Welfare

Darlington: Bluetongue update meeting

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:19:22 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rising quickly in both sheep and cattle and it's having a major impact in some parts of the country. It is a rapidly evolving situation – join this meeting for the latest information.

Hear from local vets and advisers, APHA/Defra representatives and industry specialists for the latest updates on the BTV situation.

Key topics:

Practical information on how BTV is spread
Vaccination
Clinical signs in livestock
How to treat affected livestock

This meeting is part of a series taking place across the country – check our events page for details of the other meetings.

The meetings are bringing together leading experts and industry representatives to give you an opportunity to ask questions from those on the frontline.

Please ensure you book your place to attend promptly – if numbers reach capacity, those who have not pre-booked may have to be turned away on arrival to meet H&S requirements.

Support for farmers

If you’re facing challenges, there are resources and charities ready to help with everything from finances to mental health.

Find business, finance and mental health support

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Farmers reminded to vaccinate animals in latest series of bluetongue meetings

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 15:56:34 GMT

Farmers reminded to vaccinate animals in latest series of bluetongue meetings

Lancaster: Bluetongue update meeting

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:34:57 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rising quickly in both sheep and cattle and it's having a major impact in some parts of the country. It is a rapidly evolving situation – join this meeting for the latest information.

Hear from local vets and advisers, APHA/Defra representatives and industry specialists for the latest updates on the BTV situation.

Key topics:

Practical information on how BTV is spread
Vaccination
Clinical signs in livestock
How to treat affected livestock

This meeting is part of a series taking place across the country – check our events page for details of the other meetings.

The meetings are bringing together leading experts and industry representatives to give you an opportunity to ask questions from those on the frontline.

Please ensure you book your place to attend promptly – if numbers reach capacity, those who have not pre-booked may have to be turned away on arrival to meet H&S requirements.

Support for farmers

If you’re facing challenges, there are resources and charities ready to help with everything from finances to mental health.

Find business, finance and mental health support

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

York: Bluetongue update meeting

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:18:56 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rising quickly in both sheep and cattle and it's having a major impact in some parts of the country. It is a rapidly evolving situation – join this meeting for the latest information.

Hear from local vets and advisers, APHA/Defra representatives and industry specialists for the latest updates on the BTV situation.

Key topics:

Practical information on how BTV is spread
Vaccination
Clinical signs in livestock
How to treat affected livestock

This meeting is part of a series taking place across the country – check our events page for details of the other meetings.

The meetings are bringing together leading experts and industry representatives to give you an opportunity to ask questions from those on the frontline.

Please ensure you book your place to attend promptly – if numbers reach capacity, those who have not pre-booked may have to be turned away on arrival to meet H&S requirements.

Support for farmers

If you’re facing challenges, there are resources and charities ready to help with everything from finances to mental health.

Find business, finance and mental health support

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Ledbury: Bluetongue update meeting

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:13:57 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rising quickly in both sheep and cattle and it's having a major impact in some parts of the country. It is a rapidly evolving situation – join this meeting for the latest information.

Hear from local vets and advisers, APHA/Defra representatives and industry specialists for the latest updates on the BTV situation.

Key topics:

Practical information on how BTV is spread
Vaccination
Clinical signs in livestock
How to treat affected livestock

This meeting is part of a series taking place across the country – check our events page for details of the other meetings.

The meetings are bringing together leading experts and industry representatives to give you an opportunity to ask questions from those on the frontline.

Please ensure you book your place to attend promptly – if numbers reach capacity, those who have not pre-booked may have to be turned away on arrival to meet H&S requirements.

Support for farmers

If you’re facing challenges, there are resources and charities ready to help with everything from finances to mental health.

Find business, finance and mental health support

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Johne’s disease – Maintaining the momentum

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 09:30:46 GMT

Join us and Teilo Vets to find out how to gain a free cow per 100. Not by changing feeding, milking or getting the vet involved, but by cutting your Johne's ATV score by 1 point.

