Dairy

What is next for dairy markets?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:00:44 GMT

What is next for dairy markets?

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:29:36 GMT

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Denbighshire: Heat detection for better fertility

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:22:00 GMT

Practical advice to help improve heat detection, increase pregnancy rates and build a fertility strategy tailored to your herd.

Getting cows in calf efficiently is one of the biggest drivers of a profitable dairy business. While there are more heat detection options available than ever before, choosing the right approach for your herd, labour availability and business objectives is key to achieving consistent fertility performance.

Join AHDB and Dave Gilbert from Dairy Insight for this practical, interactive workshop where we'll explore the principles of effective heat detection and how to develop a strategy that works on your farm.

We'll look at how cows express heat, the factors that influence heat behaviour, the strengths of different heat detection methods, and how to monitor and review performance to maximise pregnancy rates.

During the workshop we'll cover:

Understanding the targets – why effective heat detection is fundamental to achieving strong pregnancy rates
Recognising heat expression – how cows display oestrus and the factors that can influence behaviour
Choosing the right tools – comparing visual observation, heat detection aids and activity monitoring technology
Building your heat detection strategy – selecting an approach that fits your herd, facilities, labour and business goals
Measuring success – monitoring key fertility indicators and adapting your strategy to maintain performance

This session is aimed at dairy farmers and herd managers looking to improve herd fertility and profitability.

Registration is essential and lunch will be provided.

Dave Gilbert bio

Dave Gilbert BVetMed MRCVS is a dairy veterinary consultant with over 20 years' experience working with UK dairy herds. After qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005, he has specialised in dairy herd health and fertility, combining practical farm consultancy with teaching at Harper Adams University.

Dave is a director of Dairy Insight and Horizon Dairy Vets, and works with farmers across the UK to improve herd fertility, health and profitability through evidence-based, practical management.

He is a regular speaker at industry events and has contributed to a number of AHDB knowledge exchange projects on dairy fertility.

Carmarthenshire: Heat detection for better fertility

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:15:34 GMT

Practical advice to help improve heat detection, increase pregnancy rates and build a fertility strategy tailored to your herd.

During the workshop we'll cover:

Understanding the targets – why effective heat detection is fundamental to achieving strong pregnancy rates
Recognising heat expression – how cows display oestrus and the factors that can influence behaviour
Choosing the right tools – comparing visual observation, heat detection aids and activity monitoring technology
Building your heat detection strategy – selecting an approach that fits your herd, facilities, labour and business goals
Measuring success – monitoring key fertility indicators and adapting your strategy to maintain performance

This session is aimed at dairy farmers and herd managers looking to improve herd fertility and profitability.

Registration is essential and lunch will be provided.

Dave Gilbert bio

Dave Gilbert BVetMed MRCVS is a dairy veterinary consultant with over 20 years' experience working with UK dairy herds.

After qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005, he has specialised in dairy herd health and fertility, combining practical farm consultancy with teaching at Harper Adams University.

Dave is a director of Dairy Insight and Horizon Dairy Vets, and works with farmers across the UK to improve herd fertility, health and profitability through evidence-based, practical management.

He is a regular speaker at industry events and has contributed to a number of AHDB knowledge exchange projects on dairy fertility.

Webinar: Tackling lameness for healthier, more efficient cows

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:39:36 GMT

Healthy feet are essential for productive, efficient dairy cows and improving foot health plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Join veterinary consultant Sara Pedersen from Farm Dynamics Ltd to discover how a proactive approach to lameness management can benefit both animal welfare and environmental performance.

You’ll hear how Ben Hartley at Mason House Farm made foot health a focus area through the UK Dairy Carbon Network project. He will explain why tackling lameness was a priority for his business and the practical changes made to improve mobility across the herd.

Sara will explain how the Healthy Feet Programme provides a structured approach to identifying areas for improvement and creating a bespoke foot health plan tailored to each individual farm.

Key learning outcomes

Understand the link between improved foot health, cow performance and reducing the carbon footprint of milk production
Discover why Mason House Farm prioritised lameness and the impact of taking action
Learn how the Healthy Feet Programme helps identify key risks and develop a practical farm-specific improvement plan
Explore the changes made at Mason House Farm, including adjustments to foot trimming techniques, routine protocols and mobility scoring
Take away practical ideas to support earlier detection, improve mobility and reduce the impact of lameness in your own herd

Leave with practical insights and proven approaches to help improve foot health, support cow longevity and make positive changes that benefit both your business and the environment.

