Since my last article on the drought, many farms across the Midlands and East Anglia have seen very little, if any, meaningful rain, writes Nerys Wright. Grass covers are tight, feed stocks are under pressure and some sheep are being asked to do a lot on very little. Rather... Read more

Sheep producers are being urged to step up forage testing ahead of tupping after research linked hidden cobalt deficiencies in ewes with poorer lamb vigour. The complex and variable nature of cobalt levels in grassland soils makes its status hard to track, says Alison Bond, of nutrient specialists Rumenco.... Read more

A Derbyshire farmer is reshaping a traditional hill system to bring livestock, landscape and business together at the foot of Mam Tor. Third-generation farmer at Hardenclough Farm, James Metcalfe, not only has to contend with high altitude land which rises to 2,000ft above sea level, but also farming in... Read more

Beef and dairy farmers should resist grazing drought-hit grassland as soon as rain returns to preserve parched swards. Instead, farmers should consider keeping cows in condition by feeding conserved winter forage. Allowing recovering plants to reach the three-leaf stage before livestock return could protect weakened swards and extend autumn... Read more

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