Livestock

Buitelaar calf rearing open day

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:03:34 GMT

Hear first-hand from the farm manager, the Buitelaar team, nutrition specialists and Oxbury Bank, who'll be offering insight into both technical and financial considerations of calf rearing.

Join us to:

See how calf housing design supports calf health and performance
Learn more about milk powder feeding protocols and how consistency drives performance
Gain practical insight into evidence-led rearing strategies that can be applied on farm

There will also be an opportunity for Q&As, networking and seeing systems working in real conditions.

The day will finish with lunch and refreshments.

To register your place, please call or email the details below.

Collective action on African swine fever

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:11:05 GMT

Collective action on African swine fever

Bluetongue virus: Vet-focused update

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:39:32 GMT

During this technical update we'll share the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus (BTV) situation.

The discussion will be aimed at vets, but farmers are welcome to join.

The agenda and speakers will be confirmed soon.

The webinar will close with a Q&A session and you can also submit questions in advance.

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.

Further information

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

Cheshire: From grass measurement to grazing decisions (part 2)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:33:12 GMT

During this two-part series, you’ll learn how to measure grass accurately and use that information to improve grazing management.

Please note that you must be able to attend both events in this series: 23 April (Warrington) and 30 April (Macclesfield).

During this practical, on-farm event, dairy consultant Gaynor Wellwood will explain and demonstrate how to use plate meters.

She’ll also show you how grass measurements can be used to make better grazing and paddock allocation decisions.

Using grass data to allocate paddocks

Interpreting grass cover data
Identifying paddocks ready for grazing
Target pre- and post-grazing covers
Ranking paddocks and planning grazing rotation
Matching grass supply to livestock demand

Includes practical exercises using data from your farm.

The two sessions in this series are spaced one week apart to allow you to practice measuring grass on your own farm between sessions.

Outcomes

By attending, you will be able to:

Confidently use a plate meter
Measure and record grass cover accurately
Interpret grass data
Use measurements to make informed grazing decisions

Important information

Refreshments will be provided at registration from 10:15am for a prompt 10:30am start
Lunch is not provided, please bring a packed lunch
If you have a plate meter, please bring this with you
Bring grass reading from your farm with you

To book, visit the first event in this series: Cheshire: From grass measurement to grazing decisions (part 1) | AHDB

Cheshire: From grass measurement to grazing decisions (part 1)

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 10:52:34 GMT

During this two-part series, you’ll learn how to measure grass accurately and use that information to improve grazing management.

Please note that you must be able to attend both events in this series: 23 April (Warrington) and 30 April (Macclesfield).

During this practical, on-farm event, dairy consultant Gaynor Wellwood will explain and demonstrate how to use plate meters.

She’ll also show you how grass measurements can be used to make better grazing and paddock allocation decisions.

Measuring grass with a plate meter

Why measuring grass is important for grazing performance
How to use a plate meter correctly
Understanding grass cover (kg DM/ha)
Taking accurate paddock measurements
Calculating average grass cover

Includes hands-on practice using a plate meter in the field.

The two sessions in this series are spaced one week apart to allow you to practice measuring grass on your own farm between sessions.

Outcomes

By attending, you will be able to:

Confidently use a plate meter
Measure and record grass cover accurately
Interpret grass data
Use measurements to make informed grazing decisions

Important information

Refreshments will be provided at registration from 10:15am for a prompt 10:30am start
Lunch is not provided, please bring a packed lunch
If you have a plate meter, please bring this with you
View details for the second workshop

Lancashire: Mastitis roadshow with Lanes Farm Vets

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:50:15 GMT

Join Lanes Farm Vets for a practical, interactive session focused on improving udder health and reducing mastitis on farm.

Are you a master at mastitis or more of a dip when it comes to the count?

This practical roadshow will feature a series of quick-fire interactive stations designed to ensure more of your milk makes it into the tank – and fewer tubes are needed in the cupboard.

The session will conclude with a guided farm walk.

What to expect

Practical mastitis control tips
Interactive learning stations
Focus on reducing cell counts and treatment use
On-farm discussion and farm walk

This event is for dairy farmers and farm staff looking to improve udder health and mastitis management.

Places are limited. To book please contact the Brock office on 01995 602468.

Additional information

Lunch will be provided
Please wear suitable farm clothing and footwear
Note that Lanes Farm Vets will be rebranding in April 2026, as Scope Farm Vets

Virtual launch of Pork Environmental Roadmap

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:39:31 GMT

Learn about the Pork Environmental Roadmap, the progress already being made across the sector, and how we can collectively continue to demonstrate environmental leadership.

The publication of the Pork Environmental Roadmap marks an important moment for the British pork sector.

It sets out where the sector is and how it will demonstrate measurable progress in environmental performance over the next five years, while continuing to build on its strong foundations of efficiency and sustainability.

