The Berry family scooped the interbreed pig championship once again with the Stocksbridge herd at last month’s English Winter Fair. Having won last year with a purebred Pietrain, this year they took the honours with a ¾ Pietrain x Large White, which was also crowned in the interbreed pairs... Read more
Pig industry stalwart Hugh Crabtree has won the 2023 David Black Award for his contribution to the sector over 40 years. Mr Crabtree has dedicated his career to improving the welfare and economic production of the industry. He co-founded Farmex – a market leader in ventilation systems for pig... Read more
Pig levy hike ‘vital’ for producers
Livestock 29/11/2023
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board has defended proposals for a 20% hike in the pork levy – arguing that it is vital to deliver value for money to producers. Announced in October, the planned increase would be the first for more than 20 years. It follows a challenging... Read more
Farm leaders have called for a poultry meat supply chain inquiry after Defra announced an review aimed at ensuring a fairer market for the egg sector. The NFU said a Defra investigation should also be launched into the broiler sector because poultry producers face similar challenges to egg producers... Read more
Pig and poultry producers are at the forefront of efforts to reduce antibiotics in UK livestock production, confirm the latest figures. UK livestock sectors continue to make positive progress towards antibiotic use targets for the years 2021-2024 – with some sectors reaching goals early, according to the RUMA Targets... Read more
High scanning percentages are prompting reminders for sheep producers to adjust ewe management this winter. Many ewes are carrying twins or triplets – with high percentages a welcome change from last year. But the grass quality is declining so other methods will be needed to maintain ewe body condition... Read more
Farmers forced to open maize silage clamps earlier than expected this year are being warned to keep a close eye on livestock. A challenging season for grass growth has seen more farmers than usual feeding maize silage straight after harvest due to tight forage stocks. But doing so can... Read more
Good harvest yields reported for maize
Livestock 07/11/2023
Early indications suggest a bumper harvest for maize production this year with high yields of good quality material that should clamp and feed well. Fears that the relatively cold, wet spring and challenging drilling conditions could result in later maturing crops for many growers have been largely abated, says... Read more
British sheep farmers are being urged to remain vigilant following confirmation of a new bluetongue strain spreading rapidly in the Netherlands. Concern about the proximity of the BTV-3 virus to the UK – and eastern region sheep flocks in particular – prompted an emergency meeting of representatives from more... Read more
Farmers are being advised to get ewes in the correct condition before tupping to avoid a second year of poor scanning rates. Grass growth rates stunted by lack of rain during May and June have largely returned to normal following the warm, wet summer. But a close eye still... Read more
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