Jacob sheep: Distinctive, hardy and good tempered

Jacob sheep offer a range of advantages, including their hardiness, ease of lambing, good temperament and good flavour – which can command a premium price. Farmers Guide spoke to the Jacob Sheep Society to find out more about the breed.

Nematodirus risk “extremely variable” this year

After a very wet winter and one of the warmest Februarys on record, parasite experts at the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) group say the threat of nematodirus will be “extremely variable” in 2024.

45 sheep killed in ‘absolutely traumatic’ dog attack 

At the beginning of February, a flock of sheep from Langford Farm, near Tavistock, in Devon were chased over three fields by out-of-control dogs. 45 animals were killed.

Q&A: What you need to know about Schmallenberg this season

With numerous reports of Schmallenberg appearing in early lambing flocks this season, Farmers Guide spoke to Georgina Rigby, farm vet from Cross Counties Farm Vets – part of the VetPartners group. Mrs Rigby chairs the VetPartners Sheep Clinical Interest Group and runs the Cross Counties Flock Health Club. She also has a small flock of sheep at home.

Bluetongue TCZs being lifted in Norfolk and Kent 

Defra is contacting individual premises under restriction to inform them of the development.

Lambing range “a literal lifesaver and an absolute must”

Watery mouth is one of the biggest killers of newborn lambs, and since the primary treatment was delisted, there is a need to find alternative methods. Dr Tom Barragry, vet, veterinary pharmacologist and advisor to Provita Animal Health offers advice and outlines a range of products described by one farmer as a must-have in the lambing shed.

AHDB levy rate increase approved by ministers

Levy rate increases proposed by the AHDB for the Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors have received approval from ministers at Defra and the Devolved Administrations.

New lamb supplement launched to give newborns strong start

The latest lamb energy and gut development supplement has been launched to give newborn lambs a strong start.

Sheep breeders offered CT scans to boost flock performance

SRUC Edinburgh is offering CT scanning of rams in Scottish flocks, with QMS covering 50% of the cost per ram.

How data boosted lamb survival at a Scottish farm

When lambing losses were identified as a priority area for beef and sheep farmer Richard McCornick, recording losses effectively helped to highlight issues and boost survival. Richard shared his experiences at a recent farmer meeting.

Regular testing key to managing worms on Perthshire farm

A quarantine dose for all incoming sheep, regular faecal egg count (FEC) testing and monitoring animal growth weights and the weather, are key to managing worms for Perthshire sheep farmer and agricultural consultant, Emily Grant.

New project launches to improve future of UK wool industry

A new project launches to further the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of the UK sheep farming and wool industries by exploring opportunities to improve fleece quality.

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