Livestock

No farm should face the prospect of losing more than a quarter of its direct payment before the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme is up and running, the CLA has said.

In a bid to beat the Covid-19 lockdown and counter numerous show cancellations, an online agricultural show has been organised which promises fun for all the family.

Plaid Cymru has called on the Welsh Government to put on hold its plans to introduce new water regulations until the coronavirus epidemic is under control.

Agricultural supply networks say they have seen no evidence of stockpiling amid the Covid-19 panic, despite anecdotal reports.

A partnership has been launched between Moredun and the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) to tackle the problem of louping ill, an often fatal tick-borne virus, to which sheep and red grouse are particularly suscept

Farmers are being warned to take extra care to ensure livestock and machinery are protected from theft as thieves try to cash in on demand for food amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Livestock auctions have reported a 36 per cent drop in lamb price on the week after recent periods of high throughput and strong trade, with Covid-19 weighing on the supply chain. 

Further guidance has been issued by the Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) to inform farmers on stricter livestock mart procedures during Covid-19.

With 40 per cent of food eaten out of the home in the UK, the Government’s decision to close pubs and restaurants will have a major impact on demand.

Concerns have been raised that cattle prices could drop over the coming weeks, with demand for steaks from both the food service sector and retailers plummeting due to the coronavirus epidemic.