Pig industry leaders have urged the government to stop illegal meat imports and animal disease from entering the UK. The National Pig Association national biosecurity and better border controls should be a top priority amid fears that a major disease outbreak could devastate Britain’s outdoor herds and indoor units.... Read more

Suckler beef farmers aiming for more sustainable systems are being advised to prioritise genetic traits that have the biggest influence on productivity. “With beef under increasing pressure to be more sustainable and profitable, it’s never been more important to review the suitability of herd genetics,” says Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society... Read more

Early first cut silage results are analysing well – which should provide some welcome relief following a challenging winter and spring. At 11.2MJ/kg, average metabolisable energy (ME) levels appear similar to last year. At 31.5%, so too do average dry matter levels. But the ration of lactic acid to... Read more

A regenerative approach to beef grazing cattle is helping a Shropshire farmer take his family business one step close to self-sufficiency. Since returning home 15 years ago to farm with his parents, Angus Hawkins has been keen to make use the family’s grassland to cut costs and boost the... Read more

A focus on dry matter when ensiling grass this season could encourage good fermentation following the wet spring. Much first cut grass is high in fibre and lignin and low in sugars, with increased thatch and wet ground conditions increasing the likelihood of contamination. All these factors will mean... Read more

Sheep farmers are being warned to act now and take measures against blow fly – with red alerts being sent to farmers in East Anglia. Elanco ruminant technical consultant Matthew Colston says farmers should be vigilant and consider a cost-effective preventative treatment to protect flock health and productivity before... Read more

A new fertiliser promises to boost grassland yields, quality and palatability for dairy, beef and sheep producers. Launched by Origin Fertilisers, the sustained release multi-nutrient fertiliser is called Origin Sweet Poly Power. Based around ICL Polysulphate, it combines seven key nutrients in a balanced formulation with proven benefits in... Read more

Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... Read more