Dairy Event 2009: RABDF Farm Health Planning Award winners


Rachel Mather, a student studying Vet Medicine at the University of Bristol and Mark Price reading agriculture at the University of Reading have each received the RABDF Farm Health Planning Award sponsored by Ubrolexin.
 
Presented at the Dairy Event and Livestock Show, the award, introduced as part of the Farm Health Planning initiative was open to students studying agriculture and was the first time this year open to vet students.
 
The entrants were required to write a 1500-word essay demonstrating their understanding of proactive Farm Health Planning on dairy and beef units. They were asked to identify current barriers to adopting such a strategy and how to overcome those issues in their quest to improve herd health and profitability.
 
Winner Rachel Mather, 23 graduated from Bristol Vet School this year and is working for Coomfield Vet Practice, Axminster. Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Rachel said farm health planning was important for the future of dairy farming. 
 
“The biggest barrier to the future of dairy farming is being economically viable and with good health planning that is achievable.”
 
Mark Price, also a winner was unavailable to collect the award in person but judge John Sumner said Mark clinched the award by identifying the benefits of implementing a farm health plan on his family’s farm in conjunction with the farm vet.

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