FOUR new awards have been launched by VetPartners to celebrate farmers who are making a difference to both animal health and reducing the environmental impact of production.
Vets from the veterinary and animal healthcare group’s farm practices will be invited to nominate their farm clients for the awards.
VetPartners Farm Director Ian Cure said: “These new awards are designed to celebrate excellence in farming from our clients across the VetPartners group, whatever the farm species.
“We want to showcase and celebrate outstanding farmers who are leaders in animal welfare, sustainability, and responsible medicine use.”
The award categories are:
- Environmental Impact Award – to celebrate farmers who are leading the way in biodiversity, emissions reduction, regenerative agriculture, or sustainable land management
- Health and Welfare Award – to recognise farmers who, in partnership with their vets, are implementing best practices – from disease prevention to responsible breeding – to improve livestock health and welfare
- Responsible Use Award – to celebrate those who are committed to reducing antibiotic and anthelmintic use, while maintaining high herd and flock health
- Farm Health Champion Award – to celebrate farm teams who work closely with their vet practice to drive improvements in health, productivity, and business sustainability
Ian added: “The impressive work done by farmers up and down the country to improve animal health and welfare, while taking into account the environment, warrants recognition and these awards provide an opportunity to do that.
“By rewarding those who have made on-farm improvements, in collaboration with their vets, we hope to inspire other farmers and also fly the flag high for British agriculture, showcasing the industry as one at the forefront of animal health and welfare, environmental sustainability, and responsible use of medicines.”
A shortlist for each award will be drawn up in April, after which farmers in the running for the awards will be interviewed before the winners are announced in May.