More dairy farmers are using cereals to manage forage supplies and reduce feed risk as another season of variable weather puts pressure on grass and maize production. The flexibility of cereals allows producers to delay key harvest decisions until later in the growing season, says Emma Church, regional business... Read more

A renewed drive to tackle sheep lameness is taking centre stage the sector comes together to reduce disease levels in UK flocks. Sheep lameness remains one of the most significant health, welfare and economic challenges facing the UK sheep sector. Ways to reduce it will be highlighted in a... Read more

One thing most people agree on this year – the weather seems all over the place, writes Nerys Wright. A week of record heat followed by torrential rain and a sudden drop in temperature, and it does make life that bit harder on farm. It’s not about getting into... Read more

Farmers are being urged to utilise bolus technology during one of the most important stages in a dairy cow’s production cycle, the transition period. Supporting cows more effectively from drying off through to the first days in milk can unlock significant health, labour and performance gains, says SmaXtec, which... Read more

Sheep producers are advised to assess ewe body condition at weaning to maximise flock performance and profitability. Checking body condition score (BCS), alongside teeth, feet and udders, at weaning rather than waiting until tupping gives farmers time to correct any nutritional shortcomings before breeding. Ewes that are under target... Read more

Profitability and food security dominated discussions at Beef Expo 2026 as thousands of visitors gathered in Melton Mowbray for one of the sector’s biggest annual events. The National Beef Association event combined cattle competitions, trade exhibits and policy debate – with industry leaders highlighting the need for investment, confidence... Read more

Farm contracting charges for individual operations have risen by up to 15 per cent following cost increases caused by the Iran war. Results from the latest survey by the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) show that prices have generally risen a few per cent higher than 2025 –... Read more

Weaning should not be driven by the calendar – but by what the flock is telling us through lamb performance, ewe body condition and grazing availability, writes Nerys Wright. Many flocks may wean at a similar point each year, but the right timing can shift depending on the season,... Read more

Wool prices for the 2026 cut could rise by a further 25p-30p/kg, suggests British Wool – meaning some wool could realise prices more than £1 per kilo. With the shearing season underway, the forecast has prompted suggestions from clipper manufacturer Heiniger that there has seldom been a better opportunity... Read more

Pig producers remain well-placed to meet consumer needs – despite a challenging market which has seen some farmers served notice on their contracts. The decision by retailer Morrisons to call time on an unspecified number of contracts cast a shadow over last month’s Pig & Poultry Fair. But a... Read more