Farming Industry Weekly News Briefs
Stay up to date with UK agricultural news, recording changes and trends.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 08 September 2026
1. Northern Ireland's voluntary cattle EID is now live
Northern Ireland’s voluntary cattle EID has gone live yesterday, 7 September. DAERA says newborn cattle can now be identified using an approved electronic eartag instead of one conventional tag. The aim is faster, more accurate recording, fewer transcription errors and easier use with compatible readers on farms, at markets and in processors.
Although electronic tags are already widely used on UK farms, Northern Ireland’s change is significant because the electronic tag can now form part of the animal’s official statutory identity. This allows the same cattle number used for government traceability to be read automatically by compatible farm software such as with the Farm Solutions Livestock program, markets and processors rather than being manually entered
There is another particularly interesting difference in Northern Ireland: EID is being introduced at the same time as the Bovine Genetics Project. According to DAERA, tissue-sampling tags used for the genetics scheme can incorporate EID functionality. So one tag/sample can potentially sit at the intersection of official identity, DNA/genotyping and farm records.
England and Wales are heading towards broadly the same principle. England has announced mandatory LF bovine EID for newborn calves from 2027, while Wales has decided to introduce LF bovine EID, also unlikely before 2027. Scotland has already done considerable bovine-EID development through ScotEID, although its earlier pilots explored UHF technology as well as the wider UK LF approach.
2. Bluetongue still progresses in many parts of the UK
Last week I posed a question - "Will bluetongue cases fall as September progresses?". The answer is not yet (for the first week) however are there positive signs?
The cases reported are as follows:- As of 6 September 2026, there were 910 confirmed BTV-3 affected premises in the UK: 791 in England, 98 in Wales, 21 in Scotland and none in Northern Ireland. Defra defines a case as a premises where at least one animal has tested positive. Alongside the 910 confirmed BTV-3 affected premises, a further 2,356 potential cases are currently under investigation across Great Britain, showing that the outbreak is still very active rather than beginning to fade.
When the number of animals under investigation begin to fall, that may be the moment that the outbreak is on the ebb.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 01 September 2026
1. Northern Ireland launches cattle genotyping scheme
Northern Ireland’s Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme opens on 1 September 2026 (today as I write this). The scheme will initially support the genotyping of current breeding cattle and future replacements, with all calves born and registered on NIFAIS during 2027 becoming eligible from January 2027.
Farmers will receive support for each eligible genotype submitted, with DNA collected through an ear tissue sample in a similar way to BVD sampling. The project is intended to help farmers make better breeding decisions by identifying traits such as feed efficiency and health-related characteristics earlier in an animal’s life.
Why this matters
This is not simply a cattle DNA-testing scheme. It points towards a more joined-up future where animal identity, official registration, breeding information, health, performance and efficiency data are increasingly connected.
For cattle keepers, this could make breeding decisions more accurate and help identify animals that are better suited to the farm’s system. For farm software, it reinforces the importance of maintaining accurate animal-level records, including identity, breeding history, weights, health, movements and sale or slaughter performance.
Farm Solutions view
The Northern Ireland model may prove more practical than earlier schemes because it is being built around official cattle identity, tissue-sampling tags, approved laboratories, tag suppliers and a dedicated livestock genetics portal. It also arrives at a time when feed efficiency, emissions, animal health and supply-chain evidence are becoming increasingly important.
2. Will bluetongue cases fall as September progresses?
As September progresses, cooler weather should gradually reduce midge activity, and that should eventually reduce the risk of new bluetongue transmission. However, farmers should not assume that the risk ends as soon as September begins.
AHDB has warned that disease pressure could still peak during September, while Scottish Government guidance says control dates may change if weather conditions or the disease situation differ from usual. Last year also showed that bluetongue confirmations can continue through September and beyond.
Although we are nearing the end of the midge season and such that is good news, farms sitting directly in the middle of an area where other farms are affected, this is a time for more vidulance.
Is there any good news?
Without a doubt this years outbreak has superceded that of last year by quite a margin already, there are signs that there will be more resilience in the system next year. Already there are plans in place to ensure supplies of Vaccine as well.
