News &
Insights

Throughout the recent Covid-19 Pandemic, AFBI laboratories have worked tirelessly to ensure that Northern Ireland farmers received a first-class service when it comes to BVD testing. Despite AFBI becoming involved in the testing of Covid-19 samples to help out the National Health Service, farmers sending tissue samples in for testing received their BVD test results…

80% of early lactation problems can be related back to the dry period, therefore providing the correct feeding, management and provision of a stress free environment during this stage is essential. In reality, there is a wide variation in dry cow management strategies adopted on farm, therefore there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Whatever…

With very unsettled weather this harvest it could be worth considering crimping grain. Grain can be harvested between 25-45% moisture and processed by crimping the grain in a crimper roller, treated with a quality additive and then ensiled. Crimping can be used on a range of crops including, wheat barley, triticale, oats, maize and even…

This year has seen many challenges, including difficult conditions in some areas of the country which has led to low grass growth. Now we have seen a change and recent wet weather seeing a recovery in grass growth but also making conditions difficult for some. These challenges have highlighted our dependence on grass and the…

As we enter the month of July winter cereals begin to ripen and crops are fast entering the window for harvesting as wholecrop.  All cereals (wheat, barley, oats, triticale and rye) can be successfully ensiled to produce a wholecrop silage. Provided crops have been well managed dry matter yields, starch levels and feeding value will…

Wholecrop silage can make an excellent quality forage for livestock farmers this winter. Well managed crops will provide a high quality, cost effective forage to maximise performance in your animals while maintaining rumen health.  Wholecrop silage is a good source of starch and fibre which compliments high quality grass silage by adding high quality fibre…

We are coming to the time of year when flies are always a concern, however this year more than in the past as with visits limited to once a day in most cases, fly control can become an issue.  This is even more of a worry for those whose horses are afflicted by sweet itch…

The control of annual and perennial weeds is good practice and a useful tool for productive grassland farming. Enhancing performance through maximising the yield of grass and ensuring optimum sward utilisation, which in turn can achieve a 10:1 return on spend with herbicides. Timing of herbicide applications are paramount to achieving the best results. Applications…

Late frosts are a constant worry for fruit growers. Frost injury in crops such as Apples and Pears can be catastrophic. Traditionally growers have used methods such as lighting fires overnight in flowering orchards or irrigating to try and prevent frost damage. Trials have been carried out using AminoA bio-stimulants to remediate frost damage in crops…