Serving the farming industry across East Anglia for over 40 years
Updated guidance aimed to protect flocks at shearing
New guidelines aim to reduce disease risks to sheep at shearing as the sector strives to maintain flock health this season. As shearing gets into full swing, the National Sheep Association (NSA) and other industry bodies are reminding farmers that good biosecurity hinges on effective communication between different parties.... Read more
Water system helps improve pig and poultry production
An innovative project aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity in the livestock industry through enhanced water technology is gaining momentum. British agri-tech firm Oxcel has reported successful outcomes from Innovate UK-funded trials, confirming that its nano-oxygen-enhanced water technology delivers significant benefits for both farmers and the environment. The trials... Read more
Harnessing data for better flock management
Like it or loathe it, electronic identification in the sheep sector has made monitoring lamb growth rates easier than ever, writes Nerys Wright. Although official aggregated data is unavailable – and much of the research is diet-specific – knowing the daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of your lambs is invaluable... Read more
Dairy farms battling key livestock disease, study finds
Significant losses on many farms Four in five UK dairy herds have experienced cryptosporidiosis – with significant financial and welfare implications, say researchers. Some 84% of farmers surveyed by Harper Adams University said they had dealt with outbreaks of the disease, which causes severe watery diarrhoea. Nearly 60% rating... Read more
Net zero beef ‘now a reality’
Four-year trial sees good results Beef cattle reared on a grass-rich regenerative farming system can store more carbon than they emit – helping to mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Results from the McDonald’s-sponsored project at FAI Farms could see farmers and food companies to back up their net zero balance with... Read more
How to navigate changes in parasite controls
I have become increasingly interested in why people do – or don’t do – certain things, writes Nerys Wright. Why, for example, do some people embrace change while others struggle? I recently read a book called ‘Switch – How to Change Things When Change is Hard.’ it was a... Read more
Care needed when applying slurry to post-silage grassland
Dairy farmers planning slurry applications immediately after grassland cuts should consider whether it provides all the grass nutrients required. More farmers are making better use of slurry through accurate application and detailed analysis to measure its nutrient content. Refining this approach using detailed analysis, can increase slurry value still... Read more
Growers should delay drilling of multi-species herbal leys
Good seedbeds remain important as ever Growers trying multi-species leys for the first time this spring are advised to use the most appropriate establishment method. Agronomists report a significant uptake in multi-species leys driven by the Sustainable Farming Incentive. But inexperienced growers could struggle – and see establishment backfire,... Read more
Dog attacks now reported on nine out of 10 sheep flocks
Ignorant owners stubbornly refuse to control pets Almost nine out of 10 sheep flocks have been subjected to a dog attack within the last 12 months, suggests a survey. An ongoing failure of UK dog owners to recognise the threat their pet animals pose to farm livestock continues to... Read more
Call for poultry industry to support charitable work
Essex turkey producer Paul Kelly is inviting people in the sector to join the Worshipful Company of Poulters – and support its charitable work. Daring back to 1368, the poulters livery company was founded to regulate London’s poultry, swans, pigeons, rabbits and small game. Today, it operates as a... Read more