3. Is there a more positive outlook for bluetongue preparation next year?
This year’s BTV-3 outbreak has been extremely difficult for many cattle and sheep keepers, but there may be a more positive element for future years. The rapid rise in cases has made bluetongue a mainstream livestock-policy issue, and government, industry, vets, vaccine suppliers and farmers now have much clearer evidence of the scale of the risk.
AHDB has acknowledged that increased vaccine demand has created pressure across the supply chain, while NFU Scotland has said the Scottish Government is working with manufacturers and distributors to improve vaccine supply, including bringing in additional doses from continental Europe and supporting further production.
That does not guarantee an easy year ahead, but it should mean better planning, earlier veterinary conversations, stronger vaccine supply arrangements and more practical guidance before the next high-risk midge season.
For livestock farmers, the key lesson is to prepare early. Vaccination decisions, movement planning and animal-level records are likely to matter even more if bluetongue becomes a recurring seasonal risk.
Software Watch-LIS promotes digital sheep movement reporting for breeding-stock purchases
Livestock Information has reminded sheep keepers in England that movements from market can be accepted digitally through LIS once the market has processed the sale. This can reduce the need to post movement paperwork and helps keep the keeper’s digital holding register up to date.
For farm software users, the point is that official movement reporting and on-farm management records are becoming increasingly digital. The challenge is making sure statutory reporting, EID records, breeding information and practical flock records work together rather than creating duplicate work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cattle DNA testing become part of routine livestock recording across the UK?
It is likely to become more common. Northern Ireland’s Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme shows how DNA sampling, cattle identity and breeding information can be linked through national livestock systems. Similar approaches may develop elsewhere as governments and industry look for better data on feed efficiency, health, fertility, emissions and long-term productivity.
For farmers, the practical value will depend on how easily genetic information can be combined with real farm records such as weights, breeding history, health treatments, movements and sale or abattoir results. As farmers in Scotland may recal, the Beef efficiency scheme which had some of the Northern Ireland elements was rolled out in 2016 for a while and then cancelled in 2021 citing technical problems with obtaining tissue samples.
Will bluetongue vaccination and support be better organised next year?
It is reasonable to hope so, but it cannot be guaranteed. This year’s rapid rise in BTV-3 cases has put strong pressure on government, industry, vets and vaccine suppliers to improve planning before the next high-risk season.
Industry bodies are calling for better vaccine availability, stronger disease resilience, improved mapping and more APHA capacity. If those lessons are acted on, farmers should have clearer guidance and better access to vaccination planning in future years.
However, bluetongue risk depends on weather, midge activity, disease spread and vaccine supply, so farms should not wait for a national solution. Cattle and sheep keepers should speak to their vet early, keep accurate vaccination and movement records, and review their disease-risk plan before the next season begins.
If LIS records my sheep movements, why do I still need farm software?
LIS records statutory sheep, goat and deer movements in England and can help maintain a digital holding register. Farm software can still be useful because it usually goes beyond statutory movement reporting, helping keepers manage breeding, health, treatments, weights, lambing, sales, purchases, groups, notes and performance records.
For many farms, the best approach is not official records or farm software, but making sure both work together so compliance records and practical management information are kept accurate and up to date.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 25 August 2026
1. Scotland’s new Bluetongue Temporary Control Zone
On 20 August, Scottish Government introduced a TCZ in south-west Scotland following further BTV-3 detections around Dumfries and Galloway. Within the zone, livestock movements into, out of or within it require an appropriate licence, and holdings must maintain an up-to-date inventory showing animals alive, dead, infected or likely to be infected, including birth and death dates.
For Scottish farms who are planning to vaccinate BTV-3 remember that direct reporting (to ScotEID) of all animals details vaccinated is available on the Farm Solutions Livestock Program with just a few clicks, potentially saving hours of uploading this to ScotEID manually. Reporting is required within 48 hoiurs of the vaccination.
