Red Tractor dairy scheme reworked in UK
Following recent consultation a revision of Red Tractor Assurance standards have been agreed for the dairy sector which will come into force on 1 October in the UK.
The changes require a greater involvement for the vet in the Herd Health Plan review, as well as the introduction of key cow-welfare indicators and the recommendation that farmers mobility score the herd on a six-monthly basis.
Vet Oli Hodgkinson from Trefaldwyn Vets says, “The involvement of a vet in the Herd Health review (if not the whole Herd Health Plan) is essential for any farmer looking to get the most out of their cows and longevity. By being independent of the farm I can hopefully identify some emerging issues that maybe someone who works with the cows day-in, day-out might not. It is a great opportunity to chat through how [the farmer] might deal with different issues. I can use my experience on how changes have been successful on other farms for the benefit of my client”.
From the 1st October the review of the Herd Health Plan must include input from the vet. The farmer can still produce the Herd Health Plan themselves but when conducting the annual review the vet will need to review the health and performance data and relevant records relating to mastitis, lameness, culling and mortality data as well as viewing a random selection of cows in milk and other stock where appropriate. Recommendations can then be made for improvements and changes to the Herd Health Plan.
Lameness is recognised as one of the most serious animal welfare issues affecting dairy cattle. Therefore, from October, Red Tractor will be recommending to its members that every six months they mobility score at least a sample of the herd to try and reduce incidence of lameness.
Red Tractor Assured farmer, Ben Beddoes says, “I think the new Red Tractor requirement could bring [farmers] real benefits to their businesses”.
To improve communication with its members, Red Tractor has rolling out a farmer-focussed e-newsletter.
For further information on the dairy changes visit www.redtractorassurance.org.uk/dairy or email [email protected]
