News &
Insights

Grassland weeds need to be controlled to ensure the long term productivity of grasslands. Weeds compete with grass for space, light, nutrients and water, limiting the yield in the field. Weeds also have a lower feed value and reduce livestock performance, some weeds are toxic to livestock and can cause health problems and even death….

Last Spring saw a lot of reseeding carried out on farms across the country, with some farmers carrying out a traditional direct reseed and other’s opting for an under-sown Whole-crop, using cereal as the cover crop. Regardless of the method of reseeding, the benefit in terms of response to fertiliser and increased production from the…

The unpredictability and extremities of the UK climate, and challenging soil conditions, are being addressed with a new range of natural, biological crop stimulants from British biotechnology company AminoA Ltd. AminoA contains natural bio-stimulants including essential amino-acids, which are critical for plant growth. Plants normally synthesise amino-acids throughout their growth cycle using them to make proteins,…

Wholecrop produced from cereals are an excellent alternative forage which have excellent nutritional benefits for livestock or anaerobic digestion plants, while also being cost effective to grow. Fane Valley Agronomy and Forage carry a wide range of crops through the Morton’s brand which are suitable for wholecrop silage. Cereal species and variety can have an…

With chemical fertilisers dramatic price increase since last season it is vital to have soil pH at the correct level to ensure every granule and every pound is being used effectively. Soil pH greatly effects the availability of nutrients, at pH 5.5 only 77% of nitrogen, 48% of phosphorus and 77% of potassium will be…

With turnout fast approaching on many farms, it is important to manage store cattle pre-turnout to maximise compensatory growth and to avoid any stalling when animals hit grass.Improving grassland management for beef cattle can significantly increase farm profitability, especially at a time when purchased feed costs are high. Utilising compensatory growth allows costs to be…

Sam Johnston from Fintona runs an 85 Danish Jersey cow herd with a year-round calving system with a herd average of 7600kgs of milk @6.08% BF & 4.25% PR, he explains, “it is vital that my calves get off to a good start in life.” Sam takes great prides in ensuring calf health is a…

With calving underway on many NI farms and the subsequent breeding season just around the corner Fane Valley Stores have a fantastic offer that will appeal to all herdkeepers.  Simply order your new Allflex BVD cattle tags and avail of a Springtime Essentials Kit, which will come in useful throughout the farming year. Throughout the…

In the midst of a challenging winter for dairy farmers, Fane Valley Feeds’ Platinum Pro has helped to improve feed efficiency and has enhanced cow health on many farms across the country. The Platinum Pro range has been specifically designed using the latest research and feeding technology to complement a wide range of forages and…