Author Posts: Farmers Guide

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is inviting farmers to join a free webinar next month discussing the reason behind ongoing vaccine shortages in the industry, the implications for animal health and what to do if supplies become unavailable.

With its unique water intake monitor, designed to optimise milk production, health system manufacturer smaXtec was selected as the winner of this year’s Royal Dairy Innovation Award, presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on Monday 11th September.

Plans for a consultation with industry over the possible introduction of a Digital Passport for Combinable Crops have been confirmed for October 2023 by the project’s Leadership Group.

We live in a fast-paced and changing world where the ever-increasing demands on our food production systems and environment have never been greater. Society faces the dichotomy of needing safe, wholesome, and affordable food whilst at the same time having to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and increase biodiversity, and regenerate agricultural cropping systems.

Set to take place at the Staffordshire County Showground on 18th-19th November, this year’s English Winter Fair is anticipating a record number of entries from young competitors as the event continues to build its success at attracting the next generation of stock people and animal handlers from across the country.

A technical leaflet published by Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) outlines how farmers with organic certification can combine the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes to increase payments by up to 50% compared to historic BPS rates.

AHDB has welcomed a pioneering study by UK scientists that demonstrates the need for using multiple metrics, such as GWP*, to accurately assess the climate impact of methane from livestock for better policymaking.

A new campaign launched by Riverford Organic Farmers is seeking fair treatment for fruit and vegetable producers, citing that 49% fear closure within the next 12 months as a result of supermarket buying behaviour.

As rural crime continues its unrelenting spread across the UK, the NFU is calling for greater protection for farmers and landowners as National Rural Crime Action Week gets underway.

Following the arrival of new vaccine stocks, sheep farmers tupping late in October are being encouraged to vaccinate their flocks against EAE (enzootic abortion of ewes) to protect the health and welfare of their ewes and prevent abortions during lambing.

With its strong and consistent performance despite high disease pressure, Group 4 winter wheat variety LG Typhoon impressed farm manager Philip Vickers, who is striving to reduce inputs on a large arable farm in the Northeast of England.

Following reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) being detected in Sweden for the first time, industry groups are urging farmers to ramp up biosecurity and called for stricter border control measures to prevent the devastating disease from reaching UK shores.