Restaurants and eateries are being urged to buy more British pork – and provide clearer information on where their food comes from. The National Pig Association (NPA) says doing so will help to restore confidence in a pig industry facing mounting financial pressure caused by an oversupply of pigs,... Read more

Pig producers are being advised to review fly pressure in housing as prolonged warm weather creates ideal conditions for populations to build. Dave Reece, Lodi UK pest control technical adviser, says fly numbers can rise rapidly during warmer periods, particularly where muck and moisture provide the ideal breeding environment.... Read more

Strong consumer demand for eggs is increasing pressure on producers to improve efficiency while maintaining flock health, with nutrition emerging as a key tool to extend laying cycles and reduce production costs. That was the message from the Norvite Poultry Conference, where farmers, nutritionists and poultry specialists examined how... Read more

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

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

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

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