Like it or loathe it, electronic identification in the sheep sector has made monitoring lamb growth rates easier than ever, writes Nerys Wright. Although official aggregated data is unavailable – and much of the research is diet-specific – knowing the daily liveweight gain (DLWG) of your lambs is invaluable... Read more
Sheep farmers are being advised to apply insect growth regulator to flocks amid an increased risk of blowfly strike. The free Blowfly Watch service, run in partnership with NADIS, uses a combination of factors – including soil temperature and humidity – raised its blowfly strike risk warning last month.... Read more
An innovative project aimed at boosting efficiency and productivity in the livestock industry through enhanced water technology is gaining momentum. British agri-tech firm Oxcel has reported successful outcomes from Innovate UK-funded trials, confirming that its nano-oxygen-enhanced water technology delivers significant benefits for both farmers and the environment. The trials... Read more
Significant losses on many farms Four in five UK dairy herds have experienced cryptosporidiosis – with significant financial and welfare implications, say researchers. Some 84% of farmers surveyed by Harper Adams University said they had dealt with outbreaks of the disease, which causes severe watery diarrhoea. Nearly 60% rating... Read more
Net zero beef ‘now a reality’
Livestock 10/06/2025
Four-year trial sees good results Beef cattle reared on a grass-rich regenerative farming system can store more carbon than they emit – helping to mitigate climate change, suggests a study. Results from the McDonald’s-sponsored project at FAI Farms could see farmers and food companies to back up their net zero balance with... Read more
• Farmer-led funding now available • Support for projects big and small • Goal to support farm productivity Grants are now available for farmers who want to improve their productivity and increase their business resilience. The ADOPT £20.6m fund supports the introduction of innovative technologies aimed at improving productivity,... Read more
I have become increasingly interested in why people do – or don’t do – certain things, writes Nerys Wright. Why, for example, do some people embrace change while others struggle? I recently read a book called ‘Switch – How to Change Things When Change is Hard.’ it was a... Read more
Almost nine out of 10 sheep flocks have been subjected to a dog attack within the last 12 months, suggests a survey. Ignorant owners stubbornly refuse to control pets An ongoing failure of UK dog owners to recognise the threat their pet animals pose to farm livestock continues to... Read more
A new forecast is helping sheep producers accurately predict the timing of the next nematodirus outbreak, writes Nerys Wright. Significant variations in weather conditions make forecasts difficult from year to year. But when an outbreak does occurs, it can rapidly cause severe harm or even death in a large... Read more
Staying vigilant for signs of liver fluke and worms is paramount for sheep farmers, as the risk of parasites becomes increasingly variable, say advisers. Traditional risk periods for parasites are no longer applicable and regular monitoring is the only way to know if – and when – treatment is... Read more