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* Quality arable land with good drainage and irrigation is driving the top end of the land market, with sizeable chunks commanding up to [pound sterling]12,000/acre. 'It used to be [...]

The article discusses how to improve swine weaners' performance and offers insights from Devenish Nutrition nutritionist Mick O'Connell. It highlights several factors behind good performance post-weaning, which include post-weaning water and feed intake, diet selection, and pre-weaning feed intake. O'Connell suggests creep feeding piglets and offers tips on how to do it. The article also highlights a case study of weaners at Alexander and Angell Farms in Gloucestershire, England.

The article discusses the benefits of extending the grazing season and efficient grassland management to dairy farm profitability in Great Britain. Livestock Improvement Corp. consultant Mike Bailey explains that feed budgeting and planning late season rotation lengths are required in planning an extended season. Kingshay development director Richard Simpson advises farmers to be realistic in terms of the grass to be provided. Bailey cites the importance of using a feed budget calculator.

The article offers information on gadgets and gizmos to be displayed at the 2011 Dairy Event and Livestock Show including the NWF Target feeding calculator from NWF Agriculture, the Field Recording Grass Management System from Kingswood Computing, and the Healthy Feet Programme from DairyCo.

The article reports on the gap between cost of production and farmgate milk price despite milk price increases from processors. The Dairy Group points out that farmgate milk prices need to reach 35 pence per litre to help recovery of dairy farm business after high production costs. Consultant Nick Holt-Martyn predicts that milk prices will continue to increase, with farmers needing a farmgate price at or above cost of production.

The author examines how bringing the groundwork in-house would benefit the operation at Strathmore Farming Co. The company decided to bring groundwork in-house in an effort to improve resilience, save costs and better manage the arable operations. Director David Soutar was forced to reassess the farm's reliance on contractors due to the aftermath of 2012 and difficult spring where most fields needed micromanagement for sowing work.

The article reports on the agreement between British Sugar and the National Farmers Union (NFU) to raise the contract price for the sugar beet crop for 2014, with the agreed package to include further enhancement to the late delivery allowance to address risks for the second half of the campaign.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry in Europe as of early August 2013. It focuses on the operation of the co-operative (co-op), Aria, which has over 12,000 farmer owners in Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. The opinion of Aria Foods amba's Povl Krogsgaard on the co-op's strategy is also cited.

The article discusses the business objectives of Alex Smith in developing his 261-hectare (ha) beef unit at Park and East Moor Farms in Wykeham, Scarborough, England. The enterprise trades under the name of Overdale Farms and carries 40 pedigree Longhorn cows and 80 commercial Beef Shorthorn cross continental cows, which are all overseen by Michael Cleasby. Smith emphasized the need for farmers to learn to survive in an environment without subsidies.

The article deals with the rising milk production cost facing farmers in Great Britain. According to the National Farmers Union (NFU), the average farmgate milk price of 2.5 pence per litre remains below the production cost. NFU dairy adviser Luke Ryder says there is a concern among dairy producers over their winter prospects. He emphasizes the importance of the voluntary code of practice for producers.

The article reports that farmers and landowners are being sought to lease out land for a wind turbine project in Great Britain. The scheme is part of the joint venture between farm consultancy ADAS and low-carbon specialist CO2Sense. The scheme offers a 15 percent share of revenue to landowners over 20 years. Requirements for project inclusion include not placing wind turbines within a 500-meter radius of a residential property and having a 40x20m land space available.

The article discusses the developments in the livestock industry in Great Britain. It cites the emergence of other forms of dairy products aside from cows like sheep. According to 2011 Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year, Simon Stott, he ventured into sheep dairying due to the demand for English-produced sheep milk. Stott recommends the Friesland breed of sheep as ideal for dairying.

The article reports on the impressive calving index of 353 days at farmer Sam Chesney's unit in Northern Ireland. His rigid spring block-calving system has achieved a tight calving index. He was able to achieve his goal by adopting a strong focus on high health and good nutrition during an 11-week calving period at Cool Brae Farm in Kircubbin. The system reportedly has benefited Chesney's 150 cows, mostly Limousin suckler herd.

The article explains the importance of right housing to ensure good youngstock management in Great Britain. Livestock housing expert Jamie Robertson advises producers to determine the aspects of the environment and the building that negatively affect the system. Speed, movement and moisture are cited as the key areas to be considered by producers. Robertson noted the role of adequate drainage in good moisture management.

The article suggests the importance of considering the advantages and disadvantages of robotic milking before deciding to install. The investment of New Farm at Markesbury in Bath, England in robotic milking highlighted the need to ensure lameness and adequacy of farm-set. Robotic milking resolved labor problems, supported additional employment and produced labor savings. Factors to a successful robotic milking include control of lameness, teat position and calving pattern during breeding.

