This week, farmers received an email from the Red Tractor scheme about changes to the standards from 1st November. A summary of the key changes for beef and sheep are:
- Tethered housing systems will not be permitted. In the short term, derogations will be offered, and visits will be made to those still tethering their cattle.
- Farms will be asked how they are taking action to eradicate Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). This needs to be documented in a health plan and implemented. This new recommendation will become a full standard from October 2022.
- All farms with workers must have a written Health and Safety policy.
- At least one person on farm must have undertaken medicine training to help raise awareness of antimicrobial resistance and drive medicine use best practice.
- The health plan now needs to be signed, dated and reviewed annually by a nominated vet who should visit the farm at least once a year.
Note that the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2022 will include help towards the costs of an annual Health and Welfare Review including a visit from a vet.