To date this has been a great autumn for grass production and utilization. The fine weather and dry grazing conditions also reduce the risk of grass tetany in cows. The weather can 't hold for ever and once the showers start grass intake will reduce as a result of poaching , pasture soiling and lower grass dry matter. This will lead to a loss of body condition and an increased risk of grass tetany if weaning is delayed in the spring calving cows.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mary Coughlan TD, addressed the first meeting of the industry led research group yesterday, which she had established in September to drive the research agenda in food.
DEFRA secretary of state, Hilary Benn today announced that livestock farmers in England are to pay £40m a year towards the cost of dealing with animal diseases.