How are growing numbers of dairy farmers bringing Johne’s disease under control?

Dr James Hanks from the Action Group on Johne’s will describe the significant progress made in the UK and how vets and farmers are managing the disease out of their herds.

Booking is essential and there will be a light lunch provided. Click the book now button or email teilovets@gmail.com to reserve your place.

Beef Tech 2026

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:35:09 GMT

Join Tyndale Farm Veterinary Practice and a panel of expert speakers for sessions on nutrition and optimising feed efficiency, housing, bovine respiratory disease and red meat market trends.

Agenda

10:00am–10:30am Welcome registration and refreshments

10:30am–11:00am Unlocking cattle potential: Science of calf nutrition for better beef – Dr Laura Tennant, Senior Technical Adviser Young Animal Feed, Trouw Nutrition GB

11:05am–11:35am The hidden impact of minerals on beef performance – Isabelle England, Ruminant Technical Manager, Trouw Nutrition GB

11:40am–11:50am Coffee break and more refreshments

11:55am–12:25pm Importance of housing and ventilation in housed beef calves: Improving ventilation for better health and welfare – Grace Kitching, Animal Welfare Specialist, GaleBreaker

12:30pm–12:55pm Mycoplasma: Understanding the challenge and creating the solutions – Tonia Simms, Zoetis

1:00pm–1:25pm What’s affecting the beef price? Exploring the data to understand trends – Becky Smith, Senior Analyst, AHDB

1:30pm–3:00pm Lunch and a farm walk – Tyndale and host farmer

Register

Please register in advance so Tynedale Vets can cater for the correct number of people:

T: 01453 511311

W: shop.tyndalevets.co.uk/products/beef-tech

Bluetongue virus update – 2 September

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 13:34:44 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rapidly increasing in both sheep and cattle. During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current situation.

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we are running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK. Expert industry speakers will be confirmed shortly.

If you are unable to attend, please still register and you will be sent a recording following the event.

The webinar will provide an update on bluetongue case numbers, an overview of treatment considerations for affected animals and information on vaccination, as well as a Q&A session at the end. You can also submit questions ahead of the webinar.

Speakers

Phillipa Page, Sheep Vet Society (SVS) president
Gordon Hickman, Defra
Emily Gascoigne and Nicky Ogden, Synergy Farm Health
Jonathan Hobbs, North Park Veterinary Group

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Body condition scorecard

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:01:34 GMT

Body condition scorecard

Sir Gâr: Canfod buchod gwasod/sy’n gofyn tarw i wella ffrwythlondeb

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:22:58 GMT

Digwyddiad wedi'i ohirio

Cyngor ymarferol i’ch helpu i ganfod buchod gwasod/sy’n gofyn tarw, cynyddu cyfraddau beichiogi ac adeiladu strategaeth ffrwythlondeb sydd wedi’i theilwra ar gyfer eich buches.

Mae cael buchod yn gyflo mewn ffordd effeithlon yn un o sbardunwyr mwyaf busnes llaeth proffidiol. Serch bod yna fwy o opsiynau ar gael nag erioed o’r blaen i ganfod buchod gwasod/sy’n gofyn tarw, mae dewis y dull iawn ar gyfer eich buches, y llafur sydd ar gael, ac amcanion eich busnes yn allweddol i sicrhau perfformiad ffrwythlondeb cyson.

Ymunwch ag AHDB a Dave Gilbert o Dairy Insight ar gyfer y gweithdy ymarferol, rhyngweithiol hwn lle byddwn ni’n archwilio egwyddorion canfod buchod gwasod yn effeithiol a sut i ddatblygu strategaeth sy’n gweithio ar eich fferm chi.

Byddwn yn edrych ar y ffordd mae buchod yn dangos eu bod yn gofyn tarw, y ffactorau sy’n dylanwadu ar ymddygiad buchod gwasod, cryfderau gwahanol ddulliau o ganfod buchod gwasod a sut i fonitro ac adolygu perfformiad i gael y cyfraddau beichiogi uchaf.

