Dehorning calves is an essential management practice on many livestock farms. But researchers at the University of California, Davis, are now studying six offspring of a dairy bull that had been gene-edited to prevent it from growing horns. While dehorning is common, designed to protect other cattle and human handlers from injuries, this scientific approach […] Read more
Stories by Chris McCullough
Neighbours milk cows in organic partnership
Two Danish producers have been working together successfully for more than 20 years, and they now milk 900 cows between them
Two dairy farming neighbours in Denmark have been milking cows together for more than 20 years and say the partnership model works well for them. Kjartan Poulsen, chair of the Danish milk producers association, farms on the west coast of the Scandinavian country, 30 kilometres north of Esbjerg. Poulsen had 45 cows in 1998, when […] Read more
Fighting for dairy quota called monthly battle
Ontario farmers say they are having a hard time finding extra quota to accommodate the ups and downs of butterfat production
Dairy farmers in Canada who wish to expand are finding it tough to find extra butterfat quota. William and Vicky Morrison with their son Scott, 15, and daughter Jane, 11, milk 180 cows on their farm just outside Woodslee, Ont. With a milk price averaging 75 cents per litre, dairy farming is paying the bills […] Read more
New skin tests developed to detect bovine tuberculosis
Welsh scientists have developed two new skin tests for cattle that may help fight the global battle against bovine tuberculosis. Research by two scientists from Aberystwyth University has helped formulate two tests for the ravaging cattle disease, one that can detect if an animal is infected with bovine tuberculosis and the other that can detect […] Read more
Wheat designed to use water more efficiently
British scientists develop a type of bread wheat that uses less water while maintaining photosynthesis and yield
A new wheat that can better survive drought conditions has been developed by scientists. Researchers at the University of Sheffield’s Institute for Sustainable Food in the United Kingdom discovered that fewer microscopic pores called stomata on the leaves allowed plants to make better use of water. The research was then used to develop a new […] Read more
Venture proves seaweed’s worth as cattle feed
Research shows a small amount of the marine algae added to feed can reduce methane emissions by 99 percent
Global demand for seaweed is increasing as it becomes more recognized as a good source of vitamins and minerals for humans and livestock. It is also a good source of amino acids, anti-oxidants and essential fatty acids. As well, it acts as a good soil fertilizer and has been used by the cosmetics industry. Feeding […] Read more
Young U.K. farmer opens up about depression
A dairy producer from Northern Ireland shares his story about dealing with what he calls the ‘black hood’ of depression
Three years ago, Northern Ireland dairy farmer Adam Watson was not in a good place. Stress from falling milk prices and his forthcoming wedding started to affect his mental health. Little did Watson know then that those pressures would boil over and push him to a point where he seriously considered taking his own life. […] Read more
Autonomous farm project expands in Britain
The project harvests grain using only robots and autonomous machinery, including a tractor, combine and drones
Extra funding has been made available to expand an autonomous arable farming project in the United Kingdom. Initially launched in 2016 by Harper Adams University and Precision Decisions, the Hands Free Hectare project was designed to demonstrate that one hectare of grain (2.47 acres) could be grown to harvest without humans setting foot on the […] Read more
Norwegian health minister encourages meat eating
Norway’s new health minister has said people should be allowed to eat as much red meat as they want. Sylvi Listhaug implied that Norwegians shouldn’t be told what to do when it comes to health. She made the comments during an interview conducted by Norwegian broadcaster NRK who noticed Listhaug was eating red meat. “My […] Read more
Spanish farmers furious as released bear kills sheep
Farmers in Spain are on the lookout for a bear that killed eight sheep earlier this spring after it was released through a government program in neighbouring France. Talks were held between the French and Spanish governments after the female brown bear crossed the border into Spain and went on a killing spree. Back in […] Read more
