Yorkshire Dairy and Beef Farmers Health Planning Group
The Yorkshire Dairy and Beef Farmers Health Planning Group is holding a series of meetings in the region to give local dairy and beef producers and their advisers the chance to get together in a sociable environment, share ideas and learn more about improving their businesses using farm health planning (fhp). The meetings got off to a flying start.
The first meeting was held at the Golf Club in Aughton (located between Selby and Market Weighton) on 3 July. 70 people attended, including over 55 beef farmers and eight vets. Phil Alcock outlined the practical aspects of the project and how it will be delivered on the eight focus farms (farms that have been selected to demonstrate the benefits of fhp).
Phil said "A practical farm health plan can increase kilograms of beef produced and reduce variable costs. Focusing on fertility, growth rates, and meeting market requirements, but also concentrating on bull and heifer management, calf health, infectious disease, body condition management and selecting the most suitable cattle for slaughter can result in financial benefits for your business."
The audience was asked what they thought of fhp. The responses showed that of the farmers present:
- many felt farm health plans were just more red tape as they are required for farm assurance schemes;
- approximately 10% carry out comprehensive bull fertility assessment; approximately 20% carry out little or no bull checks;
- 10% calve heifers ahead of the main herd;
- 10% knew their disease status for all four of Lepto, BVD, IBR and johnes.
By the end of the session almost all there felt that fhp is actually far more than a paper exercise and that they could make a difference to their businesses by using a practical, proactive approach . The second meeting, which followed a similar format to the first was held at Ripon racecourse. 170 people attended including 50 beef farmers and 105 dairy farmers, six industry workers and eight vets.
Phil said that "the feedback was excellent and a good social evening was had by all!"
Both meetings were supported by NMR, Yorkshire Veterinary Society, EBLEX and RMIF.
Page last modified:
November 14, 2007
Page published:
November 14, 2007