Scottish cross-border movement rules have tightened substantially. Since 22 August, Scottish cattle, sheep and other susceptible animals attending markets, shows or gatherings in bluetongue-restricted parts of Britain must normally leave and return the same day, with the relevant daylight conditions. More significantly, Scottish Government says that from 10 September 2026, susceptible animals coming from a Restricted Zone to live in Scotland must be vaccinated against BTV-3, subject to limited exemptions; only cattle appropriately vaccinated with Bultavo-3 receive the stated testing exemption
2. Where are we now, UK wide, with the Bluetongue Virus?
Unfortunately, the situation is not yet improving, far from it, in fact Bluetongue has escalated again: 618 BTV-3 affected premises are now confirmed (as of 9am 25.8.2026) across the UK — 580 in England, 29 in Wales and 9 in Scotland. Defra/APHA’s latest update, dated 23 August, also says 2,428 potential cases are under investigation. On 22 August alone, another 29 English and 8 Welsh premises were confirmed .
The bluetongue map can be viewed here
3. The first case of BSE in the UK since 204 has been reported in Dumfries and Galloway.
A case of classical BSE has been confirmed in a cow on a farm in Dumfries and Galloway. The Scottish Government says the animal did not enter the human food chain, and Food Standards Scotland has confirmed there is no risk to human health from this isolated case.
Precautionary movement restrictions have been placed on the animal’s offspring and cohort at the affected premises while investigations continue into the origin of the disease. The case was identified through routine BSE surveillance.
For cattle keepers, the case is a reminder that disease investigations rely on accurate animal-level records, including identity, age, birth details, cohort, offspring, movement history and disposal records. For Farm Solutions customers, it reinforces the value of keeping detailed cattle records that can be searched quickly if information is required.
4. Drought impact: winter feed planning becomes more important
Although the most severe drought conditions have been centred in parts of England, the effects can be felt by livestock farmers across the UK through forage availability, straw supply, feed markets and winter planning.
Feed and forage pressure
GOV.UK’s drought updates report poor grass growth, increased pressure on winter forage stocks, low farm reservoirs and growing water-supply concerns on farms. Earlier drought reporting also noted that some livestock farmers had already begun using winter forage reserves because grass growth had been affected.
AHDB’s harvest reporting shows a difficult and variable season, with wheat yields below the five-year average and lower yields reported for some spring cereals and grassland. This creates a risk of firmer feed and straw costs through autumn and winter, although the effect will vary by region, crop and farm business.
- Potentially higher bought-in concentrate costs
- Pressure on straw supply and price where cereal yields are reduced
- Reduced grass growth and pressure on silage, hay and other winter forage reserves
- Greater need to plan winter feed use, livestock numbers and finishing strategy early
Livestock margins may tighten
For livestock farms, the concern is not only the drought itself but the cost that may follow it. If feed, straw and forage become more expensive while livestock prices do not rise enough to compensate, margins can quickly tighten.
The farms most exposed are likely to include dairy units, beef finishers, intensive cattle systems, and pig and poultry businesses that are heavily dependent on bought-in feed.
Forward Planning
This is a good time for farmers to review likely winter feed requirements, available forage stocks, expected finishing dates, daily cost per head and the margin on animals being kept through the winter. Good livestock records can help farmers make those decisions using real animal weights, purchase prices, expected sale values and feed-cost assumptions rather than guesswork.
Practical reminder: This may be a year to look carefully at winter feed budgets before deciding how many animals to keep, finish or sell store. Recording weights, purchase prices, expected sale values and daily feed costs can help farmers avoid carrying unprofitable animals through an expensive winter.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 18 August 2026
1. Bluetongue cases surpass 470 this week, with a further 2003 under investigation
It does not seem to be that long ago that we all hoped that the Bluetongue outbreak this year would be smaller than it was last year. The total for last year in the UK was 348. Now in the 2026/2027 season the outbreak has surpassed that figure by a large margin with a worrying 2003 cases being investigated. Again please see this map of the infected areas of the UK (430 in England, 13 in Wales and 4 in Scotland)
The situation in Scotland since our last news-brief update (in red below) has not escalated yet as was feared. NFU Scotland reported on 14 August that four animals across three holdings, all within 2 km of one another, had tested positive. More than 100 other animals tested negative. Scottish Government had not introduced a disease-control zone at that point because prevalence was considered low, but surveillance is continuing.
2. Is bluetongue vaccination likely to become routine on livestock farms?
Bluetongue vaccination is not currently a simple blanket requirement for every cattle or sheep farm, but it is becoming an increasingly important risk-management decision.