The article previews the British winter agricultural show circuit in 2011. The author reports that Tecwyn Jones' steer Jager Bomb topped the beef classes after his victory at the Royal Welsh Show while heifer Minni M from M. L. Howatson and Son was the reserve beef champion as well as champion heifer and reserve Limousin breed champion.

The article discusses the highlights of the Perth bull sales held in Stirling, Scotland in October 2011. The Charolais breed has set new records for Barnsford Ferny from sellers Tom and Sheena Gatherer. The bull was bought by Charlie Boden of Boden and Davies, Mellor Hall Farms for his Sportman's herd of 70 cows. It also reports on the sale of the bull Thrunton Fearless to Barclay and Massie.

The article reports on the benefits of red clover as a nitrogen fixer.

The article focuses on the issue of meeting global demand for meat discussed by JSR Genetics managing director Grant Walling at the 22nd annual JSR Technical Conference held in Nottingham, England in September 2011. Walling stressed the need for global pork production to increase by 110% in order to meet demand. He noted the potential of China, Brazil and Russia to boost production. He called for changes in traditional key performance indicators (KPI).

The article reports on the latest advisory issued by the Great Britain-based firm Frank Wright Trouw Nutrition, warning that dairy farmers should carefully plan their rations for the winter season to prevent rumen health issues. The company said that the toughest challenge confronting farmers in the next season is sustaining good rumen health. The opinion of ruminant technical adviser Sara Pickering on the issue is also cited.

The article reports on the 2012 National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) Descriptive List that was launched during the Dairy Event and Livestock Show in Great Britain in early September 2011. It cites the removal of the traditional maturity selection system on the list. According to NIAB's Don Pendergrast, the improved drying down rate of modern maize varieties resulted in the removal of the selection system.

The article describes the case of Ivy House Farm which started on-farm processing in 1998 and became organic-certified in 2000. Run by Geoff and Kim Bowles and their son Darren, the Somerset, England farm turned to on-farm processing to cut out the middle man and take advantage of the consumer's desire to buy local. The article cites the importance of on-farm processing opening a farm up to more inspections and visits from customers.

The article discusses the latest developments in cattle handling in Great Britain as of July 2011. According to Colorado State University cattle handling specialist Temple Grandin, a cattle handler should understand the animals' behaviour and use their natural tendency to follow the leader when handling them. It cites as example the move by Manor Farm manager Neil Rowe to enhance cow flow and cattle handling at the farm.

The article reports on the claim by the Badger Trust that British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) secretary Caroline Spelman has made badgers as target practice when she announced plans for two pilot cull areas. According to a Badger Trust spokesperson, too much focus was given on the badgers and too little to the major causes of the spread of tuberculosis like inefficient testing, lax controls on the movements of cattle and unlawful activities.

The article recommends the development of a farm management strategy based on teamwork between the farmer, veterinarian, nutritionist and other farm advisors to maximize early growth of livestock and reduce costs. Garry Allis explains the improvement strategy at his Furze Hill Farm in Bildby, Lincolnshire, England which uses an open-air, corral-based rearing system. Nutritionist Michael Marsden distinguishes grower ration from finisher ration. The pneumonia situation at the farm was addressed.

The article presents the highlights of the Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep (SCOPS) day held at Watered Farm in Gloucestershire, England as of early June 2011. Independent consultant Lesley Stubbings said that worm control is a vital strategy to ensure good livestock produce. Veterinarian Katie Essex advised that farmers should use faecal egg counts (FEC) to determine if they have a worm problem.

The article focuses on the transformation of the Apsley Farms near Andover, England into an energy production farm. The farm has been transformed through an investment in a self-sufficient anaerobic digestion plant. Factors that led arable grower Henry du Val de Beaulieu to transform the farm include cereal price volatility and lack of expansion opportunities.

The article describes the role of farmers in the production and distribution of whiskey in Scotland. Farmers contribute to the growing whiskey industry by producing barley and wheat, which are the main components of making the beverage. About 900,000 tons of quality barley are bought by malsters, majority of which will be processed through distillation. Farmers are encouraged to assess the local market, secure supply contract and produce the right quality barley.

The article reports that the Department of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has provided loan to English farmers to assist them in investing in on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) technology. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson reveals that under the On Farm AD Fund scheme, 50% of project costs 400,000 British pound. Farmers are also entitled to receive grants of up to 10,000 British pound to engage in AD projects.

The article reports on the project, RE-fueling the countryside, which is led by the Royal Agricultural Society of England aimed at assisting farm businesses and rural communities in integrating renewable fuels into their transport systems. Under the project, farmers operating anaerobic digestion (AD) plants can use biomethane, electricity hybrids and dual fuels, biodiesel, bioethanol and hydrogen as possible sources of fuels. A trial was conducted by AD supplier and installer Evergreen Gas.

The article reports on importance of planning and access to finance to adopting renewable sources of energy at farms, which was emphasized by farmers who attended the Nextgen energy event held in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, England in 2013.

