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Artificial insemination can be a useful tool in increasing the value of a flock, but attention to detail is vital to maximise conception rates. Veterinary surgeon, Will Barker, offers some advice.

THE Livestock Auctioneers Association (LAA) is questioning the science and evidence behind Defra’s decision to no longer allow cattle from Assured Finishing Units (AFUs) to be sold at Dedicated Red Markets in the low risk are

The non-MV accredited sheep section took place on Tuesday when inter-breed judge, Jim Robertson, Langholm, awarded the supreme title to the Bluefaced Leicester crossing type champion.

Charollais from Bruce and Gregor Ingram’s Loanhead flock, Inverurie, dominated the MV accredited sheep inter-breed championships on the first day of the Royal Highland Showcase, taking both the individual and pairs titles.

THE Summer Stunners online timed auction of pedigree sheep on behalf of Northern Irish breeders hosted by Harrison and Hetherington, topped at 5,300.

The Willsbro Holstein herd owned and managed by the Wills family, Wadebridge, Cornwall, held their spring sale at Exeter which topped at 12,000gns.

THE seven-year-old stock bull, Ampertaine Jackpot, led the trade at 20,000 at the dispersal of the Inland Pasture herd of commercial breeding cattle on behalf of Simon and June Cadzow, Berwick upon Tweed.

For some breed societies sharing services and staff is proving to be the way forward in improving efficiencies. Angela Calvert reports.

Charolais was the breed of choice for Mike and Margaret Atkinson when they started their Mowbraypark herd more than 30 years ago and it is a decision which has paid off for both their pedigree and commercial herds. Angela Cal

In today’s fast-moving world ensuring breed societies meet the needs and expectations of their membership is vital. Chief executive, John Yates, explains how the Texel Sheep Society is addressing this.