Vet-Farmer communication: a roundtable discussion

Fiona has over 20 years’ experience working in veterinary and animal health, in both marketing and technical roles with leading global pharmaceutical companies. In addition to providing consultancy services, she is currently studying for a Master of Research degree with the University of Nottingham, looking at nonverbal communication between vet and farmer.

Owen has experience of the dairy industry worldwide, having worked, lectured or studied in UK, NZ, USA, Europe, Iran, India and Africa. What makes Owen stand out is his enthusiasm and depth of knowledge of the dairy cow, coupled with his talent for communicating complex subjects in an accessible way.

Abi Reader is a 3rd generation dairy farmer milking 200 cows all year round just outside Cardiff, Wales. The farm has an ambition both better antibiotic usage and to reduce carbon footprint through teamwork, improved management, use of technology and various trials and pilots. The farm generally hosts between 8-12 school and placement students every year. Off farm Abi is involved in a number of groups an organisations including Chair of NFU Cymru Dairy Board and Chair of CHeCS (Cattle Health Certification Standards). She is a proud farmer host of Open Farm Sunday and co founder of CowsOnTour, a voluntary group of farming industry individuals who go into schools to Tell the Farming Story.