Healthy turnout for Sheep Conference

Staged at the Glenavon House Hotel in Cookstown more than 120 farmers attended the Conference, which was entitled ‘Ewe’r Health: Ewe’r Wealth’.

Forming part of Parklands’ farmer learning programme topics covered ranged from infectious diseases to production management, with a special interest in Jaagsiekte and Mastitis.

Speakers on the night were Patrick Grant and Rob Lawrence from Parklands Veterinary Group and George Megarry from TGM Software, Hillsborough and the emphasis was very much on diagnosis, treatment and prevention with the importance of keeping and maintaining good flock records.

“In farming today training and the gaining of knowledge is more important than ever,” said David Mulligan of Parklands Veterinary Group. “Adding value is key and cost has to be measured with results in terms of enhancing performance.”

“It’s about identifying potential problems, maximizing efficiency and increasing profitability,” added Parklands Patrick Grant. “As a practice we are here to help. We endeavour to provide a service that is up-to-date with the current problems our clients face, including our new Jaagsiekte lung scanning service.”

A number of companies took stand space at the event and those participating included Ceva, Norbrook, Zoetis, MSD, NETTEX, Provita, HVS Animal Health, Merial, Elanco and the National Sheep Association.

A raffle was held with two lambing supply packs up for grabs and these were won by Ian Brown from Magherafelt and Jamese McCloy from Maghera.

The Sheep Conference is one of a number organised by the Parklands team this Spring. There was a Beef Suckler meeting at the start of February and before the end of March an Equine Conference will be held on Thursday the 23rd March with a Pig Conference on Wednesday the 29th March completing the series.

“We are very pleased with the support given to the inaugural Sheep Conference, both by the trade and farmers, and as a practice we look forward to further lending our support,” said Patrick Grant.