There is a well known saying, 'no pain, no gain' and that will be ringing true in the minds of Milk Link’s 1,600 producers, who are on the brink of reaping just reward for 12 years of loyalty and investment.Farmers Guardian
Joanne Pugh Editorial
I am the livestock editor at Farmers Guardian, which means I cover all the latest advice on health, fertility and nutrition for all ruminants. My life with FG began in 2003 when I was embarked on a six-week work’s experience placement and never left! I have spent time writing news and features before finding my niche is 2006, taking on my current role and embracing lots of technical livestock information. I grew up on a mixed farm near Ludlow and return to Shropshire most weekends to continue my involvement with the local YFC. In fact, between that and travelling all over the country for FG, I spend more time in my car than in my house – and my car boot certainly contains more clothes than my wardrobe does!
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NIR protein analysis accuracy concerns
August 12, 2011
A STUDY in Wales has highlighted concerns about the accuracy of protein values from certain methods of silage analysis.
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Wall planner to help with flock health management
5 August 2011
Visual approach to flock health planning.
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RWS 2011: Limousin heifer takes beef title
18 July 2011
LIMOUSIN heifer Ironstone Dumandy, from Smiths of Bloxham, was descried as ‘almost perfect’ by judge Jim Bloom as she was tapped out in the Beef Interbreed at the Royal Welsh Show.
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Toxovax shortage set to continue
8 July 2011
ISSUES with the availability of Toxovax will continue to the end of this year, following a ‘freak’ accident when a portion of supply being shipped to the UK was damaged.
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End for the herringbone?
July 8, 2011
THE herringbone parlour is unlikely to be the most popular way to milk cows in the future, according to a survey looking at the future plans of more than 2,600 dairy farmers across Europe.
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Mergers can be a positive force
July 8, 2011
IN contrast to a UK fear of processing capacity shrinking too much, the president of EDF said the ‘increasing number’ of company mergers across Europe was a positive thing.
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No substitute for benchmarking
July 8, 2011
BENCHMARKING and discussing production costs, be it with EDF or any other method, was vital to improving farm profitability, said John Halewyck, a Belgian economist working for EDF.
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Focus on the future when setting farm targets
July 1, 2011
?MORE consideration needs to be given to what information is recorded on dairy farms, how the data is used and how targets are set, said Steve Eicker of US company Valley Ag Software.Rear view
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High milk yield and good fertility is possible
July 1, 2011
?Numbers swelled yet again at this year’s Large Herd Seminar, where the focus was on data collection and monitoring performance within dairy herds. Joanne Pugh reports from Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire.
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Link from infectious disease to metabolic disorders
July 1, 2011
?DAIRY cows encountering metabolic disorders as well as infectious disease in early lactation was not a coincidence, said Barry Bradford of Kansas State University, USA.
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Options to find at-risk fresh cows
July 1, 2011
?WORK at Cornell University, USA, suggests quick and easy blood tests before and after calving could identify cow and heifers at greatest risk of problems in early lactation, said Thomas Overton, associate professor.
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RHS 2011: Holstein takes dairy interbreed title
25 June 2011
IN one of the closest inter-breeds he has ever judged, John Gribbon of Carnforth, Lancashire, said his reserve champion Ayrshire ran the winning Holstein ‘really, really close, right to the end’.
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Importance of colostrum in boosting calf immunity
June 17, 2011
SCOUR and pneumonia remain the most common reasons for death and poor performance in young calves, says Karen Wheeler of ADAS, reminding farmers good quality colostrum provides calves with good immunity against such disease and is also a legal requirement under welfare legislation.
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Sheep sector has plenty of reasons to be optimistic
9 June 2011
THERE was a hugely positive atmosphere at the NSA North Sheep Event yesterday (Wednesday, June 10), with talk of lamb prices remaining high and even calls for the national breeding flock to increase.
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Proper feeding is key to quality lambs
June 3, 2011
Feeding ewes is about more than the six weeks before lambing, says John Vipond of SAC.
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Sheep: Charollais crosses may make an ideal dam line
June 3, 2011
Discussions on the direction Charollais ram breeders should take in the future provided food for thought for all terminal sire breeds. Joanne Pugh reports from a British Charollais Sheep Society conference in Telford, Shropshire.
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Sheep: Issues for breeders to think about
June 3, 2011
Discussions on the direction Charollais ram breeders should take in the future provided food for thought for all terminal sire breeds. Joanne Pugh reports from a British Charollais Sheep Society conference in Telford, Shropshire.
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Sheep: Farmers turned off by over-fed rams
2 June 2011
Discussions on the direction Charollais ram breeders should take in the future provided food for thought for all terminal sire breeds. Joanne Pugh reports from a British Charollais Sheep Society conference in Telford, Shropshire.
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Scots could go it alone on meat inspections
1 June 2011
THE Scottish Government is to investigate the possibility of going it alone on meat inspections, Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has announced.
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Limousin narrowly beats Aberdeen-Angus at Northumberland
31 May 2011
IT was a case of brotherly rivalry in the beef inter-breed at Northumberland County Show on Bank Holiday Monday.
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Preventative approaches to milk fever
May 27, 2011
HAVING manufactured the product for many years, Boehringer Ingelheim has now taken over the marketing of Bovikalc too.
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Grassland 11: ‘Use it or lose it’ for new muck analysis service
May 20, 2011
A massive range of livestock and grassland products and services were launched at the Grassland and Muck event.
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Grassland 11: Guide launched to improve soil sustainability
May 20, 2011
A massive range of livestock and grassland products and services were launched at the Grassland and Muck event.
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Grassland 11: New varieties draw attention
May 20, 2011
A massive range of livestock and grassland products and services were launched at the Grassland and Muck event.
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Successful dry period is key to healthy cows
April 22, 2011
Dairy nutrition seminar
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Healthy milk from healthy cow rations
April 8, 2011
THE British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) held it’s annual conference at Nottingham University this week.
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Potential changes to £PLI being studied
April 8, 2011
THE British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) held it’s annual conference at Nottingham University this week.
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Benefits of CT scanning highlighted
6 April 2011
COMMERCIAL lamb producers will see increased returns if they only buy terminal sires from flocks which have been consistently selecting rams with the help of CT scanning.
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Don’t make assumptions on colostrum quality
17 March 2011
NEVER assume an older cow gives better colostrum than a heifer, or that thick, yellow first milk is actually high quality colostrum, Jud Heinrichs told farmers at a farm open day on Monday in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
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Livestock emissions studied at new site
17 March 2011
A SPECIAL ‘green cow’ building has been unveiled at SAC’s Edinburgh campus.
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Farmer-led groups are best way to learn
March 11, 2011
THREE farmers told researchers and scientists how best to get new ideas and best practice advice implemented on farms, at a British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) knowledge transfer conference last week.
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Bigger slurry store allowing expansion
March 4, 2011
DO you think new slurry storage is just for farmers in NVZs? Despite having narrowly escaped from the regulations for now, Kevin Jones has made the investment anyway.
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Maize findings urge farmers to make choice between volume and starch
February 25, 2011
Trial results from the Maize Growers Association (MGA) were presented at the annual conference last week. Joanne Pugh reports from Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.
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More maize should be grown in the UK
February 25, 2011
MORE maize should be grown in the UK, said grain maize grower Alistair House, especially as it is a crop that will benefit from the rising temperatures associated with climate change.
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Timing critical to keep on top of weeds in maize crops
February 25, 2011
THERE are several viable options to keep on top of weeds in maize crops, but timing is critical with all of them, said Mr Draper.
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Improve feed efficacy and reduce costs with better supplementation
February 18, 2011
EFFECTIVE supplementation will allow sheep producers to make better use of forage, reduce purchase feed costs and stretch valuable forage stocks, says Cliff Lister of Caltech.
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Knock-on effects of orf can prove costly
February 18, 2011
Work done by a vet in County Durham has shown that orf has a measurable effect on lamb growth. Fiona Lovatt, of Castle Veterinary Surgeons in Barnard Castle, studied the performance of lambs in flocks affected by the disease during the spring and summer of 2010.
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Top 10 grassland tips to counter fertiliser hikes
February 11, 2011
WITH ammonium nitrate fertiliser now costing more than £300 per tonne, the British Grassland (BGS) has produced a factsheet with 10 tips for using fertiliser efficiently.
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‘What if?’ route to efficiency
February 11, 2011
The ‘What if?’ calculators, created by Eblex to allow beef and sheep farmers to assess how varying costs of certain inputs and details of their enterprise can affect the bottom line, can now be accessed online at www.businesslink.co.uk/farming-calculators, as part of Business Link’s recently launched farming section.
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Project creates methane model
February 11, 2011
Methane emissions from Welsh lamb production are being modelled as part of a Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) project to show breed improvement can lead to improvements, rather than having to cut stock numbers.
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Slash costs by preventing rainwater entering slurry
February 11, 2011
WITH slurry on the average dairy farm containing 30 per cent rainwater, Andy Walling, Promar International consultant, says more could be done to prevent rainwater entering slurry and dirty water stores, saving money by significantly cutting storage volumes.
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‘Justifiable’ feed increases but fertiliser use has dropped off
10 February 2011
AT the same time as feed use has increased on UK dairy farms, fertiliser applications have declined.
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More precision will keep costs down
10 February 2011
THE solution to high feed prices could lie in increasing the proportion of the diet that is fed on an individual cow basis, says Mike Phillips, sales development manager with NWF Agriculture.
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‘A pedigree cow is never too good to sell’
4 February 2011
Too many pedigree breeders hold on to cows when they should be making money from selling them on, said Andrew Jones, of Rossett Holsteins at Burton Rossett, Wrexham.