Whether a farm should vaccinate depends on location, species, local disease pressure, movement plans, breeding stock, buyer requirements and veterinary advice. Farms in higher-risk areas, or those moving animals between regions, may have a stronger practical reason to vaccinate than farms with lower exposure.
If bluetongue continues to spread in future years, vaccination may become a routine part of livestock health planning for many farms. Keepers should discuss the risks and options with their vet and follow the latest Defra, APHA, Welsh Government or Scottish Government guidance.
Where animals are vaccinated, accurate records should be kept for each animal or group, including the vaccine used, date given, batch details where available, and any movement or veterinary advice linked to the vaccination.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 11 August 2026
1. Another steep rise in Bluetongue cases in England and Wales this week
UPDATE AS AT 11.08.2026 at 1715 - There has been one case in Scotland (Dumfries and Galloway) reported today after we uploaded this brief. Scotland’s Chief Veterinary Officer warns it is too early to know whether the virus is circulating more widely. There are conflicting reports but it does appear to be a single animal (a sheep which has now been euthanised). There are ongoing investigations to discover the origin of the virus.
What has changed: Bluetongue has accelerated dramatically: 270 UK BTV-3 cases are now recorded this season — 265 in England and five in Wales, with none yet in Scotland or Northern Ireland. AHDB’s 10 August update shows how quickly the position has changed; Defra recorded another 51 English cases on 7 August alone, mostly involving sheep. Use this link to see a map of the Bluetongue cases and zones.
Why Does this matter: This is now a substantial animal-health and record-keeping issue rather than simply a movement-risk story. Farmers need readily accessible vaccination, health, breeding and movement histories.
The NFU has strengthened its message from “consider vaccination” towards acting before infection reaches the holding. Its latest advice says severe clinical disease and high mortality are being reported particularly in non-vaccinated sheep flocks, while cattle can show milder disease and therefore be a less obvious source of infection. It recommends discussing vaccination with the farm vet, daily monitoring, reviewing movements and immediate reporting of suspicious signs.
2.Scottish Government tightened/clarified its published movement guidance on 7 August.
What has changed: During the current control period, expected to remain until at least 9 September 2026, an animal cannot move into Scotland to live if it has been on premises with a confirmed bluetongue case during the previous six months — even if it subsequently tests negative or, in the case of qualifying cattle, has been vaccinated with Bultavo-3. Immediate-slaughter movements use separate arrangements.
Why Does this matter: A negative test alone does not necessarily make an animal eligible for a Scottish movement.
3.LIS roadshow from 14th August to 8th September
LIS has announced a new livestock-market roadshow across the north of England specifically about statutory sheep movement reporting. From 14 August through 8 September, Livestock Information staff will visit Melton Mowbray, Lancaster, Skipton, Longtown, Cockermouth and Penrith, speaking with sheep keepers about reporting through LIS, farm software and other methods. LIS says the feedback will help shape future improvements.
Software Watch
Still no new public cattle-LIS migration date appears to have been announced this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should every bluetongue vaccination be recorded against the individual animal?
Yes in the case of cattle and yes again where possible in the case of your breeding sheep.
Can an animal from a bluetongue-affected farm move to Scotland after testing negative?
Generally, no if it has been on a confirmed premises within the previous six months.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 04 August 2026
1. A steep rise in Bluetongue cases in England and Wales this week
What has changed: Defra have reported increasing Bluetonge infections in England throughout last week. The total number from July 1st to July 30th now stands at 84, with 81 of these in England and 3 in Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland remain clear. As stated in previous News Briefs the signs of Bluetongue include fever, facial swelling, drooling, lameness and lethargy. Here is a link to an overview of the outbreak, a map of the Bluetongue cases and zones.
Why Does this matter: It would be appropriate to remind farms that in the last cycle (2025 to 2026) there were a total of 348 cases thus perhaps signalling that there may be a long way to go in this current outbreak.
Farmers should watch animals daily and record symptoms, identification numbers, vaccination status, abortions, milk-yield changes, treatment and recent movements. Suspected bluetongue must be reported immediately; cattle can show less obvious disease than sheep
Treat bluetongue control as a management priority now, not something to consider once disease is nearby. Once infected midges are active locally, it becomes harder to vaccinate safely, since shared needles can spread infection between animals if vaccination starts too late.
