Profitability and food security dominated discussions at Beef Expo 2026 as thousands of visitors gathered in Melton Mowbray for one of the sector’s biggest annual events. The National Beef Association event combined cattle competitions, trade exhibits and policy debate – with industry leaders highlighting the need for investment, confidence... Read more

Weaning should not be driven by the calendar – but by what the flock is telling us through lamb performance, ewe body condition and grazing availability, writes Nerys Wright. Many flocks may wean at a similar point each year, but the right timing can shift depending on the season,... Read more

A Northamptonshire beef and arable farmer has halved his feed costs by switching to home-grown cereals. Harry Brown, who farms 1,700 acres at Potcote Farm, near Towcester, said rising production costs and weak grain markets pushed him to rethink his feeding strategy. Instead of selling more oats and barley... Read more

Growers are being urged to consider under-sowing maize with grass – and reap the benefits of better soil health. Retention of important nutrients, reduced topsoil loss and improved harvestability are just some of the benefits – but timing and species selection are crucial, says David Linton, commercial manager for... Read more

A bumper line-up of speakers has been confirmed for this month’s Pig and Poultry Fair, which takes place on 13-14 May at the NEC, Birmingham. Key issues addressed by speakers from across the supply chain will help to give producers the confidence to invest their businesses  – with a... Read more

This month I want to highlight a useful prediction tool that has been made available on the SCOPS website: the blowfly forecast, writes Nerys Wright. After discussing the Nematodirus forecast last month, it feels timely to turn our attention to flystrike, particularly as parasites continue to change in response... Read more

A dip in cattle prices is prompting beef producers to scrutinise performance at grass and tackle losses that often go unnoticed within herds. While values remain firm by long-term standards, GB deadweight prices have slipped compared with a year ago. Steers are down 54.2p/kg, while heifers have fallen by... Read more

Ventilation and monitoring systems to combat heat stress in livestock are eligible for grants from the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund. High performing dairy cows in the UK can begin to experience heat stress at just 18°C, particularly in humid conditions, says animal welfare expert Chloe Rodriguez, from housing... Read more

After writing last month about what felt like endless rain, I’d hoped it might mark the start of some drier weather, writes Nerys Wright. We’ve still had plenty of wet days, but we have at least been treated to the odd spring like day. These increasingly erratic winters aren’t... Read more

A wet winter means management decisions on forage and herd health will be key to get more from grass this spring begins. Mild soil temperatures have kept grass growing but persistent rainfall continues to limit field access. It means many farms now carry heavy swards. But much grass lacks... Read more