Livestock News

More farmers are using sexed dairy semen than ever before, according to AHDB’s latest survey that reveals a significant increase in the adoption of the technology in UK cattle breeding, continuing the upwards trend seen over the past decade.

Sheep farmers, vets and advisers are invited to attend free question and answer sessions hosted by SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep) providing practical advice on how to check if a worming treatment has been effective.

From 13th December 2023, UK livestock farmers who are not members of an approved farm assurance scheme will need to provide a veterinary attestation following an annual farm visit in order to be able to export animal products to the EU.

Returning for its sixth year to Builth Wells on Sunday 23rd July, the Welsh International Speed Shear is set to welcome talented individuals from across the globe to compete in aid of charity, with organisers anticipating a record number of entries this year.

Regulations coming into force later this year will ensure supply contracts in the dairy sector are fair and transparent, with farmers being paid a fair price for their produce, the government has said today (11th July).

Enzootic abortion (EAE) is responsible for considerable losses in the UK sheep industry. Yet, despite adequate vaccine availability and veterinary advice on disease prevention, the endemic disease is still present in many flocks, and many farmers only vaccinate after an outbreak.

AHDB’s Great British Beef Week (GBBW) campaign, which celebrates the quality, taste, and world-leading farming credentials of British beef, has been hailed a resounding success inspiring millions of consumers across a variety of platforms.

A trade mission led by AHDB is set to showcase British red meat to buyers from Asia, the Middle East and North America, who will meet with farmers and UK exporters at the Great Yorkshire Show to discuss potential business opportunities.

Farmers are being encouraged to assess the risk of abortion in their sheep ahead of the next tupping season and work with their vet if necessary to minimise lamb losses next year.

A new initiative to breed sheep with naturally low methane emissions has been awarded £2.9m funding through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme and will see farmers, researchers and businesses come together to make a positive contribution to UK agriculture’s journey towards net zero.

A sale of 145 pedigree and pure-bred Hereford cattle at Shrewsbury Auction Centre last Tuesday (27th June) attracted great interest among breeders in England and Wales, with a cow and calf pair from the esteemed Santa Maria herd bringing in the top price at 4,100 guineas.

Farmers, breeders and smallholders in the East of England will have the opportunity to buy and sell pedigree Southdown sheep at a new early breeders sale taking place for the first time at Thrapston Livestock Market on Saturday 29th July.