News
October 2024 Newsletter
We have seen a few interesting cases this past few weeks of cattle and sheep eating plants that have proved toxic. Often a wet spell in the autumn encourages grazing animals to seek out some more fibrous plants; or weather conditions encourage the proliferation of unwanted plants and moulds/fungi (mycotoxins). We have had reports of Ergot poisoning this year and I have heard...
September 2024 Newsletter
I am a little late with the announcement but I am really pleased to tell those of you who hadn’t already heard of the safe arrival of a baby boy for Lucy. George John Searle was born on the 13th July weighing 9lb 9oz. Lucy and Richard are of course delighted and are enjoying parenthood. We are pleased to welcome Sophie back for a few months to help cover Lucy’s leave. I have...
August 2024 Newsletter
It seems such a long time ago that we had a settled period of fine weather but hopefully the last few weeks have provided just that for you and an opportunity to get some crops harvested. The ‘Animal Health and Welfare Review’ program that is being funded by RPA has recently been expanded to allow for a follow-up with extra funding now available. It really is well worth you...
July 2024 Newsletter
The Weather let us down for our 20th Celebration but thank you to so many of you for turning out. We had a great night and I am sure you did too! I am pleased to say we raised close to £2000 for Somerset FCN which is a tremendous effort. I know this money will be put to good use within our local farming community. Although lambing seems like yesterday, it won’t be long before...
June 2024 Newsletter
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 conditions allow the emergence of gut worm larvae on the leaf of grass for the calves or lambs to ingest. We...
May 2024 Newsletter
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 average, and spring calving cows have been struggling to meet their nutritional requirements from grazed grass....
April 2024 Newsletter
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 available when they go out! Ewes and lambs are poaching up pastures so please be vigilant for the early signs of...
March 2024 Newsletter
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 disease in baby lambs. It may well be worth considering vaccination for clostridial disease in lambs where they are...
February 2024 Newsletter
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 abnormalities in sheep, cattle and goats. We classically see bent limbs and fixed joints, a twisted neck or spine, a...
January 2024 Newsletter
Happy New Year to everyone, I hope this year offers you all prosperity, health and happiness. It seems impossible that 2024 will see Tibbs & Simmons’s 20th Year ‘In Practice’ completed. It has certainly whizzed by for Clare and I. We owe so much gratitude to our amazing loyal band of clients that have allowed us to develop into what we see today. The memories of some...