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Positive scanning results in spring sucklers
Pregnancy scanning is well advanced in spring-calving suckler herds and technicians report both high conception rates and relatively tight calving patterns.
Most herds being scanned in recent weeks tended to have 90% to 95% of animals put to the bull settled in-calf.
Replacement heifers in particular are scanning extremely well with some herds having a 100% conception rate.
Good fertility results this year are mainly down to a plentiful supply of grass during the spring and summer which kept diets consistent and cows in ideal body condition.
Talks at ABP Lurgan to avert further strikes
Workers and management at ABP Lurgan have entered conciliation talks at the Labour Relations Agency in an attempt to avoid any more strike action at the Co Armagh facility.
A 24-hour strike on Monday of this week saw production hit. However, any further action has been suspended while talks continue between UNITE the union and ABP management.
At issue is an original proposal from management to start shifts earlier in the morning (at 7am), and also a 2% increase in pay offered by the company, which UNITE contends is below the current rate of inflation.
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