A new fertiliser promises to boost grassland yields, quality and palatability for dairy, beef and sheep producers. Launched by Origin Fertilisers, the sustained release multi-nutrient fertiliser is called Origin Sweet Poly Power. Based around ICL Polysulphate, it combines seven key nutrients in a balanced formulation with proven benefits... Read more

High levels of liver fluke this spring mean farmers should consider clostridial vaccination and control to avoid potentially serious livestock losses. “Farmers have recently been warned over a later than normal liver fluke threat in 2024 following unusual weather patterns during 2023,” says Kat Baxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health.... Read more

Livestock producers have one month left to apply for equipment grants to improve animal health and welfare on their farms. The expanded Farming Equipment and Technology Fund grant scheme offers funding towards a broad range of commonly used pieces of equipment and technology. The Animal Health & Welfare section... Read more

More than 30% of GB sheep flocks don’t know their barren ewe rate or are reporting a figure greater than 5% after lambing. The finding follows an online survey of 966 sheep flocks conducted by MSD Animal Health. Animal health livestock veterinary adviser Kat Baxter-Smith described the figure as... Read more

Sheep farmers with surplus lambs to rear over the 2024 lambing season are being encouraged to make the most of these newborns’ early life growth potential to boost flock returns. Maximising lamb numbers sold per ewe is a key benchmark for a successful sheep farming enterprise. This mean rearing... Read more

Beef producers from across the UK will gather at next month’s Beef Expo show – the flagship event to celebrate the best of British cattle breeding. Organised by the National Beef Association, the one-day exhibition is scheduled to coincide with Great British Beef Week – being held on 27... Read more

One of the world’s largest food and drink trade shows has provided the platform to showcase high-quality British beef and lamb. Thirteen red meat and seven dairy exporters from the joined the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) in Dubai last month to promote world-class produce to buyers from... Read more

Industry leaders have welcomed the relaxation of bluetongue control zones – but say livestock producers must remain vigilant for the disease. Temporary control zones that have limited the movement of livestock to control the spread of bluetongue were removed on 19 February – easing difficulties for many sheep and... Read more

Livestock producers are urged to remain vigilant for bluetongue with more than 50 cases of the virus now confirmed in southern and eastern England. Defra said there was still no evidence that bluetongue was circulating in midges in Great Britain. But surveillance remains ongoing with the number of cases... Read more

Planning for the new lambing season should begin early – even if you normally lamb your flock in late spring. But whenever you start lambing, a practical seven-point plan will set your enterprise up nicely for the peak lambing period early in the New Year. Focus on pregnant ewe... Read more