Articles

April can be a testing time for free-range flocks. As temperatures start to rise and ventilation increases, many producers find themselves juggling air quality, dust levels, and immune challenges—all while trying to maintain strong egg output and shell quality. For systems where birds have outdoor access and a longer lay cycle, managing respiratory health at this stage of the year is critical.

Of all the trace minerals likely to spark interest at a dairy nutrition meeting, chromium probably wasn’t top of the list—until now.

The CMC Question Time event in Exeter—an important and informative session. Among the many important discussions, the topic of recruitment and retaining farm staff particularly stood out, especially as it’s something I’ve been involved with for over a decade through my work in agricultural apprenticeships.

Dairy farms generate huge amounts of data—some find it invaluable, others struggle to link it to daily decisions. And let’s be honest: a graph on its own never made anything better. But spotting trends and setting trigger points for review, that’s where the value lies.

Creep feeding lambs offers significant benefits, particularly for early finishing systems or where forage quality is suboptimal. However, its viability depends on a clear understanding of costs and potential returns.

Creating and maintaining a productive, long-lasting range for free-range layers starts with careful planning and ongoing management of the herbage and soil.

Walk across a healthy field after rain, and you’ll notice something different. The soil is firm but not compact, absorbing water instead of it pooling or running off into the ditch.

Farming in the UK has always been a blend of hard graft and tradition but always an early embracer of tech. These days, though, it seems like technology is joining the tractor as a staple on the farm.

Weaning calves is a critical stage that sets the foundation for their long-term health and productivity. After investing in feeding over 1kg of milk powder per day to support strong early growth, your focus should shift to maintaining momentum during the post-weaning phase. Proper management of diet, environment, and feeding practices is essential to maximise growth rates.

Balancing nutrients like nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is a growing priority for UK dairy farms. With tightening regulations and environmental pressures, the need to efficiently manage these essential nutrients is more critical than ever.