Livestock

CREAM Awards Winners Walk

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:28:11 GMT

CREAM Awards Winners Walk

Surrey: Beef genetics and safe cattle handling

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:56:31 GMT

Join us at this on-farm meeting to learn about the importance of beef genetics and estimated breeding values (EBVs). We'll also discuss practical and safe cattle handling with Mid Downs Farm Vets.

The event includes a farm walk.

Agenda

10:00am Arrival, registration and bacon rolls
10:30am AHDB regional update
10:45am Beef breeding and EBVs
11:30am Safe cattle handling with Mid Downs Farm Vets
12:30pm Farm walk
1:00pm Finish

This event is free to attend but please register in advance to ensure you are catered for.

Kent: Bluetongue virus regional update

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:13:12 GMT

Come along to hear the latest information on bluetongue virus (BTV), other regional disease updates and the support available to you via the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.

Agenda

6:00pm Arrival and food
6:30pm Regional update; AHDB
6:40pm Bluetongue update – mythbusting, signs and symptoms; Pirbright
7:00pm Bluetongue update – fertility implications and dummy calves; APHA
7:20pm Neospora and Animal Health and Welfare Pathway; Badgers Oak Vets
7:30pm Q&A
8:30pm Close

This event is being hosted by AHDB and Badgers Oak Vets. It is free to attend but please register in advance to ensure you are catered for.

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

Cornwall: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:11:00 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

If you're thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what is the best mix for your livestock system, this event is for you.

Join technical experts Ellie Roberts and John Harris at Hole Farm who will explore the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
1:00pm Lunch and networking
2:00pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

John Harris – Oliver Seeds.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

Multi-species swards – from seed to feed roadshow

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:15:00 GMT

Multi-species swards – from seed to feed roadshow

Cheshire: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:24:00 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.

Your local host farmer – who’s been there, done that and seen the benefits – will share their experiences, and you’ll learn from trusted advisers and other experts who will provide an in-depth look at the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains
12:15pm Lunch and networking
1:00pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
3:00pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

James Bretherton is a grassland consultant and founder of AgScope. He specialises in soil conditions, health, biology and chemistry.

Representatives from Germinal will also be speaking at this event. Germinal is a seed specialist providing market-leading solutions for the agricultural and amenity sectors. Operating directly in Great Britain and Ireland, Germinal has working partnerships in over 25 countries.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

CREAM Awards Winners Walk: High performance and fertility in practice

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:01:32 GMT

Step onto one of the UK’s top-performing dairy farms and see first-hand what’s driving exceptional results.

Join us and British Dairying to learn from Hook Farm Partnership, winners of the High Performance and Fertility Awards.

See how they deliver high yields, excellent fertility and strong margins through a clear, data-led approach.

You’ll walk the farm with the Woolford family and their team, exploring how they manage a 280-cow closed herd to maximise performance from every animal.

From breeding decisions and genomic testing to herd health planning and staff engagement, you’ll gain practical insight into what works and why.

What you’ll take away

How youngstock and heifer management underpins future herd performance and fertility
How to use data and KPIs to drive better fertility and herd performance
Practical ways to improve efficiency and output from existing resources
Approaches to breeding, replacement and genetic progress
How strong team involvement underpins consistent results
Ideas to improve herd health while keeping costs under control

The day starts with a panel session followed by a guided farm walk, themed stops with expert speakers, farmer-led discussion and Q&A to help you reflect on what you’ve seen and how to apply it at home.

Important information

Places are limited – book early to secure your place
Refreshments will be provided at registration from 10:00am for a prompt 10:30am start
Lunch will be provided

Feeding the future without costing the earth

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:30:05 GMT

Feeding the future without costing the earth

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.

Speakers

Phillipa Page (Sheep Veterinary Society) – Chair
Rudolf Reichel (Veterinary Lead, APHA) – update on cases
Fiona Lovatt (sheep vet, Flock Health Ltd.) – BTV-3 and BTV-8 updates to the Battle Bluetongue tools and resources

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

Cotswolds: Multi-species swards – from seed to feed

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:56:53 GMT

Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.

If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.

What we’ll cover

How to choose, establish and manage the right mix for your farm and livestock system
How the right mix can increase the quality and performance of livestock and boost economic return
When to reseed or overseed
How multi-species swards can boost soil health and biodiversity

Agenda

10:00am Arrival and reception
10:30am Welcome and introduction to host farm
10:45am
- Forage selection: Choosing the right species/mixes for your soil, system and goals; Ian Wilkinson
- Establishment and economic benefits: Selection and management of multi-species swards for livestock performance and gains; Ellie Roberts
12:15pm Farm walk and discussion
- Practical use of multi-species swards – what, where and why
- Environmental gains and soil health
1:00pm Lunch and networking
2:00pm Final thoughts and close

Important information

This is fully funded and lunch will be provided.

Spaces are limited – book early so you don’t miss out.

BASIS CPD points are available for attending this event.

If you have any questions about these events, contact your regional knowledge exchange manager.

Speakers

Ian Wilkinson is a joint owner of Honeydale Farm and co-founder of FarmED.

Ian joined Cotswold Seeds and became MD in 1998. Since being under Ian’s direction, Cotswold Seeds built its reputation on developing forage, herbal leys, green manures and complex seed mixtures to improve soil health, sequester carbon and mitigate climate change.

Ellie Roberts is NIAB’s technical expert for the National Variety and Recommended Lists for grass and clover (herbage) and maize and APHA forage crops.

Her research interests are in grassland systems, soil–plant–animal interactions and health, and the economics of forage systems.

Other events in this series

Other events to follow.

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