New AHDB Dairy indexes show stability at the top
The new genetic indexes are published for Holstein bulls this week (11 August) as the first under the new AHDB Dairy banner. The theme at the top of the proven sire ranking is one of stability, as Gen-I-Beq Lavaman holds convincingly on to his number one position with a Profitable Lifetime Index (PLI) of £615. […]
Global demand makes OMSCo largest UK organic cheese and whey producer
Growing global demand for organic cheese has seen farmer-owned co-operative OMSCo, (the Organic Milk Suppliers Co-operative Ltd), secure new export contracts and as a result, become the UK’s largest organic cheese and whey producer; achieved exclusively from export sales. OMSCO began exporting in 2007 which has proved to be an extremely successful strategy and has […]
Morrisons must go further on milk
Morrisons must support dairy farmers by paying a sustainable price, the NFU said today. In recent meetings with the retailer, the NFU outlined the pressures affecting dairy farmers, especially the unsustainable milk price being received on farm. Many dairy farmers are now receiving milk prices far below the cost of production. This has led to […]
First Milk half day notice on price cut is totally unacceptable, say NFU
First Milk has announced a milk price cut of 0.5ppl for members – giving them just half a day’s notice. Suppliers were told the news late last Friday that their price for August 1 was being reduced. NFU dairy board vice chairman Michael Oakes said: “Two years ago First Milk signed up to the Voluntary […]
UK unions demand fair deal for all on cheese and butter
Representatives of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, NFU and the National Farmers Union of Scotland met in Belfast to discuss the deteriorating situation in the dairy sector. Speaking after the meeting UFU President Ian Marshall said: “International dairy markets are working against our hard working dairy farmers and the focus must be turned on the responsibility […]
Research to improve dairy cow fertility
Research conducted by a final year Harper Adams University student could lead to improved detection of endometritis in dairy cows. Sarah Hurford, who studies BSc (Hons) Agriculture, has investigated post-calving infections of the reproductive tract, primarily endometritis, and associated risk factors. Endometritis is an infection of the inner layer of the uterus and has an […]
Dairy industry makes significant strides in water efficiency
UK dairy companies are at the forefront of the food and drink industry’s efforts to improve water efficiency, according to a progress report published today. The Food and Drink Manufacturing Water Use Report demonstrates that there have been marked gains in water efficiency across the industry. Dairy companies featured in the report have reduced their […]
Confirmation of the Arla Foods amba July 2015 milk price
Arla Foods amba on-account price will reduce by one eurocent per kg (0.77 pence when applied to the UK standard litre), with effect from 6 July 2015. In addition, sterling has continued to strengthen and July sees a new quarter’s (April to June) average exchange rate being introduced to the pricing mechanism. The introduction of […]
Mid-season worm pressures affect dairy cattle herds
Managing mid-season worm pressures could have significant economic and performance benefits for dairy herds. This is the advice from the COWS industry steering group (Control of Worms Sustainably) this summer. Anthelmintic resistance is a growing concern in the dairy industry. As the peak parasite season approaches, careful monitoring of dairy heifer condition is essential. The […]
