Unlock Your Grasslands Potential
As the seasons change and spring arrives, many farmers are considering strategies to enhance their grassland productivity. Spring reseeding is a proven way to boost grassland productivity. By introducing new, varieties of grass, farmers can significantly increase their dry matter (DM) yield. Top-performing farms have achieved yields of over 15 tonnes per hectare after reseeding […]
Test Don’t Guess – Smarter Anthelmintics Use in NI
Parasitic disease represents the greatest limiting factor to successful and sustainable ruminant livestock production worldwide, and it is a significant challenge for Northern Ireland’s agricultural industry. Anthelmintics are medicines used to remove parasitic worm infections in animals including sheep. Unfortunately, resistance to a lot of these medicines has become a problem in recent years in […]
Silage Inoculant: Where Science Meets Silos
Using a silage inoculant for grass silage is key to enhance fermentation efficiency, preserve feed quality, and minimise nutrient losses. Grass silage often presents challenges during ensiling due to its protein levels, and potential soil contamination, all of which can hinder proper fermentation. Inoculants containing bacteria to help drive rapid pH reduction and inhibit spoilage […]
Fuelled by Forage: Unlocking the Power of Top-Quality Silage
As many farmers are preparing for their first cut silage in the coming month it is important the correct preparations are in place for producing high quality forage. The quality of forage directly influences both the cow’s rumen function and overall health, as well as productivity by driving milk from home grown forage. The Crucial […]
2025 In-Focus: Dairy Herd Costs and Profitability
Reflecting on dairy herd productivity throughout the 2025 winter feeding period, significant transformations to dairy herd costings and profitability have been welcomed across Northern Ireland. Dairy herd profitability remains commodity-driven, with milk price and feed costs the most influential market forces. Recent financial and performance indicators present opportunities for dairy farms to optimise productivity and […]
Top Cereal Management Moves to Make This April
The continued spell of settled weather has been welcomed across all farms with ground in great condition allowing for spring drilling and the timely management of winter cereals as they approach key yield building growth stages. Winter Barley Winter barley crops have tillered well and are now at GS30/31, the onset of stem extension. Management […]
Maximising Milk Production from Grass
Transitioning cows from winter diets to fresh spring grass offers an opportunity to increase milk production from forage, reduce concentrate feed costs and improve farm profitability. However, successful grazing management is essential to maintain performance levels and maximise these economic benefits. The aim: The main objectives of spring grazing management are to gradually increase the […]
The Power of Creep Feeding
With current lamb prices remaining strong and the Spring lamb trade looking optimistic, many sheep farmers are starting to introduce lamb creep to their newly born lambs. Creep feeding is a management practice used to supplement the diet of young lambs, typically after they are a few weeks old, to promote faster growth and better […]
Spring Management Priorities for Winter Cereals
Building yield on good foundations Winter cereals have established well this season, showing strong rooting and excellent potential compared to last year. As daylight hours increase, crops are beginning to grow actively and careful spring management is essential to build on the solid foundations created during the winter months. Winter barley Winter barley crops are […]
Protect Your Livestock from Clostridial Disease
Clostridia are naturally occurring bacteria within the environment which cause deadly effects if ingested by cattle and sheep. Clostridia species can be found in soil, decomposing organic material and within the intestinal tract of animals. It is even found in healthy animals. The bacteria can lie dormant in muscle and when triggered, can cause disease […]
