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Leptospirosis, more commonly referred to as Lepto, is a bacterial infection mainly in cattle that is spread through infected urine, abortion products and venereal infection. Lepto has significant Zoonotic risk – this is when there is a high risk of infected animals also infecting humans (or vice-versa). It is crucial to protect your herd from…

As cereal crops across Northern Ireland approach maturity, you should consider the significant benefits of harvesting cereals for wholecrop silage. With increasing pressure on forage stocks and a drive for greater self-sufficiency, wholecrop silage is proving a valuable addition to many livestock diets. The key to successful wholecrop silage lies in harvesting at the right…

Statistics show that almost 3 million sheep in the UK are lame at any one time. This number of lame sheep is costly, with an estimated cost to the UK sheep industry of £24 million per year. Lame sheep have poor fertility and lambs finish fattening later than they should. This means that lameness is…

In recent years, the introduction of solid-based milk payment systems has brought significant changes to the dairy industry in Northern Ireland. At the core of this approach is the A+B−C payment structure, which rewards farmers based on the quality, rather than just the volume of milk produced. Specifically, it offers financial incentives for higher protein…

Efficient and well-managed heifer rearing plays a vital role in the productivity and profitability of any dairy herd. Grazing systems offer a cost-effective alternative to housing, significantly reducing inputs such as feed, bedding and labour. However, this lower-cost approach must be matched with structured management to ensure heifers reach key development milestones and grow into…

Grassland is the largest and most important crop in Northern Ireland, providing the most cost-effective source of feed for cattle and sheep. However, the productivity and quality of grasslands are under constant threat from weeds. Effective weed control is not just a matter of aesthetics—it is essential for maximising yields, protecting livestock health and ensuring…

Using a silage inoculant for grass silage is key to enhance fermentation efficiency, preserve feed quality, and minimise nutrient losses. Grass silage often presents challenges during ensiling due to its protein levels, and potential soil contamination, all of which can hinder proper fermentation. Inoculants containing bacteria to help drive rapid pH reduction and inhibit spoilage…

Wholecrop silage produced from cereals is an excellent alternative forage which has nutritional benefits for livestock, while also being cost effective to grow. Wholecrop cereal silage offers a unique blend of energy, protein from the grain and digestible fibre from the straw. This balance is particularly beneficial for livestock, as it complements grass silage and…

As the seasons change and spring arrives, many farmers are considering strategies to enhance their grassland productivity. Spring reseeding is a proven way to boost grassland productivity. By introducing new, varieties of grass, farmers can significantly increase their dry matter (DM) yield. Top-performing farms have achieved yields of over 15 tonnes per hectare after reseeding…