Farming

BTB vaccination programme not producing benefits

Published

11 years ago

June 27, 2014

LEADING experts on bovine TB met in Cardiff this week for a major international conference.

The VI International Mycobacterium bovis Conference was hosted by the British Cattle Veterinary Association and will take place from June 16 to 19. Attendees discussed the wide-ranging themes and issues associated with bovine TB control throughout the world. Carl Padgett, chairman of the conference and a former President of the British Veterinary Association, said the conference would build on the success of the last conference which was held in Wellington, New Zealand, in 2009. Mr Padgett said: “The antipodean feel of the last conference was influenced by the success stories of local control programmes identifying pointers for policy development and further research required in attempting to deliver similar successes in other countries. “This conference provides the contrasting backdrop of increasing bTB prevalence in British cattle herds where there is a need to apply the results of such research in the formulation of policies that must lead to practical, deliverable programmes.” A new theme that has been added to this year’s conference will look at the practical delivery of disease control programmes and will feature examples from New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and Wales. Other topics that will be covered during the conference include progress in TB control, diagnosis, vaccination, wildlife reservoirs, and policy legislation and regulation. “This is an exciting programme offering something for everyone with an interest in bTB. It maintains the original values of the M bovis Conference that have seen it grow into the globally significant event it has now become,” Mr Padgett said. The Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales, Christianne Glossop said: “TB is one of the most serious animal health issues faced in Wales, and we have a commitment to eradicate this disease once and for all. “We recognise that eradication of bovine TB from Wales is a long term objective, and that new innovations across a range of disciplines including diagnostics, vaccination and genetics will come on line as we progress towards our goal. We stand ready to embrace new technologies as they become available, as we work in partnership with our farmers, the veterinary profession and others working in the agricultural industry.” Dr Paul Livingstone QSO of New Zealand will address the conference on how his country has successfully reduced the incidence of bovine TB. “New Zealand has focussed on eliminating TB from the main disease source, possums. Wild animals are the cause of around 70 per cent of new cattle and deer herd infections in TB risk areas,” said Dr Livingstone. He will discuss the measures used in New Zealand to control the disease, which have led to the national pest management plan’s objective of eradicating TB. “The three-pronged approach of wild animal control, disease management and movement restrictions has made significant progress in our battle against TB. As a result, New Zealand’s tactics in managing the disease are considered world leading,” said Dr Livingstone. With little taste in the political classes for controlling wildlife as a disease vector, the Welsh Government is halfway through a £4.6m badger vaccination scheme in North Pembrokeshire. Interviewed by the BBC ahead of the conference, Christianne Glossop said: “The reduction in north Pembrokeshire is in line with the national reduction, so right now, we have no evidence that the vaccination programme in badgers is delivering an additional benefit.” Before going on to claim: “We’ve completed two years and we’re now well into year three, and so the results are by no means available yet.”

Crime

Farmer cleared of restraining order breach at Haverfordwest court

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A PEMBROKESHIRE man has been found not guilty of breaching a restraining order after being accused of referencing a protected individual in a Facebook post.

Philip Stoddart, 58, of Monkhill Farm, St Ishmaels, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Jan 20) to face the charge. The prosecution, led by Ann Griffiths on behalf of the crown, alleged that between December 4 and December 13, 2023, Stoddart made a Facebook post that, by inference, referred to a person he was prohibited from contacting under a restraining order imposed by Swansea Crown Court on April 16, 2021.

The restraining order, issued under Section 360 of the Sentencing Act 2020, barred Stoddart from making any form of contact with her.

Prosecutors argued that the Facebook post constituted a breach of the order, contrary to Section 363 of the same act.

Stoddart denied the allegations and entered a not guilty plea during a prior hearing on October 1, 2024.

Magistrates Professor N. Negus, Mr. J. Steadman, and Mrs. J. Morris presided over the trial, which concluded on Monday.

After reviewing the evidence, the bench found Stoddart not guilty, dismissing the case.

The dismissal brings to a close legal proceedings that had been ongoing for over a year.

Farming

Get up to £5,000 for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

FARMERS in Wales are being called to apply for the next round of funding for on-farm trials.

The Farming Connect initiative, which has funded projects such as growing lucerne in Brecon, is inviting applications for the Try Out Fund.

The new application window opens on January 27, 2025, and will run until February 17.

Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund trials that experiment with new ideas on their farms.

The last round of funding supported several projects, including integrated pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry enterprise.

Menna Williams, the Farming Connect project lead, said: “Farming Connect has developed the Try Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment.”

She added: “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.”

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

Ms Williams said: “Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100 per cent effort right from the start.”

Projects should focus on enhancing production efficiencies and profitability while ensuring environmental protection through adherence to sustainable land management principles.

A guidance handbook is accessible on the Farming Connect website, providing support for farmers in outlining their projects and completing the application process.

To apply, individuals must be registered with Farming Connect and capable of finishing their projects by January 2026.

Ms Williams explained: “Funding can be used for technical assistance, sampling, testing and other reasonable expenses such as those relating to short-term hire of specialist equipment or facilities directly relating to the project.”

The findings will be shared with other producers in Wales by collaborating with a Farming Connect team member.

Interested parties can apply on the Farming Connect website.

To receive the link or get further information, contact [email protected].

Farming

Funding window to re-open for on-farm trials in Wales

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2025

Tom Sinclair

WITH Farming Connect-funded trials ranging from growing lucerne in Brecon to establishing sunflowers as a companion crop with maize, farmers are being invited to apply for the next round of funding from the initiative that brought these projects to life.

The new application window for the Try Out Fund opens on 27January2025 and will run until 17 February. Successful applicants will be awarded up to £5,000 to help fund on-farm trials that experiment with new ideas. The last round of funding saw farmers supported for several projects including integrated pest management at pick your own strawberry enterprise.

Project lead Menna Williams of Farming Connect said the aim is for farmers to compare different treatments or management systems – the project is not intended to fund new equipment she stressed.

“Farming Connect has developed the Try-Out Fund to address specific local problems or opportunities with the aim of improving efficiencies and profitability within agricultural businesses whilst protecting the environment,’’ she said. “There are many changes on the horizon for agriculture, and now is a great time for farm businesses to explore an idea that could benefit them, allowing farms to tackle ‘real’ problems or check if a research idea works in practice.’’

The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers and/or growers in Wales who have identified a local or specific problem or opportunity.

“Because these ideas are initiated by farmers themselves, they are really passionate about them, giving them 100% effort right from the start,’’ said Ms Williams.

Suitable projects must aim to improve production efficiencies and profitability whilst protecting the environment by aligning with sustainable land management outcomes. A guidance handbook is available on the Farming Connect website to help farmers scope their project and complete the application form.

Applicants must be registered with Farming Connect and be able to complete their projects by January 2026.