THE aim of the RDPE northwest livestock animal health planning programme is to make significant improvements to the health and welfare of the region’s livestock and to contribute to farm business profitability and product quality.
The programme is available to all farmers in the North West region, for dairy, beef, sheep, pig and poultry enterprises. The health plan will be produced by your own veterinary surgeon (providing they participate in the programme), in partnership with a specialist technical adviser from SAC or its delivery partners.
Participation in the animal health and welfare planning programme is an essential requirement in identifying and justifying RDPE performance grants for livestock health and welfare investments. The initiative started in May 2009 and will run until March 2013 unless the target of 2000 plans is delivered before this date.
What is involved?
The process will involve an assessment of health issues on your farm and identification of the key problems. After discussion with your vet and livestock adviser, a programme of actions will be agreed, developed and documented in the health planning programme. In addition you will be able to undertake sampling to identify diseases / conditions that may be present on farm and are having a negative impact on animal health and welfare. Sampling may include blood or milk screening, faecal testing or analysis of forage or soil samples to the total value of £250 per farm.
What benefits will I receive?
- An interactive, web based health plan for the main enterprise on your farm
- Veterinary surgeon time in preparation of the plan
- Specialist adviser time in preparation of the plan
- Up to £250 worth of sample analysis
How much will it cost?
The cost of the plan is partly funded by the RDPE Northwest Livestock Programme. Participating farmers will pay £160 (plus VAT) for the whole plan.
How do I register for the programme or find out more?
Contact SAC on 08456 040 535 or email ian.cairns@sac.co.uk with your name, address, telephone number, holding number and farm veterinary practice.
