I can sound like a stuck record when talking about the importance of quarantining new animals on the farm, writes Nerys Wright. Quarantine is not exciting – frequently seen as yet another job involving what appear to be fit, healthy animals. But many disease outbreaks are traced back to... Read more

Dairy fortunes are showing signs of recovery – but milk prices still have some way to go to cover production costs on many farms. Values have steadily risen over the past year following a sharp drop to 36.49ppl in July 2023. But they frequently fail to provide a fair... Read more

Reducing on-farm emissions by making simple changes is helping to increase profits on one of the UK’s biggest dairy units. That was the message delivered by Grosvenor Farms dairy manager David Craven to 1300 visitors at last month’s Down to Earth event in Cheshire. The 2,600-cow herd is housed... Read more

Poultry and pig producers are being advised to review hygiene protocols to reduce the risk of pathogenic infections affecting performance. Better hygiene and disinfection procedures are seen as a key way to maximise biosecurity and reduce productivity losses – including those resulting from sub-clinical health issues. “Monogastric units remain... Read more

Pigs can still thrive despite the removal of potentially harmful zinc oxide from their diets, says an industry specialist. Zinc oxide has been used for many years in the industry to reduce diarrhoea in post-weaned pigs. But concern over the potential risk to the environment saw the therapeutic use... Read more

Egg producers and pullet rearers are being asked to remain vigilant against the threat of salmonella in British layers. The layer industry has been working to prevent the disease, but Elanco layer business manager Jeremy Marsh said it still was important for the industry to keep a watchful eye... Read more

Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK. The National Pig Association national biosecurity and better border controls should be a top priority amid fears that a major disease outbreak could devastate Britain’s outdoor herds and indoor units.... Read more

Suckler beef farmers aiming for more sustainable systems are being advised to prioritise genetic traits that have the biggest influence on productivity. “With beef under increasing pressure to be more sustainable and profitable, it’s never been more important to review the suitability of herd genetics,” says Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society... Read more

Early first cut silage results are analysing well – which should provide some welcome relief following a challenging winter and spring. At 11.2MJ/kg, average metabolisable energy (ME) levels appear similar to last year. At 31.5%, so too do average dry matter levels. But the ration of lactic acid to... Read more

A regenerative approach to beef grazing cattle is helping a Shropshire farmer take his family business one step close to self-sufficiency. Since returning home 15 years ago to farm with his parents, Angus Hawkins has been keen to make use the family’s grassland to cut costs and boost the... Read more