Every dairy production system has the ability to be sustainable based on its social acceptability and consumer trust says livestock sustainability consultant Jude Capper at this year’s Women in Dairy conference.
Dairy farmer, entrepreneur and NFU board member, Gemma Smale-Rowland will open this year’s Women in Dairy Conference to inspire the audience to take control of their own destiny. She is part of the stellar line up covering the theme of ‘Resilience and Emerging Opportunities’ on 18 September at Sixways Stadium, Worcester.
Over the past few weeks, Women in Dairy groups across the country have gathered for a brilliant series of regional meetings – and what a success they’ve been! Well attended and full of energy, these events brought together women from all parts of the dairy sector to connect, share, and inspire one another.
What a fantastic way to kick off the Women in Dairy Regional Spring meetings!
On Wednesday, 26th March, we had the pleasure of visiting Park House Farm in Cumbria, hosted by Jenny Lee (finalist for Dairy Industry Woman of the Year) and her family. Home to Torpenhow Cheese Company and Three Hills Gelato, the visit provided fascinating insights into their regenerative farming practices and commitment to producing premium organic cheese and gelato, (absolutely delicious!)
The 10th anniversary Women in Dairy Conference took place last week (Thursday 19th September) at Stoneleigh Abbey and welcomed women from across the industry to celebrate their successes and gain inspiration through a stellar line up of leading speakers.
The day was chaired by former Dairy Industry Woman of the Year winner and RABDF trustee Karen Halton. To see so many women in one room with a passion for the sector and their roles within it was really special said Mrs Halton. “The speaker line up to celebrate 10 years of Women in Dairy was spot on and the day was full of energy and positivity.”
Conference sponsor HSBC opened the day with a discussion session alongside Rachel Knowles from Trink Dairy, looking at Rachel’s initial inspiration, and how being kept grounded and taking things one step at a time had enabled her business to grow.
Interestingly, HSBC’s Interim Head of Agricultural Banking, Grace O’Dwyer, explained how, generally, people aren’t exiting the dairy industry because their financials don’t add up, but rather because of other, more complex, reasons.
An interactive session was hosted by Anne-Marie Welby – a specialist coach and facilitator with the goal of helping leaders, teams and individuals achieve their goals without negative stress. By utilising strategies of success mindset, emotional intelligence and resilience she is able to help others obtain their goals by putting vision, focus and intention at the centre.
“Change is constant and we must remember the change we want doesn’t happen by chance”, began Anne-Marie. “Everything that happens in the universe starts with an intention with everything being created twice – once in the mind and once in reality”.
Sarah Tomlinson, Lead Veterinary Science Expert at AHDB, incoming RABDF CEO Hayley Campbell-Gibbons, Herd Manager Charlotte West, and Dairy Farmer, Karen Halton sat on an interactive panel to discuss their inspiration in the industry and how they’ve broken barriers to get to where they are. Being female automatically seems to mean you have to prove yourself within the sector, but advice from the panellists was to make your own career path and use being female as a strength. “Realigning ourselves so we are not a position of threat, and rather a contact for advice, is a good way to mould your way in the sector”, said Mrs Campbell-Gibbons.
Self-proclaimed ginger, punk-inspired Maverick, Carol Glover is a world-renowned leader, keynote speaker, accredited senior exec and positive psychology leadership coach who cocreates with female leaders, entrepreneurs and organisation across the world.
By daring to think differently we open up a whole host of new opportunities that before would have been unimaginable. Whilst managers have always, dating back to pre-time, picked brains regardless of gender or race, evidence shows that women leave it too late to rate their effectiveness as a leader. Research however, tells a different story, with women being rated better than men on key leadership capabilities, explained Carol.
“According to a Havard Business Review report analysing 60,000 360-degree reviews, women outscored men on 17 of the 19 capabilities that differentiate excellent leaders from those average or poor ones in the 2020s.
“Further research also looked at the reasons motivating women for taking jobs – the top reason women would take a job is for a greater work-life balance and personal wellbeing benefits, compared to men whose top motivator was an improved income and benefits package.”
She explained: “With only you being able to create the best version of yourself it is paramount to remember that mindset fuels everything you do. We must also remember character is our foundation and curiosity moves us forward. To be able to move ourselves forward we must adopt a growth mindset which sees us persevere in the face of failures, accept criticism and be willing to learn. If we are unable to do this we automatically limit ourselves to a fixed mindset.”
