Advice

High temperatures are now more likely and less predictable so dairy farmers need to be prepared to combat the negative impact of heat stress on health and productivity in their herds

Consistent hygiene and provision of a well-mixed milk replacer will have a knock-on effect on calf performance and health, translating into labour savings in the calf shed

Rising productivity in modern dairy herds can come at a cost, with nutritional stress now a key driver of poor fertility in high yielding herds

Dynamic milking assessments are increasingly being used to address udder health issues or improve parlour efficiency

Katie Fitzgerald, of Bishopton Farm Vets, looks at the cause, impact and management of heat stress among dairy cows

A dedicated approach to people development and effective team communication has led to a thriving farm team and a successful business for dairy farmer, Mike King

Cutting silage regularly can boost forage quality, improve milk production from forage and increase energy yield per hectare

While cases of mastitis are falling on a national level, producers should not take their eye off the ball when it comes to udder health in and around the transition period

Milk fever cases have fallen steadily in recent years but remains a significant health challenge on many UK dairy farms according to the 2025 Kingshay Dairy Costings Focus report

Nutrition can help with many of the key challenges associated with the dry period. However, for long-term success it is important to get the basics right first and then build upwards towards the best nutritional approach