2. AHDB is holding an urgent bluetongue update
If you would like to hear from some experts, then please join this webinar organised by AHDB on 5th August between 1700 and 1800. It is free and anybody can watch or take part. If you are not able to watch the webinar at that time, you can still register for it and a recording will be sent to you after the event.
3. Bluetongue Vaccination has become the strongest practical message
What changed: The NFU has intensified its vaccination messaging, describing bluetongue as an immediate threat to farms in England and Wales. Reported effects now include fever, lameness, mouth lesions, falling milk yield, abortions, stillbirths and weak or deformed offspring.
Why it matters: Vaccination records need to identify the animal, product, dose and date—not merely state that “the herd” or “the flock” was vaccinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should I record when bluetongue is suspected?
If bluetongue is suspected, contact your vet and report the suspicion to the relevant authority immediately, as bluetongue is a notifiable disease.
Record the animal’s identification number, the date symptoms were first seen, the signs observed, temperature if taken, vaccination status, recent movements, animals recently bought or sold, and any veterinary advice or test results.
It is also sensible to record affected groups, field or housing location, milk-yield changes, abortions, stillbirths, lameness, mouth lesions, facial swelling or any sudden loss of condition.
Accurate records can help your vet and the authorities assess the risk, trace possible contacts and advise on the next steps.
What are the herd cost implications if your animals get bluetongue?
If an animal contracts bluetongue virus, the financial impact on your herd or flock spans both direct production losses and indirect regulatory costs. Research indicates that the long-term hidden impacts on breeding and business continuity often far outweigh the immediate veterinary bills.
Should farms vaccinate their herd or flock against contracting bluetongue?
Bluetongue vaccination is a decision that should be made with your vet, taking account of your location, species, movement plans, breeding stock, local disease risk and the latest official guidance.
Vaccination may reduce the risk and impact of disease, but keepers should understand which vaccine is being used, which animals have been vaccinated, when the course was completed, and whether any booster or movement conditions apply.
For cattle and sheep keepers, it is important to keep accurate vaccination records, including animal identification number, vaccine product, date given, batch details where available, and veterinary advice received.
The rules and recommendations can change as bluetongue risk changes, so farms should check current Defra, APHA, Welsh Government or Scottish Government guidance before making movement or vaccination decisions.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 28 July 2026
1. Bluetongue cases have risen again in England and Wales
What has changed: The continuing Bluetongue outbreak in England and Wales (see last weeks news brief) has again given cause for concern as the numbers increase in both cattle and sheep. The signs of Bluetongue include fever, facial swelling, drooling, lameness and lethargy. Here is a link to an overview of the outbreak, a map of the Bluetongue cases and zones.
Currently both England and Wales are in Bluetongue restricted zones. This means that the movement of catlle between England and Wales is easier now that Wales is also restricted.
Why does it matter: According to Defra, movements of bluetongue-susceptible animals from England, Wales, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man to Scotland must comply with general movement licence EXD608(EW), this will be reviewed on or around the 9th of September.
The Scottish Government instructs all movements from restricted zones to Scotland must follow licensing, testing and movement conditions. For cattle, fully vaccinated animals with Bultavo-3, with the required period elapsed, may move to Scotland without a pre-movement test; unvaccinated cattle, or cattle vaccinated with other products, require a pre-movement test. Sheep and other ruminants generally require a pre-movement test within seven days during the active control period. It should also be noted that for slaughter movements into Scotland, there is also a separate general licence for movements from a bluetongue restricted zone to a designated slaughterhouse in Scotland.
2. LIS has highlighted its digital sheep vet-attestation service
What has changed: Livestock Information promoted easier digital recording of sheep Vet Attestations. Registered vets can record an attestation through LIS, while abattoirs can verify the holding or animal’s status. Attestations last 365 days; qualifying assurance-scheme members generally do not need a separate Vet Attestation Number.
