We are the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Our purpose is to inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. We equip the industry with easy to use, practical know-how, which they can apply straight away to make better decisions and improve their performance. AHDB is a statutory levy board and is funded by farmers, growers and others in the supply chain.
To learn more, visit our About us page.
From the knowledge library
17 August 2018
Despite additional hectares of straw being made available by cereal growers, there is still likely to be a shortage due to lower yields and an increased requirement for feeding. This factsheet explains the importance of assessing your straw needs and planning for any deficit.
12 August 2018
Some of the alternative bedding materials mentioned here can be used in conjunction with traditional cereal straw, either to replace it or offset the increased cost and allow straw-bedding supplies to go further
13 August 2018
Achieving successful isolation, acclimatisation and integration of incoming gilts is the first stage of any good gilt replacement plan. Maintaining the health status ensures productivity so it's important to know the disease profile of incoming stock and the receiving herd
13 August 2018
Gilts arriving on outdoor units may have come from indoor systems. Environment change can create problems during the acclimatisation period. Incoming gilts should be managed well and isolated for at least four weeks to avoid a health breakdown.
13 August 2018
Lifetime productivity is not related to backfat alone, but overall fitness. Body mass is important, gilts should be fed a diet that creates both fat and lean meat deposition. Where gilts have a high growth rate, or problems have been an issue, feed intake should be restricted to 80–90% of appetite
13 August 2018
The lower critical temperature for neonatal piglets is approximately 34ºC. On an outdoor unit it's more difficult to achieve precise temperature control. The provision of substrates such as straw, to build a nest and provide insulation and warmth are therefore important considerations
13 August 2018
Inseminating at the right time is essential to achieve the best farrowing rates and litter sizes. Follow the guidelines below to ensure good timing, successful insemination and improved reproductive performance. Know your herd, keep records, understand the process
13 August 2018
Accurate heat detection is essential for the correct timing of insemination. However, heat is often missed or misdiagnosed because the signs are overlooked.
13 August 2018
Good management/selection of gilts is key to maintaining a productive herd. 20–25% of production should be from gilts. A 45%+ replacement rate means nearly half the herd will be replaced in the year. Performance from and management of this parity therefore has a large impact on overall productivity
13 August 2018
It is important to keep the cost of producing piglets to a minimum to enable you to maximise profitability at sale. Knowing how your breeding herd performs helps you to identify where and how to concentrate your time, effort and investment to improve performance and reduce the cost of production.
Latest Horizon reports
31 March 2018
As Brexit draws closer, we hear much about the opportunities new export markets present for British food and farming products.
2 January 2018
The UK undoubtedly has some of the most productive, dynamic and inspirational farming and growing businesses in the world.
15 November 2017
Brexit is by far the biggest threat to Scottish agriculture and we need to get ready to meet this unprecedented challenge.
11 October 2017
In this edition of Horizon, we examine trade flows between the UK, EU and its other major global trading partners, for the main agricultural products, and how these may change following Brexit.
10 October 2017
AHDB’s analysis of the big Brexit themes aims to improve industry understanding of the issues, as well as flagging the opportunities and threats they create.
10 September 2017
In this report we explore opportunities for livestock products, from the beef, sheep meat, pork and dairy sectors.
15 August 2017
In this edition of Horizon we will look at different agricultural support models from specific countries around the world and evaluate their impact on the agricultural industry.
19 July 2017
The referendum decision on 23 June has raised a number of questions around the approach the UK Government(s) will take to areas of policy which were previously decided at EU level. One of these areas is trade.
7 July 2017
The nature of the future relationship that the UK government will seek to negotiate with the rest of the EU has not yet been defined, following the 23 June referendum decision to leave.
28 June 2017
AHDB’s series of Horizon reports has previously looked at some of the issues that will be critical in shaping the agri-food sector following Brexit.
27 June 2017
Building on previous editions of Horizon, this report focuses specifically on what Brexit will mean for Welsh agriculture and horticulture.
27 June 2017
Yn seiliedig ar rifynnau blaenorol o Horizon, mae’r adroddiad hwn yn canolbwyntio’n benodol ar beth fydd Brexit yn ei olygu i amaethyddiaeth a garddwriaeth yng Nghymru.
13 June 2017
Some twelve months on from the EU referendum result, I have realised that the big policy issues created by Brexit are out of my hands.
30 January 2017
In this edition of Horizon we will examine what the regulatory framework for plant protection products (PPPs) in UK agriculture and the wider supply chain might look like post Brexit.
17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for dairy products and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for horticultural products and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for potatoes and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
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17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for beef and lamb products and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for pig meat products and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
17 January 2017
In this report, we examine trade flows between the UK, the EU and its other major global trading partners for cereals and oilseeds and how relationships might change after the UK leaves the EU.
Latest news
15 August 2018
Two in five people are intending to increase the meals they cook from scratch. What's holding them back?
15 August 2018
This year the weather has reached highs and lows, both in terms of temperature and rainfall
10 August 2018
Chinese cereal buyers have made a special visit to the UK to explore new opportunities for importing wheat and barley into China.
10 August 2018
AHDB has announced plans to invest up to £60,000 to improve understanding of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) risk in cereals
9 August 2018
UK Ministers have appointed a new member of the Board of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, who will also chair its Horticulture Sector Board.
9 August 2018
Maris Piper has been the most grown potato variety in Great Britain for over 20 years, but will it still occupy top spot in another 20?
9 August 2018
Potatoes are less exposed to Brexit risks than many other sectors.
9 August 2018
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced four potato-focused appointments to join the newly formed Arable Knowledge Exchange team.
8 August 2018
An innovative set of trials has helped farmers test the accuracy of nitrogen (N) management in their winter wheat crops
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