The session also covered how we look to become better versions of ourselves – highlighting how boosting our “inner intrapreneur” allows us to lead change, overcome obstacles and ultimately deliver results. As part of the modern world we all find ourselves managing the juggle of everyday which means it is harder to connect and communicate at work. However, if we try hard not to fall short doing this and accept avoidance makes situations harder, we are able to build connection that allow us to move forward.
“To succeed you need to stop giving your power away and surround yourself with energy givers. Simple things like speaking up for yourself, maintaining alignment between what you feel and need and what you say and do, making sure you don’t design your behaviour to be liked, setting clear boundaries and being kind and compassionate to yourself are all ways in which we become true to ourselves.”
The conference also saw the announcement of the Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award, which was presented to Anna Bowen, a new entrant and Nuffield Scholar, who farms in a CFA with her husband. Growing up on a dairy farm Anna is no stranger to the industry, but with her brother in partnership with her father, it was never a career option. After meeting her now husband, she started work on the farm and in time was able to save enough money to invest in his business, of which she now owns a third.
I feel very lucky to have won the award which has previously been presented to women within the industry I hold a huge deal of respect for said Ms Bowen.
She said: “It’s a privilege to work in the dairy industry and I am grateful to have built a rewarding career as both a farmer and consultant. I feel I owe a large amount to progressive people who have offered me opportunities and shared their time and experience with me. Winning the award provides an opportunity to pay that forwards by showing what dairy can offer to women who want to pursue a career in the sector.
“It’s also a chance to say thanks to everyone who has supported me so far, I am hugely grateful to my clients, colleagues, and friends in the industry who have inspired me and set great examples.”
As well as delivering on the CFA Anna works as a consultant at The Andersons Centre, specialising in dairy and nutrient management planning. She is part of NFU Farmers for Schools and Farmertime, taking a live lesson for 20,000 primary school children as part of this work. She also became a Nuffield Scholar in 2020 and is now involved as a Trustee and as part of the Nuffield Cymru committee. Her small but engaged social media following allows her to share a more candid behind the scenes look into dairy farming and an insight into her consultancy work. Using her past and current experiences Anna aims to help other women, despite the obstacles they may face, carve their way into the industry, by being visible in situations that often women aren’t.
If you would like to become a Women in Dairy member and join hundreds of other likeminded women within the industry please visit www.womenindairy.co.uk for more information.
After receiving the most entries in the history of the award, this year’s Women in Dairy judging panel had their work cut out selecting a shortlist of finalists for the 2024 Dairy Woman of the Year Award, sponsored by HSBC.
Presented each year, at the Women in Dairy Conference, to an individual who goes above and beyond when it comes to demonstrating the connect, share and inspire values the initiative represents, the award celebrates the achievements of women in the dairy industry.
This year’s judging panel comprised of National Sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim’s Becca Cavill, Conference sponsor HSBC’s Grace O’Dwyer and RABDF Trustee and Patron of Women in Dairy, Di Wastenage.
“I was delighted to judge this year’s competition especially with it being the 10th anniversary of celebrating Women in Dairy”, said Mrs Wastenage.
“The calibre of the finalists was impressive and judging provides a genuine opportunity to hear how the industry has changed over the last decade, reinforcing the important role women have in the future of our dairy industry.”
The eventual shortlist comprised of Cumbrian farmer and regenerative trailblazer Jenny Lee, first generation farmer Lorna Burdge and new entrant and farm business consultant Anna Bowen.
Whilst all three women are without doubt an inspiration to the industry and their peers, they have three very different stories on how they embarked on their journeys, and ultimately got to where they are today.
Whilst Jenny Lee grew up on her family’s dairy farm she went on to pursue a career in teaching and it was not until her parents stepped back that she felt the pull to return. Whilst she and her husband Mark tried the original intensive system run by her parents, they soon realised that it wasn’t for them and began the journey to become a successful pasture-based organic operation. They are now leading the way when it comes to regenerative practices and are focused on showing how an agro-ecological farm is good for the land, wildlife, cows and its people. Jenny has also worked with RASE, land agents, local politicians and DEFRA employees to create 100 acres of wooded pasture on the farm. She regularly invites apprentices, groups and school children to the farm, plays host to large-scale events and has two active social media accounts for the farm’s cheese and gelato businesses.
