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Thousands of farmers march in London
big ben
The 'Farming to London March' was organised by campaign group Farmers for Action.
'Celebration of farming' offered a chance to promote key concerns

Farmers marched the streets of London in their thousands yesterday (23 March) to celebrate the importance of farming and highlight key struggles facing the industry.

The 'Farming to London March' was organised by campaign group Farmers for Action, who say it is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 farmers took part.

Traffic was forced to stop as farmers marched past Trafalgar Square to No. 10 Downing Street, where they handed a letter to David Cameron, according to Farmers Weekly.

At the forefront were cows and sheep from Belmont Farm, one of just two remaining farms in the capital.

Dairy producer Ian Thomas set off for London at 4am from his home in Carmarthen, in order to draw attention to the need for better milk prices. He told Farmers Weekly: "We are not farming to make a lot of money but we do expect to be paid a fair price."

Another marcher, arable farmer Paul Cary, had travelled from Somerset. Low milk prices forced him to leave the dairy farming industry last year.

"We need fair prices for farmers. The government needs to stop us losing money - it isn't just dairying, it is all the farming sectors right across the board," he added.

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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.