Bristol FAVS got off to a great start this year with a visit to a local progressive dairy farm milking on a rotary, it gave members a chance to see a well-managed, large scale enterprise producing milk for their own branded dairy products. Our first speaker of the year was Andrew Sheppy talking to our members about conservation genetics and safeguarding breeding populations for the future, his enthusiasm for rare breed poultry and Dexter cattle was infectious!
Teaming up with the Bristol University Zoological Society, Dr Natasha Boyland from compassion in world farming then came to speak to us about the interesting concept of one health, linking human/animal health and welfare with the environment. She also introduced their current campaigns in progress.
In late November we welcomed Caroline Murray from Elanco with her talk ‘Insidious BVD’ shedding more light on the current UK situation.
We finished the autumn term with the annual BFAVS Christmas quiz where we welcome young farmers from the local area to join us in some farm related festivities!
As we begin into 2016 BFAVS are focusing on developing a regular clinical discussion group with two events already planned for February, not forgetting the numerous talks and farm visits in the pipeline!