An innovative camera and AI system is helping dairy farmers improve productivity and cow health. The system uses a camera fitted to the parlour or race, allowing a bird’s-eye view of the cows as they pass underneath. It assesses mobility and body condition score (BCS), which the farmer can... Read more
• Thousands of visitors expected to attend • Showcase of best British dairy sector • Exhibitors from UK and overseas 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... Read more
A planning overhaul is needed to secure a better future for pig production, industry leaders have told the government. The National Pig Association made the plea in response to Defra’s review of farming profitability. Other recommendations include a clampdown on disease risk, better trade agreements and easier access to... Read more
Farmer leader Tom Bradshaw has urged Keir Starmer to hold firm on poultry production standards when negotiating trade deals. The NFU has written to the Prime Minister calling for the government to continue its balanced approach to trade and to protect UK standards as trade negotiations progress with the... Read more
Specialist technical advice is key Hatchery managers are being encouraged to carry out regular hygiene audits to support their biosecurity protocols. Hatcheries present unique hygiene challenges compared to other farm settings, operating more like food factories which require significantly higher cleanliness standards, says Rob Hallewell, hatchery hygiene expert at... Read more
• Good showing for dairy farmers • Growing momentum for organic • Big range in performance levels The last milk year was positive for dairy producers, with continued improvements in cow health and growing momentum in the organic milk sector, according to the latest annual report from Kingshay Dairy... Read more
A sharp rise in antibiotic usage on Danish pig farms highlights the importance of disease management following the 2022 zinc oxide ban, say researchers. Due to be published in the July issue of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, the study by the National Food Institute tracked antimicrobial use (AMU) across Danish... Read more
Why smart testing beats blanket dosing
Livestock 09/07/2025
I recently travelled the country and noticed growing interest in a parasite called Haemonchus contortus, or Barber’s Pole worm, writes Nerys Wright. I’ve encountered it before in the south and east, recent queries have come from the Midlands and the north of England – suggesting it may be spreading... Read more
How to increase forage resilience
Livestock 09/07/2025
• Keep surplus stocks for winter • Factor in risks to be shockproof • Ensure feed strategy is timely Forage should be top of the list for livestock farmers wanting to build resilience to insulate against shocks caused by climate change. A dry spring and record-breaking June heat have... Read more
How to capitalise on store cattle trade
Livestock 09/07/2025
All-time-high for UK cattle prices Beef farmers wanting to capitalise on record-high store prices are being advised to creep feed cattle to get them to market sooner. Store cattle prices have been at all time high recently – and producers with spring calving suckler herds have been looking to... Read more