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Bespoke breeding indexes needed
February 4, 2011
While £PLI is a useful breeding tool, student Keith Gue said the fact it is based on requirements for the average farm means a better approach would be improved education and bespoke indexes for each unit.
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Tools for now and the future
January 28, 2011
WITH up to £5million of research planned and previously developed tools already being provided for farmers, DairyCo presented a positive future at both the British Cattle Breeders Conference (BCBC), Shropshire, this week and the Semex conference, Glasgow, last week.
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Winning herds in Carmarthenshire NMR competition announced
25 January 2011
THE award for best large herd in the 2011 Carmarthenshire NMR competition went to Aeron and Carys Owens, who run 240 Holstein Friesian cows, averaging 10,600kgs, at Manor Farm, St Clears.
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Two months before lambing is key time for pregnant ewes
January 21, 2011
Now is the most critical time to get things right in terms of feeding pregnant ewes, says Eblex adviser, Kate Phillips, of ADAS.
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Raised straw content in feed to conserve winter stocks
January 21, 2011
To ensure feed stocks last throughout winter, Seth Wareing, Keenan nutrition specialist, recommends beef farmers increase the straw content in the diet.
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Sheep: Plan ahead to reduce lamb losses
January 14, 2011
BETWEEN 15 and 20 per cent of lambs are lost between pregnancy and lambing, and most of these are in the last week of pregnancy and the first week of life.
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FUW calls for Johne’s awareness
January 14, 2011
Following a survey of its members, the Farmers Union of Wales is calling for a Johne’s disease awareness campaign.
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New presidents take the helm
January 14, 2011
For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Shropshire Sheep Breeders Association president is from Shropshire.
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Sheep: Find out the underlying causes of ewe abortion
January 14, 2011
ABORTIONS are an inevitable part of lambing time – but it is important to plan how you are going to deal with them, says Heather Stevenson, of SAC veterinary services, Dumfries.
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Sheep: Pinpoint cause to supress losses
January 14, 2011
A THREE-POINT plan to identify where and when lamb mortality occurs could help to significantly reduce losses in the future, says Adas sheep consultant, Kate Phillips.
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Holstein takes crown at Royal Ulster Winter Fair
14 December 2010
THERE was no messing around for Australian judge Brian Leslie at the 25th Royal Ulster Winter Fair, held in Belfast, Northern Ireland, last week.
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‘Female’ sexed semen from Wizard
December 10, 2010
?Female sexed semen is now available from the Simmental bull Auchorachan Wizard.
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Bioethanol co-product feeds
December 10, 2010
?A guide to pelleted, moist and liquid wheat-derived bioethanol co-product feeds can be found at www.vivergofeeds. co.uk
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BouMatic creates SRI robotic arm
December 10, 2010
?TO post-dip the teats of cows going through external rotary parlours, BouMatic has created an SRI robotic arm.
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Feeding yeast to improve rumen efficiency and health
December 10, 2010
WITH the aim of developing firm ideas on when best to feed yeast and in what quantities, scientists are working hard to better understand the health and production benefits of feeding yeast.
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French co-op targets UK market
December 10, 2010
?The French, farmer-owned co-operative Caussade Semences is now selling maize in the UK, starting with Duo CS.
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Grass and Forage Seeds catalogue
December 10, 2010
?The new Grass and Forage Seeds 2011 catalogue is now available from Barenbrug, including the new mixture BARForage Patching graass mix.
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Injector gun for Trodax doses
December 10, 2010
?An injector gun to dose sheep with the flukicide Trodax has been developed by Merial Animal Health.
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In-line cell count system option for parlours
December 10, 2010
?AN in-line, automated cell count detection system is now available from Promar International and can be fitted into any configuration of milking parlour.
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Lifeline unveils a block version
December 10, 2010
?A round, block version of Rumenco’s pre-lambing bucket-based supplement Lifeline Lamb and Ewe is now available.
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Medicine book records drug use
December 10, 2010
?A medicine record book to help document drug use has been produced by Intervet/ Schering-Plough Animal Health.
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Milking cluster hygiene move
December 10, 2010
?Following the publication of the first national cluster hygiene study, sponsors BASF Pest Control Solutions has used the results to produce a special advice note on making the most of routine milking cluster disinfection.
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NML testing service approved
December 10, 2010
?The Johne’s disease testing service run by National Milk Laboratories (NML) has been granted full UKAS accreditation.
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Partners’ expanded range
December 10, 2010
?A new partnership between Semex UK and Norbreck Genetics has increased the range of beef bulls available from Semex, including British Blue, Limousin, Aberdeen-Angus, Simmental, Hereford, Welsh Black and Charolais breeds.
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Round-up of company news
December 10, 2010
What’s happening business-wise in and around the livestock sector.
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Society's commercial arm offers straws online
December 10, 2010
?The British Limousin Cattle Society’s commercial arm – Semenstore.co.uk – has announced further export orders of British Limousin and British Blue semen to Australia and the USA respectively.
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View calving pens from your mobile
December 10, 2010
?AN online feature added to CowCam CCTV means users can now view the inside of their calving pens from any device with internet access, including mobile phones.
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Undiminished influence of Oman in latest bull proofs
7 December 2010
DESPITE Oman semen no longer being available in the UK, his dominance in the bull rankings remains and all 10 top spots are held by his sons.
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Beef: Focus on cow’s feed needs
November 19, 2010
?Understanding the suckler cow’s varying feed needs, alongside the nutritional value of forages, will be helpful this winter, says independent nutritional consultant David Hendy.
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Beef: Careful watch on nutrients can help targets and profits
November 19, 2010
Nutrient density is a useful thing to watch and could help both reduce the proportion of animals failing to hit target specification and increase margins.
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Beef: Eke out valuable stocks over winter
November 19, 2010
There are still some good value feed options available to beef finishers, and a number of ways to make existing feed stocks last through the winter, says KW nutritionist Richard Wynn, despite moist feeds being sold out and cereals and rape meal prices remaining firm.
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Beef: Sex semen can end some tough choices
November 19, 2010
Suckler herds could significantly gain from the use of sexed beef semen, says Genus ABS national beef manager, Arwel Owen.
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Break the ostertagia cycle in youngstock
November 19, 2010
While parasites are usually associated with summer grazing, the ostertagia worm can persist after the grazing period and subsequently cause disease in late winter/early spring, says David Gibson, SAC veterinary investigation officer.
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Nocton Dairies: Minimum stress and good nutrition are key to large-scale herd
18 November 2010
WITH a 2,000-cow unit at Clitheroe, Lancashire, David Barnes already runs one of the largest dairy farms in the UK. But that was never his intention, as Joanne Pugh found out when visiting his herd, which started out with 450 cows.
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Alex Salmond calls for devolved animal health budget
November 12, 2010
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond spent Tuesday morning experiencing life on a livestock farm, from bedding down cattle to dipping lambs. Joanne Pugh was with him at John Cameron’s Balbuthie farm at Leven, Fife.
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Minister acknowledges a ‘state of fear’ on farm inspections
November 12, 2010
Farm visit for Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond.
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Figures disguise huge difference in mortality
November 12, 2010
MORTALITY played a huge role in the number of heifer calves successfully reared on the farms included in the study,
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Scotland 'leading the way' on health planning
November 12, 2010
WHILE animal health initiatives led by the Scottish Government meant Scotland was ‘leading the way’ in Europe, improving on-farm productivity and profitability could not rely solely on this ‘top down’ approach.
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Start thinking about boning out percentage
November 12, 2010
FARMERS need to move away from thinking about killing out percentage and get there heads around boning out percentage – and the rise of VIA in abattoirs will aid this.
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Scotland to set up sheep database
11 November 2010
SCOTLAND is to be the first UK country to implement a real-time EID database for sheep movements, reducing the amount of paperwork for farmers, markets and processors.
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Aujeszky’s case evokes caution
November 5, 2010
The recent discovery of Aujeszky’s disease in pigs in the Pyrenees Atlantic region of France shows the resurgence of old, major diseases is always possible, says Paul Thompson, vet consultant at ACMC.
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NPA award medal to Bpex director Sloyan
November 5, 2010
?Alongside the presentation of the David Black award last week, the National Pig Association also gave a special award to Bpex director, Mick Sloyan.
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UK salmonella standards alert
November 5, 2010
With 500 million eggs recalled in the USA due to salmonella, Klaus Torborg, of Lohmann Animal Health, has warned UK producers not to become complacent about controlling the disease.
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‘Farmers must follow the rodenticide code’
October 29, 2010
Farmers need to ‘renew efforts’ in correct use of rodenticides, especially given a review of rodenticide availability currently under way in the European Parliament.
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Herdsure service accredited by CHeCS
October 29, 2010
Herds enrolled in Herdsure’s BVD service can now become accredited through the CHeCS scheme.
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More work needed to open continental markets
October 29, 2010
RED meat processors from across the UK were present in Paris last week for SIAL, the five-day produce show. Joanne Pugh looks at how UK processors are getting on as they attempt to carve a market on the continent for British produce.
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New chairman Eddie takes the helm
October 29, 2010
The new chairman of British Goose Producers is Eddie Hegarty, partner in the gosling hatchery, Norfolk Geese.
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New move to improve and grow livestock businesses
October 29, 2010
LIVESTOCK farmers in Scotland are being invited to join a new £600,000 initiative to improve and grow businesses.
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NFUS warns farmers on sheep scab
26 October 2010
With new outbreaks of sheep scab reported in Aberdeenshire, NFUS is warning farmers right across Scotland to be vigilant and protect flocks against possible outbreaks.
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Milk price rise in Northern Ireland
22 October 2010
A SIGNIFICANT price rise was seen at the United Dairy Farmers auction on Thursday (October 21) in Northern Ireland.
