On 7th February Defra announced the launch of the Review, the first step in the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
What’s the Review? The Review is a funded annual vet visit to a farming practice. During the visit, the vet provides the farmer with bespoke advice on how they can maintain or improve their animal health and welfare standards. They will also carry out some diagnostic testing for endemic diseases. Read more about the Review in the latest blogpost.
I’m a farmer, how can I apply? If you are interested in a funded vet visit and are a BPS eligible farmer with more than 11 cattle / 21 sheep / 51 pigs, you can register your interest by following this link: Annual health and welfare review of livestock (defra.gov.uk)
I’m a vet, what do I need to do? If you think that one of your farming clients might be interested in a free vet visit, let them know and recommend they sign up! In the meantime, watch our recent webinar for vets on the Review and read the Q&A document for vets HERE
The next round of the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund
On 9th February, Defra published guidance for the new round of the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF). This is the first step in the process and it will be followed by the opening of the application portals.
What is FETF? The fund offers grants for farmers, foresters and growers (inc. contractors to these sectors) of sums between £1,000 and £25,000 to go towards the costs of farm equipment from a set list. In 2023, the equipment on offer will fall under two themes: productivity and slurry as well as animal health and welfare. Read more about the 2023 fund in the latest blogpost.
What should I do now? To prepare for the opening of the application portal, read the guidance and find out what items Defra will fund.
When are applications open? Applications for productivity and slurry equipment will open later this month, and applications for animal health and welfare equipment will open in March.