A bespoke training service aims to help dairy farmers and their vets improve herd health and reproduction planning by better monitoring. The new MSD Animal Health Insights service will provide practical information training – delivered by an veterinary advisor – based on the needs of individual dairy herds, farmers... Read more
New guidance to reduce the risk of animal disease from stored livestock feed has been published by Defra. The guidance emphasises the pivotal role of regular and thorough cleaning in maintaining livestock health and productivity. It also stresses the significance of cleansing feed storage areas, containers and equipment. Defra... Read more
Switching to a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) has delivered significant benefits for flock health and efficiency. Scottish sheep producer Jack Shaw is gradually increasing his sheep flock from 200 to 800 ewes over a five-year period. He has also moved from a hill-based system to low-ground grazing at Lochfer... Read more
Good ewe nutrition is helping to boost colostrum quality, milk production and flock health ahead of lambing. Feed blocks containing essential trace elements, vitamins, and minerals are also bolstering youngstock development and immunity while promote the vitality and vigour of newborn lambs and ewes. “Supplementation is especially important in... Read more
Unusual weather patterns are having a big impact on the risk of liver fluke across the UK, say livestock experts. The level and timing of the disease risk is becoming later with the first losses last year no reported until late November, according to the Sustainable Control of Parasites... Read more
Sheep farmers are losing 10-25% of early lambs this season to Schmallenberg disease, suggest initial reports. Scanners are reporting dead lambs inside ewes – adding to challenges which already include bluetongue virus, winter storms and flooding due to extreme weather, says the National Sheep Association. NSA chief executive Phil... Read more
Livestock producers are urged to remain vigilant for bluetongue with more than 50 cases of the virus now confirmed in southern and eastern England. Defra said there was still no evidence that bluetongue was circulating in midges in Great Britain. But surveillance remains ongoing with the number of cases... Read more
Maize growers wanting to get the most from slurry and manure are being advised to manage applications very carefully this winter. Wet autumn conditions followed by rain during December and the ongoing decline in phosphate and potash applications over recent years mean soil indices are suffering, says NRM agronomy... Read more
A new inoculant can help farmers improve slurry management – reducing the need for bought-in fertilisers. Researchers shortlisted almost 30 different strains of bugs and fungi to see whether they could reduce crust formation on slurry stores. To identify the best one, they then tested five of the most... Read more
Farmers looking to upgrade slurry management systems are invited to apply for a further £74m in grant funding, The second round of the Slurry Infrastructure Grant is the latest tranche of £200m being invested by Defra to tackle agricultural pollution from livestock waste as the government seeks to secure... Read more
Subscribe
Industry leaders aim to secure profitable future
News Apr 1, 2026
New law on dog attacks comes into effect
News Mar 4, 2026
Revealed: Latest details for revamped SFI scheme
News Mar 4, 2026