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Condition of your spring calvers must be checked
October 15, 2010
Beef farmers with a spring calving herd should be checking the condition of their cows now and grouping them accordingly, says Basil Lowman, of SAC.
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Ayrshire wins Dairy Show championship
6 October 2010
BY the tiniest of margins, the supreme champion at the Dairy Show was a third lactation Ayrshire, with not even a single point separating her from the Holstein in reserve.
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Landmark animal health project launched
23 September 2010
FUNDING for two landmark animal health projects was announced in Scotland this week.
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Milk and Dairy Show preview
September 17, 2010
More dairy farmers need to select bulls for calving ease, says Hugh Ratcliffe of Genus ABS.
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Increased mating ratio can help bring benefit rewards
September 17, 2010
Only 30 per cent of females on lowland sheep farms are being mated in their first year, compared to the 55 per cent that could be reasonably managed to give birth at one year old.
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Joint venture quarantine dosing move
September 17, 2010
A joint initiative between Novartis Animal Health and auction marts is encouraging sheep farmers to practice quarantine dosing when they buy stock, to remove worm burdens before moving them on to their land, slowing down the spread of resistance to anthelmintics.
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MILK: Benefits of radical feeding practice
September 17, 2010
?Dairy farmers have been feeding freshly- calved cows incorrectly for decades, says John Twigge, of Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International.
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MILK: High energy rations exacerbate negative energy balance
September 17, 2010
?Feeding newly-calved cows high energy rations to rectify their negative energy balance will only make matters worse, says Peter Allen, of Total Diet Management.
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Planning ‘scab-free’ zones is encouraged
September 17, 2010
Sheep farmers are being encouraged to set up their own ‘DIY’ sheep scab-free zones by working together with their neighbours.
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'Worrying increase' in Maedi visna infections
14 September 2010
A ‘worrying increase’ in maedi visna infections in sheep flocks has been reported by the SAC.
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Beating compaction issues to extend grass leys lifetimes
September 10, 2010
SOME fields can be sorted out without the expense of ploughing and a full re-seed - and all that is needed to find this out is a spade.
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Dairy Event 2010: Wright family picks up Lilyhill trophy
8 September 2010
THREE generations of the Wright family were present to pick up the Lilyhill trophy for highest placed Jersey herd in the Gold Cup.
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Dairy Event 2010: Halmyre Urr best placed Ayrshires
8 September 2010
THE title for the highest placed Ayrshire herd in the Gold Cup competition went to the Halmyre Urr herd from the Davidson family, who farm at Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway.
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Dairy Event 2010: Wall Farm recognised for 17.85kg average
8 September 2010
THE Gold Cup entrant to achieve the highest average lifetime daily yield was D.C. and B. Wilcox from Wall Farm, Aldworth, Cheltenham, Gloucester.
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Dairy Event 2010: Somerset farmer wins Milkminder award
8 September 2010
WINNER of Promar’s Milkminder manager of the year award, judged from 700 businesses using the Milkminder costing scheme, is Paul Cary of Dangerfield Farm, Frome, Somerset.
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Dairy Event 2010: Steve Brandon takes grassland award
8 September 2010
ACKNOWLEDGING 12 years of hard work, Steve Brandon of Stafford was the winner of the British Grassland Society’s national grassland management competition.
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Dairy Event 2010: Kingspool Holsteins take the Gold Cup
8 September 2010
THE Gold Cup was lifted by brothers Michael and Chris King, marking 20 years since they ‘reinstated’ Kingspool Holsteins, growing the herd from 47 cows to today’s 314 plus followers.
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Good practice tips for effectively controlling footrot
August 27, 2010
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Lameness: Diagnose correctly and beware of over-paring
August 27, 2010
?Farmers and shepherds are often exacerbating lameness in sheep by over-paring feet, SAC vet Jo Gidlow said at a sheep lameness workshop in Aberdeenshire last week.
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Tackle disease cumulatively, says geneticist
August 27, 2010
The incidence of footrot in sheep could be reduced on a cumulative basis by 0.25-0.5 per cent per year by genetic selection, said SAC geneticist Jo Conington.
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Jetwash footbath launch
August 6, 2010
The new Jetwash Footbath from CowCare Systems is a single folded sheet of stainless steel through which the footbath solution is pumped from jets positioned at the front and back.
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Withdrawal time changes to Dectomax
August 6, 2010
The meat withdrawal time of Dectomax has been reduced from 70 days to 63.
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‘Increased fly reduction’ move
August 6, 2010
By increasing one of the key bacteria in the formulation of Epizym Pigs, the manufacturer says the slurry liquifier and deodoriser now has an ‘increased fly reduction capability’.
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Action against the leftovers
August 6, 2010
A biodegradable feed box has been developed by Owens Nutrition to ‘keep the countryside free from left-over containers’.
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An ‘easier-to-use’ way to spray
August 6, 2010
?To address problems with traditional aerosol cans, Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has released an oxytetracycline antibiotic spray with a quick-drying formula and easier-to-use can.
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Aussie company sets up marketing arm
August 6, 2010
?A marketing and importation co-ordinator is now operating in the UK for the Canadian beef breed Speckle Park.
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Cogent Elvina sexed semen
August 6, 2010
?Sexed semen from Cogent Elvina is now available, only months after he was launched with his first progeny proof.
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Drink additive’s dehydration aid
August 6, 2010
?A water-soluble product has been launched by Lohmann Animal Health to replace essential electrolytes lost when poultry becomes dehydrated.
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EID sheep and goat systems dealership
August 6, 2010
?A UK dealer – Jenisys (Contracts) – has been appointed for the Nedap Live!D range of EID systems for sheep and goats.
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Extra training linked to Liverpool University
August 6, 2010
?A partnership with Liverpool University vet school, means all 70 of BOCM Pauls’ ruminant account managers will receive extra training in nutrition and animal physiology.
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Forage replacement feed available now
August 6, 2010
?A newly developed feed to replace forage is available from HST Feeds.
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Fully recyclable eco ark on offer
August 6, 2010
?The Footprint Eco Pig Ark has been added to the range of arks available from Golden River Farms.
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Goldwyn son Glenn-Ann Palermo
August 6, 2010
The Goldwyn son Glenn-Ann Palermo is now available from Dairy Daughters.
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Italian system’s sole UK distributor appointed
August 6, 2010
?THE sole UK distributor for the Italian Easyfoam System is Northern Dairy Equipment.
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Movers and shakers – recruitment round-up
August 6, 2010
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Pig vaccine usage licence approved
August 6, 2010
?The PCV2 vaccine Ingelvac CircoFlex has now been licensed for use in the UK pig sector, as well as being approved for combined use with Ingelvac MycoFlex.
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Robotic milkers get added analysis
August 6, 2010
?To be used in tandem with its robotic milkers, DeLaval has developed and launched (in partnership with Dansk Kvaeg and Foss) Herd Navigator.
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Sampling and testing protocols initiative
August 6, 2010
?Three new sampling and testing protocols have been added to the Veterinary Laboratories Agency’s Herdsure Cattle Health Improvement Service.
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Single, multi-species coccidiocide is licensed
August 6, 2010
?THERE is now a single, multi-species coccidiocide from Bayer Animal Health, licensed for use in calves, lambs and piglets.
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Two capsules are set to replace Cattle Caps
August 6, 2010
?Two trace element capsules, administered by a bolus gun, have been created by the Denis Brinicombe Group to replace their Cattle Caps product.
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NFUS backs BVD eradication plan
July 30, 2010
FOLLOWING ‘extensive consultation’ with members, NFU Scotland supports plans for a Scottish BVD eradication scheme.
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Profit from grass: Rain brings prospects of extra cut
July 23, 2010
?WIDESPREAD rain has come as a welcome relief for most farmers in our ‘Profit from Grass’ project, in many cases providing the prospect of an extra cut of silage.
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Prestleigh Beryl takes Royal Welsh pig title
21 July 2010
HAVING won the modern breed class last year as a gilt, Prestleigh Beryl 17 upped her game this year to take both the modern breed title and supreme championship.
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Royal Welsh Show 2010 - pig results
21 July 2010
ALL the results from the Royal Welsh Show pig championships.
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Royal Highland Show 2010 - beef cattle results
25 June 2010
ALL the beef classes have been judged at the Royal Highland Show, ahead of the highly anticipated inter-breed tomorrow. A preview came in the form of the native breeds team of three competition, in which the Galloways come top and Beef Shorthorns second.
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Battling anthelmintic resistance in cattle
June 25, 2010
?To slow development of anthelmintic resistance on beef and dairy farms, a cattle equivalent of Scops (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) has been launched.
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Court upholds NoroSeal ban
14 June 2010
POSSESSION and administration of the internal teat sealant NoroSeal has been banned in the UK, following a ruling by the Supreme Court against the manufacturer Norbrook.
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Handy income from bull calves
June 4, 2010
Regardless of sex or breeding, early growth is the cheapest growth in cattle – and rearing heifer and bull calves together can produce two valuable products, says KW nutritionist, Dr ?Richard Wynn.
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Potential premiums as SureCalf scheme grows
June 4, 2010
Pfizer is extending its SureCalf self-certification scheme across Scotland and into North England, with the aim of rolling it out slowly across the whole of the UK.
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Avoid ‘age creep’ in stock, urges Eblex
May 28, 2010
With the number of UK cattle slaughtered between 30 and 36 months of age more than tripling since the Other Thirty Month rule changed in 2006, Eblex is urging beef producers to avoid ‘age creep’ in their stock.
