DNOMF Ambassador: Fraser Jones

All the units have been closed herds for about 10 years with youngstock and dry cows from all farms managed at dedicated sites. Fraser takes a proactive, team approach to animal health and welfare and disease prevention and has reduced antibiotic usage by 32 per cent in the last 12 months. He has monthly meetings with his father, herd managers and vet, Oli Hodgkinson of Trefaldwyn Vets and nutritionist, Roy Eastlake to review herd health and put actions in place to address issues.

Management practices which impact on health are also always under consideration such as improvement to housing and reviewing protocols. Issues which have been tackled in recent months include reducing the incidence of displaced abomasums (LDAs) by making changes to freshly calved cow’s feeding areas.

A change in the way cows are checked for bulling has also reduced cases of endometritis. The herds a vaccinated for IBR, leptospirosis and rotavirus. BVD has historically been the most problematic disease but by adopting an ongoing control strategy this is now under control.