LAST Wednesday, Endell Veterinary Group hosted a Farmers’ Question Time at Salisbury Livestock Market, when a panel of six agricultural experts answered questions from the veterinary group’s farming clients.

The panel comprised farm animal partner at Endell Keith Cutler MRCVS, Richard Young of The Sustainable Food Trust, Dr Andrew Paterson, AHVLA South East regional veterinary lead, John Elliot, NFU Mutual non-executive director, AHVLA pathologist Alan Wight and Minette Batters, NFU county chairman and co-founder of Ladies in Beef.

There was lively discussion all evening as the panel debated questions on subjects including bovine TB, encouraging young people to work in farming and antibiotic resistance.

In particular, Dr Paterson and Richard Young answered a number of difficult questions from the floor. Mr Young on many occasions offered an alternative viewpoint and managed to get his opinions across with both passion and empathy. Dr Paterson’s discussion on the holistic approach of the AHVLA to the control and eradication of bovine TB by working with all aspects of disease control was well-received by the audience, despite initial scepticism.

There were also a number of positive opinions on the future of farming and the opportunities available to the livestock industry. Ms Batters suggested that English farms should follow the lead of Scottish and Irish farms and brand their products collectively to gain a premium. Mr Elliot spoke of the increased standards of living across the world and how this will lead to greater consumption of meat and dairy products providing an opportunity for British farms.

In summary, the meeting was a success, so much so that the practice intends to build on the success of the evening with a second Question Time next year.