Why does it matter: This is further proof of the direction of travel with regards record keeping. Animal Health records are commonly kept on paper records, however it is now becoming increasingly obvious that digital records will in fact be easier and more conveient, particularly if they are integrated with your cattle and sheep digital movement records
Software Watch
There are no updates for the LIS switch over for cattle - still planned for "summer 2027"
There are no updates for the EIDCymru switch over for cattle - still planned for "winter 2026"
Best UK-Wide Farm Management Software Provider 2026 - SME News Enterprise Awards
Farm Solutions are delighted to be recognised as the best for both our software and our 24/7 personal phone support by winning the categary "Best UK-Wide Farm Management Software Provider 2026". We look forward to welcoming all our new customers by being a ‘taste and try before you buy’ company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if an animal shows possible bluetongue symptoms?
If an animal shows possible bluetongue symptoms, contact your vet promptly and follow the latest official guidance. Bluetongue is a notifiable disease, so suspected cases must be reported to the relevant authorities.
Keep the animal under close observation, avoid unnecessary movements, and record the animal’s identification number, symptoms, date first noticed, recent movements, vaccination status and any veterinary advice received.
Because bluetongue controls can change quickly, always check current Defra, APHA, Welsh Government or Scottish Government guidance before moving cattle or sheep.
Can cattle or sheep be moved between England, Wales and Scotland?
Yes, cattle and sheep can still be moved between England, Wales and Scotland, but the rules depend on the direction of movement and the current disease-control restrictions.
Movements between England and Wales are generally permitted, because both England and Wales are currently bluetongue restricted zones. Keepers must still follow the normal cattle and sheep movement reporting rules, and should check whether any holding-specific restrictions apply.
Movements from England or Wales into Scotland are more restricted. During the bluetongue active control period, cattle, sheep and other susceptible animals moving from a restricted zone to Scotland must meet the relevant licence conditions. Depending on the species, vaccination status and reason for movement, this may involve a general licence, pre-movement testing, vaccination evidence and accompanying documentation.
Movements from Scotland into England or Wales may also need to be checked against the latest disease-control guidance, but normal movement reporting rules will always apply.
Because bluetongue controls can change quickly, keepers should always check the latest official guidance before arranging cross-border movements.
Do sheep keepers need a Vet Attestation Number?
Some sheep keepers may need a Vet Attestation Number if they produce livestock, or products from livestock, that may enter the EU food chain and they are not already covered by a qualifying farm assurance scheme.
For sheep, a registered vet can record the Vet Attestation digitally through the Livestock Information Service, and abattoirs can check the attestation status. A Vet Attestation normally lasts for 365 days.
Sheep keepers who are part of a qualifying assurance scheme, such as Red Tractor, generally do not need a separate Vet Attestation Number.
Farm Solutions livestock industry brief — 21 July 2026
1. Bluetongue has moved into active summer transmission
What changed: Defra and APHA reported eight BTV-3 cases in England since 1 July. Five new cases were confirmed on 16 July in Somerset and Devon, affecting cattle and sheep; reported signs included facial swelling, mouth lesions, lameness, fever and loss of condition. The official risk assessment says temperatures are now sufficient for onward transmission through midges.
Why it matters: Farmers should treat individual health, vaccination and movement records as necessary disease-control information, not just for inspection paperwork. All movements from the England, Wales and Northern Ireland restricted zones coming into Scotland continue to be subject to licence conditions until at least the 9 September this year (2026).
2. New EUDR guidance gives a clearer picture of cattle traceability demands
What changed:Defra published detailed Northern Ireland guidance on 17 July. For cattle-related products, operators may need location information for every establishment where cattle were kept, including farms, markets and abattoirs. A single centre GPS point is acceptable for a cattle establishment under the stated rules.
Why it matters: This makes EUDR more than a farm-location exercise. It potentially requires an animal’s official identity and movement history to be connected to location data throughout its life.
Timing: Most relevant Northern Ireland operators come into scope from 30 December 2026, with a later 30 June 2027 date for qualifying micro or small primary operators. Defra also says Great Britain intends to consult on broadly aligned deforestation requirements.
3. Foot-and-mouth disease remains an external biosecurity warning
What changed: Defra published a new outbreak assessment dated 13 July covering continuing FMD developments in Cyprus and Greece. It was added to the official monitoring page on 17 July.
