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Calls for First Milk to reverse price cuts
Milk
"If everyone works together as an industry I am confident that the Scottish dairy sector will see market benefits both at home and overseas."
Scottish minister meets with First Milk CEO

Scotland's rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead has urged First Milk to reverse milk price cuts as soon as possible.

Disappointed with the recent price reduction announced to all dairy farmers, Mr Lochead met with First Milk CEO Mike Gallacher to discuss the most effective way to move forward.

Following the meeting, Mr Lochhead issued a statement calling for First Milk to reverse the reduction 'as soon as they are able to do so'.

He added that in order to get the dairy industry back to a place where it can look forward to a brighter future, a streamlined approach would be needed.

"If everyone works together as an industry I am confident that the Scottish dairy sector will see market benefits both at home and overseas," he said.

"Scottish dairy products are up there with the very best in the world and our dairy farmers and processors have a proud tradition of excellence and quality in their products. That is why I want to launch a Scottish dairy brand – by making it easier to identify dairy products that were made here in Scotland, we make it easier for shoppers to choose local options and support their farmers.

"If we all work together to do our bit – retailers, shoppers, the public sector, processors and farmers – we can look forward to a day when the top sellers of dairy in Scotland are the ones made in our country.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.