TB Policy Update - bTB Partnership

Bovine TB is the most devastating disease impacting our cattle herds today. Not because of the direct animal health and welfare impacts, the majority of reactors are otherwise fit and heathy animals but because of the massive impacts a breakdown has on the farm business and the knock on effects on animal and farmer health and welfare.

TB has many risk pathways that are out of our control, we cannot control what our neighbour buys in, what area of the country we farm in, but TB is an infectious disease which just like Johne’s, BVD, abortion, lameness and calf pneumonia, TB does have routes onto farm and around farm we can control to reduce if not eliminate risk.

TB policy is devolved to be controlled by the respective governments. The slight variation in policies can be divisive for farmers especially those on the borders. What we need to do is ensure all governments are following the science and evidence to put in place policies that are appropriate for the risk areas. For more information on TB policy in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales visit Bovine TB Policy in the UK | TB hub UK

The English Government recently announce five key areas of priority.

In 2020 the bTB Partnership was formed in-order to improve governance and develop a true partnership across the farming industry, government and other stakeholders. The aim of the group is to set strategic direction for the government’s bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication programme and play a key role in co-designing new policies and communications.

For more information: Bovine Tuberculosis Partnership - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Consumers Urged Not to Panic Buy Dairy as HGV Driver Shortage Affects Sector

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) urges consumers to continue buying dairy products as normal following a few reports of farmers having to discard their milk due to HGV lorry driver shortages.  

The exact number of farmers having to dispose of their milk is unknown, but it is believed to be only a small number of farmers affected, said RABDF Chairman Peter Alvis.  

“The HGV driver shortage is having an impact on the dairy sector, which has resulted in a small number of farmers having to dispose of their milk. It is hard to put a number on the exact number of farmers affected, but at the moment, we believe it is only affecting a few producers.   

“We are monitoring the situation, and should farmers be experiencing issues, we urge them to get in touch with us.” 

Mr Alvis said any loss of milk sales is devastating if the processor doesn’t pay for uncollected milk. “As many dairy farmers do not make a profit on their milk or only a minimal margin, any minor knocks are felt very quickly. 

“The global supply chain hasn’t fully returned to normal following the pandemic, and the shortage of HGV drivers is now adding to this problem, which is why we are seeing such an impact.  

“That said, milk and dairy products are still making it through to the supermarket shelves, so it is important consumers continue to shop normally to avoid any shortage situations seen at the start of the pandemic when panic buying occurred,” he said.   

It is thought Britain has an estimated shortage of 100,000 HGV drivers due to Brexit, poor pay and the pandemic. The Government recently announced support to help recruit and train more people as HGV drivers (25 September).

SOPHIE GREGORY NAMED 2021 DAIRY WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Dorset farmer Sophie Gregory was announced the winner of this year’s Dairy Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by HSBC UK, at the Women in Dairy Virtual Conference last month.

In addition to milking 360 cows with 150 followers alongside her husband Tom Sophie spends a lot of time engaging with the wider public. Predominantly using her social media channels and working with schools her aim is to educate people of all ages about the industry. An element of this includes taking part in Farmer Time, an industry initiative aimed at using digital communications to inspire and engage children about the sector and the journey of agriculture from farm to fork.

Sophie and her family have also featured in various Arla videos about farming and take part in Open Farm Sunday doing live videos for their social media pages.

Last year’s award winner, Cheshire dairy farmer Karen Halton, who was part of the judging panel, said all of the finalists were inspirational young ladies but Sophie’s passion and ethos for nurturing and mentoring new talent was second to none.

“She also had a grasp of the business and its finances and came across as a great communicator. Being hands on with the farm alongside bringing up a young family is no mean feat and Sophie makes it her priority to go the extra mile for the benefit of the industry.”

Describing the win as “one of the proudest moments of her farming career” Sophie said it was a shock to be named as a finalist let alone crowned winner.

“If there’s one piece of advice I could give to my younger self I would tell myself to have dreams, work hard, stay focused and surround yourself with good people.

“It’s important to never stop learning but you mustn’t forget to look after yourself along the way.”

With no background of farming Sophie has had to learn on the job. Whilst groups such as Women in Dairy are important to many within the industry Sophie explains how they are a great opportunity to meet people in similar situations, bringing women together to connect and share their ideas. “In such a fast-moving industry it’s important to have as many chances to meet likeminded people, develop skills and ultimately inspire the next generation into farming through what we learn.”

If you are interested in finding out more about Women in Dairy, its local networking groups or the award please visit www.womenindairy.co.uk