Animal health reviews open to all English farmers in 2023
© Tim Scrivener Defra has announced it will open up the funding available for an annual animal health and welfare review from January 2023.
The annual health and welfare review is an option under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), but so far Defra has offered the reviews on a trial, invitation-only basis.
It announced in the summer that it was looking to recruit volunteers to test its plans for the scheme.
See also: Funding for farmers to test animal health and welfare reviews
This work began in September, with Defra making improvements to the process using feedback from the farmers and industry experts involved.
However, it now says it intends to open the review to all eligible farmers in January 2023.
Eligible farmers
Farmers in England who keep cattle, sheep and pigs are eligible for the scheme.
The review is designed to reduce endemic diseases, improve animal welfare, increase productivity and ensure veterinary medicines and vaccines are being used appropriately.
Farmers will be paid a standard rate of £522 for a beef cattle review, £372 for dairy cattle, £436 for sheep and £684 for pigs.
This money is to help to cover the costs of the vet visiting the farm, any tests for endemic diseases and conditions, plus a contribution towards the farmer’s time.
Initially, livestock keepers will be able to apply for a review of only one eligible type of livestock.
In future, where there is more than one eligible species, or if they are kept at different geographical locations, it may be possible to have more than one annual review.
Farmers can apply for the review even if they choose not to enter any land into the environmental land management standards offered through the SFI.
Review details
Reviews are likely to last between two and three hours, and the priorities for them can be set between the farmer and the vet.
The vet will provide a written report with agreed recommendations and actions to improve the livestock’s health and welfare.
The report itself will not be shared with Defra, although there may be a requirement to share some of the information generated, for example, test results.
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