Dairy

Ahead of UK Dairy Expo, Angela Calvert, speaks to Harrison and Hetherington’s Glyn Lucas about the event and current challenges to the industry.

While many farmers perceive lungworm in cattle to be an autumn disease – simply because the tell-tale cough from husk tends to peak late in the grazing season – the reality is early spring is the time to be thinking about better disease control, says vet Emily Linton.

Although digital dermatitis remains up there as the number one lameness challenge for many dairy producers in the UK, controlling the bacteria can be straightforward says veterinary surgeon Nick Bell. Farmers Guardian reports.

An EA employee working on livestock farming regulation has been forced to pull out of a public debate, where he was due to support a motion which claimed ‘only vegan farming can make agriculture truly sustainable’.

According to the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) group, vaccinating calves before turnout can protect them against lungworm and reduce economic losses from ill-health.

A new tool which blocks online searches for harmful material relating to self-harm and suicide can help support those within the agricultural industry suffering from poor mental health.

In 2022, the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway will be launched as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI); the culmination of more than two years’ worth of research and co-design between farmers, vets and Defra specialists.

Continued support from customers has meant farmer-owned co-operative Arla was able to deliver ‘strong’ farmgate prices to its producers during 2021.

Farming unions have expressed concern that the Welsh Government’s latest TB consultation has failed to assess the impact its proposals will have on farm finances, cattle welfare and veterinary capacity. 

The latest results from Pioneer Accurate Crop Testing System (PACTS) 2021 trials show very early maturity from the dent hybrid P7034 maize variety.