Livestock

Feed and Forage Budgeting – Are you Prepared for Winter?

Assessing forage supplies and creating a clear feed budget helps farms plan for shortages, optimise animal nutrition, and make the most of available resources during challenging winters.…

SAC Consulting
11/12/2025

Optimising Winter Sheep Housing

Carol-Anne looks at how slatted systems can cut bedding costs, improve hygiene, and protect winter pasture while supporting flock health and labour savings.…

SAC Consulting
11/12/2025

First Robotic Milking Machines Installed in Orkney

Susan explains how the introduction of robotic milking systems is helping Orkney dairy farms tackle labour shortages, improve efficiency, and support herd welfare while future-proofing milk production.…

SAC Consulting
11/12/2025

Maximise Returns from Finishing Lambs This Winter

As grass quality drops, careful management and smart feed choices are vital to maintain growth rates and profitability. Kirsten tells us how to finish lambs efficiently while protecting next year’s forage.…

SAC Consulting
12/11/2025

Preparing for Sustainable Farming (PSF) - Calf Respiratory Disease Investigation

Time is running out to access PSF before it ends in December 2025. Discover how testing and tailored prevention plans can cut pneumonia losses, improve calf performance, and boost efficiency.…

SAC Consulting
14/10/2025

Sheep Scab: Protecting Flock Health

Sheep scab is a fast-spreading, costly disease that hits flock health and welfare hard. Learn how to spot the signs early, prevent infection, and make the most of funding support available before 2026.…

SAC Consulting
15/09/2025

The Benefits of Early Pregnancy Scanning in Cattle

There are several benefits to scanning suckler cows early, the most obvious being to determine whether cows are in calf or not. Laura discusses these benefits as spring calving herds are now taking bulls out from cows. …

SAC Consulting
15/09/2025

Ear Tag Loss and Retention - How Does your Herd Compare?

Lost tags cost money, waste time, and risk compliance, but new SRUC research shows big differences in replacement rates across herds. Sam tells us what drives tag losses and the practical steps to improve retention.…

SAC Consulting
15/09/2025

Non-Nutritional Factors for Transition Cow Success

Successful transition into the milking herd isn’t just about nutrition. Lorna discusses how certain measures can help protect cow health, fertility, and milk yield while reducing transition diseases.…

SAC Consulting
19/08/2025

Creep Feeding Calves: What to Consider

Poor pasture, high growth potential, or easing weaning stress are all good reasons to creep feed suckled calves. The right timing, feed type, and mineral balance can boost daily gains and reduce disease risk – but it’s not one-size-fits-all.…

SAC Consulting
19/08/2025

Wild Deer Control in Scotland: Climate Resilience and Nature Conservation

Scotland’s deer populations have doubled since 1990, putting pressure on woodlands, peatlands, and farmland. Learn how new policies, including stronger intervention powers, aim to balance deer numbers, restore habitats, and meet climate goals.…

SAC Consulting
19/08/2025

Summer Mastitis: Recognising and Reducing Risk in High-Fly Season

Kythe MacKenzie, Veterinary Investigation Officer, highlights the seasonal threat of summer mastitis – a painful udder infection most common between July and September. With fly numbers now peaking, prompt recognition and early intervention are vital to protect susceptible cattle.…

SAC Consulting
16/07/2025