Livestock News

Unrelenting cost pressures in the sector could mean that free range and organic egg producers will lose more than £300,000 per flock on average as losses rack up to nearly £10 per hen, independent consultants have said.

Yorkshire-based farming couple Liam and Becky McPartland have won the first-ever VetPartners Sheep Sustainability Award in recognition of their success in reducing the use of anthelmintic wormers in sheep by switching to a rotational grazing system.

New mystery shopper research carried out by the Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society has revealed that British Aberdeen-Angus is the “beef of choice” across premium meat ranges in UK supermarkets.

An upcoming Channel 4 television series, with a working title of ‘Matt Baker’s Farm of a Lifetime’, is looking for applicants with experience in livestock farming who would like to showcase their skills on TV and ultimately take on the tenancy of Gallows Hill Farm in Northumberland.

Dover Port Health Authority has confirmed it seized 2.5 tonnes of illegal pork products from 22 vehicles checked over a single weekend at the beginning of October. The discovery occurred during a multi-agency exercise at the port – part of the work to reduce the risk of African swine fever entering the country.

A recent survey by Herdwatch revealed more than 1,600 farmers said the app saves them an average of three hours a week, allows them to monitor and manage their herd performance more efficiently, and ultimately increases profitability. One dairy farmer from Cornwall even calls the app her “supernanny”.

Liz Truss’s resignation yesterday (20th October) after just 45 days as PM has caused further turmoil for industries across the country, said National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker.

Dairy farmers feeding maize this winter should be on high alert for signs of mycotoxin contamination in silage, to avoid toxicity and decreased milk production, agronomist warns.

A new course offering sustainability training for farmers and land managers has recently launched in the UK and covers how to integrate biodiversity into farming practices while protecting yield.

Veterinary pharmacologist and Provita Ltd adviser Dr Tom Barragry offers advice on preventing lameness and trace element deficiencies in cattle.

Unison has urged the Food Standards Agency to come up with a significantly higher pay offer to avoid disruption.

AHDB’s latest figures show cost of production remains high, with pig producers now losing an average of £18-20 per pig slaughtered.