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Warning on welfare of pregnant animals
May 28, 2010
DUE to ‘regular reports’ of cattle and sheep being transported in the final stages of pregnancy, Defra’s Animal Health agency has issued a ‘reminder’ to farmers and hauliers not to transport heavily pregnant livestock or animals that have just given birth.
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West Midlands sheep farmer sets 'focus farm' targets
May 28, 2010
?As one of 10 new ‘focus farms’ in the West Midlands, sheep farmer Stephen Bowen has set himself three targets to both improve his business and help inspire local producers. Joanne Pugh was at his first open day.
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Bleeding calf syndrome 'seriously under reported'
25 May 2010
The prevalence of bleeding calf syndrome (or blood sweats) could be ‘seriously under-reported’, says the NBA, as some deaths are caused by internal bleeding with no signs of blood at the mouth, nostrils, anus, eyes or other openings.
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Milking for profit: Understanding why cows leave the herd
May 21, 2010
READ our special feature, Miling for Profit, with more than 10 features on making the most out of dairying from tackling disease to taking advantage of new revenue streams.
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Invest in high quality water for herd
May 21, 2010
Milk is around 87 per cent water, so it is worth investing time to ensure cows are drinking all they need, says Promar national dairy consultant, Derek Gardner.
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Sustainable businesses need time to grow
May 21, 2010
Moving away from ‘task based’ decisions towards making long-terms plans using management data instead can drive greater performance and create a more sustainable business, says Rhydian Jones of NWF Agriculture.
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Grazing cattle studies must continue
May 14, 2010
WHILE initial research into whether cows ‘enjoy’ grazing has thrown up more questions than answers, continuation of the work is vital to ensure decisions on animal welfare are based firmly in science, according to Mark Rutter, senior lecturer at Harper Adams.
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Muck & maize: Work out optimum seed rates this season
April 16, 2010
Seed rates need to be given a little more consideration than in other maize growing years, according to Simon Draper of the Maize Growers Association.
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New weapon in the fight against sheep parasites
26 March 2010
A new fourth group of anthelmintic was launched in London last week.
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RABDF unveils Dairy Event and Livestock Show plan
March 19, 2010
THE day after presenting the Princess Royal Award, RABDF held a viewing day at the NEC, Birmingham, to show off the new venue for the Dairy Event and Livestock Show.
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Livestock Auctioneers back cattle EID
10 March 2010
The Livestock Auctioneers Association has announced its support for EID in cattle. And while other industry groups are being less vocal on the subject, it would appear such a system is generally viewed quite favourably.
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Assessment of lameness risks offered in UK
March 5, 2010
An assessment of lameness risks on dairy farms, developed by Zinpro Corporation and Wisconsin University, USA, is now being offered by Kite consultants in the UK.
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Blue bulls semen now available online
March 5, 2010
A website which has offered 70 Limousins since January 2009, now has 19 Blue bulls, too.
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Colostrum management system allows individual calf doses
March 5, 2010
A colostrum management system, developed by G. Shepherd Animal Health, allows pasteuriser machines to process, store and feed individual calf doses of a farmers own colostrum.
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EID tags fit flush for improved retention
March 5, 2010
By incorporating an EID transponder into the pin of its bubblegum tags, Allflex is offering an electronic tag which sits flush to the ear, improving retention.
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Firm's grass seed operation to expand into England and Wales
March 5, 2010
Having been selling own-brand grass seed in parts of Scotland since April 2008, the Denis Brinicombe Group has decided to extend sales through Scotland, England and Wales.
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Fluke and worm drench for spring and autumn
March 5, 2010
A COMBINATION fluke and worm drench for sheep has been launched by Pfizer Animal Health following the acquisition of Fort Dodge.
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Foot care crucial in fight to reduce infection
March 5, 2010
A consistent foot-care programme will reduce infection pressure on the herd, reduce treatment costs, reduce replacement costs and result in more milk and better fertility, says Inge van der Linden, of Ecolab.
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Impact-resistant 450-litre calf feeder
March 5, 2010
With a 450-litre capacity and 50 teats, the Stallion Trailed calf feeder is available from KiwiKit.
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Keep forage supplements away from badgers
March 5, 2010
A cattle feeder to keep forage supplements out of the reach of badgers has been developed by Rumenco for use with its blocks, buckets and tubs.
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Marshall ready-mix with rhizobium inoculant Dormal
March 5, 2010
Limagrain UK is selling Marshall ready-mixed with the rhizobium inoculant Dormal.
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Parasite control products at the double
March 5, 2010
There are two new parasite control products are available from Downland Marketing.
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Quick and thorough identification of mastitis-causing bacteria
March 5, 2010
By using a new technique to identify mastitis-causing bacteria, National Milk Laboratories (NML) – part of the NMR group – says it can now identify nearly twice as many pathogens and in hours rather than days.
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Trio of new fertiliser grades aim to aid efficiency
March 5, 2010
Three new fertiliser grades have been launched.
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North Country Breed Society chooses new president
19 February 2010
The new president of the North Country Breed Society is David Pittendreigh.
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Poor uptake of NVZ derogation
February 19, 2010
Uptake of the NVZ derogation has been poor so far, says Defra, and farmers only have until March 31 to take advantage of it.
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All black-and-white breed codes reissued
February 19, 2010
Using official AI codes for bulls, rather than herd book numbers and short names, is the only safe and fully reliable means of ensuring sires are correctly identified on milk recording records, says independent breeding consultant, Kevin Lane.
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British Grassland Society welcomes new Partners
February 19, 2010
Having completed their mentorship training, nine more livestock farmers have joined the growing team of British Grassland Society (BGS) Grazing Partners.
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Cockerington Urchin straws are sold online
February 19, 2010
The first ever online export consignment of British Charolais semen was made this week.
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Cumbria Farmer Network extended into Dales
February 19, 2010
The Cumbria Farmer Network (CFN) is set to extend its coverage after voting to open membership to include farmers from the Yorkshire Dales.
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Farms invited to join Meat Promotion Wales network
February 19, 2010
Given the success of beef and sheep demonstration farms in investigating new methods and technologies and passing money-saving to other farmers, Meat Promotion Wales (Hybu Cig Cymru) is looking to expand in Anglesey, Carmarthenshire and South Powys.
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Gene tests show Limousins' beef credetials
February 19, 2010
Testing of Limousin bulls has revealed that 98.5 per cent carry the F94L gene, which is associated with increased muscularity.
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National All Breeds Show: Berryholme Shottle Flo takes championship
18 February 2010
MARKING the third generation of the Flo family to win a major event, Berryholme Shottle Flo was supreme champion at the National All Breeds Show.
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National All Breeds Show: Smiddiehill Durm Ashlyn takes intermediate title
17 February 2010
THE grand final of the National All Breeds Show is rapidly approaching with the intermediate in-milk Holstein already named.
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National All Breeds Show: Best junior Holstein in milk decided
17 February 2010
THE first Holstein championship on the second day of the National All Breeds Show was the best junior in milk.
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National All Breeds Show: Neil Sales takes Guernsey championship
17 February 2010
HE may only own half of one cow, but that was enough for Neil Sales to win the Guernsey championship on the second day of the National All Breeds Show at Stoneleigh.
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Heifer champions decided at National All Breeds Show
16 February 2010
THE first day of the inaugural National All Breeds Show culminated with heifer championships for the Holstein, Jersey and Dairy Shorthorn breeds.
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National All Breeds Show gets underway
16 February 2010
THE first ever National All Breeds Show kicked off this morning (Tuesday, February 16) with the youngstock classes.
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Dairy Health: LDY a good guage of health and fertility
February 12, 2010
Dairy farmers should think about the volume of milk given over a lifetime, rather than per lactation.
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‘Proceed with caution’, advise speakers
5 February 2010
While several British Cattle Breeders Conference speakers advised ‘proceeding with caution’ with genomics, Gerard Scheepens of Dutch AI company, KI Samen, insisted using the new technology at all was dangerous.
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Across-breed genetics valuation aids cross and pedigree breeders
5 February 2010
SEPARATE to genomics, but also proving the importance of country-specific genetics valuations, Marco Winter told delegates the new all-breed (or across-breed) genetic valuations.
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Second generation SNP chip available ‘in months’
February 5, 2010
While the advancement of ‘SNP chips’ has driven genomics in recent years, Jerry Taylor, Animal genomics professor at Missouri University, USA, told the BCBC audience, less may be more.
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Farmers need a better handle on bovine TB
January 29, 2010
WHILE making it clear a badger cull was necessary, Lancashire vet Carl Padgett said farmers also needed to get a better handle on bTB in cattle.
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Debate over using levy money for research
January 29, 2010
A SESSION of the British Cattle Breeders Conference with levy boards updating farmers on current research priorities was thrown off course when the Northern Ireland representative said no levy money should be spent on research and development.
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Huge potential of a fast-expanding dairy enterprise
January 29, 2010
Having spent nine years increasing from 100 cows to 200, Jonathan Brook and his father have, during the past 16 months, also increased production by nearly 1,300 litres. Joanne Pugh visits a herd now averaging 9,600 litres per head.
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Take the time now to assess your fields
January 15, 2010
It is not too early to start thinking about which fields need a bit of TLC, even if you do not sow any seed until much later in the year, says independent grassland specialist Charlie Morgan.
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Brassicas 'a useful break crop' in grassland reseeding
January 15, 2010
BRASSICAS can provide a useful break crop in grassland reseeding programmes, says Helen Mathieu of British Seed Houses, especially if rape/kale hybrids are planted.
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Combating the critics in the climate change debate
December 18, 2009
As the next decade approaches, Joanne Pugh looks at some of the challenges we may face in the future in a special series considering consumer perception of livestock’s role in climate change and animal welfare.
