Author Posts: Sarah Kidby

From hand-packing produce on the Branston factory production line to being promoted to general manager at HarvestEye, Charlie Flack’s 21 years of experience in food production spans a variety of positions. Here, he discusses how his role progressed from the factory floor to head office, his proudest achievements in the industry and where he sees the next key focuses for harvest technology.

Farming minister Mark Spencer has confirmed increased payments for nature-friendly farming through ELMS, at OFC today (5th January) although farmers are still lacking the important wider details.

Following the introduction of the poultry Housing Order on 7th November, Poultry Health Services clinical director Sara Perez-Palacios, explains how to further reduce the risk of avian influenza in laying and rearing flocks, and ensure that bird health and welfare is optimised during the housing period.

As part of AHDB’s Delivering the Future of Farming event, representatives of the pork sector council sat down with strategy director Angela Christison to answer questions and expand on the three priorities outlined in the pork sector plan. Henrietta Szathmary attended the online event.

As weather patterns become increasingly extreme and unpredictable, input costs continue to rise, and farmers face ongoing pressure to reduce environmental impacts, approaches to managing parasites and disease will need to adapt. Livestock editor Sarah Kidby reports.

Trials on more than 4,000 pigs on units in Spain and the UK showed that cost-effective improvements in feed efficiency can be achieved where a natural botanic-based feed product is added to diets, according to Cargill UK.

Pig producers are being urged to look at flexible feeding strategies with their nutritionists as high feed prices continue to leave margins tight.

Lambs require adequate amounts of high quality colostrum for short and long-term health. Here’s how to supplement when quality and quantity fall short to keep lambs healthy.

The UK’s current economic climate is taking its toll on all industries including agriculture, with many farmers left uncertain of how they will afford to raise livestock in coming months. Calf rearer Joanne Pile joins Ben Barber from Synergy Farm Vets, Paul Bartholomew from Bart Agri, and Robin Hibberd from Hydor as they gathered at Cats Hill Farm to discuss the issues they are facing and the help they are seeking out.

AHDB’s final Early Bird Survey (EBS) confirms a strong continuation of winter cropping for harvest 2023.

RABI will discuss options for professional mental health support for farming people in tough times, at the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC).

A new woodland restoration scheme has launched at the RSPB’s 1,200-acre nature reserve, Franchises Lodge, located in the north of the New Forest.