‘Stay vigilant’ call to keep out foot-and-mouth

• Concern over outbreak in Germany

• Reminder to maintain biosecurity

• Talk to friends and family

Sheep producers are being urged to remain vigilant and maintain on-farm biosecurity following confirmation of foot-and-mouth disease in Germany.

UK imports of sheep, cattle and pigs were swiftly banned following the discovery of Germany’s first foot-and-mouth outbreak in nearly 40 years on 10 January in a herd of water buffalo on the outskirts of Berlin.

Although confirmed cases were isolated to one farm – news of the disease being present in Europe was an unsurprising cause of concern for UK livestock keepers, said the National Sheep Association.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “It’s the last thing we want to see here in Britain – we are already suffering from Bluetongue and Schmallenberg virus adding demand on veterinary resources.”

“Any disease outbreak results in significant private and public costs, as well as serious animal and human welfare implications, so NSA is pleased to see border controls heightened, with an immediate suspension of meat and livestock imports.

Significant risk

Mr Stocker added: “It is hoped that traceability in Germany will quickly identify where the disease has been introduced from and if any further livestock holdings both in Germany or further afield are known to be at significant risk.”

Many foot-and-mouth symptoms are similar to bluetongue symptoms. The NSA is urging farmers to be vigilant for signs of both disease within their flocks and to ensure biosecurity measures are followed to the highest possible level.

The sector is still dealing with restrictions following last year’s bluetongue outbreak. The recent emergence of further Schmallenberg cases in early lambing UK flocks are also adding to farmers’ worries.

Listening ear

Any farmers affected by the ongoing situation – are being encouraged to speak with friends and neighbours – or to seek advice from farming and rural charities who are offering a listening ear.

Mr Stocker said the NSA would continue to update sheep farmers at what was a challenging time for the sector. Further information was on the NSA website and social media channels – and the Animal and Plant Health Agency website.

How to maximise nutritional benefits of slurry

Dairy farmers are using slurry additives to help reduce the environmental impact of artificial fertiliser while tackling rising input costs.

The UK produces 48 million tonnes of slurry each year – 30 times more than the amount of fertiliser sold. And more farmers say using it makes financial sense to maintain profitability while meeting environmental targets and improve soil health

David Newton, technical product manager at Timac Agro, say switching to a slurry containing more than £5 per tonne in total nutrients can significantly reduce the amount of artificial fertiliser needed to grower a strong crop.

“It soon adds up to a sizeable saving,” says Mr Newton. Up to £4 worth of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is readily available to the treated crop. This means farmers spreading 20-30t/ha could save up to £120/ha in artificial fertiliser costs.

Mr Newton adds: “The financial benefits are escalated in the soil, with the addition of organic matter and its ability to slowly release nitrogen as it breaks down, along with all the micronutrients slurry brings.”

Slurry store

Improving infrastructure, such as covering slurry stores, is the most effective way of improving the value of readily available nutrients and organic matter, careful nutrient management does not have to require large capital investments.

“A well-rounded nutrient management plan should improve the performance of slurry, but also make its management easier, which is why we recommend a slurry additive to take full advantage of what’s available.”

Timac Agro’s powder conditioner ActiPost 360 can improve slurry’s nitrogen and phosphorous retention by 27% and 33% respectively. It also makes slurry easier to pump – freeing up storage capacity.