Articles
Automated Milking Systems
Labour shortages are leading to an increase in the number of producers turning to Automated Milking Systems (AMS) to reduce the long and often anti-social hours associated with milking twice…
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Biodiversity Audits for Whole Farm Plan
A biodiversity audit is applicable to all businesses under the Whole Farm Plan. For 2026, 2 out of the 5 Whole Farm plan items are required. If you are looking…
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The Value of the Cull Cow to Dairy Businesses – Is She Covering Her Costs?
With milk margins under pressure and beef prices remaining strong, every cow must justify her place in the herd. Animals that are infertile, underperforming, or carrying recurring health issues can…
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Too Much of a Good Thing? Copper Oversupply in Dairy Herds
Trace minerals are essential for reproductive performance, immunity, and productivity in dairy herds. They play a key role in maintaining enzyme systems and immune defences. Traditionally, mineral supplementation strategies have focused on preventing deficiencies whilst accounting for interactions that may reduce absorption. However, this approach alongside…
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Regenerative Dairying – Planning Now for Resilient Milk Production
Regenerative farming and its principles are increasingly appearing in milk contracts, buyer discussions, and supply chain sustainability strategies. For many dairy businesses, the question is no longer if it will…
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Nutritional Opportunities from EFA Greening
With EFA greening changes coming into place in 2026, many farms will grow new crops that can be utilised as home grown feed for dairy cattle. These crops include nitrogen fixing plants like clover, lucerne and beans, whilst others include…
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Could Sustainable Farming Affect Ergot Risk in Barley?
In 2024, arable farmers across the UK saw a huge increase in ergot in cereal crops and felt the financial impact through grain rejections and the loss of premium prices…
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Planning for Water Scarcity – New Practical Guide for Farmers and Growers in Scotland
Scotland’s climate is changing, with predictions showing that spring and summer months will be drier, with wetter autumn and winters throughout the country [1]. With a changing climate we need…
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Alternative Protein Crops – Overcoming Market Barriers
In the current era of geopolitical instability, we need to think about how to build resilience and security into our agriculture and food supply chains. Arable growers in Scotland may be considering a…
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Managing the Impacts of Beavers – A Practical Guide for Farmers and Land Managers
Beavers are well established in several river catchments in Scotland and are likely to continue to spread through natural dispersal and translocation. Conflicts with land management are most likely where…
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