5 top tips for indoor lambing
Livestock 27/01/2025
Good preparation is key to ensuring success when indoor lambing. Gwyn James from Nettex offers timely personal and professional reminders to keep on top of your game. I grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Wales and still help family and friends to lamb inside. We always... Read more
Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have discovered a cutting-edge way of using waste water to track avian flu. This new method could help to determine how well seasonal flu vaccines are working and may also help detect the next pandemic at an early stage. It also works on human... Read more
• Winter migratory birds are carriers • Poultry sector braced for outbreaks • Good hygiene key to reduce risks Poultry keepers are being urged to stay on top of their game when it comes to protecting flocks against avian influenza this winter. It follows two high-profile outbreaks – including... Read more
UK pig producers should develop robust contingency plans as African swine fever (ASF) continues to spread across mainland Europe, say experts. ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. There are several different strains. Pigs infected with mild strains may not become ill or show typical clinical signs.... Read more
Inspirational pig industry stalwart Howard Revell has won the 2024 David Black Award – recognising his long-standing dedication to the sector. The accolade – recognising Mr Revell’s efforts to improve animal welfare while mentoring others within the industry for almost 40 years – was presented on 18 November at... Read more
Lowest level of livestock antibiotics Multi-drug resistance in pigs and poultry has fallen to an all-time low after a decade of reducing antibiotic use. The amount of antibiotics sold for livestock remains at the lowest level to date, says Defra. But an increase in antibiotic usage for some livestock... Read more
Skyway spring barley delivers good returns
Arable 27/01/2025
• Inexpensive to achieve good yields • Stiff straw and good bushel weight • Competes strongly with blackgrass A crop of spring barley that produces a gross margin to rival milling wheat is a desire of most growers. It rarely happens, but the rotational and workload benefits that come... Read more
• Good mix of yield and oil content • In-built traits include resistance • Early drilling and winter hardiness Newly recommended oilseed rape varieties from Limagrain once again prove the value of genetic traits, says the breeder. Limagrain’s Field Seeds breeding programme is delivering varieties with high yields and... Read more
• Pest reported in eastern region crops • Monitor rape carefully, growers told • Mild weather can prolong problems Oilseed rape growers are being urged to watch out for signs of rape winter stem weevil – after several reports of the pest appearing in eastern region crops. Despite having... Read more
Huge rewards are possible for growers who embrace the full potential of nutrient planning – rather than adopting a simple compliance mindset. A basic plan may meet legal requirements, but higher profits, greater productivity and long-term sustainability can be achieved by a more in-depth approach, says Allison Arden of... Read more
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