Latest News

TheDairySite Latest News: United Kingdom

25 February 2021

UK's Welfare in Transport consultation may not deliver for livestock
The UK's National Farmers Union has responded to Defra's Welfare in Transport consultation, saying that the proposals would cause undue delays and increase costs without delivering meaningful welfare benefits for livestock and poultry. ...

24 February 2021

UK Environment Secretary outlines approach for future agriculture policy
Defra Secretary George Eustice has said that the UK can work towards self-sufficiency in food production and that farmers can face the future with confidence. ...

UK's MilkSure training programme hands over administration to the BCVA
The BCVA says that changes to the scheme will make it more accessible for dairy farmers and vets. ...

23 February 2021

Level up rural Britain to turbocharge Britains green economy
An ambitious and revolutionary approach to levelling up rural Britain can create jobs, boost green economic growth, increase exports and improve the wellbeing of the entire nation, a new report from the NFU highlights....

BSAS holds its first ever virtual conference
The British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) will explore cutting edge research in animal science, agriculture, policy and education in its first ever virtual conference. ...

22 February 2021

BCVA launches foundation programme for new farm vets
The British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) has launched its popular foundation programme for newly qualified vets. ...

Test clamp to improve pre-calving diet
Testing silage ahead of spring calving is crucial for cow health and performance....

21 February 2021

"PRAISE" Animal Welfare Impact award launched for new UK-based scientists
Researchers and scientists of the future who want to make a positive difference in animals' lives are encouraged to apply. ...

18 February 2021

Rapid TB test wins top UK innovation award
Actiphage, a rapid, accurate test for tuberculosis that detects the presence of the live mycobacteria in a sample of blood or milk, has been awarded the Innovation Award 2021 by the British Veterinary Association (BVA)....

15 February 2021

UK NFU joins government's bovine TB partnership
The National Farmers Union has joined the UK government's consultation to improve its bovine TB strategy. ...

Tackling farming's hidden metal health epidemic
From 15 – 19 February 2021, the Farm Safety Foundation (also known as Yellow Wellies) will launch their fourth annual Mind Your Head campaign to illustrate actions being taken to break down mental health barriers in farming....

13 February 2021

The UK's improved Countryside Stewardship scheme opens for 2022 agreements
Farmers and land managers across the United Kingdom are being encouraged to apply for Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements to help them protect and improve the natural environment....

12 February 2021

Implications of Brexit on the animal science sector
British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) Vice-President Kim Matthews discusses the implications and fallout of Brexit on the animal science sector, and what the future holds going forward. BSAS communications lead Jason Simms reports on his discussion...

11 February 2021

UK announces grants to help farmers prepare for ammonia permitting rules
Farmers should prepare for significant changes when it comes to ammonia emissions after Farming Minister Victoria Prentis announced plans to impose regulated environmental permitting....

10 February 2021

Germinal and Aberystwyth University join forces to help farmers achieve net zero climate goal
Germinal’s new research team embedded at Aberystwyth University brings together a unique collaboration of science and agriculture to address climate challenges and enhance agricultural productivity....

UK farmers say poor rural connectivity is leaving them behind
More than four in 10 farmers still don’t have adequate fast and reliable broadband in order to run a modern-day farming business, according to a new NFU survey....

09 February 2021

New video showcases COVID-19 safety measures in UK abattoirs
A new video that shows how abattoirs in the UK are taking steps to minimise the spread of COVID-19 has gone live this week. ...

08 February 2021

UK food retailer Waitrose unveils new mobile animal welfare app
Waitrose has rolled out an innovative mobile application that assesses the emotional state of farm animals. ...

COWS warns cattle farmers to not let liver fluke catch them out
The Control of Cattle Parasites Sustainably (COWS) group has issued guidance for cattle farmers on how they can keep liver fluke at bay. ...

07 February 2021

Opinion polling shows Britons overwhelmingly value agriculture sector
New polling by YouGov shows that Britons respect farming as a profession and have a higher opinion of the agriculture sector than other countries. ...

05 February 2021

In-depth cattle population study could help to reduce emissions
Research by SRUC provides insight into Scottish beef production, finding diverse farm sizes and production outputs. ...

Changes to cleaning practices could improve calve health on GB dairy farms, according to new research
A new study looking at colostrum hygiene on British dairy farms has shown that by making a few simple changes to cleaning protocols, farmers could significantly minimise the risk of disease in calves....

04 February 2021

Ruminant Health & Welfare responds to Defra consultation on animal transport
Any regulatory changes introduced as a result of Defra’s consultation on the welfare of live animals in transport must be evidence-based and rooted in science....

UK unveils new code of conduct for its dairy supply chain
UK Ministers have announced plans for a fairer dairy supply chain after public consultation. ...

03 February 2021

Dairy farm survey highlights deficiency in antioxidants linked to fertility
Dry and early lactation cows fed maize and wholecrop-based diets could benefit from greater supplementation with the antioxidants vitamin E and beta carotene, according to new UK farm survey results, which identified widespread deficiency....

02 February 2021

Research suggests that lower-protein diets and forage legumes can reduce the environmental impact of milk production
Research from Harper Adams University has found that dairy farmers can reduce their nitrogen emissions and become more sustainable by switching cows to lower-protein diets. ...

What's on the horizon for UK agriculture?
The latest Agri-Market Outlook from the AHDB explores the UK farm sector's prospects for 2021. ...

01 February 2021

New reports shows UK shoppers backing British farmers
A new report from the AHDB finds that consumer attitudes towards UK farmers have grown more positive amid a challenging year and significant upheavals in the agriculture sector. ...