The first in a series of articles looking at the fundamentals of grassland management to help maximise farm productivity and performance.

The fell pony has always been a key part of the Lake District's heritage, but with their future at risk, recognising their contribution to the uplands is more important than ever.

It was the Charolais champion, Balymyle Sandy from William David and James Albert Connolly, Ballynahinch, County Down, which was crowned this year’s beef champion.

Holstein champion Damm Tatoo Sallie from Martin and Cyrill Millar, Coleraine, Londonderry took home the dairy inter-breed championship.

Longwool champion, a North Country Cheviot ewe from Jack Smyth and William Rankin, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, took home the sheep inter-breed sash.

Colostrum is key to overall calf health and performance, but good management is paramount for high concentration and efficient absorption of antibodies.

The provision and quality of water is paramount to overall cow health and performance, but these are areas of management which are often overlooked.

The drive to produce high quality stock lies at the heart of one Teesdale hill farm, where the Hutchinson family are overcoming the limitations of upland farming by taking a less is more approach.

On this weeks Over the Farm Gate podcast livestock reporter, Katie Fallon talks to the UKs Chief Veterinary Officer, Christine Middlemiss, after housing measures for bird keepers in England were lifted this week.

Exploring new revenue streams and ensuring the farm stays profitable has been at the forefront of young farmer David Dunns approach on the family farm.