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The article discusses how to improve swine weaners' performance and offers insights from Devenish Nutrition nutritionist Mick O'Connell. It highlights several factors behind good performance post-weaning, which include post-weaning water and feed intake, diet selection, and pre-weaning feed intake. O'Connell suggests creep feeding piglets and offers tips on how to do it. The article also highlights a case study of weaners at Alexander and Angell Farms in Gloucestershire, England.

The article discusses the benefits of extending the grazing season and efficient grassland management to dairy farm profitability in Great Britain. Livestock Improvement Corp. consultant Mike Bailey explains that feed budgeting and planning late season rotation lengths are required in planning an extended season. Kingshay development director Richard Simpson advises farmers to be realistic in terms of the grass to be provided. Bailey cites the importance of using a feed budget calculator.

The article offers information on gadgets and gizmos to be displayed at the 2011 Dairy Event and Livestock Show including the NWF Target feeding calculator from NWF Agriculture, the Field Recording Grass Management System from Kingswood Computing, and the Healthy Feet Programme from DairyCo.

The author examines how bringing the groundwork in-house would benefit the operation at Strathmore Farming Co. The company decided to bring groundwork in-house in an effort to improve resilience, save costs and better manage the arable operations. Director David Soutar was forced to reassess the farm's reliance on contractors due to the aftermath of 2012 and difficult spring where most fields needed micromanagement for sowing work.

The article reports on the gap between cost of production and farmgate milk price despite milk price increases from processors. The Dairy Group points out that farmgate milk prices need to reach 35 pence per litre to help recovery of dairy farm business after high production costs. Consultant Nick Holt-Martyn predicts that milk prices will continue to increase, with farmers needing a farmgate price at or above cost of production.

The article reports on the agreement between British Sugar and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to raise the contract price for the sugar beet crop for 2014, with the agreed package to include further enhancement to the late delivery allowance to address risks for the second half of the campaign.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry in Europe as of early August 2013. It focuses on the operation of the co-operative (co-op), Aria, which has over 12,000 farmer owners in Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. The opinion of Aria Foods amba's Povl Krogsgaard on the co-op's strategy is also cited.

The article discusses the business objectives of Alex Smith in developing his 261-hectare (ha) beef unit at Park and East Moor Farms in Wykeham, Scarborough, England. The enterprise trades under the name of Overdale Farms and carries 40 pedigree Longhorn cows and 80 commercial Beef Shorthorn cross continental cows, which are all overseen by Michael Cleasby. Smith emphasized the need for farmers to learn to survive in an environment without subsidies.

The article deals with the rising milk production cost facing farmers in Great Britain. According to the National Farmers Union (NFU), the average farmgate milk price of 2.5 pence per litre remains below the production cost. NFU dairy adviser Luke Ryder says there is a concern among dairy producers over their winter prospects. He emphasizes the importance of the voluntary code of practice for producers.

The article reports that farmers and landowners are being sought to lease out land for a wind turbine project in Great Britain. The scheme is part of the joint venture between farm consultancy ADAS and low-carbon specialist CO2Sense. The scheme offers a 15 percent share of revenue to landowners over 20 years. Requirements for project inclusion include not placing wind turbines within a 500-meter radius of a residential property and having a 40x20m land space available.

The article discusses the developments in the livestock industry in Great Britain. It cites the emergence of other forms of dairy products aside from cows like sheep. According to 2011 Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year, Simon Stott, he ventured into sheep dairying due to the demand for English-produced sheep milk. Stott recommends the Friesland breed of sheep as ideal for dairying.

The article reports on the impressive calving index of 353 days at farmer Sam Chesney's unit in Northern Ireland. His rigid spring block-calving system has achieved a tight calving index. He was able to achieve his goal by adopting a strong focus on high health and good nutrition during an 11-week calving period at Cool Brae Farm in Kircubbin. The system reportedly has benefited Chesney's 150 cows, mostly Limousin suckler herd.

The article explains the importance of right housing to ensure good youngstock management in Great Britain. Livestock housing expert Jamie Robertson advises producers to determine the aspects of the environment and the building that negatively affect the system. Speed, movement and moisture are cited as the key areas to be considered by producers. Robertson noted the role of adequate drainage in good moisture management.

The article suggests the importance of considering the advantages and disadvantages of robotic milking before deciding to install. The investment of New Farm at Markesbury in Bath, England in robotic milking highlighted the need to ensure lameness and adequacy of farm-set. Robotic milking resolved labor problems, supported additional employment and produced labor savings. Factors to a successful robotic milking include control of lameness, teat position and calving pattern during breeding.

The article previews the British winter agricultural show circuit in 2011. The author reports that Tecwyn Jones' steer Jager Bomb topped the beef classes after his victory at the Royal Welsh Show while heifer Minni M from M. L. Howatson and Son was the reserve beef champion as well as champion heifer and reserve Limousin breed champion.

