Herd Health Plan gives farmers a positive step to a brighter future

Farmers from Carmarthenshire with passion for their herd and sheer determination have ensured that they face the future in good stead by taking advantage of the herd health support offered by Menter Moch Cymru.

Martin and Nicola Dickenson of Pasture Perfect, Esgair farm in Llanpumsaint have seen a considerable difference to their pig herd – and farm’s finances – since implementing a Herd Health Plan.

The herd health plan gives pig producers the unique opportunity to lift herd profitability and performance by improving their herd health, and through Menter Moch Cymru eligible pig farmers in Wales can access 100% funding towards their own herd health plan, as well as tailored advice to help improve the health and productivity of their herd.

Nicola Dickenson said: “The herd health plan was a brilliant opportunity for us.  It has been a positive step in the right direction. It has given us a fantastic starting point so we have a clear idea of where we are now and the health status of our pigs.”

The plan fosters a close working relationship between farmers and vets, creating a strategy tailored to the individual farm and herd’s needs.

“It was fantastic to have a discussion with the vet regarding our herd.  I used to keep pigs and hope for the best that everything was going to be ok.  After the vet’s visit, a detailed advisory session and receiving the results from the herd’s bloods samples, we were able to target preventative treatment and have better focus on production.

“Today we know the challenges the pigs are facing, and going forward we are making better decisions for our herd as well as benefiting financially.”

Nicola Dickenson added:” I am so happy with the pig’s performance.  I used to sit and think, ‘am I doing everything as I should?’, but after completing a herd health plan I am much more confident, and I know that I am doing the very best for our pigs.”

“I would encourage all pig producers to establish their own health plan, and to certainly take advantage of the 100% funding from Menter Moch Cymru. It was such an easy process.  It is a positive step in the right direction for pig herds here in Wales.”

The Menter Moch Cymru project is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 -2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Elin Haf Jones, Menter Moch Cymru Development Officer, said, “The aim of the Herd Health Plan is to improve herd health, disease control, and pig welfare. Ultimately this leads to an increase in farm efficiency, profits, and sustainability.

“The process includes veterinary consultation and herd health screening for a range of diseases; as well as advice on vaccination, biosecurity, and breeding performance.

“It’s brilliant to see pig keepers like Nicola Dickenson utilising the funding and support available from Menter Moch Cymru. Especially when we hear of the positive impact its having on farm.”

In addition to this, over the past 3 years, Menter Moch Cymru, in partnership with the Wales Veterinary Science Centre, Animal Health Services and Iechyd Da, have been delivering bespoke CDP training for Welsh Vets to ensure they are confident and knowledgeable on how to carry out a herd health plan for a pig enterprise. The CPD training will be delivered once again this year.

The primary aim of a herd health plan is to promote animal wellbeing by managing identified health problems so that they can be controlled by prevention. Better animal health leads to improved herd profitability and performance and a more sustainable busine