Funded vet scheme targets bird flu risk
Livestock 04/08/2026
Poultry producers can now claim funding for specialist veterinary biosecurity reviews as Defra steps up efforts to reduce the risk of avian influenza. The new Poultry Biosecurity Review scheme offers eligible commercial keepers £430 towards a vet visit that provides practical, farm-specific advice to help prevent disease outbreaks. It... Read more
August often feels like a “hold your nerve” month, writes Nerys Wright. Lambs are still pushing on, ewes are recovering from the demands of rearing and – if it is dry, like this year – feed can be a challenge. When dry weather bites, the pressure on grazing can... Read more
A Staffordshire sheep farmer is reaping the rewards of a grazing system based on herbal leys, rotational grazing and partnerships with neighbouring arable businesses. Wayne Underhill has worked with local arable farmers since 2015 to establish two and three-year grass and herbal ley rotations. The system delivers greater flexibility,... Read more
Getting rumen development right in the first weeks of life is one of the best investments any beef producer can make. The benefits continue throughout the animal’s lifetime, improving performance, efficiency and profitability. Poor rumen development can have lasting repercussions for the profitability of beef calves. The good news... Read more
New UK research suggests the trend towards feeding calves very high volumes of milk replacer may not deliver sufficient returns for dairy farmers. Feeding more than 1,050g of milk solids per calf daily can increase costs without producing meaningful improvements in growth or health, suggest two studies. Higher milk... Read more
UK Dairy Day gears up for bumper event
Livestock 04/08/2026
Final touches are being put to this year’s UK Dairy Day event, which takes place next month at the International Centre, Telford, Shropshire. The dedicated annual event for the dairy industry on 16 September brings together all facets of the industry for face-to-face networking – alongside a showcase of... Read more
Potato growers are being urged to should make strategic soil sampling a priority before lifting harvest to improve long-term control of potato cyst nematode (PCN) in the following crop. PCN remains one of the most damaging pests affecting UK potato production. Effective control depends on integrated pest management (IPM),... Read more
Farmers using min-till sowing techniques for cover crops and companion planting could achieve faster and more consistent establishment with precision applications of liquid fertiliser. A multi-component tillage train system developed by Techneat application specialist James English combines a MultiCast seeder unit and a Nutristart LQ liquid fertiliser applicator to... Read more
A renewed focus on soil health will help UK farmers secure a more resilient future in the face of global challenges, says the government. Healthy soils sit at the centre of the Defra’s vision for the future of English farming, with ministers arguing they are essential to maintaining profitable... Read more
Growers returning to oilseed rape are being urged to focus on crop management as renewed confidence drive a resurgence in plantings. The rape area increased by 49% for harvest 2026, according to estimates from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. But the 358,000 hectares grown this season remains a... Read more