Climate Change: solutions from the grassland sector
Published on 29 June 2010
PLANT breeding is a cost effective route to delivering increased production and improved environmental protection. High sugar ryegrass (HSG) varieties, bred at IBERS, improve (nitrogen) N use in the rumens of cattle and sheep, reducing emissions and increasing milk and meat production.
This paper has been taken from a summary by Matt Mellor of Agribusiness Communications talking at a seminar organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE) and the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) held at Stoneleigh Park.
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climate_change_solutions_from_the_grassland_sector.pdf
The ‘Smash and Grab’ Approach to Silage Making
Published on 03 June 2010
DO you cut now, or do you wait for better weather? It’s an important question when the quality of silage can make the difference between profit and loss.
This fact sheet from the Silage Advisory Centre raises awareness of the pros and cons to help farmers make an informed decision.
Controlling external parasites for Better Returns
Published on 03 June 2010
MANY external parasites that infest UK sheep flocks can hardly be seen with the naked eye, yet their effects on animal health, welfare and, of course, profit – can be significant.
This Eblex booklet aims to help you understand and identify the particular pests found amongst your flock (Scab, Blowfly, Lice, Ticks, Keds / Headfly). It provides information on how infections can spread and how to implement effective control strategies.
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controlling_external_parasites_for_better_returns.pdf
Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep - 2010
Published on 21 May 2010
Choosing the right product and getting the most from it are key factors not only in the fight against anthelmintic resistance but also in ensuring optimum sheep performance and least cost.
This new guidance from SCOPS (a steering committee chaired by the NSA) features info on all four product groups including the new "orange" wormer now available, plus white, yellow, clear and conbinations.
Improving Soils for Better Returns
Published on 04 May 2010
The information in this manual offers useful advice on the financial benefit of good soil, how to assess and improve your grassland to improve returns from crop and animal production through appropriate soil management.
It was compiled by independent grassland specialist Charlie Morgan, EBLEX livestock Scientist Liz Genever and EBLEX industry development manager Chris Lloyd. A FREE printed copy can be requested by e-mailing brp@eblex.org.uk or by calling 0870 241 8829.
Managing Clover for Better Returns
Published on 04 May 2010
While feed and fertiliser prices remain high, having a dependable source of home-grown protein such as clover in the fields, offers some protection from ever-rising input costs.
Compiled by EBLEX, British Seed Houses, ABC and independent specialists, this booklet outlines the advantages of including clovers in the farming system. A FREE printed copy can be requested by e-mailing brp@eblex.org.uk or by calling 0870 241 8829.
Improving pasture for Better Returns
Published on 04 May 2010
All too often grassland underperforms. Inadequate crop nutrition, soil compaction, weed infestation and many other factors will all result in reduced performance.
In this manual EBLEX address the key factors that will enable beef and sheep farmers to look in more detail at their pasture, identify key ways to improve management, and their grazing performance. A FREE printed copy can be requested by e-mailing brp@eblex.org.uk or by calling 0870 241 8829.
2010 Recommended Grass and Clover Lists
Published on 27 April 2010
KNOWING the performance characteristics of grass and clover is immensely useful for grassland farmers. It allows appropriate selection of varieties that will perform well for a particular system and end use.
The England and Wales Recommended Grass and Clover Lists are drawn up after rigorous testing for attributes such as yield, persistency, quality and disease resistance and are designed to help farmers improve their grassland. Over the past 12 years grass varieties on the Recommended Lists have seen average increases of 5% in yield and more than 2% in digestibility, equating to a 10% increase in animal output.
The BRP Beef and Sheep Parasite Control Guide (2010 update)
Published on 09 March 2010
A COMPREHENSIVE list of products, drenches, pour ons etc for the control of fluke and other internal and external parasites in beef cattle and sheep outlined by EBLEX. (2010 product update)
Clamp or Bale? - weigh up the costs and benefits
Published on 18 February 2010
A CALCULATOR designed to help farmers make informed decisions about whether to clamp or bale silage crops, based on production costs, losses and nutritional benefits. Weigh up your options with this fact sheet from the Silage Advisory Centre.