s Milk Source Heat Pump scooped the 2026 Royal Dairy… MEDICINESAntimicrobials usage falls again in UK dairy herdsA 4% drop in antimicrobials usage on UK dairy farms means industry reduction targets have been met just months after they were set. Average total antimicrobials usage (AMU) between 2024… DAIRYFebrudairy campaign urges support for British dairy industryThe 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 FERTILITYHow cattle in-vitro fertilisation breeds more elite femalesThe 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 NUTRITIONWhy poor water management limits dairy herd potentialHow 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 MANAGEMENTHow new slurry store sets up dairy to optimise spreadingInvesting 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… DAIRY8 ways calf clubs are transforming rearing efficiencyWyvern 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 MANAGEMENTAdvice on planning forage stocks for spring-calving herdsTurnout 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… DAIRYHow smart ear tags are improving calf health and saving timeSmart 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… LIVESTOCKAHDB pilots Farm Data Exchange for beef and dairy sectorThe 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… Advertisements Livestock machinerySee all TRAILERSSMS to introduce larger Porto V18 bale transporterCzech agricultural equipment manufacturer SMS is preparing to introduce a larger capacity version of its Porto bale transporter for producers looking to clear fields of silage or straw bales quicker… MOWERSRozmital SD-28L extends plain disc mower range to 2.8mWith a working width of 2.8m covered by a bank of seven oval discs, the new SD-28L rear-mounted mower extends Rozmital’s range to three models, joining the existing 2m and… TRAILERSRichard Western silage trailers get load containment flapsSpeedy hauls from field to silage clamp will often result in a trail of light, fluffy, finely chopped forage lining country lanes after a busy harvesting campaign. But Richard Western… GRASSLAND AND MAIZE EQUIPMENTLamma 2026: Taylor Attachments debuts Fortis compactorThe 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… Most popular this week
