Livestock News

Farmers, vets and advisors across the UK sheep sector are being asked to help a new industry-led stewardship group demonstrate how they are using antibiotics responsibly throughout the sheep industry.

Use of the two newer wormer groups (4-AD orange and 5-SI purple) has doubled in the two years since they became available through SQPs at merchants, but sheep farmers could still harness their potential more.

A ban on feeding maleic hydrazide-treated potato waste to livestock has now been lifted, leaving growers free to use the active ingredient without fear of losing their end markets.

With membership reaching over 100 breeders, this year’s Blacknose Beauties show and sale at H&H Borderway Mart, Carlisle on 23-24 August, held by the Valais Sheep Society, promises to be the largest celebration of the UK’s fastest growing sheep breed.

Farmers are warned to look out for the annual emergence of head lies (Hydrotaea irritans) from around mid-July, as these are a major source of annoyance for pastured cattle.

Taking time to control thistles in established grassland now will prevent them spreading seed this summer and causing bigger infestations to deal with next spring, according to Dr Nicola Perry of Corteva Agrisciences.

“Markets are integral to farm businesses because they set the price for livestock, helping farmers to achieve fair prices,” says Clive Roads, auctioneer at McCartneys.

The Royal Cornwall show in mid May experienced extremes of weather across the three days, but that didn’t put off its loyal Cornish following.

Hertfordshire breeders David and Lesley Sapsed were visibly delighted when their two-year-old bull Heathbrow Important was tapped out as interbreed beef champion at this year’s Suffolk Show.

Specifically adapted to dispense feed over a feed barrier or into a trough, the new V conveyor has been simplified to reduce the number of moving parts to help extend belt longevity, therefore reducing ownership costs.

Grassland farmers may need to tackle dock infestations in silage fields in the next few weeks, as the early spring led to first cuts being taken before these tough perennial weeds could be treated.