Despite the frosty mornings it is starting to feel very much like Spring. It would certainly be good for all of us with forage stocks tight for many. It is pleasing to see finished cattle and cull stock prices strengthening.
Those that joined Liv’s lambing and calving meetings found them worthwhile, we plan to do these again as required so please register an interest if you are keen. We have a number of meetings coming up over the next month or so:
“Lambing discussion evening” on the 28th February at 7pm at Sedgemoor Auction Centre in combination with FarmSense. Heather will be presenting on care of the new-born lamb with other discussion on mineral supplementation etc. Buffet provided on arrival.
“Preparation of cattle and youngstock for turnout” on the 8th March 7pm, at the Surgery. Hot Buffet provided. This will cover dairy and beef cattle.
Please call the office to book your place on either of the meetings. If there is a subject you would like us to cover then please feel free to let us know your suggestions for meetings.
FREE MONEY!! We have finally received some more information on the The Annual Health and Welfare Review; this is a funded annual farm visit, and initially only BPS (Basic Payment Scheme) eligible farmers will be able to register. To be eligible for a review a farm must have one of the following: 11 or more beef or dairy cattle, 21 or more sheep, and/or 51 or more pigs. More information about eligibility and registration – https://apply-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply/register-your-interest
As with all these things there is a fairly standard format but there is a reasonable amount of latitude to cover any health aspects you feel would be worthy of further investigation or discussion. The payments are £522 for a beef cattle review, £372 for a dairy cattle review, £436 for a sheep review and £684 for a pig review. Obviously we are keen that this money is utilised and the health of the animals under our care benefit.
You may have heard of the DEFRA funded farm consultancy through the Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). This has been designed to provide business support to farmers during the early years of the Agricultural Transition, for a future without BPS. I have been made aware that Promar are offering this service, you can find out more information here: https://promar-international.com/future-farming-resilience-fund/
I thought that stock issues were starting to sort themselves out but I seem to spend more and more time tracking down various medicines from around the globe to keep products on our shelves. Unfortunately there is an issue with scabivax (orf vaccine) as the marketing authorisation has switched companies. I am hoping it will be re-launched in March. There are continuing issues with Heptavac-P we are seeing a tiny dribble of product but nothing substantial I am afraid.
I am promised Betamox and Ubrostar Red will return shortly but I am still struggling with Cat and Horse Vaccines!! I am pleased that I have managed to secure a job lot of Spirovac for lepto vaccination so please place your order for spring protection.