The Roadmap outlines seven interlinked strategic priorities and provides a clear, evidence-based pathway to help the industry maintain its position as a global leader in sustainable pork production.

Speakers

Hugh Crabtree, Chair, Pork Environmental Roadmap steering group
Lizzie Wilson, Chief Executive, National Pig Association
Jenny Gibbons, Senior Environment Manager, AHDB

Further information

Developed by the Pork Environmental Roadmap steering group and facilitated by AHDB, the Roadmap is supported by industry leaders and organisations from across the supply chain.

Find out more about our other environmental roadmaps.

Devon: Bluetongue virus update

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:50:16 GMT

Hear the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus (BTV) situation and the impact on the reproductive performance of cattle.

Liz Nabb from APHA in Starcross (Exeter) will talk about what the APHA has seen across the UK so far this season, including what’s happening in the Southwest.

She’ll also outline the reproductive impacts observed in cattle during last year's BTV activity in the east of England.

The meeting will cover:

Clinical signs in cattle and sheep
Reproductive impact on cattle
The 2025/26 bluetongue season so far
An update on mainland Europe
Risk‑based approach to vaccination and working with your vet
Legal limitations around abortion investigations
Q&A

7pm arrival for light refreshments and 7:30pm start.

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
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

Cornwall: Bluetongue virus update

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:24:09 GMT

Hear the latest updates on the current bluetongue virus (BTV) situation and the impact on the reproductive performance of cattle.

Liz Nabb from APHA in Starcross (Exeter) will talk about what the APHA has seen across the UK so far this season, including what’s happening in the Southwest.

She’ll also outline the reproductive impacts observed in cattle during last year's BTV activity in the east of England.

The meeting will cover:

Clinical signs in cattle and sheep
Reproductive impact on cattle
The 2025/26 bluetongue season so far
An update on mainland Europe
Risk‑based approach to vaccination and working with your vet
Legal limitations around abortion investigations
Q&A

1pm arrival for pasty lunch and 1:30pm start.

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
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

50% discount on new herbal leys and multispecies swards BASIS course

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:50:18 GMT

50% discount on new herbal leys and multispecies swards BASIS course

RamCompare seeks sires as project enters exciting new phase

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:25:20 GMT

RamCompare seeks sires as project enters exciting new phase

Spring calving herds to have genetic index update

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:15:59 GMT

Spring calving herds to have genetic index update

Position statement on the use of automated detection methods for lameness

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 14:08:45 GMT

Position statement on the use of automated detection methods for lameness

Calf Action Conference 2026

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:17:35 GMT

Hear about practical approaches to calf rearing, how to give calves the right start and how you can improve consistency, health and welfare on farm.

Focused on 'Raising the standard: Rearing all calves with care and purpose', the conference will combine strategic updates from keynote speakers with interactive workshops and on-farm sessions covering calf health, welfare, housing, feeding, disease management and skills development.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion exploring how the GB Calf Strategy can work in practice across different farming systems.

Delivered by Innovation for Agriculture and supported by AHDB, this will be a practical, collaborative event for anyone involved in calf rearing and youngstock management.

On the day

Hands-on workshops and on-farm sessions
Calf housing, feeding, hygiene and disease management
Skills, training and future qualifications for calf rearers
Open discussion with farmers and experts

Who should come?

Calf rearers
Dairy and beef farmers
Vets and advisers
Industry and supply chain partners
Training and education providers

The conference is kindly sponsored by MSD Animal Health, Zoetis, Galebreaker, ForFarmers and SCCL.

Somerset: Post-mortem demonstration

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:44:15 GMT

Explore the value of on-farm post-mortem examinations with Ben Strugnell of Farm Post Mortems Ltd.

Post-mortems are an important tool for the diagnosis and prevention of disease in farm animals and should form part of any herd or flock health plan.

Learn how post-mortems can help you:

Identify common causes of death
Detect herd health issues earlier
Improve disease prevention on farm
Make better management decisions

Refreshments will be available from 6:30pm and the workshop will start at 7:00pm.

To book your place or find out more, contact Wyvern Farm Vets:

T: 01373 451115

E: office@wyvernfarmvets.co.uk

Economic analysis of the conversion from CO2 to an alternative system as a primary method of killing pigs within a commercial UK-based pig processing facility

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:10:40 GMT

Economic analysis of the conversion from CO2 to an alternative system as a primary method of killing pigs within a commercial UK-based pig processing facility

New evidence-led analysis on CO₂ stunning in the UK pig processing sector

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:58:08 GMT

New evidence-led analysis on CO₂ stunning in the UK pig processing sector

Mycoplasma bovis

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:31:58 GMT

Mycoplasma bovis

Best practice treatment of sheep parasites

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 10:19:48 GMT

Best practice treatment of sheep parasites

Best practice treatment of cattle parasites

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:37:50 GMT

Best practice treatment of cattle parasites