As a first-generation farmer, Lorna Burdge has a passion to educate people on where their food comes from whilst showcasing the work that goes into food production. When she set out on her dairy farming career Lorna wanted to show how it was possible to run a successful business but still have time for her family – by running an efficient, low-input, block caving unit they are able to do this. As part of her pledge to educate others Lorna is involved in the NFU Schools Programme and Farmertime which sees her holding farm visits and calls with children. With the view that women in particular undervalue themselves, Lorna wants to champion the fact that everyone has something to give, and help others recognise this through the many things she does.
Anna Bowen, a new entrant and Nuffield Scholar, completes the line up of finalists. Anna grew up on a dairy farm, but with her brother in partnership with her father, it was never a career option. After meeting her now husband, who was in a CFA, she started to work on the farm, in time she was able to save enough money to invest in his business of which she now owns a third. As well as delivering on the CFA Anna works as a consultant at The Andersons Centre, specialising in dairy and nutrient management planning. She is part of NFU Farmers for Schools and Farmertime, taking a live lesson for 20,000 primary school children as part of this work. She also became a Nuffiled Scolar in 2020 and is now involved as a Trustee and as part of the Nuffield Cymru committee. Her small but engaged social media following allows her to share a more candid behind the scenes look into dairy farming and an insight into her consultancy work. Using her past and current experiences Anna aims to help other women, despite the obstacles they may face, carve their way into the industry, by being visible in situations that often women aren’t.
“It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm from all the finalists to support others entering the sector. They all highlighted the huge range of skills new entrants can bring and opportunities available and emphasised how growing in confidence and self-belief has been part of their own journey to success”, said Grace O’Dwyer, Deputy Head of Agricultural Banking, HSBC.
This year’s winner will be announced at the Women in Dairy Conference on Thursday 19 September. Details on this year’s tenth anniversary conference and celebrations will be released over the coming weeks. For further information please call 02476 639317 or visit www.womenindairy.co.uk
It is with regret that Matthew Knight has decided to leave RABDF to pursue a new challenge.
Matthew progressed from Event Director to Managing Director, leading the charity through a significant relaunch. Under his guidance and working alongside a dynamic team, Dairy-Tech has emerged as a globally recognised event for dairy innovation, drawing record participation. During COVID-19, RABDF continued to support the dairy industry and provided valuable insights to DEFRA on industry challenges such as milk tipping and the risks of reliance on overseas labour.
Under Matthew’s leadership, the RABDF team was recognised with awards for the Greenhouse Gas Emissions campaign ahead of COP 26 and launched the EN Award-winning Down to Earth event, spotlighting regenerative farming. As Matthew embarks on new ventures, his influence on promoting technological advancements and sustainability within dairy farming is recognised. We want to thank him for his 11 years of dedication to RABDF and the agricultural community.
Commenting on the announcement, Robert Craig, RABDF Chairman added:
“Initially as RABDF Events Director and latterly since 2016 as our Managing Director, Matt’s commitment and leadership will be a huge loss to the association. Speaking for the trustees, we wish Matt every success for the future and his career. With immediate effect I will be stepping in to manage the team at RABDF, assisting with our future activities, including the Gold Cup open day on 22nd May and the Down to Earth event at Grosvenor Farm on 3rd July. RABDF will now take this opportunity to review our future strategy. With plans already well advanced for Dairy Tech 2025 we look forward to welcoming the dairy industry to Stoneleigh Park in February next year.”
For more information please contact:
Robert Craig,
RABDF Chairman,
07776477802
robertkcraig@gmail.com
It was a full house for last week’s (27 Sept) Women in Dairy Conference, sponsored by HSBC UK, held at Churchfields Farm, Droitwich and organised by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.
The day included a varied speaker line up centred around driving diversity and sustainability. Organic dairy farmer Sophie Gregory, who farms in Dorset, explained alongside Debbie Wilkins – a farmer from the Severn Vale with a passion for regenerative practices – the different ‘roots’ you can follow when it comes to embarking on your own regenerative pathway into the industry.
Sophie explained how heathy soil ultimately leads to healthy cows, milk and consumers which is a mantra the farm stand by in their bid to be a circular business.
“To become as relatable as possible we need to be highlighting our relationship with our cows – showing our farms in real life – if the public are aware of the great life they have and the care they receive, it takes away the stigma around these animals eventually entering the food chain.”
By getting out there and talking about what I do I am educating people and explaining how learning from our mistakes is an effective process says Ms Wilkins. “With this in mind get your team off farm to events to learn about how changes can be implemented regardless of system type.”
