Livestock

Beef Market Commentary and Outlook

Store cattle trade remains buoyant, while cull cows continue to fetch firm values. Spring bull sales have shown strong clearance rates and rising averages, reflecting sustained interest in both pedigree and native breeds.…

SAC Consulting
16/03/2026

Keeping on Top of Parasite Control

Spring turn-out is the perfect time to review parasite control strategies. Bought-in cattle can carry resistant roundworms and other parasites, making quarantine, treatment, and ongoing monitoring essential.…

SAC Consulting
16/03/2026

Getting to the Bottom of Calf Scour

Calf scour is one of the most common and costly challenges in beef suckler herds, impacting both survival and growth rates. Vaccinations and careful monitoring help prevent outbreaks before they start.…

SAC Consulting
16/03/2026

Schmallenberg Disease – What to Watch for This Spring

Schmallenberg disease can cause fever, milk drop, and diarrhoea in cattle, and deformities in lambs and calves if pregnant animals are infected at critical stages.…

SAC Consulting
16/03/2026

Managing Early Pressures on Young Lambs

With the 2026 lambing season underway, early management to ensure lamb survival is vital. From timely colostrum intake and strict hygiene to vaccination and parasite monitoring, practical steps now can significantly reduce disease and worm burdens, supporting healthier, stronger lambs through their first weeks of life.…

SAC Consulting
11/03/2026

The (S)EUROP Sheep Carcass Classification Scale Explained

From January 2026, sheep classification reporting becomes mandatory across the UK, introducing the new “S” category for highly muscled breeds.…

SAC Consulting
19/02/2026

Calf Suck Reflex and Stomach Tubes

Ensuring newborn calves receive sufficient colostrum is critical for survival and long-term health. Sarah explores key indicators like dystocia scores and suck reflex strength that help predict colostrum intake.…

SAC Consulting
18/02/2026

The 2025 Silage Crop – Making the Most of a Challenging Year

Forage quality directly affects ruminant intake and performance. Discover how digestibility influences feed intake, highlights when supplementation is essential, and provides practical guidance on cutting and preserving silage to maximise energy content.…

SAC Consulting
18/02/2026

Investigating Abortions in Cattle and Sheep

Abortion outbreaks can have serious consequences for both herd/flock health and human safety. Find out how to recognise when investigation is needed, what samples to collect, and the practical steps to reduce disease spread.…

SAC Consulting
17/02/2026

Maximising the Potential of Your New Breeding Bull

Purchasing a new breeding bull is a significant investment, and careful management is key to ensuring he reaches his full potential. Gavin provides practical guidance on settling bulls into a new farm and pre-breeding preparation to support fertility, performance, and long-term productivity…

SAC Consulting
17/02/2026

Rules of Colostrum for Lambs

Getting newborn lambs the right colostrum quickly is critical for survival and immunity. Cara explains the key principles of colostrum quality, quantity, timing, and practical tips for ensuring lambs get the best start.…

SAC Consulting
16/02/2026

Managing Persistent Pneumonia

Persistent pneumonia in calves is an often-overlooked challenge, reducing growth, performance, and herd resilience long after acute outbreaks pass. Captiva explains how early detection, accurate diagnosis, and strategic herd health planning can help manage chronic respiratory disease in suckler herds.…

SAC Consulting
19/01/2026