Entrepreneurs in Dairying course

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 12:57:14 GMT

This business training programme is designed for aspiring dairy producers and organised by the RABDF in collaboration with The Andersons Centre, AHDB Dairy and the NFU.

Applications are now open for the 2026 programme, which starts in late September. It is open to anyone involved in, or looking to be involved in, the dairy industry. The course has seen over 450 applicants complete it from a variety of industry backgrounds.

It provides hands-on commercial experience and training in:

People development
Financial skills
Business management
Taxation
Business structures, including partnerships, joint ventures and tenancies

The 2026 programme

Understanding the milk market and opportunities in the dairy industry.
Finance course with Tony Evans (The Andersons Centre).
Business planning, funding, tax and trading structures.
Personal and people development.
What’s the future of dairy?

Dates and details

Limited spaces per cohort
Participants should apply for the course based on their location
Cost: £610+VAT per person which will be invoiced on confirmation of an allocated place on the programme

First session (for all): 22 and 23 September – West Retford Hotel, Nottingham DN22 7XG.

Midlands/North: 6 and 7 October; 20 and 21 October; 17 and 18 November.

South: 13 and 14 October; 3 and 4 November; 17 and 18 November.

Optional ‘bonus session’: 27 and 28 October – Dairy Horizons by kind invitation of The Trehane Trust.

Final session (for all): 25 and 26 November – NFU, Stoneleigh Park.

To apply, please follow the booking link to The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) website.

Proposed changes at AHDB to strengthen delivery for levy payers

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 10:04:45 GMT

Proposed changes at AHDB to strengthen delivery for levy payers

Bluetongue virus update – 5 August

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:49:34 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rapidly increasing in both sheep and cattle. Clinical signs appear to be more severe than previous years, resulting in high mortality in sheep.

During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current situation.

Speakers

Chair: Zoe Lloyd, AHDB
Gordon Hickman, Defra
Jenny Schmidt, veterinary surgeon
Fiona Lovatt, Flock Health Ltd.
Neil Shand, NBA
Phil Stocker, NSA
Clare Wise, NFU

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we are running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK.

If you are unable to attend, please still register and you will be sent a recording following the event.

You can also submit questions ahead of the webinar.

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Dairy retail performance - 11 July 2026

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:33:20 GMT

Dairy retail performance - 11 July 2026

What is El Niño, and what are the potential effects on the UK livestock markets?

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:35:12 GMT

What is El Niño, and what are the potential effects on the UK livestock markets?

How could proposed extensification measures in the Netherlands affect the UK market?

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 11:22:42 GMT

How could proposed extensification measures in the Netherlands affect the UK market?

Block calving systems see continued uptake

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 10:15:38 GMT

Block calving systems see continued uptake

South Ayrshire: Staying ahead of TB

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 14:02:29 GMT

Join us to find out why TB levels are changing in Scotland and what you can do on your farm to reduce risk.

You'll hear about the implications of a TB reactor on your business, the common causes of TB breakdowns and the practical actions you can take to help protect your herd.

TB adviser Sarah Tomlinson, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and SAC Consulting will explain new testing approaches, recent post-mortem findings and the measures being used to maintain Scotland's TB-free status.

This event will cover

Trends and changes in bTB levels across Scotland
The implications of a reactor or herd movement restrictions
Actions you can take to reduce the risk of a TB breakdown
National measures being used to maintain TB-free status

The APHA will also provide an update on routine surveillance, the causes of TB breakdowns in Scotland and the processes followed when managing a breakdown.

To find out how to protect your herd and secure your place, book now.

Sarah Tomlinson bio

Sarah is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in clinical farm practice, with a particular focus on endemic disease control, including bovine TB.

She's Chair of the bTB Hub Working Group and a member of the Welsh TB Technical Advisory Group, as well as other TB advisory groups in England.

Sarah also has a strong interest in social science, particularly understanding human behaviour and driving positive change on farm.

Stranraer: Staying ahead of TB

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:59:03 GMT

Join us to find out why TB levels are changing in Scotland and what you can do on your farm to reduce risk.

You'll hear about the implications of a TB reactor on your business, the common causes of TB breakdowns and the practical actions you can take to help protect your herd.

This event will cover

Trends and changes in bTB levels across Scotland
The implications of a reactor or herd movement restrictions
Actions you can take to reduce the risk of a TB breakdown
National measures being used to maintain TB-free status

The APHA will also provide an update on routine surveillance, the causes of TB breakdowns in Scotland and the processes followed when managing a breakdown.