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‘Bleeding calf’ causes remain unknown
14 December 2009
ALTHOUGH viral infection has been ruled out, scientists still do not know what causes ‘bleeding calf syndrome’, which was found three years ago in mainland Europe and hit 34 UK herds this year.
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AgriLive Smithfield
14 December 2009
While a far cry from the prestigious London event, the newly rebranded AgriLive Smithfield at the Royal Showground, Stoneleigh, attracted stock from the length and breadth of the UK. Read our full report on this year’s show.
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AgriLive Smithfield 2009: full results
14 December 2009
ALL the results from AgriLive Smithfield held at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on December 11-12.
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Alfords dominate AgriLive beef championships
14 December 2009
HAVING competed at Smithfield in its various forms for 27 years, yet never taking the top prize, Michael and Melanie Alford did it in style at the weekend winning both supreme and reserve honours.
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Triumphant return for Bishop in AgriLive sheep championship
14 December 2009
HAVING pledged to give the show scene a break for a couple of years, Andrew Bishop finishing with a bang, taking two top awards at AgriLive.
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Volac survey reveals 60pc of farmers plan to increase production
3 December 2009
More than 60 per cent of farmers are planning to increase production, either by increasing yield or expanding the herd, according to a survey run by Volac at autumn dairy shows.
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Make most of what is in clamp
3 December 2009
It is too late to change what is in the clamp now, and so the focus must be on maximising the use of silage, says John Bax, of Biotal.
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Over-reliance on autumn grass is hitting herds hard
3 December 2009
While some herds are performing exceptionally well this winter, for others, it is proving difficult to get cows settled into lactation and milking as expected, says Tom Hough, NWF technical manager.
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Breeders must raise farmers' expectations
November 27, 2009
Joanne Pugh reports from the Sheep Breeders Roundtable conference as Australian Charollais breeder Ian McDougal ruffles some feathers in giving his views on marketing pedigree rams.
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EID surgery - your questions answered
20 November 2009
REGULATIONS on sheep EID come into force on January 1 2010 and with many farmers still confused over what they have to do to comply, we will be putting your questions to the experts to find out the answers.
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BEEF FOCUS: Beefers just as susceptible to fluctations in rumen pH
November 20, 2009
Beef producers should take a leaf out of the dairy farmer’s book and focus on rumen health if they want to maximise performance.
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Beef focus: Making outwintering pay
November 20, 2009
READ our latest Beef Focus supplement online. Follow the links on the right to see more stories in this week’s edition.
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Poor body condition score a major mastitis cause?
November 20, 2009
Poor body condition score could be a major cause of mastitis, said PhD student Selene Huntley, as a thin ewe producing little milk, will have hungry lambs repeatedly sucking, causing teat lesions and leading to mastitis.
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Smarter techniques can lift sheep trade
November 20, 2009
Increasing the average number of lambs reared by just 1 per cent would result in an extra 8,000 tonnes of meat per year, said Eblex market analyst, Mark Topliff.
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Worm-resilience in sheep ‘preferable’ to resistance
November 20, 2009
SHEEP which were ‘resilient’ to worms should be favoured through selective breeding, perhaps even more so than sheep with ‘resistance’, said Steve Bishop, of the Roslin Institute, Scotland.
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Correct tagging is the key to EID
19 November 2009
WITH much of the onus of reading electronic tags taken away from farmers, the biggest challenge of EID will be putting in the right tag the right way, claimed National Sheep Association chief executive Peter Morris.
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‘It pays to let professionals do trimming’
November 13, 2009
If you are not properly trained to trim cattle’s feet, and do not have the time to do it regularly, paying a professional, preferably a member if the National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers, would be money well spent.
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Sheep Focus: Focus on colostrum as lambing is not that far away
November 13, 2009
?Lambing is not far off for some, and so Eddy Mehta, chief pharmacologist for Farmers Choice, is encouraging producers to think about lamb colostrum supplements.
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Sheep Focus: Nutrition key for tupping, pregnancy and lambing
November 13, 2009
?Planning ewe nutrition from immediate post-tupping through to lambing can lead to a larger, healthier lamb crop says John Twigge, technical and marketing manager with Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International.
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Sheep Focus: Winter feeding is key to year-round results
November 13, 2009
?With birthweights, lamb vigour and ewe milk production all affected heavily by ewe nutrition during pregnancy, winter feeding is critical to flock performance for the rest of the year, says Trident technical manager, Michael Marsden.
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True guide to scale of lameness is boosted by ‘knowing the score’
November 13, 2009
?Mobility scoring cows to identify the scale of lameness problems was recommended by all the speakers and every delegate given a DairyCo’s scoring pack.
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Maize Monitor: Not everyone has clamped yet
October 16, 2009
WHILE those in the south of the country have their maize safely in the clamp, there is plenty of crop still in the field.
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Dairy Works preview: We’re all in this together
15 October 2009
For the second year running, Cogent is running its Dairy Works Young Adult Seminar series. This time the theme is lameness, and so, Dr Liam Sinclair is focusing on what is a very multi-factorial problem.
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Breeding and Calves: Heifer performance decided in the first six months of life
15 October 2009
THE focus of heifer rearing must be the first six months of life, because that period determines the lifetime performance of the animal, according to South African farmer Nigel Lok.
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Fluke threat higher than ever following wet summer
October 9, 2009
WITH summer rainfall 40 per cent higher this year than last, and the temperature up 0.6degC, fluke infections this autumn could be ‘at their highest level ever’.
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The Dairy Show 2009
5 October 2009
THE 2009 Dairy Show at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, takes place today (Wednesday, October 7).
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Maize harvest gets into gear
11 September 2009
THIS year’s maize harvest has started with some contractors and farmers making a start on the south coast and reports of harvest in Suffolk, and even Shropshire.
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Third wet summer brings fluke threat
11 September 2009
FOR livestock farmers in the west of the country, where it has been far wetter in recent months than in the east, the threat of liver fluke is high.
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Beef special: Weight monitoring invaluable
August 14th 2009
SUCKLED calves sired by bulls in the top 10 per cent of their respective breed’s performance figures, gain an extra 0.25g per day over their lifetime compared to calves from other bulls - equating to 137kg in 18 months.
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The farmer's view: Sandy Galbraith, of Upper Kinneal, West Lothian
13 August 2009
LAST year Sandy Galbraith bought between 30 and 40 SureCalf calves because he always strives to buy stores on a par with his home-bred calves and has now found a way to do so.
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The beef specialist's view: Basil Lowman, of the SAC
13 August 2009
HAVING publically supported the SureCalf scheme because of the role it can play in protecting stock from BVD, Basil Lowman’s only criticism is that is has not been made available to all auction markets and farmers.
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The vet's view: William Sherrard, Pfizer vet adviser
13 August 2009
HAVING been an important part of the SureCalf development, William Sherrard says there are also other things farmers can consider, to do the best by their stock:
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SureCalf: Is scheme set to expand?
13 August 2009
WITH an average premium of £48 paid for calves in the SureCalf scheme last year, Jock Baxter believes the programme will grow and grow.
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On farm: Alun and Wendy Jacob
13 August 2009
ACCESSING funding from the West Beef Quality Improvement Project, Alun and Wendy Jacob have bought three Charolais bulls within the breed’s top 10 per cent for performance EBVs.
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Sheep: Addressing ewe condition score is vital, but don’t neglect trace elements
August 7th 2009
ADJUSTING the nutrition of ewes according to their condition score can leave a flock short of the trace elements needed for boosting fertility, warns Les Porter of Animax.
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First cut analysis suggests challenging winter ahead
July 24th 2009
RESULTS from more than 600 first cut grass silage samples show a similar overall quality to last year, suggesting farmers could again face difficulties this winter.
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Reducing the risk of mastitis infection
29 May 2009
ALTHOUGH only around 8 per cent of cows with an infection will go on to develop severe mastitis, it is still vital farmers focus on preventing the cause of infections, said Roger Blowey of the Wood Veterinary Group at a mastitis workshop last week.
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Beef Expo 2009: Checklist will remove much of the risk from bought-in livestock
May 29th 2009
A BIOSECURITY checklist created by a beef farmer and his vet will soon be made freely available to help buyers reduce the risk of bringing in disease.
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Badger vaccination plan ‘guaranteed to backfire’
28 May 2009
VACCINATING badgers against TB was not only impractical, but could promote the spread of the disease, according to independent TB adviser, Ueli Zellweger, speaking at Beef Expo last week.
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Badger vaccination plan ‘guaranteed to backfire’
28 May 2009
VACCINATING badgers against TB was not only impractical, but could promote the spread of the disease, according to independent TB adviser, Ueli Zellweger, speaking at Beef Expo last week.
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Don’t run the risk with stolen health products
28 May 2009
FARMERS buying animal health products of ‘dubious origin’ could be putting their stock at risk, says Andrew Evans, retail director for Wynnstay.
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Space at a premium for sheep milking operation
15 May 2009
With 700 lambs reared off their mothers this year, John Stott’s biggest worry about hosting North Sheep 2009 is he will not have enough shed space for all the trade stands.
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Ayr County Show: Three-year-old Angus Eric rains supreme
14 May 2009
IT went from one extreme to another at Ayr County Show – torrential rain on the Saturday and bright weather on the Sunday. PICTURES: John Eveson.
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Put faith in grass and adapt system to make best use of valuable resource
1 May 2009
DAIRY farmers should have confidence in grass to run extensive grazing systems, Cheshire dairy farmer Paul Dean told a lunch-time meeting in Kendal, Cumbria, on Monday.
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Trial reveals danger of iodine in mineral blocks
1 May 2009
WHILE ewe nutrition during pregnancy may be a more familiar topic, there were still plenty of surprises, especially in the danger of supplementing pregnant ewes with mineral blocks containing too much iodine.
