Livestock News

Industry groups are working together to ensure that shearing can go ahead this season, as Covid-19 makes it unlikely that the usual influx of overseas shearers will be able to make it to the UK.

A recent report from AHDB suggests Vietnam could be a valuable market for UK export, with the country importing around £1.7 billion of red meat, equating to nearly a million tonnes of beef, lamb and pork.

Major veterinary groups and animal welfare charities have joined forces to ensure veterinary care can continue under the Covid-19 lockdown.

As the UK goes into lockdown to reduce the spread of Covid-19, the Animal and Plant Health Agency has confirmed there are currently no plans to cancel any statutory requirements for TB testing.

As the UK battles the escalating Covid-19 outbreak, farmers are being warned to take steps to protect their machinery, livestock and equipment from thieves who are taking advantage of the pandemic.

The Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) has issued new guidance to minimise risks to farmers, as it confirms auction marts remain open for business following the latest Covid-19 advice.

Farmers are being warned not to stock up on prescription-only animal medicines, amid the escalating coronavirus outbreak.

Getting nutrition and management right in the dry period has been shown to reduce health issues and optimise lactation performance, fertility and overall cow productivity. Sarah Kidby spoke to Trouw Nutrition about overcoming key challenges.

Conversations at this year’s Dairy-Tech were inevitably dominated by climate change but, while it is clear the industry will undergo significant changes in the next 10–20 years, there is no shortage of innovation and skill to help producers meet the challenges ahead. Sarah Kidby attended.

Dairy farmers could be given early notifications on cow health and wellbeing problems before they affect performance, thanks to a new European project.

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