What do you find the most challenging part of being a farm vet in Wales?
It sometimes feels like I am the character “Mr Ben” from the childrens TV series – every time I walk through the door I am a different character! Sometimes I am your vet come to fix a problem, sometimes I am the dreaded wheelder of the TB callipers and how a use those tools will determine whether you are able to trade for the next 60 days. Sometimes I am here trying to do some proactive herd health planning whether you are in the mood for such advice or not, sometimes I am here because other agencies have requested my presence. Sometimes I just turn up on a quick swing by because I think you need the company.
It can be a very difficult line to walk, that between animal health professional,, advisor, assessor, friend, confident, advocate and all the other facets I have forgotten to mention. Communication skills need to be nuanced and eyes and ears always open to see and hear what is both said and unsaid.
What do you find the most rewarding part of your position?
My client base have made me the vet I am today. All the good days and especially the bad and ugly ones have given me the practical experience to build up my knowledge base and resilience. It is one thing to be stood on a farm in trouble but the bond created by standing by your clients and helping them to get through to the other side of adversity is very deep. I love nothing more than to see my clients doing well with good quality, happy, productive stock – if I am only needed for tea and a chat my work is done.
How do you see the role of the farm vet in the ever changing nature of the sector?
I feel lucky to have qualified at a time when there were still a number of smaller producers who were happy to call vets in for routine jobs often. I was able to get a lot of varied experience under my belt relatively quickly and also have the time to talk to farmers in different systems to get a real grounding in this multi faceted sector. . These days, fewer, larger and more professional units mean that it can be harder for new graduates to get a foot on farm and start to feel their way into the role of veterinary surgeon. I think there just seems lots more to have to explain to clients and schemes to bring them along on Johnes, BVD, TB, SFS – I think our job now is to emphasise the achievability of all the things required of them.
What do you forsee the future of TB to look like?
Bovine tuberculosis damages cattle and people in equal measure. The feeling of powerlessness of both the client and vet can be soul destroying. I would like to hope that work being conducted by the Pembrokeshire project may provide evidence to support the concept of “risk-based culling” of TB affected cattle, so that both production and biosecurity can be maintained and protected on restricted farms leading to clients feeling more empowered they can be part of the solution long term.
If you were to give one piece of advice to an aspiring vet what would it be?
Get stuck in and be keen! Nothing impresses people more than someone trying their best.
What inspires you to do more than just your role as a vet in Aeron Vets?
Farming never stops and so neither can veterinary work. My clients work extremely hard and juggle commitments 24/7 and so I will continue to do the same. Often you meet people who are at a low ebb in this job. I know things will get better, I want to walk that path with them until they see it for themselves.
What do you do to turn off from veterinary?
Child rearing and the associated circus of clubs, practices and events keeps me busy. I have really enjoyed becoming an active member of SE Fitness in Aberaeron – trying to future proof the battered body of an aging mixed practice vet and mother of two – only time will tell how successful I am.
