Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Cutting-edge technology boosts productivity
An innovative camera and AI system is helping dairy farmers improve productivity and cow health. The system uses a camera fitted to the parlour or race, allowing a bird’s-eye view of the cows as they pass underneath. It assesses mobility and body condition score (BCS), which the farmer can... Read more
UK Dairy Day set for bumper event
• Thousands of visitors expected to attend • Showcase of best British dairy sector • Exhibitors from UK and overseas Final touches are being put to this year’s UK Dairy Day event, which takes place next month at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire. The dedicated annual event for the... Read more
Ewe condition at weaning has long-term effect
It’s hard to believe for some people, but the decisions you make about weaning in 2025 can directly influence your 2026 lamb crop, writes Nerys Wright. While much attention is rightly given to preparing ewes for tupping, research shows that their body condition score (BCS) and liveweight at weaning... Read more
Hatchery hygiene audits critical to pathogen control
Specialist technical advice is key Hatchery managers are being encouraged to carry out regular hygiene audits to support their biosecurity protocols. Hatcheries present unique hygiene challenges compared to other farm settings, operating more like food factories which require significantly higher cleanliness standards, says Rob Hallewell, hatchery hygiene expert at... Read more
NFU tells Starmer to hold firm on poultry standards
Farmer leader Tom Bradshaw has urged Keir Starmer to hold firm on poultry production standards when negotiating trade deals. The NFU has written to the Prime Minister calling for the government to continue its balanced approach to trade and to protect UK standards as trade negotiations progress with the... Read more
‘Planning rules need easing for pig sector’
• Constraints are continual challenge • Sector hampered by too many rules • Planners need to be more consistent A planning overhaul is needed to secure a better future for pig production, industry leaders have told the government. The National Pig Association made the plea in response to Defra’s... Read more
Buoyant milk year – despite challenging weather
• Good showing for UK dairy farmers • Growing momentum for organic milk • Big range in farm performance levels The last milk year was positive for dairy producers, with continued improvements in cow health and growing momentum in the organic milk sector, according to the latest annual report... Read more
How good management keeps disease at bay
A sharp rise in antibiotic usage on Danish pig farms highlights the importance of disease management following the 2022 zinc oxide ban, say researchers. Due to be published in the July issue of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, the study by the National Food Institute tracked antimicrobial use (AMU) across Danish... Read more
Control docks to get best from silage
Dry spring sees docks thrive Dock populations are thriving this summer following the driest spring in over a century – and reducing silage palatability unless controlled. Deep rooting ability allows docks to reach moisture – outcompeting grass in a way which can significantly reduce silage quality and nutrient value,... Read more
Why smart testing beats blanket dosing
I recently travelled the country and noticed growing interest in a parasite called Haemonchus contortus, or Barber’s Pole worm, writes Nerys Wright. I’ve encountered it before in the south and east, recent queries have come from the Midlands and the north of England – suggesting it may be spreading... Read more