Farm shops and butchers play a vital role in bringing high‑quality British beef to consumers at the point of sale. As part of Great British Beef Week (23–30 April), it is important to recognise their role in championing British beef and connecting consumers with its story. Nutrition: Building Performance from the Start Every stage of […]

When seasons swing from dry spells to wet autumns, it’s the knock-on effect that can catch you out. Lighter grass covers, inconsistent silage quality and dry matter, and mineral deficiencies all start quietly impacting performance A forage-first approach keeps costs anchored, but it still needs a safety net. On mixed farms, that often comes down […]

Farmers are being reminded that grazing conditions are still far from ideal, and livestock nutrition must remain a priority, despite recent glimmers of ‘spring-like’ weather. Dr. Richard Wynn, head of technical at Crystalyx, advises that farmers should look beyond grazing to support their livestock’s nutritional needs. Cold nights and very changeable weather continue to impact […]

Co Londonderry sheep producer, Jack Robinson, lambs approximately 850 ewes each year from February onwards. The flock also contains an additional 150 ewe lambs that are retained as breeding replacements. All the lambs destined for the commercial market are taken through to finishing weights. Making optimal use of grazed grass is a priority for the […]

Feeding youngstock is one of the most scrutinised and costly areas of livestock management, and rightly so. The first eight weeks of a calf’s life shape everything that follows: growth potential, immunity, resilience to disease and long-term productivity. Nutrition and housing remain the two biggest influences on calf performance, and both must work hand-in-hand. Colostrum, […]

The return of the rain and cooler autumn temperatures may well predispose suckler cows with calves at foot. This is specifically so on farms where the plan is to get as much performance from grazed grass for as long into the autumn as possible. Preventing tetany requires cows to have access to supplementary magnesium. Making […]

Martin Tumility and his father Charlie farm close to Katesbridge in Co Down. A focal point of their business is the procurement of elite quality, springing beef breeding heifers and subsequently selling them at point of calving. Martin explained: ” We use a selection of top quality Continental sexed semen, with the objective of having […]

Farmers love to talk about the weather! When we dig into why, it’s because the weather can make or break things and directly impacts grass growth and grazing conditions for livestock, things farmers need to control every day. The question is how do we control the uncontrollable and stop weather conditions playing havoc with livestock […]