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Latest news from the beef and lamb industry
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Multi-species swards – From seed to feed roadshow
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If you’re thinking of drilling or overseeding a sward but aren’t sure what mix will work best for your livestock system, join one of our upcoming events and we’ll help you review the options.
Your local host farmer – who’s been there, done that and seen the benefits – will share their experiences, and you’ll learn from trusted advisers and other experts who will provide an in-depth look at the value of multi-species swards and how to manage them.
Events are running from 14 May to 14 July.
Find an event near you
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Monitor Farm programme draws to a close
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Our Beef & Lamb Monitor Farm programme has come to an end. Its legacy is clear: real farmers, sharing real challenges, testing ideas and opening the gate to honest conversations about what works (and what doesn’t).
You can hear from some of our monitor farmers in our podcast:
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Fertiliser availability insights highlight pressure on supply for key products
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Since the conflict in the Middle East began, there have been impacts to both prices and availability of nitrogen fertiliser products.
During March we started to publish weekly fertiliser prices.
Alongside concerns about prices, there has been increasing focus on the potential impacts on the availability of different fertiliser products.
Read more about fertiliser prices and availability
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Beef Welfare Strategy 2026–2031 published
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The UK Beef Welfare Strategy 2026–2031 sets out a clear and ambitious vision for a thriving and sustainable beef sector.
It’s built around six key themes:
- High health and welfare management
- Thriving stock
- Comfortable housing and environments
- Enhanced handling and stockperson skills
- The advancement of positive welfare
- Critical health planning
These promote a proactive and preventative approach, moving beyond the treatment of disease towards systems that enable cattle to be resilient, healthy and able to express natural behaviours.
Read more about the strategy
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Farm Assurance Review progress report
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Speaking about the Farm Assurance Review progress report, AHDB Chair Emily Norton said:
"AHDB has undertaken an international comparison of standards in the Beef & Lamb sector, and we are currently working through similar analysis in the Dairy sector. In relation to Red Tractor, we are working closely with the other owners to support the ongoing changes within the scheme."
Read the full statement
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RamCompare results now out
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The RamCompare results for the 2025/2026 lamb crop are now out.
Watch the video below to learn about the performance of the 37 sires tested last year.
It explains how the use of genomic data enables this information to be used more widely to the benefit of the wider-recorded population.
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Flock foundations roadshow – Early decisions, lasting gains
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Challenge Sheep was a seven-year study funded by AHDB to investigate the impact of mating ewe lambs and shearlings on lifetime productivity across upland, hill and lowland sheep farms.
The project tracked over 6,000 ewes, providing new insights to improve ewe management and profitability.
Hear from our Challenge Sheep farmers during our roadshow starting on 16 June.
Find out more and register for an event
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This year marks the 20th anniversary of Open Farm Sunday (7 June), the annual initiative which invites families across Britain to visit local farms and learn more about the vital role farming plays in our lives.
If you’re thinking about taking part for the first time, catch up with this webinar recording to hear from experienced hosts about what worked, what surprised them and the lessons they learned along the way.
Find out more about getting involved and order resources
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UK Lambing Survey 2026
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If you’re a sheep farmer, we invite you to take part in an industry-wide lambing survey to help build a clearer picture of the challenges facing the sector, from disease threats and vaccine supply issues to unpredictable weather and other emerging pressures.
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Why are finished cattle prices falling?
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The average GB deadweight R4L steer price was 603p/kg in the week ending 23 May, down 53p from the first week of January and down 87p on the same week a year ago.
Despite this, the rate of decline is not equal across the store market and average calf values have remained in annual growth.
Find out what’s driving the market
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Practical support and guidance
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Making the most of grass growth
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As we move into peak grass growth, the chance to make the most of home-grown forage is at its highest. Whether you’re planning grazing rotations or preparing for silage, it helps to know exactly what’s growing in your fields.
Find out how to make the most of your grass growth.
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Multi-species swards – also known as herbal leys – include a range of clovers, herbs and grasses, with many different mixes and options available.
Order a copy of our new guide so you can maximise the benefits of a more diverse sward.
It contains practical advice and management strategies covering all stages of multi-species swards, from establishment to grazing and cutting.
Order a copy of the guide
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Recommended Grass and Clover List (RGCL) 2026/27
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Eleven new grass and clover varieties have been added to the latest Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL), providing you with improved options for productive, resilient forage.
Order a copy of the publication
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50% discount on new herbal leys and multi-species swards BASIS course
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Beef, lamb and dairy levy payers can get 50% off a new digital training course on herbal leys and multi-species swards.
This industry-backed initiative aims to boost technical confidence in grassland management and is designed to help farmers make informed, commercially sound decisions about introducing and managing diverse swards.
Find out more about the course
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The parasite control guide is an annual, accurate, easy-to-use reference guide on all available anti-parasitic products.
It splits products down by chemical group and summarises the parasites they have been licensed to control.
Order your hard copy from our online catalogue or call on 024 7799 0069.
You can also access the information in our new online guide.
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Climate resilience on-farm action planner
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Our new climate resilience action planner provides guidance and actions to help you identify climate change risks to your farm business and draw up a plan to make it more resilient for the future.
It will help you spot where your business might be vulnerable and help you identify appropriate actions.
Explore the climate resilience on-farm action planner
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Bluetongue virus movements checker
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Use the interactive BTV movements checker to find the correct advice for moving animals within Great Britain.
The tool will help you find what livestock movements are allowed and what movement licences are needed, as well as when pre-movement testing and/or vaccination is required.
It’s recently been updated to incorporate the changes to Scotland’s BTV policy.
Check movement rules
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Can understanding body condition optimise sheep flock performance?
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In last week’s episode of The AG Show, we dived into a huge project that’s been seven years in the making – Challenge Sheep – and heard what farmers Ian and Anna Wilson have taken from it.
It’s all about body condition, breeding ewes younger and what that really means for lifetime performance.
Listen to (or watch) the podcast
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Environment Baselining Roadshow
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2 June to 25 June | National
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Join us on farms across Great Britain this June to explore the first results from the Environment Baselining Pilot and what they mean in real, practical terms for agriculture.
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Multi-species swards – From seed to feed roadshow
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Learn about growing and managing multi-species swards to improve livestock performance and boost economic return.
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Flock foundations roadshow
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Find out how you can apply the findings from our seven-year Challenge Sheep project to improve the performance of your flock.
Events are taking place around the country between June and September.
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GB Calf Week is a cross-industry campaign that brings together the latest research and new ideas in youngstock care.
GB Calf Week 2026 runs from 15 to 22 July, starting at the National Youngstock Conference in Birmingham on 15 July.
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NSA sheep event
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28 July | Three Counties Showground, Malvern
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Join us for seminars, workshops and a collaborative cookery and butchery demonstration in partnership with Dunbia.
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Sheep Breeders Round Table
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20–22 November | Leicestershire
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Save the date and book your ticket for the Sheep Breeders Round Table conference: Breeding solutions for a changing world.
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