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Independent cattle practice launches in Wales
Richard Cumming and Lies Beekhuis.

The Cattle Vet aims to support the industry in a changing and evolving market.

A new independent cattle-focused veterinary practice has been launched in West Wales.

The Cattle Vet was founded by Richard Cumming and Lies Beekhuis to deliver veterinary services to farmers in Carmarthen, Newcastle Emlyn and Cardigan.

With extensive experience in cattle farming, the pair set out to create a practice that excels in one specific area. However, the practice is happy to service all livestock on farm.

Covering all aspects of veterinary work, The Cattle Vet’s services include pregnancy diagnosis, sick cows, emergency work and TB testing, with an understanding that preventative medicine is key for a farmer’s survival.

“We’re focused on being the best we can at cattle, working at the forefront of the cattle industry and anything dairy and beef related rather than trying to spread ourselves thinly across all farm enterprises,” explained Lies. “We want to work with forward-thinking farmers and support our industry in this changing and evolving market.”

Richard’s career was driven by his own experience of growing up in the farming community of West Wales. He qualified in 2016 and has been working in West Wales ever since.

Lies Beekhuis qualified in 2006 from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and has worked in practice and taught vet students in Carmarthenshire since 2010. She is a European and RCVS specialist in cattle and the partner of a dairy farmer who farms at Gilwen farm in Newcastle Emlyn.

Image (C) The Cattle Vet.

 

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.