Basic HTML Version
F A R M S K I L L S
SPRING 2010 ISSUE
Glenthorne Veterinary Group
- 2nd December 2009
Calf Rearing
In December 2009, we ran a very
successful FarmSkills calf rearing course,
in conjunction with Tom Chamberlain of
EBVC, on a local dairy farm. For this
course there was a mix of both Dairy and
Beef farmers with two of the participants
enrolling after seeing the adverts in the
Farming Press. One farmer travelled from
Herefordshire 70 miles away for the day!
There was a presentation by Tom on the
essentials of calf rearing, emphasising the
importance of colostrum. This was followed
by a farm walk to show how the host farm
rears its calves and a discussion on the
farm’s own colostrum management protocols
which aim to control both infectious scour
and Johnes disease. The feedback on the
day was that the participants were going
to look at their colostrum management.
What I particularly like about the FarmSkills
training concept is to be able to supply the
training needs of our clients 'in house', on
appropriate topics, which they can suggest.
John Cammack
Opposite:
Roger the calf rearer on the host farm, testing colostrum.
Kingsway
- 18th November 2009
Dairy Cattle Housing
Kingsway Veterinary Group held a
dairy cattle housing workshop on 18th
November at Manor Farm, Rylstone, by
kind permission of the Caygill Family.
We invited John Hughes as our guest
speaker for the workshop. The focus of the
meeting was to discuss dairy youngstock
housing and respiratory disease. 13 clients
attended; mainly dairy farmers but some
dairy heifer rearers - this was an ideal
number to get a good discussion and
participation from the attendees. The farm
provided an ideal venue due to the range
of traditional and modern buildings there.
After a brief introduction to the subject, we
walked around the farm buildings with John
giving excellent practical advice on pros
and cons of the different types of housing
and practical solutions to the problems
faced. Smoke bombs were let off in each
shed - providing a clear demonstration of
the ventilation (or lack of it!). We received
very good feedback from those who
attended - with many taking home practical
tips which they will put into place on their
farms. This was clearly demonstrated on
the host farm; Jonathan Caygill attended
the cubicle design workshop which we
ran in July and showed the attendees
the successful cubicle and feed trough
alterations which he has made following the
earlier meeting - a clear demonstration of
the benefit of attending a FarmSkills course.
Julia Moorhouse
Bishopton Vets
11th November 2009
Staff Management
Fiona Keane from Pearman Learning came
to give four delegates an insight into how
to get the most out of staff on the farm and
how to maximise their potential. Arguing
that over the course of employment, a
farmer could spend up to £500,000 on his
staff, Fiona challenged the delegates to see
how they could get the most out of this
expensive investment.
Delegates were asked to fill in forms before
they came on the course to evaluate how
they thought they behaved as a manager.
On the day, these skills were explored as
Fiona challenged the farmers to think about
how they communicate to staff, how they
delegate tasks, how they deliver effective
feedback and how they could plan to put
the learning into practice back on the farm.
All delegates who attended the course have
expressed a desire to have 'part two' in a
couple of months, to see whether they have
been able to put their skills into practice, to
share experiences with their fellow course
members and to find out what the next
steps are in growing as a manager.
Sophie Throup
For more information, please contact
Sophie or Mina in the FarmSkills office:
T:
07748 805497
E:
farmskills@xlvets.co.uk
W:
www.farm-skills.co.uk
FARMS K I L L S OF F I CE
LIVESTOCK MATTERS
20