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Ian's Island Marathon A Healthy Success

SAC News Release Ref. No: 10N16
Published: 26 Feb 2010

Ian Pritchard, SAC Beef Specialist and Health Scheme Manager, has just completed a marathon tour of the isles. In two weeks he spoke at meetings across Tiree, Islay, Lewis and Harris explaining what disease can do to the profitability of livestock production.

His visits to the farmers and crofters in the isles followed an equally hectic schedule on the mainland, linking Castle Douglas with Fort William, Aberdeenshire with Oban and then on to Skye.

Ian’s tours, mainly funded by the Scottish Government under its Veterinary and Advisory Services programme, have been well supported by farmers and crofters.  A key feature has been the involvement of local veterinary practices and SAC veterinary specialists which have offered additional expert advice on problems like Johne’s Disease and BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea).  Both of these can cripple businesses so their control is foremost in the minds of many producers, particularly as they see the sales success of BVD free cattle.

An additional driver of SAC’s livestock health initiative is the fast approaching deadline for farm support applications, the so-called IACs forms, which must be completed by 15th May.  Funds for animal health are available under Option 23 of the Land Management Options which is the Animal Welfare Management Programme and enters its second year in 2010.

According to Ian Pritchard, this is an excellent opportunity for farmers and crofters coming to the end of the previous five-year Land Management Contract Scheme and who are wondering what to do next. The new AWMP is non-competitive and gives producers a great opportunity of financial incentives to tackle the problem areas affecting livestock productivity and profitability,

“With a minimum of three options to pick from a list of ten there is something to suit everyone,” says Ian Pritchard. ”The first step is to discuss requirements with your vet and agree the actions to be taken. But do it well in advance of IACS time so that your option for AWMP and the relevant actions can be entered in the application.”

SAC, in conjunction with NFU and veterinary practices, has organised a series of awareness meetings across Scotland.

  • Ring 2, Thainstone Mart - March 8th
  • MacLeod Suite, Dunblane Hydro - March 9th
  • Lomond Hills Hotel, Freuchie, Fife - March 10th
  • Gannochy Suite, Dewars Ice rink, Perth - March 11th
  • The Shinty Club, Portree - March 15th
  • SAMS Dunstaffnage, Oban plus video link - March 16th to Campbeltown and Lochgilphead
  • Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries - March 17th
  • Western House Hotel, Ayr Racecourse - March 18th
  • Cross Keys Hotel, Kelso - March 24th

All start at 7.30pm. 

For further information on the AWMP, farmers and crofters are urged to contact their own veterinary surgeon or Linsay Eaglesham SAC ( tel: 0131 535 3130) or Ian Pritchard SAC 01467 625385. Please book your place at the meeting by phoning 0131 535 3130.

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News Release Contacts

SAC Contact

Mr Ian Pritchard
Health Schemes Manager
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work FBS, SAC, Thainstone,
Inverurie
AB51 5WU
TelWork 01467 625385
MobileWork 07970691726

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News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

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