Yn ystod y gweithdy byddwn yn trafod:

Deall y targedau – pam y mae dull effeithiol o ganfod pryd y mae buwch yn gofyn tarw yn hanfodol i sicrhau cyfraddau beichiogi cryf
Adnabod arwyddion gofyn tarw – sut y mae buchod gwasod yn dangos hynny a’r ffactorau all ddylanwadu ar eu hymddygiad
Dewis yr offer iawn – cymharu arsylwi gweledol, cymhorthion canfod buchod gwasod a thechnoleg monitro gweithgarwch
Adeiladu eich strategaeth canfod buchod gwasod – y cyfleusterau, dewis dull sy’n siwtio eich buches, y llafur sydd ar gael a’ch nodau busnes
Mesur llwyddiant – monitro dynodyddion ffrwythlondeb allweddol ac addasu eich strategaeth i gynnal perfformiad

Mae’r sesiwn hon yn bennaf ar gyfer ffermwyr llaeth a rheolwyr buchesi sydd am wella ffrwythlondeb y fuches a phroffidioldeb.

Mae cofrestru yn hanfodol a darperir cinio.

Cefndir Dave Gilbert

Mae Dave Gilbert BVetMed MRCVS yn filfeddyg ymgynghorol â thros 20 mlynedd o brofiad o weithio gyda buchesi llaeth y DU. Ar ôl cymhwyso o’r Coleg Milfeddygaeth Brenhinol yn 2005, mae wedi arbenigo ym maes iechyd a ffrwythlondeb buchesi llaeth, gan gyfuno rôl ymgynghori ymarferol ar ffermydd â rôl addysgu ym Mhrifysgol Harper Adams.

Mae Dave yn gyfarwyddwr Dairy Insight a Horizon Dairy Vets, ac mae’n gweithio gyda ffermwyr ledled y DU i wella ffrwythlondeb, iechyd a phroffidioldeb drwy reolaeth ymarferol, seiliedig ar dystiolaeth.

Mae’n siaradwr rheolaidd yn nigwyddiadau’r diwydiant ac mae wedi cyfrannu at nifer o brosiectau cyfnewid gwybodaeth AHDB ym maes ffrwythlondeb buchesi llaeth.

Somerset: Breeding the right cows for your farm

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:15:12 GMT

Join us to find out how making better use of your herd's genetic information can help you breed the right cows for your farming system.

Good genetics underpin herd performance, productivity and profitability. Whatever your breeding objectives, understanding the genetic tools available can help you make more informed breeding decisions and deliver lasting improvements across your herd.

AHDB Genetics Manager Dr Daniel Pitt will explain how to identify breeding goals, interpret genetic information and make the most of the tools available. You'll also hear from dairy farmers David Cotton and Keith Gue, who will share how a long-term focus on genetics has delivered measurable improvements in herd performance.

You'll leave with a better understanding of how to:

Use genetic evaluations to support breeding decisions
Define breeding goals that work for your business
Compare parent average and genomic results with confidence
Use your herd genetic report to identify opportunities for improvement
Put the latest genomic tools and indexes into practice on your farm

Whether you're just starting your genetic improvement journey or looking to make better use of the data you already have, this practical event will help you understand the options available and give you the confidence to make better breeding decisions.

To find out how genetics can help future-proof your herd and improve performance, book your place now.

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 15:29:36 GMT

How has this year’s drought affected farming?

Carmarthenshire: Heat detection for better fertility

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 14:15:34 GMT

Event postponed

Practical advice to help improve heat detection, increase pregnancy rates and build a fertility strategy tailored to your herd.

Getting cows in calf efficiently is one of the biggest drivers of a profitable dairy business. While there are more heat detection options available than ever before, choosing the right approach for your herd, labour availability and business objectives is key to achieving consistent fertility performance.