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Breeding scheme will benefit both dairy and beef producers
April 17th 2009
A SCHEME has been launched to help dairy farmers find an outlet for Holstein bull calves and finishers boost beef production from the dairy herd.
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Don't rely on maternal immunity against bluetongue
April 17th 2009
Although bluetongue has rarely been out of the headlines since its arrival in the UK, it is still a new disease for farmers to be dealing with and there are plenty of questions still unanswered.
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Meatlincs are a real break with tradition
April 17th 2009
FATHER and son Edward and Richard Vines sell over 100 Meatlinc shearling rams every year – and believe there is potential to sell even more.
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Watch out for anthelmintic resistance
April 17th 2009
In the six years since Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) was created, sheep farmers and the wider industry have responded ‘very positively’ to the groups focused approach to anthelmintic resistance, says SCOPS consultant Lesley Stubbings.
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Maximise new season with help from experts in field
3 April 2009
Grazing Monitor, our popular feature combining data on grass growth rates and herbage quality with expert analysis, is back for another year.
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Third-calver Rosalind is Western Holstein Club’s spring champion
23 March 2009
IT took just over four hours for Mick Gould to find his champion among the 130 entries at the Western Holstein Club’s annual spring show, held on Friday evening at Nantwich, Cheshire.
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New derogation gives farmers in NVZs the opportunity to raise N farm limit
19 March 2009
LAST week, UK farmers in NVZs were told Defra had secured a derogation from the EU regarding the ‘livestock manure nitrogen farm limit’.
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Last year’s analysis can improve this year’s silage
March 13th 2009
Regardless of the weather at silage-making time, some farmers consistently make better silage than others, year in, year out.
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Trials reveal best suited sheep for land types
6 March 2009
THERE was plenty of new information on sheep breeds when AgriSearch updated farmers on its research projects at a ‘science, sheep and success’ seminar.
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Targeted approach to tackling worms
6 March 2009
WITH the right equipment and guidance farmers can accurately carry out faecal egg counts (FEC) and better target worms, according to recent findings.
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Beware worrying spread of sporadic orf
20 February 2009
In flocks with a history of sporadic orf problems, farmers are urged to vaccinate newborn lambs even if the disease has not been seen for a while.
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Sheep and lambing feature
20 February 2009
READ our special online sheep feature with top lambing tips, the latest on EID and farmer profiles
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Treating all ewes at lambing can promote resistance to wormers
20 February 2009
While most sheep farmers quite rightly worm their ewes at or around lambing, it may not be a good idea to treat them all, says independent sheep specialist Lesley Stubbings.
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National Holstein Show 2009
16 February 2009
An action-packed three days saw Holstein UK celebrating 100 years of black and white breeding with the National Holstein Show, All-Britain All-Breeds Calf Show and Centenary Elite Sale. Joanne Pugh reports. Pictures: John Eveson.
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Carrying out research while running a commercial farm
12 February 2009
Fancy farming with hundreds of trainee and qualified vets looking over your shoulder every day? Joanne Pugh met the herd manager at the University of Liverpool veterinary faculty’s dairy unit.
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Dairy Centre of Excellence opens
January 30th 2009
FROM ideas that can be immediately used on farm to ones which will make a significant mark in the future, a new project at Liverpool University’s vet school has big ambitions – and all backed by a major retailer.
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Partnership helps livestock industry export genetics
29 January 2009
A NEW partnership with Defra is already helping the UK livestock industry export genetics, and will hopefully continue to do so as the weakened pound opens doors into Europe and the rest of the world.
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Partnership helps livestock industry export genetics
29 January 2009
A NEW partnership with Defra is already helping the UK livestock industry export genetics, and will hopefully continue to do so as the weakened pound opens doors into Europe and the rest of the world.
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South Wales and Mid Western Shorthorn Breeders celebrate competition results
28 January 2009
THE Elkington herd of Mark, Eluned and Jenny Davies has come out top on inspection, while John Weaver’s three times a day milked Wenvoe herd has led the production section in the latest South Wales and Mid Western Shorthorn Breeders herd competition.
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Hunday herd triumph in breeders’ competition
28 January 2009
THE Moffitt family’s Hunday herd has won the large herds section of the Northumbria Holstein Breeders’ Club annual competition, as well as the prizes for top herd on inspection only and top herd on production.
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British Cattle Breeders Club's annual event
January 23rd 2009
Joanne Pugh reports from the British Cattle Breeders Club’s annual event held in Telford, Shropshire.
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International Dairy Conference
January 16th 2009
There are opportunities for the brave, according to speakers at this year’s Semex International Dairy Conference. Joanne Pugh reports from Glasgow.
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NSA takes over semen archive
9 January 2009
THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has taken over responsibility for the semen archive established by Defra as part of the National Scrapie Plan.
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NSA takes over semen archive
9 January 2009
THE National Sheep Association (NSA) has taken over responsibility for the semen archive established by Defra as part of the National Scrapie Plan.
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A 'blueprint' for shared cost and responsibility
December 19th 2008
At its annual open day at Penicuik, Edinburgh, Moredun scientists gave an update on their current projects.
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Brothers put their faith in tied stalls
December 12th 2008
Concluding her report from Canada, Joanne Pugh profiles four dairy farmers – all with big plans for the future.
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2008 Yorkshire County Milk Records Herd Competition
5 December 2008
THE results of the 2008 Yorkshire County Milk Records Herd Competition have been announced with Richard Pratt of Leyburn, North Yorkshire, winning the prize for best herdsperson.
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South West Simmental Club’s herd competition
5 December 2008
THE winner of the South West Simmental Club’s herd competition was Mrs V. Hall’s Chegwidden herd, Cornwall, with Mr and Mrs J. Kimber’s Beanhill herd in reserve.
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West of Scotland Holstein Club's annual competition
5 December 2008
THE West of Scotland Holstein Club has held its annual competition with Brian Yates of the Logan herd acting as judge.
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Mynach herd wins this year’s South Wales and Mid West Limousin Club herd competition
5 December 2008
THE Mynach herd of Ed Griffiths was the winner in this year’s South Wales and Mid West Limousin Club herd competition.
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Sheep vaccines should be 'more widely and conveniently available'
5 December 2008
ANIMAL health organisations, the NFU and NSA have joined forces to ask the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to reclassify some sheep vaccines so farmers can buy them without going through their vet.
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Sheep vaccines should be 'more widely and conveniently available'
5 December 2008
ANIMAL health organisations, the NFU and NSA have joined forces to ask the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to reclassify some sheep vaccines so farmers can buy them without going through their vet.
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Ashby-de-la-Zouch and District Farms competitions
December 5th 2008
NOW in its 60th year, Ashby-de-la-Zouch and District Farms Competitions Committee presented a vast array of trophies at its resent prize giving.
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Geldard family win Charollais national flock competition.
December 5th 2008
THE Geldard family of Levens, Cumbria, have won the bi-annual Charollais Sheep Society’s national flock competition.
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Llanwenog flock competition
December 5th 2008
THE new president of the Llanwenog Sheep Society is Mark Evans of Evans Bros chartered surveyors.
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Lleyn Sheep Breeders Club flock competition
December 5th 2008
TOP breeders in the latest South Wales Lleyn Sheep Breeders Club flock competition are Dai and Cynthia Morris of St Clears, Carmarthen.
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Midland Longhorn Breeders’ annual herd competition
December 5th 2008
THE winner of this year’s Midland Longhorn Breeders’ annual herd competition was the Blackbrook herd of John and Pat Stanley, Coalville, Leicestershire.
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Northern Ireland National Charolais Show
December 5th 2008
THE overall championship and senior male titles at the Northern Ireland National Charolais Show at Fintona went to Cuillmore Casper from father and son Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballinamallard, County Fermanagh.
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Walna Scar Shepherd’s Meet celebrates its 100th anniversary
December 5th 2008
THE Walna Scar Shepherd’s Meet celebrated its 100th anniversary at Coniston, Cumbria with an exhibition of photographs and newspaper records.
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West of Scotland Holstein Club annual competition
December 5th 2008
THE West of Scotland Holstein Club has held its annual competition with Brian Yates of the Logan herd acting as judge.
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Farmers must take BVD eradication more seriously
2 December 2008
FARMERS need to take BVD eradication more seriously because cattle Persistently Infected with BVD (PIs) may not respond to bluetongue vaccination.
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Farmers must take BVD eradication more seriously
2 December 2008
FARMERS need to take BVD eradication more seriously because cattle Persistently Infected with BVD (PIs) may not respond to bluetongue vaccination.
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Dairy industry facts and figures
28 November 2008
• The average herd size in Canada is 70 cows, ranging from 25 cows to over 1,000.
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Case study 2: What processors think of the Canadian quota system
28 November 2008
Commenting on the processing sector in Canada, Ralph Dietrich says all the major companies supported the supply management system.
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Case study 1: What farmers think of their quota system
28 November 2008
When speaking about the supply management situation in Canada, dairy farmer Ben Loewith asks ‘who’s losing?’.
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Maize silage flop looks worst for many years
25 November 2008
DAIRY farmers expecting the usual boost in production from feeding maize silage may be disappointed this year, as Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition International reports that, on average, maize silage is the worst seen this century.
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Canadian Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
24 November 2008
THE Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is held in Toronto each year with farming penetrating the centre of the big city for 10 days.
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Housing focus for dry matter intakes
November 21st 2008
More than 600 people from 29 countries attended a ‘Semex at Work’ event in Ontario, Canada, last week.
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Dairy revolution from genomically tested bulls in UK?
October 17th 2008
Will the use of DNA technology completely change the way semen companies select bulls? Joanne Pugh reports.
