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Reseeding grassland can will improve grass yields and quality, resulting in higher performance. Recent sward assessments ahead of first cut silage found that newly sown swards were growing 11- 29% more dry matter than older swards despite receiving the same amount of nitrogen as older swards. Grass is the cheapest feed source for ruminant livestock,…

Dry matter intake is the key driver to maintaining performance at grass and can fluctuate dramatically due to a multitude of factors. It is essential to take a flexible approach when considering potential ‘litres from grass,’ considering grass quality on the farm and variable weather conditions. Under optimum grazing conditions, cows have the potential to…

Fane Valley will once again continue its sponsorship partnership with Balmoral Show and is set to support the Holstein and Hereford sections plus the Hampshire Down and Charolais sheep sections. Speaking at the sponsorship launch, Matthew Armstrong – Technical Support Manager at Fane Valley Feeds said, “Sponsoring Balmoral Show is another way for us to give…

After the long winter, it is good to see cattle grazing in the fields. However, there are reports of cow deaths due to grass staggers. What is Grass Staggers? Grass staggers, also known as Grass Tetany, is a condition caused by a low blood magnesium concentration. Vets may call this hypomagnesaemia, hypo (low) magnesaemia (blood…

The control of annual and perennial weeds is critical to efficient grassland management enhancing performance by maximising grass yield and ensuring optimum sward utilisation. After what has been a relatively mild winter, weed growth has been vigorous this spring.  Docks and chickweed are nutrient hungry weeds and will compete with the sward for nutrients and…

William and David Irvine farm the Halftown Holstein herd at Mountnorris in County Armagh. A strong emphasis has always been placed on making and conserving high quality forage. A key element to producing high quality forage is using PIONEER® forage additives.William explains, “We have used PIONEER® additives on this farm for at least the last…

Antrim Agricultural Society and Fane Valley have announced they’ve agreed a substantial sponsorship deal whereby Fane Valley will be the show’s first Principal sponsor for Livestock (Dairy, Beef and Sheep) at Randox Antrim Show in 2022. Randox Antrim Show will take place this year on Saturday 23rd July at Shanes Castle, Antrim. The Show is…

Even with the increased cost of fertiliser and fuel, silage will still be the cheapest way of feeding animals this winter. With record prices also being seen for cereals, concentrate prices will be much higher than we are used to paying, with this in mind it is more important than ever to focus on the…

Fane Valley is delighted to continue its longstanding partnership as headline sponsor to Armagh County Agricultural Show on its 175th Anniversary. The annual family show and country festival will return on Saturday the 11th of June 2022 in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park, close to the village of Markethill. Speaking at the show…