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Milk price cuts "could be very serious" long-term
cows
The NFU is concerned that milk price cuts could be damaging long-term for the whole sector.
NFU calls for retailers and policy-makers to safeguard dairy farming

As falling milk prices have led to a series of recent protests by dairy farmers, the chairman of the National Farmer's Union's (NFU) dairy board is urging retailers, processors and policy-makers to protect the British dairy farming industry.

"The current global situation has led to a crisis for many British dairy farmers," said Mr Harrison. "Many are selling milk at well below the cost of production."

Last week Iceland became the latest retailer to cut milk prices. Mr Harrison said selling milk too cheaply "devalues the product in the eyes of consumers." He fears this will be damaging to the sector in the long run.

"While some retailers have made great strides forward to create clear and fair formulas in how they pay their dairy farmers, we are concerned that the long term impact of extremely low retail milk prices on the industry could be very serious for all concerned."

While the price cuts are resulting in a good deal for consumers, Mr Harrison said to retailers: "You must promise to ensure you fund those deals from your own profit margins and not take it from the pockets of farmers." Although some retailers have already promised this, "we need that promise from them all".

He is calling for UK and EU policy-makers to pull together to ensure dairy farmers can weather the storm. He says he will continue to meet with those policy-makers to determine what interventions can be employed and to continue work on the voluntary code that helps to ensure fairness between processors and suppliers.

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RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.