Kite Consulting

While Chris Walkland may be away this week, but he still joins the programme with his latest milk market report, we then kick off in episode 305 of Kite Podcast by discussing a very important subject, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Rebecca Cavill of Torch Farm Vets and Laura Roberts of Sandstone Vets, alongside Devon farmer Jenny Hookway and producer Becki Reay. The conversation explores the signs and symptoms of Bluetongue, the differences between virus strains, the impact on farms and livestock movements, and why vaccination remains the most important tool in reducing disease spread. Rebecca highlights the significant number of affected holdings seen by her practice and explains how vaccinating cattle, the main carriers of the virus, can help reduce infection levels and limit transmission by midges. The panel also shares practical advice for farmers on preparing for the months ahead and supporting each other through a challenging period. The discussion also covers the signs farmers should be looking out for in both cattle and sheep, the impact on livestock movements, shows and sales, and what to do if you suspect infection on your farm. With vaccine demand increasing and supplies coming under pressure, the message from the panel is clear: if you're considering vaccination, don't delay. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been
prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute
advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no
representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or
otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products
during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy
Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter
are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The
contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In Episode 304 of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Marie Stephenson, who is taking on the remarkable challenge of milking 10,000 cows in 10 days as she travels from Scotland to Cornwall in support of RABI. The challenge has attracted significant interest across social and national media, creating a valuable opportunity to promote British agriculture in a positive light and showcase the people and stories behind the sector. Alongside fourth-generation dairy farmer Colin Price, Marie discusses the inspiration behind the challenge, the logistics of visiting dairy farms across the country, and why the campaign has captured the imagination of so many. Colin reflects on the pride, resilience and strong sense of community within farming, highlighting the importance of using opportunities like this to strengthen public understanding of agriculture and celebrate the industry's many successes. The episode also features the latest milk market update from Chris Walkland, with insights into current milk volumes across Europe, making for an uplifting conversation about community spirit, positive PR for farming and the best of British agriculture Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been
prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute
advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no
representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or
otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products
during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy
Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter
are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The
contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

Episode 302 of the Kite Podcast begins with a much more positive milk market report from Chris Walkland. Will and Ben are then joined by podcast producer Becki Reay and Kite Technical Consultant Amy Watson, who recently attended the Cornell Advanced Dairy Nutrition and Management Course in the US. Amy shares some of the key insights from her trip, exploring the differences between US and UK dairy systems and the lessons UK farmers can learn. The discussion covers heat stress and cow comfort, highlighting the importance of proactive management as higher temperatures become increasingly common. The conversation also delves into protein, amino acids and calcium management, questioning whether current feeding strategies are keeping pace with advances in dairy genetics. Amy discusses the value of looking beyond crude protein levels and taking a more targeted approach to nutrition and transition cow management. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been
prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute
advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no
representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or
otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products
during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy
Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter
are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The
contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.

In this week's episode of the Kite Podcast, Will Evans and Ben Eagle are joined by Erik Elgersma, Founder and Director of Strategic Analysis Services BV, and podcast producer Becki Reay, as they head to the Netherlands to examine the Dutch government's latest nitrogen reduction plans and what they could mean for the future of dairy farming. Proposed measures include tighter restrictions on farms located near Natura 2000 environmental protection sites. Erik explains the background to the plans, the challenges facing Dutch agriculture, and the Dutch government's ambitious targets to reduce nitrogen emissions by 2035. Together, the team explores what these changes could mean for Dutch milk production, whether they could lead to a smaller dairy sector, and if they might set a precedent for other countries across Europe. They also discuss why UK farmers should be paying close attention to these developments. Chris Walkland returns with his usual Milk Market Report and shares his insights into how the recent heatwave is affecting milk production levels and wider dairy markets. Please note: The information provided during this podcast has been
prepared for general informational purposes only and does not constitute
advice. The information must not be relied upon for any purpose and no
representation or warranty is given as to its accuracy, completeness or
otherwise. Any reference to other organisations, businesses or products
during the podcast are not endorsements or recommendations of Dairy
Consulting Ltd or its affiliated companies. The views of the presenter
are personal and may not be the views of Dairy Consulting Ltd. The
contents of this podcast are the copyright of Dairy Consulting Ltd.