Livestock producers are being advised to increase hygiene levels in cattle enclosures and calving equipment to prevent unnecessary calf losses this winter. Winter calving can present farmers with a host of environmental challenges, with colder temperatures threatening the survival of weaker animals, the increased risk of disease, and reduced... Read more
A government fund for new or refurbished calf housing has opened for applications from beef and dairy producers. The Calf Housing for Health and Welfare fund offers grants ranging from £15,000 to £500,000. It covers up to 40% of the cost of calf housing and buildings which improve health... Read more
Limagrain varieties added to maize list
Livestock 04/10/2023
Three new forage maize varieties from Limagrain have been added to the BSPB/NIAB Descriptive List for 2023-24. The list compares major maize varieties across the key growing locations of the UK. Comparisons are made on crop dry matter, crop yield, agronomic data such as lodging, and quality characteristics of... Read more
Twelve new varieties have been added to the British Society of Plant Breeder’s forage maize descriptive lists for 2024. The lists describe the performance of different maize varieties across a range of locations. Sites are classified according to different factors – including length of growing season and spring soil... Read more
A project to reduce grassweeds by exploring harvest weed seed control is being undertaken with help from a Suffolk farm. Previous research and experience in Canada and Australia has shown that seed control units (SCU) mounted on combine harvesters render 98% of seed that passes through the harvester unviable.... Read more
A farmer-owned grain cooperative is reaping the benefits after replacing two ageing driers with a state-of-the-art system. Weald Granary in Wiltshire installed two continuous flow Svegma driers in time for last year’s harvest. They replaced a pair of driers installed at the cooperative’s Marlborough site in 1987 and 1988,... Read more
A Lincolnshire grain processing specialist is working with an award-winning cheese-maker to remove imported soya bean meal from the diet of its 300-cow organic dairy herd. Scunthorpe-based McArthur Agriculture develops, builds and maintains food and feed processing systems for the food supply chain. It is working with Somerset cheese-maker... Read more
A sharp rise in autumn rodent numbers is prompting reminders to protect grain stores as falling temperatures see rats seek solace on farms. “Farmers should take an integrated pest management approach and use a variety of baits to combat resistant rats and prevent infestations that can result in grain... Read more
Consolidation across UK machinery dealerships will see a raft of new exhibitors in innovation and technology at the Midlands Machinery Show. New suppliers offering precision farming kit and environmental solutions will join the usual full complement of big tractor and machinery brands on display on 8-9 November at the... Read more
The Midlands Machinery Show continuing to back the next generation of agricultural engineers – with the return of its annual apprenticeship awards. The Midlands Agricultural Engineering Apprenticeship Awards will return for the eighth consecutive year at the two-day event, which takes place on 8-9 November at the Newark Showground,... Read more