Now you can see the transformation for yourself. The Mitchell family will be opening their farm gates to visitors on 3rd September, offering a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes and discover how the farm operates day-to-day. Visitors will be able to see the new facilities, learn more about their farming practices and experience first-hand […]

Most of the focus during the dry period is on preparing the cow for calving and her next lactation. However, emerging research suggests that dry cow ketones may also influence the calf’s rumen development and future performance. One important indicator is BHB (β-hydroxybutyrate), a ketone produced when cows experience negative energy balance. Even when cows […]

At Blaiket Mains Farm, near Crocketford in Dumfries and Galloway, consistency is the foundation of exceptional calf performance. Rodger and Lindsay Callander manage an impressive 900-cow Holstein herd, comprising 600 spring block-calving cows and 300 autumn block-calving cows. Their objective is clear: to rear healthy, productive replacements that calve for the first time at 24 […]

📅 Wednesday 15 July 2026📍 National Conference Centre, Birmingham The National Youngstock Conference returns for 2026, bringing together leading farmers, vets, nutritionists and industry experts for a full day dedicated to calf and youngstock management. Whether you’re looking to improve calf health, optimise growth rates or stay up to date with the latest research and […]

Get Ready for Total Calf 2026! Good Calves Don’t Happen by Accident-Unlocking Lifetime Value in Every Calf Following the success of last year’s Total Calf conference series, Total Calf is returning this October with an expanded line-up of practical calf-focused events across the UK and Northern Ireland.

Evidence-based practical guidance for dairy calf health, immunity, and performance  Inside this guide: ✔ Colostrum protocols✔ Transition milk research✔ Feeding schedules✔ Hygiene SOPs✔ Passive transfer monitoring✔ Practical calf health recommendations 1. Why Colostrum Matters Calves are born with little or no immunity and depend entirely on colostrum for passive transfer of antibodies. Good colostrum management […]

Sarcina-associated bloat is a sudden, often fatal risk in young calves. Poor immunity, wet housing, inconsistent feeding, and hygiene lapses disrupt digestion, allowing gas to build rapidly. Prevention starts with colostrum, dry bedding, and consistent, controlled feeding and calf resilience.

Turning autumn-born calves out to grass for the first time sets the tone for the grazing season. A gradual, well-managed introduction—using small areas, steady feeding, and calm weather—helps calves settle outdoors without stress and protects health and growth in early grazing.

February and March 2026 has brought unusually wet weather across the UK and Ireland, pushing humidity levels in calf sheds to new highs. Wet air means wetter beds, damp boots, and moisture-laden equipment. With little natural drying from sun or wind, and poor airflow in closed sheds, the moisture builds up quickly, slowing evaporation and […]

During the first two to three months of life, calves undergo significant nutritional and gastrointestinal changes. Over this period, they transition from a purely liquid, milk-based diet to one based on concentrates and forages (Quigley et al., 2019). This early shift from simple gastric digestion to functional rumen digestion is essential for calf health and […]