Íæż½ã½ã

VIDEO: 8 top tips to help farmers through the stress of TB

Well-known dairy farmer Abi Reader knows all too well the stress that TB testing can bring. Here are her top tips on how to deal with it.

clock • 1 min read
VIDEO: 8 top tips to help farmers through the stress of TB

TB testing can bring on a lot of stress. 

Abi Reader, a dairy farmer from Wales, gives us her tips on how to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of it all.

 

  1. Communication is key - there are occasions where you will have to open letters from or make a phone call to The Animal and Plant Health Agency. If you do not want to do this, you do not have to. Someone else will do it for you - friends, family, advisors or contact a charity.
  2. Share what is happening with the rest of the team - a problem shared is a problem halved.
  3. Remember you are not alone - other people are going through it and know how you are feeling.
  4. As hard as it is, try and not dwell on it - go to the pub, see a friend, or do some sport to take your mind off it.
  5. Pull in as much help as you can - Abi says she tries to time it with school or university holiday times as students are willing and want to gain experience. Íæż½ã½ã are also glad of the help.
  6. Go online to the TB hub - this has useful advice.
  7. If you are feeling really down, take some time out - this does not come naturally, says Abi, but she has a favourite spot on the farm and watches the sun go down.
  8. Use those farming charities - You do not have to feel suicidal, says Abi, just to make a phone call. They are there to help.

More on Livestock

New test for malignant catarrhal fever

New test for malignant catarrhal fever

A new test for malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) is now available from the Agri-food and biosciences Institute

clock 14 October 2024 • 2 min read
Quick turnaround key to success of beef finishing business

Quick turnaround key to success of beef finishing business

Growth rate monitoring is the cornerstone of a beef finishing system run by Dylan Jones and his family in Menai Bridge, Wales

clock 12 October 2024 • 7 min read
Preventative calf health key to finishing system success

Preventative calf health key to finishing system success

A focus on the careful sourcing of calves, while working closely with the farm vet has helped the Wilkinson family adopt a preventative approach to their calf rearing system

clock 11 October 2024 • 7 min read