Mitigating heat stress
High temperatures throughout summer can bring on heat stress in cows which consequently has effects on intakes, lameness, milk yield and fertility. Heat stress occurs between early-May and...
View ArticleUSDA Proceeds with New EID Rule Requirements for Certain Classes of Cattle
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has taken a significant step forward in tracing animal disease and outbreaks by amending the previous 2013 ADT (animal disease traceability) rule....
View ArticleMad cow disease (BSE): What you need to know
Recently, a case of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), commonly known as mad cow disease, was identified on a farm in Ayrshire on Friday, May 10th, 2024. As a result, Scottish Government have...
View ArticleDon’t get caught out by blowfly strike
Blowfly strike is a common and serious issue for sheep, caused by the invasion of live tissue by fly larvae. This condition is caused by green, blue, and black bottle flies. With greenbottles...
View ArticleGrass staggers: When pasture turns deadly
Turning cattle out at Spring can be a high-risk time for grass staggers, a rare but fatal condition! Warm and wet weather can increase the risk of grass staggers, so farmers must stay vigilant. Grass...
View ArticleTop tips for suckler farmers: Preparing for a successful breeding season
Managing suckler cows during the breeding season is incredibly important to maximise farm output.This crucial period is the backbone of your farm’s productivity, and proper preparation can make all...
View ArticleDerogation and Grassland Management for Irish Farmers
As an Irish farmer, staying compliant with regulations while maximising farm productivity is a constant balancing act. One of the critical areas where this balance is evident is in the use of...
View Article4 Reasons Why Record-Keeping is Important to a Successful Operation
Although record-keeping may seem tedious, it’s the most critical aspect to any operation. Thorough notes unlock valuable insights that will last decades, saving producers time and money. Whether...
View Article3 reasons to weigh ewes and lambs for optimal flock performance
sMeasuring and recording the weight of lambs is crucial for tracking your flocks performance. Below are three key reasons why you should be weighing your ewes and lambs frequently: 1.Accurate...
View ArticleGiveaway – Win an Agrident AWR300 EID Reader & Herdwatch Gilet!
This June Herdwatch is giving away a Agrident AWR300 EID Reader and a Herdwatch Gilet worth almost £/€1000. An essential device for modern farmers, making herd and flock management easier and more...
View ArticleHow to Maintain Better Records for Your Veterinarian in 3 Easy Steps
Veterinarians take on a lot of responsibility throughout their day. They not only deal with the health and welfare of animals but also strive to build relationships with each individual producer. Even...
View ArticleMinister for Agriculture Announces Commencement of TAMS Payments
The Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has announced the commencement of payments under the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS). Payments totalling...
View ArticleFunding to tackle endemic diseases in England
In 2023, the government introduced the Annual Health and Welfare Review, which includes a fully funded yearly vet visit. During this visit, cattle and sheep farmers can get customised health and...
View ArticleA Quick Guide to Heat Stress in Beef Cattle
Summer has officially begun, and cattle everywhere are feeling the heat. June 20th marks the official start of summer, and for cattle on grass, heat is a constant stress factor. When the temperature...
View ArticleManaging ewes and lambs at weaning time
Industry research suggests 12 weeks is the optimum weaning age, but other factors need to be considered when looking to wean. If ewes are lean, grass crop is low or lambs aren’t gaining weight, early...
View ArticleBluetongue in Great Britain: Current situation and animal movement guidelines...
Current situation Bluetongue is a notifiable disease affecting sheep, cattle, and other ruminants, spread by biting midges. In England, there have been 126 cases across 73 premises in four counties:...
View ArticleThe Fourth of July: Celebrating America’s Birthday with Beef
As Independence Day approaches, many Americans eagerly anticipate firing up their grills and enjoying festive cookouts with family and friends. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the sizzling hot...
View ArticlePregnancy Scanning your Herd
For suckler and dairy farmers who calve in the Spring, Pregnancy scanning is just around the corner! Achieving a calf every 365 days is crucial for the farm’s growth and profitability. While some...
View ArticleMastitis management in heifers
Mastitis inflames and causes pain in a cow’s udder, reducing milk quality and saleable yield. Mastitis in dairy cattle is typically caused by bacterial infections, which can be categorised into...
View ArticleTeaser and MOT time for the lads!
Did your tup do his job last year? Is your bull reliable for another calving? Looking to synchronise your ewes with teaser tups? Now is the time to be thinking about teaser tups and giving your bulls...
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