Some varieties thrive in heat

Over-reliance on fast-growing ryegrass varieties that head quickly and then deteriorate rapidly could be contributing to forage shortages on many farms.

Using a bedding sanitiser to help maintain rigorous hygiene standards could reduce mortalities in the lambing shed this spring.

Beef and dairy herds could benefit from supplementary trace elements before and after calving this spring.

Supplies of clostridial animal health vaccines must be secured as soon as possible before spring lambing and calving, say experts.

Beef and sheep farmers expect to scale back production over the coming months as they strive to remain profitable in the face of high input costs.

Dairy farmers housing cattle this winter, are being encouraged to incorporate a bedding sanitiser as part of a holistic mastitis prevention strategy.

Liver fluke levels are forecast to be relatively low for much of the UK this winter – but experts say the risk to grazing livestock on individual farms is less predictable.