Dairy
With the autumn calving season approaching, farmers must be on the lookout for the risk of milk fever and any other metabolic issues.
Testing silage has always been a key element in forming a well-formulated, energy rich diet essential for milk production.
Agri-Business
Given drought conditions in many regions, milk flows have been better than expected in the EU, according to a new report from Ornua.
Calving is only around the corner for a lot of autumn herds, meaning preparations for optimal calf health should be well underway.
The Lakeland Dairies board has confirmed its August milk price. The processor will pay a base milk price of 39.1c/L.
Dairy sales are starting to pick up as we enter the back end of the season, with stock moving through Irish and UK marts once again.
N.Ireland
Despite 942 cases of bluetongue confirmed in the UK during the 2026/2027 season so far, the dairy trade is still holding strong.
The Great Britain (GB) milking herd fell 2.2% year-on-year in July, though milk deliveries increased by 3%.
Herd keepers in Northern Ireland will be able to identify newborn cattle using approved electronic identification ear tags from next week.
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has become the first retailer to use AI-powered systems on its dairy farms to monitor animal welfare.
With rain beginning to fall following a prolonged period of dry weather, the risk of lungworm is back on the table.
The number of cattle in Northern Ireland that have a negative status for BVD is now over 99% of the total population for the first time.
Dairy farmers in Northern Ireland have been invited on what is described as a "study tour" in the Republic on improving nutrient utilisation.
Shamonda virus has been infecting cattle across Europe this month, with Defra currently keeping a close eye on how it might impact the UK.
Tirlán welcomed retired milk suppliers from across Northern Ireland, Monaghan, Meath and Louth to a breakfast event in Co. Cavan recently.
Cases of bluetongue in the UK have risen to 593 so far this season, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Growing bluetongue concerns in the UK do not seem to be holding back dairy sales, as pedigree stock are making up to 3,650gns.
Farms often see thermoduric bacteria rising in the backend of the year, especially those still dealing with drought conditions.
A case of classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland.
Lactalis, the French dairy company has reached an agreement with Canadian dairy group Saputo Inc., to acquire its UK Dairy Division.
Farmers have spent the summer locked in a losing battle with scorching heat and drought but will nitrates rules also become an issue?
By this stage of the season, the majority of autumn calving cows should be dried off, leaving farmers to focus on dry-cow management.
With high volumes of concentrates been fed in dairy parlours due to the drought, it may be worth calibrating the feeders.
