Health of county’s cattle on the agenda

The North East NFU has joined forces with local vets, the British Veterinary Association (BVA), the newly formed Animal Health and Welfare Board, Eblex and DairyCo, to put on the free event, starting 7pm.

Jonathan Statham, a partner of Bishopton Vets at Ripon, will outline the results of a Nidderdale survey which exposed a high undiscovered incidence of BVD (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea), as reported in these pages – see http://tinyurl.com/cmsmc4m/

Carl Padgett, president of the BVA and a past member of Defra’s TB Eradication Group, will outline recent developments and thinking about TB control in non-endemic areas.

Finally, the meeting will hear from Richard Davis, a member of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board, the body discussing Defra’s proposals for sharing the responsibility and costs of disease control.

The event is sponsored by the Churches Rural Commission and Eblex and includes a buffet supper.

All welcome. Contact the NFU office at York, on 01904 451550, to book a place.

n Cattle and sheep farmers are invited to find out about getting the best from their fields at a Reseeding Day on Tuesday, May 1, at Headley Hall, Tadcaster, LS24 9NT.

The day is organised by the British Grassland Society, EBLEX and DairyCo, with the support of the British Society of Plant Breeders, the National Institute of Agricultural Botany and The Arable Group of agronomy researchers.

“It’s an opportunity to get expert advice on all elements of reseeding and will include the launch of the 2012 Recommended Grass and Clover List,” says the announcement. There will also be a trade fair and refreshments.

Speakers will cover the arguments for reseeding and choosing methods and varieties. Call Hellen or Sandra on 0870 609 1840 or email [email protected]/