Dairy & Beef

The UK dairy sector in partnership with Government has today announced a new joint-funded campaign to highlight the importance of ‘human connections’ during the current coronavirus crisis.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, NMR is waiving the post and packaging costs on its Pregnancy Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) milk sample pregnancy test kits until July 30, 2020.

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, is heading up an innovative matchmaking service to help hospitals source local milk for their patients, potentially creating a robust supply chain for dairy farmers.

Meat levy boards are pitching in to a major national campaign encouraging consumers to ‘Make It’ with beef, to alleviate carcase balance challenges in the beef supply chain.

Defra is asking for ‘accurate and credible data’ on the severity of issues facing the dairy sector, to back up the industry’s call for support.

The government will temporarily relax elements of UK competition law to support the dairy industry through the coronavirus outbreak. 

Ceva Animal Health has launched Cattle Ruminations on Lameness – a Virtual Roadshow to enable registered mobility scorers and qualified foot trimmers to catch up on CPD during lockdown.

Alltech Navigate has been adapted to allow continued access to free advice while maintaining social distancing and self-isolation guidelines.

Appeals for urgent government action to save the dairy industry have been backed by the entire supply chain, including UK farming unions, RABDF, Dairy UK and the Provision Trade Federation.

Coccidiosis causing oocysts can build up during the housed period, increasing the risk of both beef and dairy calves contracting the disease as spring progresses.

The growing trend for a more vegan or plant-based lifestyle has seen a booming trade in alternatives to milk, causing inevitable concern in the dairy sector. Should we be worried? Sarah Kidby reports.

Dairy, Forage & Silage Feature from our March 2020 Issue