She continues: “Introducing a team to change is challenging but my advice would be to start by looking at your soil to understand what you have physically got. It’s always sensible to try anything new on your youngstock as this brings less risks than if you were to do it on your milking herd.
“It’s also important that staff are aware of the wider benefits of certain practices, rather than just the regenerative angle, for example, how planting a cover crop before maize makes the maize easier to get into the ground.”
Have you ever thought about diversity in agriculture? Or is it something that hasn’t really crossed your mind? You wouldn’t be in the minority if the latter rings true, that’s according to Navaratnam Partheeban (Theeb), a farm animal veterinary surgeon and co-founder of the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, who says the agricultural and dairy sector is the least diverse of its type in the UK when it comes to people.
In a thought-provoking session Theeb explained how history shapes our behaviour around diversity today. Off the back of a bursary Theeb was able to work alongside a colleague to investigate ‘racism together in mental health’ and find out exactly how much diversity is in the industry.
Only 0.8% of Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority backgrounds are involved in agriculture. If every one of us made a change then we could make a bigger systemic change on top of that from individuals says Theeb.
Theeb went on to explain how racial harassment is difficult to discuss if you are the targeted party. “It’s a complex web of systems where negative behaviour creates an unconscious bias which creates a stereotype and then prejudice, leading to discrimination.
“In order to move forward we need to accept we have a problem then look to educate ourselves on this before engaging and working towards inclusion. By understanding the UK and its population, particularly that outside of the farmgate, we will ultimately be able to familiarise ourselves with minority backgrounds to overcome the issues surrounding diversity.”
RABDF Council Member and dairy farmer Karen Halton chaired the day and said it was a pleasure to see so many women come together for a day of networking and knowledge sharing.
“With women a fundamental part of our industry it was great to see so many of them making the effort to get off-farm for the day. Playing a pivotal role in many businesses they are key in driving our sector forward.
“I hope everyone who came along on the day found the speaker sessions as informative and inspiring as I did – with plenty of thought provoking facts to take home with them.”.u
AWARD WINNER
Hannah Rose was named the winner of this year’s Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award. A 4th generation farmer who is making her own path by living and working as an assistant herdsperson at the Usk Prison Dairy Farm, passing on her knowledge and rehabilitating inmates.
Hannah’s fellow finalists were Sarah Devon, an area field manager for NMR (and relief milk recorder!), a regular milker on a dairy herd of 135 and volunteer facilitator for Devon Women in Dairy and Emma Hunt, first generation dairy farmer, operating a micro dairy in Hampshire.
The award, sponsored by HSBC, aims to celebrate the achievements of women in the dairy sector and is presented to the individual who has demonstrated the core values of Women in Dairy of connect, share, and inspire.
With the odds automatically against women in the industry, Hannah is busting these barriers daily, using her skills and knowledge to, quite literally, transform lives.
On top of her job at Usk Prison she documents all aspects of her farming life to help educate the wider public and has built up a following of over 10k followers on her Instagram account.
“I am extremely honoured to be presented with such a prestigious award and am earnestly grateful for the recognition I have received,” says this year’s award winner, Hannah Rose.
She added: “I’m aware that every other nominee for this award is doing an outstanding job within the industry. I just hope I can set an inspiring example and continue to be an advocate for women in dairy through increased visibility.”
The annual Dairy Women of the Year Award, run as part of RABDF’s Women in Dairy initiative, has announced its three finalists for this year’s competition with the winner announcement set to take place at the Women in Dairy Conference on Wednesday 27 September.
Presented to someone who demonstrates the Women in Dairy core values – connect, share, inspire – in their everyday activity, the award recognises the contribution of individuals to the sector.
As ever, the award attracted some top-level nominations from a diverse variety of women working in the dairy sector says Women in Dairy manager, Romany Marshall.
“It’s clear to see from the nominations we receive just how many women are going above and beyond for the benefit of others in the sector and this year’s finalists are no exception.”
Sarah Devon who is an area field manager for NMR, a regular milker on a dairy herd of 135 and a volunteer facilitator for Devon Women in Dairy, was nominated because of her drive for positive change and passion for helping and supporting others around her.
