Dairy & Beef

A recent farm trial has found the Lifeline pre-calver bucket, a specialist pre-calving mineral supplement, increases colostrum IgG by 20% when offered for two months prior to calving.

Vets are urging farmers to be vigilant for Schmallenberg virus (SBV) – which can mimic other diseases including bluetongue – as a rising number of early lambing flocks are hit with deadly SBV this season.

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in dairy and beef calves and costs the industry around £50 million a year. In its most recent GB Calf Week, AHDB hosted a range of expert panels to offer top tips on how to tackle the disease. Sarah Kidby reports on improvements made on two farms.

Successful dairy farming is built on proactive health management. By staying ahead of health issues, farmers not only ensure their cows’ well-being and productivity but also future-proof their farm.

Farming groups have welcomed the government’s decision to halt negotiations with Canada for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) – owing to disagreements on hormone treated beef and import taxes on British cheese.

Dairy farmers are being encouraged to vaccinate youngstock and naïve cattle against lungworm (husk) ahead of the 2024 grazing season after a significant rise in cases in recent years.

Selective treatment of clinical mastitis (STCM) is becoming increasingly popular and offers a range of benefits.

Correct varietal choice is the first step towards achieving a successful maize harvest. Andrew Cook of seed breeder, KWS, offers some advice on narrowing down the options.

With continually rising costs on farm, finding and exploiting efficiencies is more important than ever. IAE explores the benefits of cattle crushes on farm, particularly when it comes to safety and efficiency.

Iceland customers can now buy products from the award-winning Ayrshire butcher, We hae meat. The national grocery retailer is to stock the firm’s skinny steak slice and ‘chippy-style’ ranges in 42 of its Scottish stores. 

Emily Hall, livestock farmer and product manager for Nettex discusses key colostrum targets and what to look for in a colostrum powder when supplementation is needed.

Two dairy farmers from Somerset and Coleraine in Northern Ireland have made it onto the 2024 New Year Honours list, recognising their selfless service to others.