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

Pilgrim’s Europe has unveiled a new Pork Centre of Excellence at Bromborough on the Wirral – following a £350,000 investment to strengthen product development and accelerate innovation across its pork business unit. The facility includes a modern development kitchen to support efficient, high-quality innovation for customers – including an... Read more

Tools that help farmers anticipate and manage disease risks are growing in popularity as outbreaks continue to disrupt livestock sectors. Digital systems are helping farms respond quickly to threats, according to a biosecurity and disease management specialists Livetec Systems, which is marking 15 years in the pig and poultry... Read more

Improving efficiency while managing disease risk will be central themes at this year’s British Pig & Poultry Fair – as producers face tighter margins and heightened biosecurity pressures. The two-day event takes place on 13-14 May at the NEC Birmingham. It will bring together farmers, advisers and suppliers to... Read more

More farmers are increasing their use of manure as they seek to cut costs and improve soil performance. Rising fertiliser prices and a stronger focus on soil health are accelerating the shift towards manure. Growers say they are prioritising organic matter to improve structure, water retention and long-term productivity.... Read more