Breeding is at the heart of any beef production system. Breeding programmes need to be devised to meet the specific requirements of a herd or a market. This manual explores some of the issues to address when choosing a sire for the herd – either for AI purposes or buying a bull

Improving returns from a suckler herd depends on increasing the number of calves weaned. Feeding makes an important contribution to fertility, calving ease and calf performance and is a major cost of keeping a suckler cow. This manual takes a look at feeding at all stages of suckled calf production

Driving feed efficiency is crucial in all beef growing and finishing systems. This manual explains the different feed requirements of the growing and finishing stages of an animal’s life, providing valuable guidance on rationing for these separate phases

Replacement heifers contribute to the new genetic make-up, cost structure and productivity of the suckler herd. This manual provides advice on sourcing, selecting and managing replacement heifers so they can become productive members of the breeding herd

White and red clovers provide a good source of protein in ruminant diets, both when grazed or conserved, and have high intake characteristics.This manual outlines the advantages of including clovers in the farming system and the management needed to optimise their contribution to the farm business

Medicines improve the health and welfare of livestock and contribute to the provision of safe and sustainable food. However, using medicines incorrectly can contribute to antibiotic and anthelmintic resistance. This manual gives producers advice on how to use medicines correctly and responsibly

Managing ewes correctly throughout the year is vital for generating the highest possible output from any sheep enterprise. This manual gives an overview of the techniques and tools required to manage ewes effectively, such as body condition scoring, managing replacements and good record-keeping

There are two main challenges for the lamb sector; the first is to maintain the production of high-quality meat and the second is to ensure sheep farming is financially viable. This manual outlines the factors to consider to achieve these aims at every stage of production, from weaning to selection

Lameness presents a serious cost to the sheep industry. It may not be possible to eradicate lameness entirely, but producers who understand the condition can reduce the impact of lame animals. This manual describes the different diseases that cause lameness and outlines a plan to tackle them

Many external parasites that infest UK sheep flocks can hardly be seen with the naked eye, yet their effects on animal health, welfare and profit can be significant. This manual aims to help farmers to identify sheep parasites and provides information on how to implement effective control strategies

Ewe fertility is one of the main drivers underlying the output of a sheep flock. Optimising fertility increases the number of lambs scanned and born, which in turn drives flock profitability. Following the advice in this manual can help sheep producers set and achieve flock targets

Good ewe nutrition is vital for successful flock performance. The feed requirements of ewes vary significantly depending on their stage of production and feeding regimes must take account of this. This manual looks at all the elements of ewe feeding and incorporates the latest thinking on this topic

Improving lamb performance and reducing losses is key to profitable sheep farming. Producers are often surprised to find out how many lambs they do lose. This manual equips producers with the tools to discover when and why losses occur, and helps them maximise their lamb output

Optimising fertility is critical to the success of any suckler herd, with nutrition, health and genetics all playing a part. This manual explains how produces can use the available tools to increase cow output, and how appropriate feeding, breeding and health management can all contribute

26 May 2017

Times are good for sales in the organic sector. A report published by the Soil Association reveals organics in their fifth year of growth and although share of total grocery sales is small, the sector is worth over £2 billion. What are the market conditions driving this growth?

7 July 2017

The food-to-go industry is evolving and extending its scope. New ways of reaching consumers have been found and specific consumer needs are increasingly being met.

12 July 2016

What's behind the growth in the organic market?

22 March 2018

Will we see a return to tradition this Easter?

20 June 2018

Learn how Farm Excellence farmer Bertie is planning to improve his grassland management

Project 1: Translating existing knowledge of management effects on soil biology and soil health for practitioners