Livestock Farmer Focus FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Housing with 2025 spring grass in mindI got so excited last month writing my first column that I forgot to congratulate fellow Welsh representatives at the Farmers Weekly Awards who came out on top. My apologies… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: The government has given us a tax kickingTime has flown since my last article, and I want to say a massive thanks to everyone who took the time to send messages in support of what I said… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Herd depopulation raises bird questionIt’s been difficult to think about much else than preparations for our herd’s depopulation, clean down, and repopulation, all in a controlled effort to rid us of swine dysentery. A… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Maize safely in after dodging scrap metalEarly November saw the last of the land work finished, with the last 5ha (12 acres) of wheat drilled on 3 November. The rest of the maize came off early… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: You can tell which calves have lost nose flapsWeaning is under way. More than half of our calf crop is already done. It is always a satisfying job, getting the calves through the yards and over the scales.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Garden centre makes me consider profit againAt school, I was always told: "If you don't know, ask.” I have been to a few meetings recently, and I’m astonished how few questions there are. People must know… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Come home safe everyoneIn recent months, several of our friends have been injured in farming accidents. Some of their injuries were extensive and required surgical intervention, and they had to spend a period… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Calving time brings labour challengesAn exceptionally busy calving draws to a close. There’s a feeling of anticipation of some quieter days before breeding season. We have faced challenges with the excessively wet weather, a… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Poor summer affects both calves and barleyWeather conditions have continued to frustrate us. Even on our lighter, free-draining soils, the drilling work has halted. At time of writing, I hope the heavy winds that are forecast… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Teaser used in outdoor and indoor flocksOur Charollais, Abermax and Aberblack tups are in with our indoor lambing flock and boy, have they been busy! Half the 220-ewe flock was covered over the first two days.… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Rain interrupts work after ploughing matchWe were pleased to host our local ploughing match at Spains Hall on 21 September, which was a very well organised and attended event. The last time it was at… FARMER FOCUSFarmer Focus: Jury's out on maize after yield dropThe weather has been relatively kind and allowed us to get on with the considerable list of jobs left to do. Autumn has become our busiest time, and knowing the… More articles