Why it matters: This is not a new UK outbreak, but it reinforces why prompt, accurate animal and visitor movements matter. In a disease incident, authorities need to identify where livestock came from, where they went and what other animals or premises may have been exposed.
Software Watch
No major new LIS cattle launch milestone was announced this week. The current official position remains a mid-2027 cattle launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bluetongue information should I record for each animal?
Include vaccination date, product and batch details, animal ID, clinical observations, test results and relevant movements. Scottish farms, remember that the Bluetongue Vacinations are to be reported to ScotEID (this is done directly through the Farm Solutions Livestock Program with one click).
Will cattle markets and finishing farms need to appear in EUDR records?
Defra’s Northern Ireland EUDR guidance says that for cattle-related products, geolocation data must be collected for all establishments where the cattle were kept. The guidance gives examples including farms, abattoirs and cattle markets.
For beef producers, this means that cattle markets, rearing farms, finishing farms and abattoirs could all become relevant where the animal’s history is needed to support EUDR due diligence.
In practice, the formal submission may be handled by processors, exporters or other supply-chain operators. However, much of the supporting information starts on farm. Good animal-level records make it easier to show where cattle were bought, where they were kept, when they moved, and where they were sold.
Farm Solutions livestock software helps beef producers keep practical movement and animal-history records, so that key traceability information can be found quickly when buyers, processors, assurance schemes or official bodies request it.
How can digital livestock records help during a notifiable disease investigation?
During a notifiable disease investigation, speed and accuracy matter. Authorities may need to know which animals are on the holding, where they came from, where they have moved, and whether any other farms, markets or animals could be linked.
Digital livestock records can help by making key information easier to find quickly. This may include animal identification numbers, movement history, purchase and sale dates, medicine and vaccination records, breeding groups, batches, contact with markets or abattoirs, and animals that have recently left or arrived on the farm.
Good digital records can also reduce the risk of missing information or relying on memory during a stressful situation. Instead of searching through paper files, movement books or old notes, the keeper can produce clearer information for vets, inspectors, assurance schemes or official bodies.
For cattle and sheep keepers, this can help demonstrate responsible management, support disease tracing, and reduce delays when decisions need to be made.
Farm Solutions livestock software is designed to help keepers maintain practical animal-level records, so important information is available when it is needed most.
Farm Solutions industry news brief — 14 July 2026
This week’s main issue for cattle and sheep keepers is not a single rule change, but the direction of travel. Livestock records are becoming more important across compliance, traceability, disease control, trade, assurance and supply-chain evidence.
1. UK–EU SPS agreement: livestock businesses should start preparing
Defra has published new guidance on the proposed UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary agreement. The agreement is intended to cover the trade and movement of animals, animal products, feed and food, with Defra currently aiming for implementation from around mid-2027. Defra also says every business in the agrifood sector should begin preparing, although exact timings and detailed requirements remain subject to negotiations.
For livestock keepers, the important point is that this is not just an export-office issue. Defra’s guidance says businesses should review current supply chains and movements, including domestic movements and Great Britain to Northern Ireland movements, to understand where SPS requirements may apply.
Why this matters to cattle and sheep keepers
For many farms, traceability is already seen as movement reporting, medicine recording and statutory compliance. The SPS agreement points towards a wider use of reliable farm records: evidence for movements, health status, biosecurity, assurance and trade access.
2. LIS cattle transition remains one of the key software issues to watch
Livestock Information Ltd continues to describe the new Livestock Information Service for cattle as a phased replacement for the current Cattle Tracing Service. Existing systems, including CTS, are expected to remain in place until the new multispecies services are fully operational.
LIS also states that the new service is intended to support more data capture than the current sheep LIS, helping with disease control, food safety, productivity and trade.
Why this matters to cattle keepers
The move from CTS to LIS is more than a new website. It is part of a wider move towards more detailed, connected and future-proofed livestock traceability. For farms using software, the key question will be how smoothly farm records, official movements and statutory reporting can work together.
3. ScotEID continues to show the value of integrated livestock records
ScotEID’s Bluetongue Virus vaccine recording system allows cattle, sheep and goat keepers to record vaccinated animals by individual identification number, with vaccinations recorded within 48 hours. ScotEID also describes the system as being built on the existing ScotEID platform, with future-ready functionality for other disease vaccination records.
