Managing ewes correctly in the last few weeks before lambing is critical. If things go wrong at this stage, lamb birth weight could be low, lamb losses high, colostrum quantity and quality poor, and lamb growth below target.
Better utilisation of grass and streamlining efficiencies has allowed one North Ayrshire monitor farm to significantly increase output over the last three years.
The SNP has said it is ‘exasperated’ by the UK Government’s failure to commit to having a red meat levy repatriation scheme up and running by April next year.
With widespread high rainfall having hit many regions in recent weeks, those spring grazing livestock may be looking at alternative management options.
Pregnant ewes are a major source of worms on pasture during the grazing season, which is why farmers have traditionally wormed their pregnant stock.
Using traditional breeds alongside the latest technology is a successful combination for Bruce Kenworthy’s sheep enterprise in West Yorkshire. Angela Calvert reports.
For sheep producers who want to mitigate the risk of a grass shortage and have a fresh high feed value forage to hand when finishing lambs there are plenty of options. Farmers Guardian reports.
Every beef system in Scotland can be seen as sustainable, as can every sheep system.
With the environmental impact of livestock farming under increased scrutiny, what can farmers do to be as sustainable as possible?
Nearly half a billion pounds worth of livestock was sold through Scotland’s auction marts in 2019.