Farm Health Planning Project
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BPEX in conjunction with the NPA has secured Defra funding to develop Farm Health Planning further for you. During 07-08 BPEX will be working with vets to create or develop existing self-help producer groups that you as a producer can get involved with.
These groups will allow you to discuss the health issues relevant to you with your vet and other like-minded producers. For example, a group might decide to focus on one particular disease that is problematic, or take a broader approach to health issues. The subject matter discussed will be decided by the group and vet who will be facilitating the meetings.
This group approach will provide you with access to more veterinary time and other producers knowledge and experiences. Over the course of the year, you will be able to develop your herd health plans and implement changes that will have real and measurable benefits to the health and physical performance of your pigs. This will be achieved by:
- getting an understanding of your current health status
- pooling producer knowledge
- using the herd health plan as an evolving and up to date management tool
- making better use of tools like BPHS and ZNCP
- using funding for diagnostic testing
- utilising existing IT and new IT technology
If this approach to health management interests you and you want to become involved in a group please contact the KT team for more information. For wider information on Farm Health Planning across all livestock sectors, please visit the Defra website.