To find out how to protect your herd and secure your place, book now.

Sarah Tomlinson bio

Sarah is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in clinical farm practice, with a particular focus on endemic disease control, including bovine TB.

She's Chair of the bTB Hub Working Group and a member of the Welsh TB Technical Advisory Group, as well as other TB advisory groups in England.

Sarah also has a strong interest in social science, particularly understanding human behaviour and driving positive change on farm.

Larkhall: Staying ahead of TB

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:52:22 GMT

Join us to find out why TB levels are changing in Scotland and what you can do on your farm to reduce risk.

You'll hear about the implications of a TB reactor on your business, the common causes of TB breakdowns and the practical actions you can take to help protect your herd.

This event will cover

Trends and changes in bTB levels across Scotland
The implications of a reactor or herd movement restrictions
Actions you can take to reduce the risk of a TB breakdown
National measures being used to maintain TB-free status

The APHA will also provide an update on routine surveillance, the causes of TB breakdowns in Scotland and the processes followed when managing a breakdown.

To find out how to protect your herd and secure your place, book now.

Sarah Tomlinson bio

Sarah is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in clinical farm practice, with a particular focus on endemic disease control, including bovine TB.

She's Chair of the bTB Hub Working Group and a member of the Welsh TB Technical Advisory Group, as well as other TB advisory groups in England.

Sarah also has a strong interest in social science, particularly understanding human behaviour and driving positive change on farm.

Dumfries: Staying ahead of TB

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:45:51 GMT

Join us to find out why TB levels are changing in Scotland and what you can do on your farm to reduce risk.

You'll hear about the implications of a TB reactor on your business, the common causes of TB breakdowns and the practical actions you can take to help protect your herd.

This event will cover

Trends and changes in bTB levels across Scotland
The implications of a reactor or herd movement restrictions
Actions you can take to reduce the risk of a TB breakdown
National measures being used to maintain TB-free status

The APHA will also provide an update on routine surveillance, the causes of TB breakdowns in Scotland and the processes followed when managing a breakdown.

To find out how to protect your herd and secure your place, book now.

Sarah Tomlinson bio

Sarah is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in clinical farm practice, with a particular focus on endemic disease control, including bovine TB.

She's Chair of the bTB Hub Working Group and a member of the Welsh TB Technical Advisory Group, as well as other TB advisory groups in England.

Sarah also has a strong interest in social science, particularly understanding human behaviour and driving positive change on farm.

Dumfries: Staying ahead of TB – Vet session

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 13:08:07 GMT

This session is aimed at vets involved with cattle farms, either as part of routine work, national testing, or working with clients who have firsthand experience of tuberculosis (TB) breakdowns.

We'll answer questions, give an update on recent findings and discuss how we can support the industry to make sure Scotland maintains its TB-free status and prepare for future challenges.

This event will cover

Scotland's TB status, including current challenges and progress
Routes of working and testing
How farms, individual practices and national laboratories can work together
What we should focus on to maintain and improve our status

The APHA will also provide an update on routine surveillance, the causes of TB breakdowns in Scotland and the processes followed when managing a breakdown.

Book your place

Email Sophie.Brewster@ahdb.org.uk to book your place.

Sarah Tomlinson bio

Sarah is a veterinary surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in clinical farm practice, with a particular focus on endemic disease control, including bovine TB.

She's Chair of the bTB Hub Working Group and a member of the Welsh TB Technical Advisory Group, as well as other TB advisory groups in England.

Sarah also has a strong interest in social science, particularly understanding human behaviour and driving positive change on farm.

Devon: Bluetongue information evening

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:23:03 GMT

Join Torch Farm Vets for a free information evening on bluetongue virus (BTV).

Why attend?

Get the latest guidance
Ask your questions
Protect your livestock

Guest speaker

Liz Nabb BVMS PhD CertAVP MRCVS (APHA) – Veterinary Investigation Officer, Animal & Plant Health Agency

The Farming Community Network (FCN) are attending and supporting this event.

AMPE and MCVE updated to reflect latest costs in Q1 2026

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:06:09 GMT

AMPE and MCVE updated to reflect latest costs in Q1 2026

EU short-term outlook: Exports of dairy products in growth

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 10:44:11 GMT

EU short-term outlook: Exports of dairy products in growth