The article discusses the highlights of the Perth bull sales held in Stirling, Scotland in October 2011. The Charolais breed has set new records for Barnsford Ferny from sellers Tom and Sheena Gatherer. The bull was bought by Charlie Boden of Boden and Davies, Mellor Hall Farms for his Sportman's herd of 70 cows. It also reports on the sale of the bull Thrunton Fearless to Barclay and Massie.

The article reports on the benefits of red clover as a nitrogen fixer.

The article focuses on the issue of meeting global demand for meat discussed by JSR Genetics managing director Grant Walling at the 22nd annual JSR Technical Conference held in Nottingham, England in September 2011. Walling stressed the need for global pork production to increase by 110% in order to meet demand. He noted the potential of China, Brazil and Russia to boost production. He called for changes in traditional key performance indicators (KPI).

The article reports on the latest advisory issued by the Great Britain-based firm Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition, warning that dairy farmers should carefully plan their rations for the winter season to prevent rumen health issues. The company said that the toughest challenge confronting farmers in the next season is sustaining good rumen health. The opinion of ruminant technical adviser Sara Pickering on the issue is also cited.

The article reports on the 2012 National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) Descriptive List that was launched during the Dairy Event and Livestock Show in Great Britain in early September 2011. It cites the removal of the traditional maturity selection system on the list. According to NIAB's Don Pendergrast, the improved drying down rate of modern maize varieties resulted in the removal of the selection system.

The article describes the case of Ivy House Farm which started on-farm processing in 1998 and became organic-certified in 2000. Run by Geoff and Kim Bowles and their son Darren, the Somerset, England farm turned to on-farm processing to cut out the middle man and take advantage of the consumer's desire to buy local. The article cites the importance of on-farm processing opening a farm up to more inspections and visits from customers.

The article discusses the latest developments in cattle handling in Great Britain as of July 2011. According to Colorado State University cattle handling specialist Temple Grandin, a cattle handler should understand the animals' behaviour and use their natural tendency to follow the leader when handling them. It cites as example the move by Manor Farm manager Neil Rowe to enhance cow flow and cattle handling at the farm.

The article reports on the claim by the Badger Trust that British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) secretary Caroline Spelman has made badgers as target practice when she announced plans for two pilot cull areas. According to a Badger Trust spokesperson, too much focus was given on the badgers and too little to the major causes of the spread of tuberculosis like inefficient testing, lax controls on the movements of cattle and unlawful activities.

The article recommends the development of a farm management strategy based on teamwork between the farmer, veterinarian, nutritionist and other farm advisors to maximize early growth of livestock and reduce costs. Garry Allis explains the improvement strategy at his Furze Hill Farm in Bildby, Lincolnshire, England which uses an open-air, corral-based rearing system. Nutritionist Michael Marsden distinguishes grower ration from finisher ration. The pneumonia situation at the farm was addressed.

The article presents the highlights of the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) day held at Watered Farm in Gloucestershire, England as of early June 2011. Independent consultant Lesley Stubbings said that worm control is a vital strategy to ensure good livestock produce. Veterinarian Katie Essex advised that farmers should use faecal egg counts (FEC) to determine if they have a worm problem.

The article focuses on the transformation of the Apsley Farms near Andover, England into an energy production farm. The farm has been transformed through an investment in a self-sufficient anaerobic digestion plant. Factors that led arable grower Henry du Val de Beaulieu to transform the farm include cereal price volatility and lack of expansion opportunities.

The article reports on importance of planning and access to finance to adopting renewable sources of energy at farms, which was emphasized by farmers who attended the Nextgen energy event held in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, England in 2013.

The article describes the role of farmers in the production and distribution of whiskey in Scotland. Farmers contribute to the growing whiskey industry by producing barley and wheat, which are the main components of making the beverage. About 900,000 tons of quality barley are bought by malsters, majority of which will be processed through distillation. Farmers are encouraged to assess the local market, secure supply contract and produce the right quality barley.

The article reports on the project, RE-fueling the countryside, which is led by the Royal Agricultural Society of England aimed at assisting farm businesses and rural communities in integrating renewable fuels into their transport systems. Under the project, farmers operating anaerobic digestion (AD) plants can use biomethane, electricity hybrids and dual fuels, biodiesel, bioethanol and hydrogen as possible sources of fuels. A trial was conducted by AD supplier and installer Evergreen Gas.

The article reports that the Department of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has provided loan to English farmers to assist them in investing in on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson reveals that under the On Farm AD Fund scheme, 50% of project costs 400,000 British pound. Farmers are also entitled to receive grants of up to 10,000 British pound to engage in AD projects.

The article reports on the warning issued by 2012 Farmer Weekly Green Energy Farmer of the Year Steve Edmunds, that failure on the part of pig and poultry producers to adopt farm-based renewable energy schemes may go bankrupt from 2014-2018. Edmunds, who spoke at the Nextgen energy conference in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, emphasized that renewables would provide the best return on investment. Tips on maximizing energy usage at farms is outlined.

