Send us your Young Farmers Blackpool 2008 experiences

OVER 5,000 young farmers from across England and Wales were in Blackpool at the weekend for the YFC Young Farmers Blackpool 2008.

Weaker pound means more money for pre-1996 cattle in OCDS

FARMERS with pre 1996 cattle are being urged to take advantage of the weaker pound and not leave it until the last minute to register animals for the Older Cattle Disposal Scheme.

First batch of Bluetongue vaccine delivered

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Hilary Benn today announced that the first batch of Bluetongue vaccine, ordered from Intervet last year, is being released to wholesalers and is ready for distribution to the Protection Zones in England.

Fly Tipping: We Need Action Not Sympathy – Say CLA

THE Government needs to take urgent and positive action to tackle the increasingly difficult menace of fly tipping - particularly where it involves hazardous waste dumped on private land -according to the CLA, the rural economy experts.

The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Devon County Show

HRH The Duchess of Cornwall is to attend the first day of the Devon County Show on Thursday, May 15 at Westpoint, Exeter.

EU proposals threaten vital wheat fungicides

The main group of fungicides used to protect UK and European wheat crops - the triazoles - could be outlawed under plans being proposed by the EU Agriculture Council.

Biofuels moratorium not the solution to climate change

The NFU has again rejected calls from the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee which has today repeated its stance on a moratorium on the Government's biofuel targets, despite ministerial recognition there is a role for sustainably-produced biofuels.

Proper contracts key to long term confidence in dairy sector

The results of the fifth DairyCo Farmer Intentions Survey highlight the need for proper contracts to give farmers the confidence to invest in their businesses and stay in dairy farming for the long term, the NFU said today.

Farmers must monitor input costs and not be afraid to shop around

As concerns grow about rising input costs, the NFU is urging its members to make sure they keep a close on eye on costs and not be afraid to shop around to make sure they get the best deal on inputs like fuel and fertiliser.

Large Herd Seminar will focus on improving dairy herd performance

Practical Solutions to Improving Herd Performance is the theme of the Third Large Herd Seminar. Aimed at innovative, forward-thinking dairy producers and veterinary surgeons, the 2008 event will take place on Monday June 30 and Tuesday July 1 at the Ardencote Manor Hotel and Country Club, Claverdon in Warwickshire.

More ...