Livestock News

UK government has confirmed that a number of visas allocated for the 2026 Seasonal Worker Scheme (SWS) have now been finalised. 

McDonald’s and Arla Foods have joined forces with an ambition to drive nature initiatives across dairy farming.  

Welsh Government announced that an all-Wales Restricted Zone (RZ) for bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) will be introduced from 10th November.  

Bovine electronic identification (EID) is set to become mandatory for all newborn calves in Wales, following consultation carried out by the Welsh Government.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has questioned whether the recently introduced Fair Dealings Obligations (Milk) Regulations 2024 are delivering on their promise of transparency to dairy farmers, following a wave of milk price reductions by processors.

Pembrokeshire dairy farmer Kathy Joules from Castell-Y-Gwcw, Llandeloy, Haverfordwest, has been announced as the winner of the 2025 NFU Cymru / NFU Mutual Dairy Stockperson of the Year Award. 

In response to increased findings of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds, confirmation of new cases in poultry and kept birds, and amid increasing risk levels, an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone with housing measures will be introduced for north, central and parts of east of England to to help reduce the risk of further outbreaks. 

Representatives of the Welsh farming industry have responded to the latest government announcement regarding bovine TB and changes to resolved inconclusive reactors.

Specialist vet Ben Strugnell shared advice on calf rearing in a webinar for GB Calf Week, based on key learnings from post-mortems.

Researchers have created pigs that are resistant to classical swine fever (CSF). When exposed to the virus, gene-edited pigs remained healthy, while unedited animals showed typical signs of disease, a study found.

Over the weekend, DEFRA confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 across England and Wales. 

The National Sheep Association (NSA) Lambing List is now open for farmers ahead of lambing season, offering a solution for those seeking extra help at their busiest time of year.