Defra to increase payments for farm vet visits
© Tim Scrivener Payment rates for government-funded annual vet visits to farms in England will increase by 16% from 22 January 2026.
Funding will continue to be available as part of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare review and also for endemic disease follow-ups.
Defra says this increase reflects inflation and will help ensure farmers can continue to access support, while allowing vets enough time to provide a thorough service.
See also: NI farmers face mounting threat to vet med supplies
Livestock holders must have at least 11 cattle, 21 sheep or 51 pigs to be eligible for a visit.
Reviews typically cover animal condition, livestock housing, nutrition, water, biosecurity, and medicine use.
New payment rates
Funding for a pig review will increase from £557 to £648 from 22 January through the health and welfare review.
Sheep visits will increase from £436 to £574, beef from £552 to £647, and dairy from £372 to £447.
Increased funding will also increase for vet visits focusing on endemic diseases, with vets providing an individual tailored disease control plan for each farm.