The article reports on possibility that farmers with high heat demand in their businesses in Great Britain can still receive the subsidy under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Energy consultant Stuart Boyle from South East Wood Fuels notes that there still available funds to support biomass as a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuel heating. An increase in productivity in poultry production is expected if indirect hot water heating systems are to be adopted.

The article reports that dairy farmers in Great Britain who are members of the Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) are expected to be imposed with a milk price reduction starting on January 1, 2014. The move is part of the European Union (EU) dairy co-operative's efforts to encourage dairy farmers to increase the butterfat content of their milk produce. It highlights the incentive program adopted by the AFMP to help dairy farmers increase their milk's butterfat content.

The article reports in the decline in the formula milk price of Dairy Crest Direct effective November 1, 2013, with price reduction attributed to a drop in concentrate costs.

The article discusses the need for dairy farmers to focus their efforts on forming strong producer groups instead of complaining about their dairy processor representatives, according to Gary Mitchell, chairman of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland's milk committee.

The article reports that dairy farmers supplying the dairy company Arla under the Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP) will receive a price increase starting November 1, 2013, with AFMP members offered a chance to become full co-owners of the cooperative from January 1, 2014.

The article reports that dairy farmers in Great Britain who are not members of a cooperative have the option to give a three-month notice period to quit following a milk price change, under the terms of he dairy voluntary code of practice.

The article reports on British labor union Farmers for Action's warning of more action against dairy processors such as Arla and Dairy Crest if they do not raise the prices at which they buy milk from farmers in October 2013.

The article discusses the share-farming arrangement between Stephen Withers and Neil Sandilands in Great Britain. It describes Withers' previous management of a sheep flock at Upper Hundalee Farm in the Scottish Borders. Sandilands and Withers had earlier worked together before Sandilands decided to become a self-employed contract shearer. The share farming agreement is also described as a legal partnership where the enterprise is costed separately from the rest of the farm business.

The article reports on Muller Wiseman Dairies' increase of its standard liter non-aligned milk price in Great Britain on October 21, 2013. Non-aligned producers in its Muller Wiseman Milk Group (MWMG) will be the recipients of the increased price. Producers in the group will also receive an incentive triggered by increased production at the conclusion of the milk year.

The article reports on British supermarket chain Sainsbury's plan to increase the price it pays dairy farmers to 34.15 pence per liter from October 1, 2013.

The article discusses the potential of Scotland's dairy industry to increase output by 50 percent to 1.6 billion liters a year by 2025, according to the report "Ambition 2025" from Scotland Food and Drink chief executive James Withers. Included in the report's recommendations are plans to focus on key priority export markets, the development of an independent Scottish Bureau, and the formalization of dairy producer groups to promote the health benefits of drinking milk.

The article reports on the 3 percent hike in Scottish farm debt as to total 1.72 billion British pounds in the year ending May 31, 2013, which together with the whole British agricultural sector is the only industry to see rises in outstanding debt according to the Bank of England.

The article explores the membership package introduced by European Union (EU) dairy cooperative Arla to its 1,600 Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP), Arla direct and Milk Link direct suppliers. National Farmers Union chief dairy adviser Rob Newbery explained the attractiveness of the package to dairy farmers nearing retirement and those who just wanted to give it a try. A detailed process of the benefits associated with the Arla package is discussed.

The article reports on the higher return on investment to be paid by British farmer-owned dairy cooperative First Milk to farmers after it experienced a strong first half 2013, which 3 percent was paid in Spring 2013 and the increased return of 5 percent is expected by October 2013.

The article reports on the vote to be made by Members of the European Parliament (EMP) on the amount of first generation biofuels that would contribute to the European Union's (EU) target of producing 10 percent of transport fuel from renewable sources.

The article reports on the need to increase the retail price of beef in order to reflect the true cost of production in 2013, according to Quality Meat Scotland.

This section offers news briefs on the agricultural industry in Great Britain as of September 6, 2013. Retailers Tesco and Asda have been criticized by the National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland for stocking imported lamb at the beginning of the 2013 Scottish lamb season. Farmer-owned co-operative Woldgrain is enhancing its grain storage facilities with the help of a grant under the Rural Development Programme. The British Wool Marketing Board plans to recruit regional committee members.

An interview with Arla Foods UK chief executive officer (CEO) Peter Lauritzen about the company's dairy cooperative is presented. The interview begins with the benefits of cooperative membership to milk producers in Great Britain, including the highest possible value for farmers' milk. Lauritzen then discusses how the company will recruit additional producers for the cooperative. The company's business condition after the SOS Dairy campaign is also described.

The article reports on the plan of dairy company Muller Wiseman to increase its contract milk prices starting October 1, 2013.