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A decade on and Doug’s shed just keeps on growing ...
October 10th 2008
Finishing 500 dairy bulls a year, Doug Dear knows what it takes to turn out a consistent and high quality product. Joanne Pugh went to meet him.
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Calves & Calving: Looking to dairy bulls to fill gap in beef market
October 10th 2008
WITH the demand for dairy heifers soaring and the use of sexed semen still fairly limited, the number of black and white bull calves born in the UK is on the up.
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Derogation alternative in electronic tagging row
9 October 2008
WHILE the battle against compulsory electronic identification (EID) of sheep is continuing, there is disagreement closer to home about what happens if it proves impossible to escape the legislation.
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Derogation alternative in electronic tagging row
9 October 2008
WHILE the battle against compulsory electronic identification (EID) of sheep is continuing, there is disagreement closer to home about what happens if it proves impossible to escape the legislation.
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Burwarton Show
August 15th 2008
With last year’s event cancelled, visitors and exhibitors flocked to the 2008 Burwarton Show, Bridgnorth, Shropshire.
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Farming intensively with care for the environment
August 15th 2008
When hosting an open day on his farm at Bodmin, Cornwall, Mike Cherry argued it was possible to be an intensive farmer and care for the environment.
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Survey finds talking to vets about flock health is beneficial
13 August 2008
WHILE only 45 per cent of sheep farmers meet with their vet to review flock health management once a year, those that do find it beneficial and would recommend it to others, according to a survey carried out by XLVets at the Sheep Event.
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Bluetongue complacency fears
31 July 2008
THE uptake of bluetongue vaccine was at such a high level, the vaccination programme was at risk of becoming a victim of its own success, said Peter Morris, chief executive of the National Sheep Association.
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Bluetongue complacency fears
31 July 2008
THE uptake of bluetongue vaccine was at such a high level, the vaccination programme was at risk of becoming a victim of its own success, said Peter Morris, chief executive of the National Sheep Association.
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Welsh sow Nina makes inter-breed history
15 July 2008
NEVER had the same pig won the inter-breed trophy twice, until Phil Fowlie lifted the silverware on Saturday afternoon.
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Breed champions fail to win top prize
10 July 2008
THERE was upset in the sheep inter-breed final when neither the supreme or reserve titles went to a sheep that had won its breed championship.
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Computer-based tool helps sheep farmers produce lambs
9 July 2008
A NEW tool to help sheep farmers produce lambs, whether sold live or deadweight, was launched by Eblex at the Great Yorkshire Show.
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YAS awards recognise 'outstanding contribution to agriculture'
9 July 2008
A NEW ‘outstanding contribution to agriculture’ award was presented at the Great Yorkshire Show by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society and RABI.
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Livestock lines enthusiasm plus visitors galore
9 July 2008
THERE were visitors teeming through the gates from the second the Great Yorkshire Show opened yesterday (Tuesday, July 8), in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
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Charollais ewe wins top prize in sheep inter-breed final
7 July 2008
THE sheep inter-breed final did not last long with judge Bill Quick saying he had ‘no hesitation’ in giving the top prize to Dave Roberts for his two-year-old Charollais ewe.
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Regulation 'would detract from powerful genetic tool'
July 4th 2008
An international conference in North Devon debated the benefits of voluntary EID versus compulsory EU legislation.
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Sheep judging gets under way
3 July 2008
NUMBERS may be down but judging has started in earnest in the sheep lines with some breed champions already decided.
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Sheep EID ‘concessions’ spark industry anger
3 July 2008
AS Defra boasted about ‘concessions’ gained in Brussels on sheep EID, industry leaders are furious they did not go far enough.
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Sheep EID ‘concessions’ spark industry anger
3 July 2008
AS Defra boasted about ‘concessions’ gained in Brussels on sheep EID, industry leaders are furious they did not go far enough.
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Alkalage is a more attractive option as feed prices rise
June 20th 2008
Growing wheat this year? Now is the time to consider alternatives such as alkalage, which is currently seeing a resurgence in interest.
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Vassilliou commits to full assessment of animal transport rules
2 June 2008
EUROPEAN Commissioner for animal health Androula Vassilliou has committed to undertake a full impact assessment of the animal transport rules and bring forward proposals to change them.
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£400,000 available for farmers to invest in new technologies
2 June 2008
FUNDING to the value of £400,000 is being made available for Yorkshire livestock farmers wanting to invest in new technologies that allow them to make better use of their waste, energy and water resources.
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Fridlington Farms wins batch farrower award
2 June 2008
THIS year’s winner of Janssen Animal Health’s batch farrower of the year award is Fridlington Farms of Sutton-on-the-Forest, York.
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Reports into the cost benefits of reseeding
28 May 2008
TWO reports highlighting the cost benefits of reseeding have been published, one from British Seed Houses and Monsanto and the other from Kingshay Farming Trust and Advanta Seeds.
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Comprehensive soil testing would lead to more nutritious grass
28 May 2008
MORE comprehensive soil testing would allow farmers to better tailor inputs and, as a result, get more nutritious grass, according to the Glenside Group.
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Agronomist conducts clover ley calculator demonstration
28 May 2008
FARMERS were invited to calculate the nitrogen value of clover for their individual farms at UPL’s stand.
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New weapon for worm struggle?
May 23rd 2008
WITH resistance to wormers becoming a serious issue for sheep farmers in the UK and around the world, a lifeline could be offered if Novartis Animal Health manages to obtain a licence for a new product it has developed.
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Kendall confident UK can obtain derogation over NVZs
21 May 2008
ADDRESSING people’s specific concerns about the proposed new NVZ regulations, Peter Kendall said he was ‘confident’ the UK could obtain a derogation, as many other member states had.
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Presssure on agriculture to reduce environmental impact - Keenan
21 May 2008
DESPITE talks of world food shortages, the pressure on agriculture to reduce its environmental impact was not going to go away.
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NVZs main preoccupation in extended muck feature
21 May 2008
WITH the muck area of the event relocated and expanded at this year’s event, slurry and manure were a focus for visitors.
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Beef cattle subjected to too many diet changes - Keenan
15 April 2008
BEEF cattle are being subjected to too many diet changes, setting them back by up to three weeks on each occasion, according to David Beever, international nutrition director for Keenan.
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Inspection shows more SQPs meeting requirements
15 April 2008
THE animal health products distribution industry has been praised by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate for achieving a marked improvement in the number of Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) retailers complying with the requirements of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
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Derbyshire Holstein herd wins Arla milk quality award
15 April 2008
A HIGH-YIELDING Holstein herd in Derbyshire has won the Arla Foods’ milk quality awards.
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Limousins largest numerical cattle breed according to latest figures
14 April 2008
THE latest figures from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) show Limousins as the largest numerical cattle breed with 642,847 Limousin-sired animals registered in 2007 – 34 per cent of the market share.
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Initiative aims to reduce pollution of riverways and help understand NVZs
7 April 2008
A NUMBER of issues linked to muck, slurry and NVZs have been addressed by the English Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative through on-farm events and briefings.
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Tips for better animal welfare
7 April 2008
AT a workshop at Reaseheath College, John Hughes put cattle losses from pneumonia at about 10 per cent of national UK annual production.
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Workshop demonstrates importance of good ventilation
4 April 2008
SMOKE bombs were set off in livestock housing at Reaseheath College, Nantwich, Cheshire, to demonstrate to farmers and agricultural students the importance of good ventilation when trying to prevent respiratory diseases.
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Great value shown by liquid feeds set to continue
27 March 2008
STILL available, still good value and still excellent feeds – that was the message from Trident’s Richard Cross, who claimed the great value shown by liquid feeds in recent months looked set to continue well into the summer.
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Prioritised fibre feeding a way to achieve high milk yields
26 March 2008
IT is time for dairy farmers to ‘kick the energy habit and jump on the fibre bandwagon’, according to Peter Allen of Total Diet Management.
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Sheep farmers urged to plan vaccination programmes
25 March 2008
WITH no clear information about when the bluetongue vaccine will be widely available, Intervet Animal Health has urged sheep farmers to plan routine vaccination programmes as soon as possible.
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Sheep farmers urged to plan vaccination programmes
25 March 2008
WITH no clear information about when the bluetongue vaccine will be widely available, Intervet Animal Health has urged sheep farmers to plan routine vaccination programmes as soon as possible.
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Cross-breeding provides heterosis in offspring
March 14th 2008
IN stark contrast to Mike Osmundson and his clutch of dairy farmers in California, university professor Les Hansen is still a massive fan of the Holstein cow.
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‘Breaking the Holstein mould to improve herds’
13 March 2008
LIVING and working in a state that has built its entire dairy industry on the Holstein cow, Mike Osmundson is not popular.
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Emphasis on trade stands at the Dairy Show
30 January 2008
HAVING been postponed from its usual date in October, the Dairy Show has gone ahead today (Wednesday, January 30) at the Bath and West showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
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Investigation into the role of high genetic merit rams
9 January 2008
ONE of HCC’s Farming Connect demonstration farms is set to investigate the role of high genetic merit rams in raising growth rates and muscle depth in lambs, while maintaining adequate finish.
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Free blood testing available for ewes
8 January 2008
BACK for another year, Intervet Animal Health’s Barren EweCheck free blood testing service is now available.
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Kill It, Cook It, Eat It returns to our screens
7 January 2008
THIS week sees the second series of Kill It, Cook It, Eat It hit our television screens – and we will be interested to hear your opinions as each of the four programmes is aired.
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Kill It, Cook It, Eat It returns to our screens
7 January 2008
THIS week sees the second series of Kill It, Cook It, Eat It hit our television screens – and we will be interested to hear your opinions as each of the four programmes are aired.
