Lambing Meetings 2024
posted on Wed, 10 Jan 2024
It is (or nearly is) lambing time! With our annual lambing meetings, we aim to give you the best possible guidance and support to prepare you for ,hopefully, a straightforward lambing period.
We are holding two lambing meetings, one in Melton Mowbray and the other in Market Harborough to allow accessibility for all. Full details of locations will be given closer to the date of the event.
Places are limited, so be sure to contact our Melton branch on 01664 567481 (option 2) to...
Well done Robyn!
posted on Tue, 5 Dec 2023
Robyn is now officially an ATT!
After completing all of the necessary training and passing the assessment, Robyn is now able to carry out statutory TB skin testing of cattle. We are extremely proud of Robyn for completing this next step and adding to her lengthy list of skills and services!
Image is of Robyn meeting Robyn the cow!
The Welland Sheep Meeting
posted on Tue, 5 Dec 2023
The Welland Sheep Meeting - 10th January, 7pm at the Buttercup Tearooms, Billesdon, LE7 9FE
We are very much looking forward to be participating in this meeting organised by Manor Farm Feeds! Our vet Rebecca will be discussing the potential issues sheep farmers face this coming lambing season.
George Cook and Amelia Rome from the Anderstons Centre will also be presenting and will share information and tips on how farmers can potentially replace the basic payments through various funded schemes available.
The final speaker is Guto Jones from For Farmers. Guto is a...
Join Our Smallholders Club!
posted on Tue, 28 Nov 2023
Join the new FVS Smallholders Club!
The Smallholders Club is perfect for those who may be new to owning livestock or for those who want to improve their knowledge and skill set. We aim to create a local network for like-minded people to share and gain knowledge. For only £20 a month, you will have access to a number of benefits to support you and your livestock.
Membership to the Smallholders Club includes:
- Annual vet visit*
- Six faecal egg counts per annum
- Three seasonal meetings...
TB Update: Post-Movement Testing
posted on Thu, 16 Nov 2023
It is that time of year again when the TB diary starts to get very busy! We kindly ask that you be organised and book in any tests with as much notice as possible so we are better able to fulfil your requests.
Post-Movement Testing: As of the 1st August 2023, cattle moving from higher TB incidence areas of England and Wales into the annual surveillance area of England are now required to undergo post-movement testing. Since then, APHA have kindly been sending reminders to carry out such testing when required. From the 1st December 2023, APHA will no longer be sending these reminders...
Bluetongue - Stay Vigilant
posted on Wed, 15 Nov 2023
Following on from recent news stating a new strain of Bluetongue had been identified in Europe, unfortunately a single cow has now tested positive for Bluetongue (BTV-3 strain) in Kent. A 10km temporary control zone has been declared around the premises where the animal was kept. Movement restrictions apply to cattle, sheep and other ruminants.
We seriously urge you to remain vigilant for...
Smallholders Training Day
posted on Tue, 31 Oct 2023
Join us for an on-farm practical training session for all smallholder clients! We aim to show you tips and techniques for managing your livestock and introduce you to our new smallholders club! The session will be led by Jess Hulse, lead of the new club. It is free of charge and will be held on the 10th November near Oakham. Full details of time and location will be given upon sign up. Places are limited so be quick to book your spot!
Unable to attend...
Vet Attestation Requirement
posted on Mon, 23 Oct 2023
Following changes in EU legislation, from 13th December 2023, all producers selling livestock to slaughter must have had an annual on-farm veterinary visit to allow their animals (and/or part of any animals i.e offal), to be exported out of the UK.
Unless producers have evidence of a membership with a qualifying assurance scheme, they will require a Veterinary Attestation certificate to certify that a annual on-farm visit has taken place. The visit is to verify the absence of notifiable diseases and provide general advice on farm biosecurity, meeting EU requirements. Included on the...
Housing Cattle To Do List
posted on Mon, 16 Oct 2023
With cattle due to come in for the winter, let’s think ahead about the husbandry tasks that will need completing. Housing is an excellent time to carry out many tasks that aren’t so simple during the grazing period. Here are some of the things you may include on your own to-do list.
- Herd Vaccinations
- TB Testing
- Pregnancy Diagnosis
- Parasite Control
- Trace Element Investigations
- Weight Checks & BCS
- Assess Feet
With a list this long, the key is to be prepared! Keep reading for more detail on our suggestions...
Respiratory Disease Plans
posted on Fri, 6 Oct 2023
Ahead of autumn housing, now is a good time to get a respiratory disease plan in place to give your herd the best possible defence this period against calf pneumonia.
Maintaining a well-ventilated, draught free environment plays a vital part in preventing respiratory disease taking hold. Ensure stocking levels are correct.
Vaccinations can play an important role in protecting a herd against the infectious agents that cause respiratory disease. The most appropriate vaccination protocol should be discussed with your vet.
Lungworm are particularly prevalent in autumn and...