Technical

Following weather extremes that led many livestock farms to have a shortage of forage over winter, the outlook for soil health and forage quality and quantity this year is full of challenges. Dairy Farmer asked three industry experts what can be done to better understand and improve forage in 2026

Simon Nelson advises farmers on a wide range of arable and forage crops across Cumbria, north Lancashire and into south west Scotland

Excess copper is silently undermining conception in dairy heifers, but mineral audits and forage profiling could help get things back on track

For UK dairy farmers considering a move from a parlour to robots, one of the first decisions is whether to run a free access or guided system but what are the pros and cons of each?

Bloat can be a deadly condition in cattle therefore knowing how to spot, treat and prevent it could help save your stock

To get heifers to the optimum size and stature to calve easily at 24 months, consistent daily growth rates and remaining disease-free are important, says Dr Emma Bleach, of Harper Adams University

New Group 4 varieties look to combine cleaner disease profiles and flexible drilling opportunities as growers look to reduce risk and input costs

If heifers are entering the milking herd underweight and underprepared, the ripple effects could be costing you, says dairy expert

Low milk prices are driving interest in whole milk feeding, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution and careful considerations should be taken

Fodder beet has become a key crop for mixed farmer Dylan Davies in recent years, underpinning his strategy to outwinter dairy youngstock to help keep costs in check