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Humphrey Feeds granted royal warrant
7 January 2008
A ROYAL warrant has been granted to Humphrey Feeds to supply free-range poultry feed to the Royal Farms at Windsor.
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Higher output and low costs ensures hill farm profitability
January 4th 2008
ONE of the biggest differences between the figures for top third LFA breeding flocks and bottom third is lamb output – and that is one area where Bill Elliot is doing very well.
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Livestock news briefs
28 December 2007
MAJOR changes to next year’s British Pig and Poultry Fair (held May 13-14 at the National Agricultural Centre) will include attractions for a wider audience.
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Sheep farmers should check tag stocks
26 December 2007
SHEEP farmers should check their tag stocks in preparation for the implementation of the proposed new rules on double-tagging, say tag manufacturer Ritchey.
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Belgian sheep farmer talks about his bluetongue experience
24 December 2007
A BELGIAN sheep farmer whose flock was infected with bluetongue earlier this year has spoken about his experience to the Suffolk Sheep Shropshire and Montgomeryshire Club.
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Compulsory EID of sheep date set
13 December 2007
THE European Union has officially stated that the recording of individual sheep movements by electronic identification (EID) will become compulsory on January 1, 2010.
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National Holstein Show 2008 cancelled
5 December 2007
THE 2008 National Holstein Show – originally organised for April 15 – has been cancelled due to concerns over the bluetongue movement restrictions currently in place.
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National Holstein Show 2008 cancelled
5 December 2007
THE 2008 National Holstein Show – originally organised for April 15 – has been cancelled due to concerns over the bluetongue restrictions currently in place.
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Double tagging outline
15 November 2007
DEFRA has outlined the new double tagging regulations for sheep and goats – and while they remain a proposal at the present time, the short consultation period suggests it is a formality and double tagging is to happen.
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Double tagging outline
15 November 2007
DEFRA has outlined the new double tagging regulations for sheep and goats – and while they remain a proposal at the present time, the short consultation period suggests it is a formality and double tagging is to happen.
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Fluke risk higher this winter – VLA
October 19th 2007
THE Veterinary Laboratories Agency is warning of the potential for liver fluke infections (fasciolosis) this autumn and winter, following diagnosis of acute fasciolosis at regional laboratories in Penrith, Winchester and Carmarthen.
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Sheep producer problems are worldwide
October 19th 2007
Leaving the industry creates serious problems for those remaining, warns NZ chief
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A strong and determined vision for his future in dairy farming
September 28th 2007
IF you have a burning ambition to produce milk why let a headcount of under a dozen cows and no farm to keep them on stand in your way?
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Too soon to say when movement restrictions could be lifted
6 August 2007
DESPITE varying reports on the minimum length of time the movement restrictions will be in place following the Surrey foot-and-mouth outbreak, no timeframe has been put in place
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Pig inter-breed results from the Royal Welsh Show
25 July 2007
IT was mature over junior in the pig inter-breed final with a four-year-old Welsh sow beating a much younger Welsh boar.
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Emission reduction is a real possibility
12 July 2007
SO convinced of the environmental gains its nutritional system can offer, Keenan invited major industry bodies and retailers to hear evidence from a panel of internationally renowned scientists.
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Rained off – but would it still have been a wash-out anyway?
July 6th 2007
FOLLOWING the split with Haymarket after the 2006 Royal Show, this was the year for RASE to make changes and restore the event to its former glory.
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Encouraging sheep farmers to work closer with their vets
June 15th 2007
THE sheep part of the Farm Health Planning initiative – an industry-led project in partnership with Defra – was launched at the NSA North Sheep event.
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National Holstein Show 2007
20 April 2007
FARMERS Guardian has all the news, results and photos from Bingley Hall, Stafforshire.
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The National Holstein Show
17 April 2007
All the latest news and photos from Bingley Hall, Stafforshire.
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Heavy snowfall fails to dampen competition
23 February 2007
DESPITE having to rearrange their drama and ‘one plus’ festival because of heavy snowfall, the Brecknock Federations of Young Farmers’ Clubs excelled themselves once again on the stage.
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Chairman swaps his wellies for trainers
February 23rd 2007
THE Wales YFC Chairman, Rhodri Evans, will be amongst the 46,000 runners running the London Marathon on April the 22.
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Debate attracts a mixed audience
February 23rd 2007
A DEBATE on the key issues facing British agriculture, organised by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs, attracted young and ‘not so young’ farmers from across the county.
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Embryo tops a steady Shottle sale at Beeston Castle
February 23rd 2007
DESPITE a slow start, the ‘for the love of Shottle’ Holstein sale at Beeston Castle, Cheshire, on Tuesday did gain momentum and peaked at 23,000gns.
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A land where breeding ambition is rare
February 16th 2007
DAIRY farmer Giampietro Zotti is breaking the traditional Italian mould – he is prioritising breeding over milk production.
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Pedigree export makes her mark in Europe
February 9th 2007
THE first pedigree Holstein cow to be exported out of the UK after the ban was lifted last year has already made her mark in Europe.
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Determined to qualify and take on more responsibility at work
January 26th 2007
IN the second of our articles celebrating the launch of the Rural Business Administrator of the Year Award 2007, organised by the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators (IAgSA)as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations, JOANNE PUGH speaks to Polish farm secretary Monika Cirstea about the challenges and rewards of qualifying and working in the UK.
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Wires in old tyres blamed for rise in traumatic reticulitis cases
January 12th 2007
DATA collected by the National Animal Disease Information Service (NADIS) has shown a recent increase in the number of cases of traumatic reticulitis.
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NOAH Conference
December 8th 2006
‘Consumers believe vaccines are linked to growth hormones and misuse of antibiotics’
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Tests reveal BVD and IBR concerns
November 24th 2006
A WIDESPREAD incidence of both BVD and IBR has been found in over 220 bulk tank milk samples tested between June and the end of October this year.
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Absence makes the heat grow stronger for sows and boars
September 22nd 2006
A CHANGE in service-house design to limit the contact sows have with boars immediately after weaning may help improve breeding herd productivity, according to new research by Behan and Watson.
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New move to raise awareness of sheep scab – and treat it
August 4th 2006
BETTER communication and peer pressure are going to be the biggest tools in a new cross-industry initiative to completely eradicate sheep scab in the UK.
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Ewe must be good to come up to scratch at Abberley
August 4th 2006
Sheep farmer Marcus Bullock has very high standards and knows exactly what he wants – not just for his own flock but for sheep breeding in general. JOANNE PUGH went to find out more.
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No compensation for cohort cattle buyers
June 30th 2006
FARMERS have condemned Defra’s decision not to award compensation after they unwittingly purchased BSE cohort cattle that are ineligible for the food chain.
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English Nature finds grazing sites for Shropshire livestock
June 16th 2006
SHORT of grazing? A new scheme in Shropshire is helping livestock farmers find grazing sites through an English Nature ‘dating agency’.
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Design in a day on-farm cattle handling challenge
June 9th 2006
WHEN given just one day to design a new on-farm cattle handling system, completely from scratch, beef farmers at an Eblex focus day quickly realised the importance of good design and attention to detail.
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Fees issue is finally resolved
May 12th 2006
Tense debates, competitions finals and socialising beside the seaside made for another unforgettable annual convention for the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs. JOANNE PUGH reports from Blackpool.
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Two-stage lambing process proves a success
April 28th 2006
It is no mean feat to lamb 3,000 ewes but shepherd Nick Davies has instigated a number of changes on a sheep farm in Shropshire to make the whole process considerably easier and more successful. JOANNE PUGH went to see how lambing has gone this year at Brakes Farm, Ludlow.
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A Lakeland farm with its very own tales of heritage
December 30th 2005
When Jon and Caroline Watson took over the tenancy of a historic National Trust farm in the heart of the Lake District they knew they would have to draw on a number of income streams to make a living. Their latest venture is the sale of traditionally reared beef and lamb in insulated boxes.
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Thriving festive poultry business
December 9th 2005
The geese are housed in the cattle shed, with the goslings gradually given access to more and more grazing until they are ready to roam over the full 14 acres used by the geese. Foxes have been an intermittent problem, but the use of electric fencing and care at housing have virtually eliminated this problem. – William Brisbourne
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Two-tier lagoon system meets slurry needs of partnership
October 21st 2005
Slurry and Pollution Control – Three-page special feature
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Risk of avian flu to be taken seriously
August 26th 2005
While there was no need to take ‘panic’ measures at this stage, the risk of avian flu spreading to Europe and possibly the UK should be taken seriously, industry leaders said this week.
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New pig system works a treat
June 24th 2005
A batch system of pig management is paying dividends at Reaseheath College, near Nantwich, Cheshire. Neil Ryder talked to the college’s Jeff Griffiths.
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Mill House becomes latest LEAF demonstration farm
May 27th 2005
A west Cumbria farm has become the latest LEAF demonstration farm.
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Turning his dream into a reality thanks to Charollais
May 27th 2005
John Davies spent much of his working life in high pressure sales and marketing before taking early ‘retirement’ to concentrate on breeding pedigree Charollais rams. Neil Ryder visited his Windmill flock.
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Hard working college helping to create the next generation of dairy farmers
April 8 2005
Profitable dairy farming is a difficult enough job without close scrutiny from students and visitors, but that is exactly the environment of the successful dairy unit at Bishop Burton College, near Beverley, East Yorkshire.
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Mixed farming is order of the day for Strathmore
April 1st 2005
Mixed farming taking in arable, pigs, sheep and beef production is the order of the day for The Strathmore Farming Company and its director, David Soutar, a finalist in the Yara/Farmers Guardian Farming’s Greatest Communicators competition.