Dairy farmer killed by bull while TB testing

A dairy farmer has been killed by a bull as he tested cattle for TB on his Shropshire farm.


Father of two Adrian Owen, aged 33, was conducting routine testing on cows at Ashwood Farm in Whitchurch last Tuesday (3 December) when it is understood he was fatally injured by a bull.


West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the farm shortly before 1.15pm.


A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “Crews administered advanced life support at the scene and during the helicopter flight to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire which had been put on alert.


“Despite those best efforts, he was confirmed dead at hospital.”
The local community paid tribute to a “top young farmer” and “hard working family man”.


Philip Wynn, who farms within two miles of Mr Owen, said: “Adrian was such a hard-working and diligent man. It’s a real tragedy.”


His vet Rob George, of Nantwich Veterinary Group, described his death as a “catastrophic loss”.


Mr George added: “Adrian was a hard-working, incredibly enthusiastic. His enthusiasm was contagious. He was probably one of the top young farmers in the area, if not the country, without a shadow of a doubt.”


Mr Owen was previously a tenant farmer in Welshpool, Powys. But he moved to Shropshire two years ago having purchased the 97ha (240 acre) dairy unit.


Associates said “transformed” the farm over a short period of time, putting up a new shed, and they said he wished to increase cow numbers to 300.
 
“He was totally committed to his family and his farm. He was a great man, who was very well respected in the area for what he has done in the short space of time on his farm.


“For someone of his ability to be killed in the prime of his life is a tragedy,” said Mr George.
The Health and Safety Executive and West Mercia Police are investigating his death.


A post-mortem has been held and Shropshire’s senior coroner John Ellery opened an inquest today (9 Dec), which will be adjourned to a future date.


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*This is an updated version of the original article