From a non-farming background Sarah has earnt her role by sheer determination, standing resolute in the face of adversity, starting out as volunteer help on-farm, securing a receptionist job at a vets to becoming a vet tech and most recently taking up a permanent position at milk recording company NMR. Self-confessed at never being content with where she is, Sarah advocates dairy farming in everything she does, sharing her positive outlooks on social media, to ensure her messages reach and resonate with as many people as possible.
A fourth-generation beef farmer, finalist Hannah Rose would openly admit her love for dairy has only evolved over recent years. After leaving the industry and then returning, once realising her passion was with farming, Hannah now finds herself in a unique role – assistant herd person on a prison farm. Her position allows her to rehabilitate prisoners through her knowledge of dairying, demonstrating on a day-to-day basis the benefits of working with animals.
Whilst being a woman puts her in the minority where she works, Hannah has witnessed that whilst it has its difficulties it also comes with its benefits with prisoners taking instruction from her and relating to the nurture and care she shows the cows and calves. Hannah’s positive farming messages are shared with her 10k-strong Instagram following, where she wants to be recognised as an advocate for the industry and helping those looking to break into the sector.
Emma Hunt is another finalist who does not derive from a farming background. Finding her pathway into the industry through young farmers the first time Emma saw a cow properly was during a stockjudging competition. Fast forward some hard-earned work experience and a job on a mixed estate predominantly looking after dairy youngstock, Emma has set up her own dairy, with her micro-herd now housed on a 35 acre, tenancy, council starter farm.
Knowing how difficult her pathway to dairying was, Emma welcomes work experience students to her farm, and enjoys educating the wider public by hosting open days – including Open Farm Sunday. Whilst she hit many hurdles surrounding sexism, she now uses her experience as a platform to ensure those who want to be a part of the industry take every opportunity that comes their way, opening doors to as many people as possible.
Tickets for the conference can be purchased at www.womenindairy.co.uk with concessions in place for Women in Dairy members. More information on the day, including speakers, can also be found online.
The Dairy Industry Woman of the Year Award has been won by many influential women involved in the dairy sector and is coveted by many others working in the industry.
With nominations open for this year’s award, we look back on our most recent winner Lianne Farrow, to see how her connection with the award has influenced her and her most recent decision to travel to New Zealand to work in dairy farming on the other side of the world.
Lianne openly admits winning the award happened at a crossroads in her life when she was feeling lost from the pressures of juggling life as a mum and the pressures of being involved in the day to day running of the dairy farm. Finding career progression and branching out within the industry is something she’s found difficult, with options limited, for women raising a family whilst living on a working farm.
Lianne explains how winning the award gave her the confidence to believe in her capabilities and continue with a career in the dairy industry.
This is reflected in her family’s decision to now move to the other side of the world, taking an opportunity to farm in New Zealand, thousands of miles from home.
She explains: “The confidence I’ve gained from the award will help me when meeting others and I’m really looking forward to connecting with New Zealand’s Women Dairy Network.
“With the role of women crucial to the industry, groups and networks such as Women in Dairy, are vital in equipping women with the knowledge and confidence they need to continue their contribution to the sector.”
With the percentage of women in farming continuing to rise, and their roles recognised for their invaluable contribution, industry groups such as Women in Dairy play an integral role. Not only do they provide a space for women to share knowledge and learn they also give the chance to connect with other female advocates for the farming industry.
Lianne says she felt honoured someone had taken the time to nominate her for the award.
“If you’re reading this and you think there’s someone you know who fits with the Women in Dairy values of connect, share and inspire who is connected to the dairy sector in any shape or form then I’d encourage you to nominate them,” she urges.
“Even if you don’t win, just being nominated is a huge confidence boost, and you’d be surprised how much of an impact it could have when it comes to making a difference to somebody’s self-esteem on both a personal and professional level.”
The award aligns with the Women in Dairy values – connect, share, inspire – and nominations should reflect these qualities. If you know of an individual who demonstrates these values through their everyday work within the industry then we want to hear from you.
Examples of practice of these values could be how individuals connect with a wider audience through any channels such as open days, social media, discussion groups or schools; how they share their experience to enhance other people whether it’s employees, apprentices or external contacts; the way their positivity encourages others to try something new.
Nomination forms can be found at www.womenindairy.co.uk and all entries must be submitted by 28 July 2023. This year the award will be open to self-nominations.
The winner will be announced at the Women in Dairy Conference, taking place at Churchfields Farm, Salwarpe, on Wednesday 27 September.
