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The article features the contestants in the 2006 NMR Gold Cup of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers in England. James Alston's Uphall Farm in Diss was home to a 230-cow pedigree herd, as well as a pig herd and arable enterprise. Chris May of Shute Farm in Wiltshire runs 200 Holsteins achieving 10,731 kilograms, employing only casual staff and contractors. Granville Wilson of Lowbridge Farm in Droitwich said that good breeding and correct feeding is the key to his farm's success.

The article focuses on the Better Beef Scheme which was launched by Genus/ABS in partnership with Blade Farming South West in Great Britain to identify gene for meat tenderness. It is said that South Devon, Aberdeen, Angus and Hereford bulls were successfully identified with the exact requirements for a more consistent beef trade. According to Genus beef manager Neil Wharton, all farmers has the option of selecting a tender gene specific bull from them.

The article reports on several actions recommended by farm manager Peter Grace of Windovers Farms in Stockbridge, England for British calf growers to prevent diseases among their calves. He prefers to buy his 500 weaned Continental bull calves for finishing from farms with a known health status to prevent health problems. He considers vaccination as the single best factor to consider in addressing respiratory diseases.

The article discusses the importance of biosecurity to poultry. Improved calf health and reduced risk of disease spread are two factors calf rearers would often pay money for. Even following the devastating effects of foot-and-mouth, producers still do not pay enough attention to preventing disease entering the farm.

The article focuses on the importance of creep feeding to improve the quality of British beef discussed by beef nutritionist David Hendy at a Mole Valley Farmers-sponsored seminar in England in September 2006. Hendy cites that producers have control over rumen efficiency. He adds that cattle should be cudding for about eight hours a day and dung should be consistent. He mentions that few farmers are taking advantage of creep feeding.

The article focuses on the criteria for judging dairy cattle breeds at the Dairy Event 2006 exhibition to be held in Coventry, England on September 20-21. Holstein section judge John Cousar from Howcommon Farm prefers well-balanced cows with longevity and good frame. Dairy Shorthorn section judge Paul Harrison from Heddon-on-the-Wall is looking for a functional cow with good locomotion. Ayrshire class judge Peter Beresford from Derbyshire will assess size, style and stability.

The article focuses on the 2006 Beef From the Dairy Herd exhibition sponsored by the English Beef & Lamb Executive (EBLEX) to be held during the Dairy Event in Coventry, England in September 2006. Clive Brown of EBLEX states that demonstrations will include identifying cull cow grades to match specific market requirements. It will also provide information on available options to improve beef cross calf values. A series of butchery demonstrations will also be on hand according to Brown.

The article focuses on the benefits of feeding starch to Holstein bulls according to a study conducted by Harper Adams University College in England. It was discovered in the trial that animals receiving a 33 percent starch proprietary beef nut achieved a £96 a head higher gross margin. It cites the significance of the project. There was an improvement in the carcass classification of cattle that received high starch ration.

The article focuses on concerns arising from the wider use of gamma interferon test alongside the tuberculin skin test by farmers in Great Britain. Veterinary consultant Tony Andrews states that the test will result in fewer false reactions but can identify more infected animals quickly. The use of the gamma interferon test will be mandatory and will be used in the following situations as cited by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The test will also be beneficial for breeders in areas that have been hit by bovine tuberculosis.