Publications

Herbal leys will improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and increase livestock performance through varied rooting depths and producing high-quality nutritional forage for dairy herds. They are becoming more popular as farmers look for ways to bolster production in drier conditions and capitalise on new farming schemes.

Plants capable of causing poisoning in cattle are present on many farms and often go unnoticed until stock are affected. Identifying plant poisoning can be challenging, as clinical signs are frequently non?specific or not immediately obvious, and the plants responsible may no longer be visible by the time symptoms appear. Evidence of grazing on toxic plants is often hard to spot and easily overlooked, particularly along tracks, field margins, or in hedgerows. One notable exception is photosensitisation, a condition caused by ingestion of certain phototoxic plants; over 250 such species are recognised worldwide, with several found in the UK. In this Dairy Insight, we explore the plants toxic to cattle, focusing on how to identify them and reduce risk by removing them from grazing areas and farm tracks before incidents occur, because prevention is always better than cure.

This months Checklist covers: After First Cut: 3 Key Actions Keeping Control of Weeds in Maize Sodium Recommendations Farm Focus Managing Grass Growth and Surplus in Fast?Growing Swards Water Supply at Grass: Don't Let It Limit Performance Milk, Feed & Fuel Prices These Checklists are only available to members.

This Dairy Insight publication highlights best practice for getting maize off to the best possible start.

This Dairy Insight focuses on best practice and regulations for the safe and secure storage and handling of fertilisers on farm, helping to protect your personal safety, ensure health and safety in the workplace, and prevent theft.

This months Checklist covers: Steps to Better Cost Control, Maize Seedbed Preparation, Grazing Management, Farm Focus, SFI Annual Declaration Submission Dates, Milk, Feed & Fuel Prices and Prepare Now for The Capital Grants Scheme 2026

This summary outlines the new Sustainable Farming Incentive offer for 2026, including the revised actions, payment rates, scheme simplifications, updated caps, and what the changes may mean for dairy farms. It highlights where opportunities remain and where key actions have been removed or amended.

This issue explores how factors such as nutrition, health, stress and housing can influence gene expression throughout a cow's life. It explains why early?life management has long?lasting effects on resilience, fertility and milk production, and how practical changes on farm can unlock more of each animal's genetic potential.

This year, as with previous years, the FETF fund is split into three grants, aimed at helping farmers:

This months Checklist covers: Grants Update for England, Wales & Scotland Maximising Fertiliser Efficiency Using Genetics to Reduce Lameness on Farm Farm Focus SFI Annual Declaration Submission Dates See your Pasture Differently with Dung Beetles Timely Tips Employment Law & Payroll Changes Milk, Feed & Fuel Prices These Checklists are only available to members.

By closely observing dairy cows and recognising what their signs really mean, you gain vital clues about how effectively the diet is working. This Insight publication guides you through the key things to look for during a shed 'walk through'.

In this Dairy Insight we explore the role of sulphur for maximising grass yields, for cutting and grazing.