Preparing For A Wet Turnout?

If the wet weather continues turnout will be delayed due to wet ground conditions and the risk of poaching etc.  For flocks and spring calving herds this will put severe pressure on housing space and stock densities.  Overall this will increase the risk of scour, pneumonia, watery mouth, coccidiosis etc. and increased lamb/calf losses.

For farmers with store cattle one option would be sell some or all ASAP to release space for newborn lambs and calves etc.  Fortunately at present the store trade is good, but it could drop if wet ground conditions delay finishers getting stock out to grass.

Basil Lowman, val.angus@sac.co.uk