Articles

Artificial Insemination (AI) in the Suckler Herd

While more commonly used in the dairy industry and pedigree beef cattle, artificial insemination (AI) still has a place in commercial suckler herds because of the increased costs of replacement females and bulls, greater focus on calving…

West Coast Calves – Key Facts and Figures

Calves born and bred on the West Coast of Scotland play a hugely important role in contributing to maintaining Scotland’s critical herd mass. Suckler herds on the Western Isles contribute…

Improvements in Broadleaved Trees – An Opportunity for Landowners

Broadleaf tree planting has increased dramatically since the 1980s, driven largely by environmental schemes and landscape objectives. But broadleaves can offer far more than amenity or conservation value alone. Thanks to advances in…

The Dairy Labour Crisis – Who will Milk the Cows Tomorrow?

Across the dairy sector, margins are under increasing pressure. Following the recent milk price drops and ongoing market volatility, rising input costs and heightened environmental regulations often dominate headlines. For many producers, labour is no longer just…

Building Resilience in Your Business

Building resilience into your production system helps protect your business from volatility due to factors out with your control. This article outlines practical ways in which you can build resilience, avoid shortages and the resulting…

Automated Calf Feeding

The first three months are among the most critical in a calf’s life, with proper nutrition playing a pivotal role. However, calf rearing can be overlooked, especially during busier times of year. Skilled labour is becoming increasingly hard to find and, as a result, automated feeding systems are becoming increasingly…