Housing
Kieran Mailey on 10 Apr 2021
Five cattle management jobs to complete at turnout
As more cattle start filtering back to grass, Kieran Mailey outlines some management tasks to complete as cattle leave the shed.
Amy Forde on 05 Apr 2021
Bird flu measures in Northern Ireland to lift next week
It is important that bird keepers remain vigilant as migratory birds are still present, therefore the risk of avian influenza (AI) remains, UFU poultry chair Ronnie Wells said.
Kieran Mailey on 31 Mar 2021
NI Sheep Programme: lambing well advanced on lowland farms
Three of the programme farms operate early lambing flocks and apart from weather challenges, the farms have experienced few problems this spring.
Kieran Mailey on 31 Mar 2021
Top tips for managing cows and spring-born calves until turnout
With unsettled weather is delaying suckler farmers from slipping cows and spring-born calves out to grass, Kieran Mailey outlines some management tips until cows can get to grass.
Kieran Mailey on 27 Mar 2021
Beef management: five tips for indoor management of cows and calves
Wet weather is delaying spring-calving cows getting out to grass. With housing space filling up from a late turnout, Kieran Mailey outlines some tips to managing cows and calves indoors.
Kieran Mailey on 24 Mar 2021
Making dairy calf to beef systems pay
Calf prices are extremely strong and without a significant increase in beef price, farmers will struggle to cover input costs.
Kieran Mailey on 23 Mar 2021
Beef management: making sure finishing cattle are not overstocked
Providing adequate lying space is something that is often overlooked in finishing cattle, yet will greatly hinder weight gain if not addressed.
Declan Marren on 14 Mar 2021
Poor weather putting pressure on housing facilities
With spring calving in full flow on many farms at this stage, housing facilities can come under pressure where cows and calves are not able to get to grass.
Declan Marren on 03 Mar 2021
Thrive: managing newly purchased calves – first 48 hours
Easing the transition from one farm to the next can help calves settle on farm and reduce incidences of sickness.
Derek Robinson on 24 Feb 2021
Investing in sheep for my old age
Co Down farmer Derek Robinson has kitted out his new lambing shed with labour saving in mind
Niall Hurson on 22 Feb 2021
Russia detects first case of H5N8 bird flu in humans
Meanwhile, Ireland has confirmed 30 cases of the H5N8 strain in wild birds since 10 November 2020.
Aidan Brennan on 17 Feb 2021
Grand designs: the ideal calving shed for dairy farmers
Dairy editor Aidan Brennan looks at some of the key features he would like to see in a calving shed.
Darren Carty on 10 Feb 2021
Preparing farm buildings for lambing
The main point of focus in group penning is ensuring animals have sufficient space while lambing facilities should be cleaned and disinfected well in advance of when they are required.
Adam Woods on 05 Feb 2021
Watch: calm before calving kicks off on Tullamore Farm
Adam Woods checks in with Shaun Diver ahead of a busy calving season on Tullamore Farm.
Pat O'Toole on 03 Feb 2021
Straw prices rising but peat available – for now
Peat suppliers believe they have enough bedding peat to get farmers through the remainder of winter.
Kieran Mailey on 27 Jan 2021
NI Sheep Programme: scanning and pre-lambing management on lowland flocks
On the lowland flocks, ewes have been lambed and attention is turning to housing and pre-lambing management.
Kieran Mailey on 27 Jan 2021
Top tips and spring calving checklist
There is no substitute for good preparation for calving time. In the first of a four week calving series, Kieran Mailey outlines tips to making the final preparations.
David Wright on 27 Jan 2021
DAERA publishes NI avian flu map
The map shows the extent of the protection and surveillance zones currently around two outbreaks in NI.
on 27 Jan 2021
New calf shed on Tipperary Farm
John Crowe visits new calf shed for 50 calves on Tipperary dairy farm
Darren Carty on 24 Jan 2021
Newford Farm: mid-winter weighing shows positive performance
2020-born bullocks gained 0.55kg since housing on 30 October, while yearling heifers gained 0.62kg since housing on the same date.