Why this matters to cattle and sheep keepers
Disease outbreaks can quickly disrupt normal farm operations, affecting animal health, movement restrictions and market access. Being able to record and access vaccination data at individual animal level means keepers can respond more quickly to disease risks, demonstrate compliance if required, and provide clear evidence to buyers, vets or authorities. Integrated systems like ScotEID also reduce duplication, making it easier to keep accurate records without adding extra paperwork.
4. EUDR: beef traceability is becoming supply-chain evidence
AHDB continues to highlight the EU Deforestation Regulation as a major issue for UK beef exports. From 30 December 2026, EUDR will apply to beef, cattle and cattle-derived products placed on or exported to the EU market. AHDB says UK farmers, processors and exporters will need to show geolocation coordinates for farms where cattle were raised and traceability records linking animals to their origin.
AHDB also notes that processors and exporters will submit the formal due-diligence statements, but farmers will still need to supply accurate data.
Why this matters to beef producers
Even where the legal responsibility sits further up the chain, the information starts on farm. Accurate animal history, movement records and holding information are likely to become more valuable to processors, buyers and assurance schemes.
Summary of the week's news
The common theme this week is that farm records are moving beyond simple compliance. Cattle and sheep keepers are being pulled towards a world where digital records support official reporting, disease control, assurance, market access and supply-chain evidence.
It is becoming increasingly difficult for farmers to rely only on paper records, especially as compliance, assurance and traceability requirements become more detailed.
For Farm Solutions customers, the key message is simple: we will continue to keep our livestock software up to date as requirements change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the UK–EU SPS agreement affect my farm if I do not export livestock?
Possibly. The final rules are not yet confirmed, but Defra is advising agrifood businesses to review their movements, supply chains and current compliance position now. For cattle and sheep keepers, good digital records will make it easier to respond when the detail becomes clear.
Will Farm Solutions livestock software still work when CTS is replaced by LIS?
Yes. Farm Solutions will continue to support customers as the cattle system moves from CTS to LIS. Once the final LIS requirements and switch-over process are confirmed, we will update our livestock software so customers can continue keeping accurate, practical cattle records.
Farm Solutions has already managed similar reporting changes, including the move to ScotEID in Scotland, and we will take the same practical approach when LIS is introduced.
Why should I keep detailed animal-level records if the official system already records movements?
Official systems record important statutory information, such as births, deaths and movements. However, they are not a complete management record for your farm.
Detailed animal-level records help you see the full history and performance of each animal. This can include purchase details, weights, treatments, medicine records, vaccination history, breeding information, calving or lambing records, sale weights, abattoir results, grades and margins.
This matters because livestock records are increasingly used for more than basic compliance. They can help with disease control, assurance inspections, buyer confidence, movement queries, medicine withdrawal checks, performance monitoring and future traceability requirements.
For cattle and sheep keepers, good records are not just about proving where an animal has moved. They help prove what has happened to that animal while it has been on the farm.
Farm Solutions livestock software is designed to help keepers maintain practical, useful animal-level records alongside official reporting requirements, so that the information is available when it is needed.
What farm records might beef producers need for EUDR?
The detailed requirements may depend on where cattle are sold and whether the beef, cattle or cattle-derived products enter the EU market. However, AHDB has highlighted that UK farmers, processors and exporters may need to provide geolocation details for farms where cattle were raised, along with traceability records linking animals to their origin.
For beef producers, this could mean being able to provide clear records of:
- the holding or holdings where cattle were born, reared or finished
- cattle identification numbers
- purchase and sale dates
- movement history between holdings
- links between animals, batches, markets, finishers and processors
- farm location or geolocation information where required
- evidence that records are accurate, up to date and can be supplied when requested
In practice, processors and exporters may submit the formal due-diligence information, but much of the supporting data begins on farm. That means good animal-level records could become increasingly important, even where the farmer is not dealing directly with the EU.
Farm Solutions livestock software helps beef producers keep practical animal-level records, so that movement history, purchase details, sale information and other key traceability data can be found quickly when needed.