Livestock

Picture the scene. It is the end of 2021 and there has been a no-deal Brexit, while Basic Payments have also started to reduce in line with Government plans to move towards a more environmentally-based farming support structure.

Changes to the distribution of red meat levy across England, Wales and Scotland to reflect the country of production rather than slaughter have been strongly welcomed by industry.

The problem with parasites in dairy cattle is the often invisible impact. If left uncontrolled, parasite infections in youngstock and adult cows can lead to a reduction in lifetime milk production and fertility.

Farm groups have welcomed the ‘positive’ news that new TB incidents across Wales have dropped by 10 per cent in the 12 months to August 2020.

THE timed online auction of working sheepdogs hosted by Farmers Marts, Dolgellau, peaked at 13,200 with eight lots selling for more than 7,000.

The auction sale record for a Charollais ewe was broken twice at the production sale from the Tullyear flock of Drew and Stephen Cowan, held at Beattie Livestock Yard, Omagh, Northern Ireland.

A farmer has died after he was hit by a livestock wagon at a cattle mart in Yorkshire.

Welsh vets responsible for TB testing face being moved to ports such as Holyhead to deal with Brexit issues after January 1, presenting major concerns for animal health.

Scottish farmers look set to keep some form of direct payment beyond 2024, after Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing mounted a passionate defence of income support at the virtual AgriScot conference.

Being handed the baton by fellow Dorset farmer and longstanding Farmers Guardian contributor, Jon Stanley, is rather a daunting task, but, as this is my first article, I thought I would write a little bit about about my background and a general introduction to our farm.