The article reports on the warning issued by 2012 Farmer Weekly Green Energy Farmer of the Year Steve Edmunds, that failure on the part of pig and poultry producers to adopt farm-based renewable energy schemes may go bankrupt from 2014-2018. Edmunds, who spoke at the Nextgen energy conference in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, emphasized that renewables would provide the best return on investment. Tips on maximizing energy usage at farms is outlined.

The article reports in the decline in the formula milk price of Dairy Crest Direct effective November 1, 2013, with price reduction attributed to a drop in concentrate costs.

The article reports on Muller Wiseman Dairies' increase of its standard liter non-aligned milk price in Great Britain on October 21, 2013. Non-aligned producers in its Muller Wiseman Milk Group (MWMG) will be the recipients of the increased price. Producers in the group will also receive an incentive triggered by increased production at the conclusion of the milk year.

The article reports on British supermarket chain Sainsbury's plan to increase the price it pays dairy farmers to 34.15 pence per liter from October 1, 2013.

The article explores the membership package introduced by European Union (EU) dairy cooperative Arla to its 1,600 Arla Foods Milk Partnership (AFMP), Arla direct and Milk Link direct suppliers. National Farmers Union chief dairy adviser Rob Newbery explained the attractiveness of the package to dairy farmers nearing retirement and those who just wanted to give it a try. A detailed process of the benefits associated with the Arla package is discussed.

The article focuses on the letter sent by British Farm Minister David Heath to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), Quality Meat Scotland, Hybu Cig Cymru and the Livestock and Meat Commission concerning Scottish and Welsh red meat levy bodies. Heath says the levy bodies are not likely to recoup levy money lost when animals are slaughtered in England. He notes that the English levy body carries functions like overseas marketing and export certification.

The article announces the appointment of Jim Paice as chairman of the British farmer-owned dairy co-operative First Milk.

The article reports on the possible decline in potash prices in 2013 following a failed marketing joint venture between Russian firm Uralkali and Belarus firm Belaruskali.

The article discusses the developments in the agriculture industry in Great Britain as of early August 2013. It cites the move by a group of Scottish farmers to launch the "Farming for Yes" campaign at the Borders Union Show near Kelso, Scotland on July 27, 2013. Among the members of the group are columnist Neale McQuistin, farmer Carol Douglas and former National Farmers' Union (NFU) chairperson Jim Fairlie.

The article discusses the developments in the business side of the agriculture industry in Great Britain. It cites the move by farmer-owned co-operative First Milk to conduct a trial on a retailer-aligned formula cheese contract, which offers producers the chance to lock into a price for a three-month period. The opinion of National Farmers' Union (NFU) Scotland's George Jamieson on the trial is also cited.

The article discusses the report "Scottish Red Meat Industry Profile," published by Quality Meat Scotland which involves status of pig herd, pig prices, and red meat production in 2012.

The article reports that premium retailer Waitrose announced commitment to use only Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) Marque-certified commodity crop ingredients for its food products.

The article focuses on the remarks offered by Clare Wenner of Renewable Energy Association (REA) regarding biofuel production and resolving global hunger. She asserts that only a small percentage of quality arable land was used for bioethanol production in the European Union (EU) region. She also stresses that inadequacies in education and infrastructure aside from trade disruptions contributed to food availability and accessibility problems in developing nations.

The article presents interviews with National Farmers Union of Scotland (NFUS) management team. President Nigel Miller relates his most significant farming memory and favourite spot in the countryside. Vice-president Rob Livesey discloses being born on a family farm and working as a farm manager at Glenapp Estate in Ayrshire, Scotland. Treasurer George Lawrie talks about his favourite and least preferred tasks on the farm.

The article reports on the increase in the formula milk contract price of Dairy Crest Direct on July 1, 2013.

The article focuses on the remarks offered by agribusiness head Jonathan Armitage of consulting firm Bidwells regarding the need for cereal farmers to conduct business risk assessment. He stresses the importance of risk identification and management following a challenging harvest season. Aside from adverse weather conditions, he also acknowledges business risks being imposed by uncertainty of energy costs and how international commodity market issues affect domestic prices.

The article focuses on the remarks offered by renewable transport head Clare Wenner of Renewable Energy Association (REA) regarding biofuel production and resolving global hunger. She asserts that only a small percentage of quality arable land was used for bioethanol production in the European Union (EU) region. She also stresses that inadequacies in education and infrastructure aside from trade disruptions contributed to food availability and accessibility problems in developing nations.

The article reports on the Scottish government's allocation of additional money to the Scottish Land Fund for 2015-2016, which would empower Scotland's communities to buy land as part of the government's drive to get one million acres in community ownership by the year 2020.

The article reports on frozen foods company Birds Eye's commitment to use 100 percent British and Irish beef in all of its burgers and other beef products from the end of June 2013.