Livestock

A Norfolk abattoir has been fined £300,000 after residents claimed they could not leave their homes owing to the stench of decaying poultry.

The new Defra Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, has hinted that a rethink on the phase out of badger culling could be on the way.

Precision Grazing, a farm consultancy group specialising in pasture-based livestock systems, recently held an on-farm open day with discussions focusing on how farmers could create resilient and profitable businesses. Rebecca

An entry of 710 Bluefaced Leicesters went under the hammer at the Farmers Guardian supported sale at Hawes with ram lambs averaging 2,373, just less than 40 up on last years record breaking sale.

Offering healthcare services at livestock marts could remove the stigma about seeking medical help, with most farmers only seeking advice if an illness or injury is extremely bad, a new study has found.

The out-wintering of livestock on fodder crops has long been a wintering strategy used by beef and sheep enterprises. But as winter housing costs are looming and silage rations are being opened, fodder crops may also be an option for dairy systems.

The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Professor Christine Middlemiss has urged free-range egg producers to plan and be prepared for another Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak this winter.

Farming Minister Mark Spencer has said he will push for small abattoirs to be able to benefit from earned recognition in order to reduce veterinary presence.

A Cumbrian farming couple has issued a desperate plea to the local authorities for help managing the River Derwent near Keswick after a flash flood led to the loss of 58 ewe lambs, writes Sarah Alderton

Bluefaced Leicesters led the trade of 1,200 sheep at the Farmers Guardian supported multi-breed sale at Welshpool selling to 4,000gns.