Join AHDB and Dave Gilbert from Dairy Insight for this practical, interactive workshop where we'll explore the principles of effective heat detection and how to develop a strategy that works on your farm.

We'll look at how cows express heat, the factors that influence heat behaviour, the strengths of different heat detection methods, and how to monitor and review performance to maximise pregnancy rates.

During the workshop we'll cover:

Understanding the targets – why effective heat detection is fundamental to achieving strong pregnancy rates
Recognising heat expression – how cows display oestrus and the factors that can influence behaviour
Choosing the right tools – comparing visual observation, heat detection aids and activity monitoring technology
Building your heat detection strategy – selecting an approach that fits your herd, facilities, labour and business goals
Measuring success – monitoring key fertility indicators and adapting your strategy to maintain performance

This session is aimed at dairy farmers and herd managers looking to improve herd fertility and profitability.

Registration is essential and lunch will be provided.

Dave Gilbert bio

Dave Gilbert BVetMed MRCVS is a dairy veterinary consultant with over 20 years' experience working with UK dairy herds.

After qualifying from the Royal Veterinary College in 2005, he has specialised in dairy herd health and fertility, combining practical farm consultancy with teaching at Harper Adams University.

Dave is a director of Dairy Insight and Horizon Dairy Vets, and works with farmers across the UK to improve herd fertility, health and profitability through evidence-based, practical management.

He is a regular speaker at industry events and has contributed to a number of AHDB knowledge exchange projects on dairy fertility.

Berkshire: Halal – dispelling the myths and exploring the market

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 10:39:21 GMT

Want to learn more about the halal market and what it means for your business?

Join us at this meeting to hear from Dr Awal Fuseini, AHDB Halal Sector Senior Manager, as he talks about market opportunities, busts some myths and answers your questions.

What we'll cover:

The market forces in export and halal markets
Myths that surround the halal market in the UK
Export markets
Health and welfare from a vet perspective

Agenda

10:00 Arrival and tea/coffee
11:00 Welcome and host farm introduction
11:15 Halal – dispelling the myths and exploring the market
12:00 Larkmead Vets – welfare and market demand
12:30 Lunch
13:30 Farm walk
14:30 Close

Webinar: Tackling lameness for healthier, more efficient cows

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:39:36 GMT

Healthy feet are essential for productive, efficient dairy cows and improving foot health plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Join veterinary consultant Sara Pedersen from Farm Dynamics Ltd to discover how a proactive approach to lameness management can benefit both animal welfare and environmental performance.

You’ll hear how Ben Hartley at Mason House Farm made foot health a focus area through the UK Dairy Carbon Network project. He will explain why tackling lameness was a priority for his business and the practical changes made to improve mobility across the herd.

Sara will explain how the Healthy Feet Programme provides a structured approach to identifying areas for improvement and creating a bespoke foot health plan tailored to each individual farm.

Key learning outcomes

Understand the link between improved foot health, cow performance and reducing the carbon footprint of milk production
Discover why Mason House Farm prioritised lameness and the impact of taking action
Learn how the Healthy Feet Programme helps identify key risks and develop a practical farm-specific improvement plan
Explore the changes made at Mason House Farm, including adjustments to foot trimming techniques, routine protocols and mobility scoring
Take away practical ideas to support earlier detection, improve mobility and reduce the impact of lameness in your own herd

Leave with practical insights and proven approaches to help improve foot health, support cow longevity and make positive changes that benefit both your business and the environment.

Bluetongue virus update – 19 August

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:49:34 GMT

Find out how bluetongue virus (BTV) is affecting dairy cattle as we share the latest situation in the UK.

Join the live event at 5:00pm

Speakers

Gordon Hickman, Defra
Estevao Simoes and Alastair Douglas, Scottish Government
David Taylor, dairy vet
Christopher Sanders, The Pirbright Institute
Natalie Symonds, the Farming Community Network

Joining instructions

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we're running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK.

You do not need to register or provide any details to watch this webinar, simply join the webinar at 5:00pm on Wednesday 19 August.

