Benefits of Animal Health Plans Highlighted at Free Workshops

The benefits of effective animal health planning will be highlighted at a series of free meetings for livestock farmers being held around Scotland over the winter months.

The events, which are being organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), are open to QMS Assurance Scheme members and will discuss how effective health plans can help improve farm efficiency. The meetings will also explain the animal health planning requirements for farm assessments.

The first workshop will be held at Caledonian Market in Stirling on Wednesday 5th December and the second will be held in Dingwall Market on Thursday 6th December.

The workshops will be led by Jackie Burgess, QMS Brands Integrity Advisor, who is looking forward to emphasising the importance of health planning and the implications that it can have on a farm’s business.

She said: “Improving animal health planning will not only improve livestock health and welfare but can also improve farm efficiency and the bottom line of a business.

“These events should prove valuable and timely for livestock farmers as they plan for the year ahead.”

Ms Burgess will be joined by a farm assurance assessor at each of the events, who will be available to answer any health planning or assurance related queries from the assured farmers who attend.

The workshops will also provide updates on the QMS Cattle and Sheep assurance scheme for the forthcoming year, including the addition of an alternate bedding material in light of straw shortages and also guidance on changes to waste control.

Places for these events are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Each workshop will begin at 11am and should finish at approximately 1.30pm. Lunch will be provided.

To book your place (and lunch!) for any of the workshops or for further information please contact QMS on 0131 510 7920 or email info@qmscotland.co.uk