Upcoming Women in Dairy meetings, taking place on 26 April, will look at how lean management can be used in calf health processes in a practical and transferrable way.
Kath Aplin and Becca Cavill, from national sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim, will discuss calf scour CPD and look at how the Gemba walk – a philosophy that improves efficiency and productivity – can be used to enhance processes that impact this on farm.
Becca Cavill, veterinary adviser, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, expands: “We’ll be looking at how to make processes around calf health more streamlined, specifically, in the case of scour and neonatal calves, around colostrum, calving and newborn calf management.
“The Gemba walk takes us through the processes currently used on farm, starting with the calving pen and following the calf’s journey from here until it is established within its group and environment, whether that be at a couple of weeks of age or weaning.”
Once completed, value stream mapping can be used to chronologically map out farm processes, being examined in small steps. These processes are then broken down into sub-processes, observations, responsibilities, waste and possible improvements. To ensure everyone is in agreement this should be carried out with all team members present, allowing input and investment in decisions.
Completing these steps allows a tangible solution such as SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) or 5S, a five-step methodology, that can be generated to standardise how the job is done on farm to ensure consistency and attention to detail which is key to giving calves the best possible start, making them resilient, strong and productive.
The events will run concurrently with one held in South Gloucestershire and the other in North Shropshire.
Each session will be chaired by a Women in Dairy facilitator who play an integral role within the initiative.
Caroline Groves, principal consultant, Promar International, who chairs one of the Midlands group, will be facilitating the day in Gloucestershire. “We have a wide variety of people from different backgrounds that attend the meetings and it’s important to remember everyone is welcome. The initiative creates a great networking group, not only through face-to-face meetings, but with email and social media, where anyone can ask questions and enjoy the support from others within similar situations.
She continues: “I’d encourage anyone unsure of attending to come along, not only for an informative session, but for an insight into Women in Dairy meetings and what it has to offer.”
Please visit www.womenindairy.co.uk/events to book your place. Tickets are free for Women in Dairy and RABDF members and cost £15 for non-members. The sessions will start at 10:00am and lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Delegates at this year's Women in Dairy Conference in Worcestershire on Wednesday (28 September) got a glimpse into the financial payments English dairy farmers could receive as part of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway.
Financially rewarding farmers is one of three pillars making up the pathway, which involves a multifaceted approach to improving farm animal health and welfare.
Fran Edmunds, Head of Animal Welfare Schemes and Labelling at Defra, explained the four funding programmes for farmers delivering health and welfare improvement as part of the pathway.
They are:
1. Animal Health and Welfare Review, launching this autumn. This will fund up to three hours with a vet to discuss animal health and welfare issues of the farmer's choice. This could include diagnostic testing, advice on the use of medicines or signposting to other financial support. Farmers will be paid £372 at the standard payment rate.
2. From 2023, Animal Health and Welfare Grants will become available to support investments in equipment, technology and infrastructure that promote health and welfare priorities. This could include better calf housing, ventilation, improving cow comfort and cow tracks, for example.
3. Disease eradication and control programmes. From 2023 funding will be available for diagnostic testing, vaccination programmes, as examples.
4. Payment by results. This will be introduced by 2025, with trials starting next year. Their focus, she said, would be on supporting farmers who want to take further steps to improve the lameness of their cattle. Plans are to provide financial support on a voluntary basis to help motivate and incentivise improvement.
Priority areas for dairy include:
BVD eradication and control. This will launch in 2023 and will fund farmers to conduct a BVD-focused biosecurity assessment with follow-up advice from animal health professionals. Farmers will work with their vet to plan the most appropriate actions.
Improving lameness and mastitis rates.
Upgrading housing to improve health and welfare and improving welfare at pasture.
When the review launches, farmers will be able to apply on the Defra website.
Ms Edmunds said: "We have worked with industry to co-design a pathway that will help farmers drive improvements in animal health and welfare."
For more news from the Women in Dairy Conference, sponsored by HSBC, and to find out how to become a member www.womenindairy.co.uk/
About Women in Dairy and RABDF
Women in Dairy is an RABDF initiative, designed to bring women working in the dairy industry together through regional discussion group meetings. The aim is to connect women, share knowledge, develop skills, and inspire by encouraging innovative thinking and vision for the future of UK dairy.
RABDF is the sole UK charity focussed on the unique needs of milk producers. They are the only dairy organisation holding a Royal Warrant, with the influence and access to funding that brings.