If you're unable to attend, look out for the recording on our YouTube channel.

You can also submit questions ahead of the webinar.

Support for farmers

If you’re facing challenges, there are resources and charities ready to help with everything from finances to mental health.

Find business, finance and mental health support

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Bluetongue virus update – 5 August

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 12:49:34 GMT

Cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) are rapidly increasing in both sheep and cattle. Clinical signs appear to be more severe than previous years, resulting in high mortality in sheep.

During this webinar we'll share the latest updates on the current situation.

Speakers

Chair: Zoe Lloyd, AHDB
Gordon Hickman, Defra
Jenny Schmidt, veterinary surgeon
Fiona Lovatt, Flock Health Ltd.
Neil Shand, NBA
Phil Stocker, NSA
Clare Wise, NFU

This event forms part of a series of webinars that we are running to share timely and accurate information to help you understand what the latest updates mean for the UK.

If you are unable to attend, please still register and you will be sent a recording following the event.

You can also submit questions ahead of the webinar.

Further information

Bluetongue movements checker tool
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for sheep
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for cattle
Download the BTV vaccination cost calculator for dairy cattle
Find out more about bluetongue virus on our website or visit ruminanthw.org.uk for advice and support
If you have concerns or questions, contact the AHDB bluetongue virus helpline on: 0247 771 0386
Sign up to receive the latest information from AHDB

Devon: Bluetongue information evening

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 10:23:03 GMT

Join Torch Farm Vets for a free information evening on bluetongue virus (BTV).

Why attend?

Get the latest guidance
Ask your questions
Protect your livestock

Guest speaker

Liz Nabb BVMS PhD CertAVP MRCVS (APHA) – Veterinary Investigation Officer, Animal & Plant Health Agency

The Farming Community Network (FCN) are attending and supporting this event.

Anthelmintic resistance – keeping your stock healthy

Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:43:27 GMT

Learn about anthelmintic resistance and keeping your livestock healthy with Ben Strugnell of Farm Post Mortems Ltd.

Join us along with Carr's Billington, NFU Skipton and Clitheroe and Elanco for a collaborative event at the CCM Market Skipton as we hear from Ben Strugnell of Farm Post Mortems Ltd. and Roxanne Winstanley, a key account manager at Elanco.

What you'll take away

Knowledge of why it's important to test for worms
A better understanding of the growth stages of worms and worm burdens
First-hand experience looking inside a carcase so you'll know what to look for to identify cause of death
An understanding of how organ and intestinal damage is linked with parasitic invasion

Agenda

6:30pm Arrival
7:00pm Welcome and introduction to the evening – Karl Pendlebury, AHDB
7:15pm Anthelmintic resistance – Roxanne Winstanley, Elanco
- Testing for worm burdens
- Drug rotation
- Timings of worm burden cycles
7:30 Post-mortem of sheep to diagnose cause of death and show what to look for on and in the organs – Ben Strugnell, Farm Post Mortems Ltd.
8:50pm Closing comments – Karl Pendlebury

Speaker information

Farm Post Mortems Ltd. is run by Ben Strugnell BVM&S Cert PM MRCVS, an independent vet with a particular interest in farm animal pathology. Post-mortems are carried out in a lab facility on site in the north-east of England.

Ben qualified from the vet school at Edinburgh University in 2002 and worked in mixed practice in North Yorkshire for five years, specialising in farm animals. He then went on to work for the Veterinary Laboratory Agency in Thirsk, where he developed his skills in pathology and his belief that an accurate post-mortem can diagnose the majority of diseases in farm animals and can prevent unnecessary losses and improve productivity on farm.

He subsequently set up Farm Post Mortems Ltd. to offer a comprehensive gross post-mortem service and to give vets and farmers a way of diagnosing disease and increasing livestock efficiency, so improving profit margin.

Tips for managing prolonged dry conditions

Tue, 07 Jul 2026 12:06:43 GMT

Tips for managing prolonged dry conditions