by Edna | Sep 10, 2024 | News
The seasons this year have certainly presented their challenges. Grass is now growing with plenty having been cut, I am hopeful that the maize in the ground will enjoy the warm soil and grow well. We need to start thinking about parasite and worm control. The warm wet... by Edna | Sep 10, 2024 | News
It has not been an easy spring so far, especially for those spring block calving herds who have struggled in the wet weather with poor grass growth and reduced grazing intakes. Unsurprisingly, UK grass growth rates in 2024 are well behind last year and the 5 year... by Edna | Sep 10, 2024 | News
Well, the unsettled weather continues and turn-out is delayed. The temperature fluctuations are particularly marked making it hard to manage housed cattle and avoid stress that will precipitate pneumonia. On a positive note, the grass is growing so food will be... by Edna | Sep 10, 2024 | News
The wet weather is certainly taking its toll on stock. Fields are inevitably heavily poached even at low stocking rates. The cold wet weather along with the soil contamination of grass makes it particularly risky for diseases such as coccidiosis and clostridial... by Edna | Sep 10, 2024 | News
Last month I wrote about Blue Tongue Virus but it seems with many lambs having hit the ground already this year, it has been a different midge-borne virus that has afflicted many flocks; Schmallenberg Virus(SBV). SBV causes abortion and stillbirths with foetal...