EDITOR ’ S INTRO
ISSUE 93 • JUNE / JULY 2024
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EDITOR ’ S INTRO
JUN / JUL 2024 • farmers-mart . co . uk
As we print the June-July issue the agricultural season is still in full swing . In this issue we have previews for this year ’ s Great Yorkshire Show and the everpopular Driffield Show . Look out for full show reviews along with photos in our August-September issue .
THANKFULLY , the weather has now improved so let ’ s hope this sustains itself so both farms and animals can reap the benefits .
Sub-editor Chris Berry has been busy out and about in earnest . He has been to see Andrew Leggott who has the Cocklewood Pedigree Holsteins at White House Farm , Great Smeaton . Andrew has achieved much so take a read .
Also read about Tom and father Howard who farm in partnership . They have a prosperous Dairy farm as well as a substantial Arable operation farming just over 400 acres with 280 Holstein cows milking on a Starbucks contract . They grow maize , winter wheat and grass silage . Their farm is Willow Tree Farm , at Thrintoft , Northallerton .
Chris has also been to see the Page Family . Edward farms with Martin & Heather Grayshon as part of his team at Rookwith House near Ripon . He Farms 600 acres , with 600 breeding ewes , a commercial flock and pedigree herds of Texel , Blue Texel along with a very has successful pedigree Beef Shorthorn herd . So quite an operation .
Chris has been to see a number of other farms which all contribute to a very interesting issue to compliment the show focus we have .
Owner & Managing Editor Ian Wilkinson
We are always looking for farms to do features on , you may be diversifying , have champion herds or flocks , or just be proud of what you do . The great thing for you , the farmer , is it doesn ’ t cost you a penny and is great publicity , please do get in contact if you are interested .
STAMP OUT SHEEP LAMENESS THIS SUMMER
SHEEP farmers looking for lameness management advice this summer will be able to access a range of practical support tools when the industry places the focus on better disease control .
According to recent MSD Animal Health survey data , from 966 UK sheep farmers conducted early in 2024 , more than 50 % of the national flock is struggling with more than 2 % of sheep showing signs of lameness 1 . 17 % of flocks are wrestling with more than 5 % of their sheep flock lame 1 . Only 61 % of sheep farms claimed to have a formal lameness control policy in place 1 .
“ The sheep industry has made great strides recently but must maintain momentum if it is to bring flock disease prevalence down to the industry target of less than 2 % of animals lame . And the later summer months – typically around weaning time – is a great time to start
“ Implemented correctly and given long term commitment , this proven2 plan gives sheep farmers a clear framework for managing lameness effectively
because it builds natural disease resilience within the flock , reduces the disease challenge and spread on the farm , and improves flock immunity through vaccination .”
Sheep farmers are generally keen to get on top of any flock lameness issues , but sometimes feel helpless and often find it difficult to know how and where to start .
“ Sheep farmers are making good progress , but by continuing to demonstrate how whole-hearted adoption of all five points of the plan brings results over the longer term , we can all join the march towards the step change that is needed .”
ISSUE 93 • JUNE / JULY 2024
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