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Liver fluke, caused by the parasitic flatworm Fasciola hepatica, poses a significant threat to both cattle and sheep, leading to considerable economic losses in the UK livestock industry. Understanding its life cycle, recognising clinical signs, and implementing effective management strategies are crucial for farmers to mitigate its impact. Life cycle and transmission The liver fluke’s […]

Sheep farmers across the UK are reminded to monitor their flocks for nematodirus following recent warm weather, which can significantly impact when the parasite’s larvae hatch. This disease, caused by the Nematodirus battus worm, can strike suddenly, leading to high mortality rates in lambs and reduced growth rates in survivors. Understanding the risk Nematodirus is […]

Ensure you are prepared for your next farm assurance audit! Farm assurance audits are vital for compliance, traceability, and farm efficiency. Proper preparation can make the process stress-free. Here’s our comprehensive guide on what you need to know: 1. Keep Accurate & Up-to-Date Records Auditors require detailed records of: 2. Stay Audit-Ready All Year Round Regularly review audit […]

As 2025 begins, it’s time for many farmers to prepare for the upcoming spring calving season. Managing paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to calf registrations and medicine compliance. However, with Herdwatch, you can streamline these processes and stay on top of your responsibilities. Streamline calf registration Under current regulations, calves must be […]

The lambing and calving season can be a stressful yet exciting time for livestock farmers. With the busy season just around the corner, now is the time to be making those checklists and getting all the supplies you need. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time farmer, being well-prepared is key to ensuring the […]

In the UK, farms located within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are required to adhere to strict regulations regarding nitrogen per hectare. These limits are in place to protect water quality from agricultural nitrate pollution. The Herdwatch Nitrates Calculator helps farmers stay on track by allowing them to adjust factors such as cattle numbers and import/export […]

DAERA has extended the switch over date for ‘UK’ to ‘XI’ prefix livestock tags to the 30th June 2025. The prefix code on Northern Ireland livestock identification tags is a legal requirement under EU animal health law, ensuring continued access to both the EU and UK internal markets for livestock and agri-food products. What does […]

In Pembrokeshire, West Wales, the Thomas family carries a rich legacy of dairy farming. Sion Thomas, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, manages a 1200-acre farm in partnership with his parents, wife, and two children. Together, they oversee one of the largest registered Dairy Shorthorn herds in the UK, a testament to 70 years of dedicated breeding.

One crucial aspect of calf management is disbudding (dehorning), a procedure aimed at removing horn buds to prevent potential harm to both animals and handlers. However, disbudding must be conducted with care, employing humane practices and adhering to legislative requirements.

It's that time of year again- Winter weather can put strain on any livestock system and as housing begins here are some ways Herdwatch can help make things a little easier. 

The Herdwatch farm management app links with BCMS/CTS & APHIS (with a link to ScotEID also ready to go) to help farmers eliminate farm paperwork.

Selecting the right beef-dairy crossbreeds is a crucial decision for farmers looking to optimise both milk and beef production. With the increasing demand for high-quality milk and beef, farmers need to choose breeds that complement each other and provide the best overall results. The right crossbreeds can improve milk yield, feed efficiency, and overall herd […]

Spring calving Dairy farmers across the country are planning their dry-off strategies. This critical period in the dairy production cycle requires careful management, precise record-keeping, and monitoring to ensure your cows return to the milking herd in optimal condition for their next lactation. The challenges of dry off management Managing dry off effectively involves numerous […]

A crucial element of calf management is dehorning/disbudding, the practice of removing horn buds to prevent injury to both animals and handlers. However, as this procedure can significantly impact animal welfare, it is essential that it is performed ethically and in compliance with UK regulations. Understanding disbudding Disbudding involves the removal of horn buds from […]

In the coming weeks and months, a large volume of calves will be traded between dairy and beef farms across the UK. When purchasing calves, obtaining healthy, well-bred calves is the most crucial factor in a successful calf to beef enterprise. The health of the calves you purchase should be your top priority when choosing […]

Herdwatch allows farmers to apply for movement certs in seconds through the app. When you sell animals privately you can apply for the movement certs on the spot and have the movement completed before the animal even leaves the yard!