farming news

DEFRA NVZ Decision - a bitter blow to many farmers

The changes to the Nitrate Vulnerable Zones proposals announced by Defra remain a bitter blow for farmers in England, according to NFU president Peter Kendall, with areas in North Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Northumberland and Durham all being affected....

Extension of further Bluetongue protection zone

Defra extended the Bluetongue protection zone on the 21st July, following the delivery by Intervet of almost 2 million additional doses of Bluetongue serotype 8 (BTV-8) vaccine.
Vaccination is only permitted within the Protection Zone and in accordance with the Bluetongue vaccination plan, the Protection Zone will be extended to cover Worcestershire and districts in North Yorkshire (Scarborough, Ryedale, Hambleton & Harrogate), Cheshire (Macclesfield, Congleton & Crewe and Nantwich) and Greater Manchester (Rochdale, Oldham, Tameside and Stockport) previously in the Surveillance Zone...

Spinning out the forage

Despite a late start to spring, and for many a delayed turnout, grass supply is now short in many parts of the country and cows are starting to struggle, according to nutritionist Sion Richards from national co-products company James and Son.
“It's been very dry in some of the key dairying areas of the country that has limited grass growth,” says Dr Richards. “Also, the high cost of fertilizer has meant that some have cut down on application rates...

Nominate for the British Food and Farming awards

The BBC British food and farming awards is designed to celebrate the best of British food and farming. It is a chance to speak up about the people, businesses and organisations making a difference to what we eat in Britain...

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