Switching to a Total Mixed Ration (TMR) has delivered significant benefits for flock health and efficiency. Scottish sheep producer Jack Shaw is gradually increasing his sheep flock from 200 to 800 ewes over a five-year period. He has also moved from a hill-based system to low-ground grazing at Lochfer... Read more
Good ewe nutrition is helping to boost colostrum quality, milk production and flock health ahead of lambing. Feed blocks containing essential trace elements, vitamins, and minerals are also bolstering youngstock development and immunity while promote the vitality and vigour of newborn lambs and ewes. “Supplementation is especially important in... Read more
Unusual weather patterns are having a big impact on the risk of liver fluke across the UK, say livestock experts. The level and timing of the disease risk is becoming later with the first losses last year no reported until late November, according to the Sustainable Control of Parasites... Read more
Sheep farmers are losing 10-25% of early lambs this season to Schmallenberg disease, suggest initial reports. Scanners are reporting dead lambs inside ewes – adding to challenges which already include bluetongue virus, winter storms and flooding due to extreme weather, says the National Sheep Association. NSA chief executive Phil... Read more
Livestock producers are urged to remain vigilant for bluetongue with more than 50 cases of the virus now confirmed in southern and eastern England. Defra said there was still no evidence that bluetongue was circulating in midges in Great Britain. But surveillance remains ongoing with the number of cases... Read more
A pink-painted grain dryer is raising money for charity – thanks to East Anglian crop handling and drying specialists Master Farm Services. Usually painted red, Pedrotti Master Dryers can handle wheat, barley, oilseed rape, maize, beans and peas – among other combinable crops. The Italian company has agreed to... Read more
Port operator Associated British Ports has announced the expansion of its support for local communities by sponsoring the Ipswich Twilight 5K running event. ABP handles more than 4 million tonnes of agribulk materials each year – including agricultural materials, combinable crops, fertiliser, feed and supplements. Ipswich is the UK’s... Read more
Hi-tech facility adds value to grain
Crop Storage 30/01/2024
A future-proof grain processing facility is helping a Bedfordshire estate meet its drying and storage requirements. Farm manager William Haupt worked closely with BDC Systems and Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) to design and install the processing plant at Woburn Farms, part of the Bedford Estates, near junction 13 of... Read more
Rodent numbers are rising this winter – and could ruin grain stores. But an integrated pest management approach and variety of baits can help prevent infestations from resulting in grain losses and contamination. Rats can thrive in a grain store and multiply quickly, with one breeding pair escalating to... Read more
Growers and grain store managers can reduce the risk of rejected loads and contract shortfalls thanks to a new Grain Protectant Handbook. More than 90% of farm grain stores harbour at least one species of insect – and last year’s challenging harvest makes it imporant to minimise potential losses... Read more



















