Social media debate prompts reminder on legal requirements for calf feeding

As farmers face severe cost pressures, the Ruminant Health & Welfare group has issued a reminder of the legal requirement to provide calves with at least two milk feeds a day until 28 days of age.

Lameness control during winter housing

With the change in underfoot conditions and increased lameness risk at housing, daily footbathing of cattle is recommended. Vet, veterinary pharmacologist and adviser to Provita Ltd, Dr Tom Barragry, explores the benefits of a proven alternative to copper sulphate and formaldehyde.

Online tool helps cattle and sheep farmers cut antibiotic use

Northants beef farmer Mark Jelley (pictured) has seen strong reduction in his farm’s use of antibiotics and been able to identify key herd health issues, with the help of his

Scottish dairy farmer scoops top spots in August DWP heifer proof run

A Scottish dairy farmer has ranked top in the August 2022 genomic proof run for UK Holstein females ranked on Dairy Wellness Profit (DWP).

Dairy business course now open for applications

A specialist business course for aspiring dairy producers – offering expert training and a networking opportunity – is now open for applications.

Nutrition tips to counter grass shortage

This summers’ prolonged dry weather is beginning to cause real issues for many cattle and sheep producers across the UK as grazing becomes scarcer at a time when grass growth and subsequent livestock performance should be at its best, says Dr Alison Bond, ruminant nutritionist for Rumenco.

Switch dry cows and youngstock to straw-based rations to preserve forage 

Farmers fearing forage shortages because of the recent dry weather could help ease the pressure by feeding a straw or wholecrop-based ration to dry cows and youngstock. According to Mole

Welcome rain, but watch for a drop in milk fat

Many regions are welcoming some rain and seeing dry, burned-up pastures starting to green up. But Cargill’s ruminant specialist in the north of England and Scotland Donald Macleod warns this new grass could impact milk fat.

Plan ahead to help balance both beef and sheep health plans

It can be challenging for mixed enterprise farmers to stick to herd and flock health plans throughout the year. However, vet Emily Brown, of Marches Farm Vets, offers a number of practical suggestions to help balance the two, working closely with your vet.

Sustainability benefits make sexed semen an increasingly popular option

Progesterone is the mainstay of fertility management protocols in the UK and the use of progesterone releasing devices before the use of FTAI protocols can enhance conception rates to first AI, explains Ceva Animal Health veterinary advisor Katherine Timms.

Chance to win mobile sheep handling system

UK livestock producers who take the Rumevite survey by Rumenco will be entered into a competition to win a 3.0m Porta-Yards mobile sheep handling system from Wise Agriculture.

Applications open for young stockperson bursary

Young people aged 18-24 who are pursuing a career in beef production can apply for the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society’s Godfrey Neal Bursary, which was launched to support the development of the beef sector’s future stockmen and women.

© Farmers Guide 2024. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use Privacy Policy

Website Design by Unity Online

We have moved!

We’ve now moved to our new office in Stowmarket. If you wish to contact us please use our new address:

Unit 3-4 Boudicca Road, Suffolk Central Business Park, Stowmarket, IP14 1WF

Thank you,

The Farmers Guide Team