As the UK works towards reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the agricultural industry has been put under the microscope. In a report from GOV.UK, agriculture was found as the source of 10% of total GHG emissions in the UK and of these, emissions 90% is nitrogen and methane from livestock and pastures.
Life has changed dramatically for me since last month, although feedback from my clients suggests that life on farm is relatively normal – apart from the kids being at home! The weather has also dramatically shifted through April. Ground conditions are now ideal for grazing and in some cases farmers are hoping for a spot of rain to keep things fresh and growing.
The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown now affecting farmers across the UK, and milk buyers are either requesting a decrease in milk supply, reducing the price, deferring payment or, in some cases, a combination of these. LIC’s Pasture to Profit farm consultant Sean Chubb has come up with some clear-cut advice to help dairy producers through these challenging times.
Managing this year’s ‘spring flush’ will be a challenge for us all. With the unprecedented amount of rain over spring, farmers in the North have struggled to adhere to their spring rotation plans.
Selecting cycling cows for mating and identifying non-cycling cows for intervention is crucial to maximising pregnancy rates during mating.
In recent light of the ever-evolving situation concerning COVID-19, LIC UK’s number one priority is the safety of you, your staff and family, and our people.
Mating time is the most important few months of the year for farmers. Success here means sustainability and productivity for years to come.
So far, this winter has been relatively warm and wet. Apart from areas that have become water-logged, you could say it’s been a ‘growy’ season.
The 6th Annual Cream Awards, organised by British Dairying magazine, was held at Chesford Grange on 6th February, bringing together 400 guests to celebrate the best of the dairy industry.
Rainfall across the north has brought some relief to farmers, although without more in some areas this is just enough to keep things growing for a few weeks. Soil conditions are still firm making achieving consistent even residuals easier as the rotations build.
Following an extended winter and a slow wet spring, many parts of the country are now experiencing unprecedented dry conditions and its essential farmers have a grassland strategy in place, and act on it, to get through the current situation.
The Grangers, who farm near Bude in Cornwall and who have been working with LIC for 18 years to create the cows they want to milk and that best suit their system and milk contract, helped us make our latest video ‘What makes a good UK grazing cow?”.
