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Government launches Farming Advice Service
Service to come online in New Year.

Agriculture Minister Jim Paice has announced the launch of a new service designed to collate all of the advice commonly required by farmers in one convenient source and remove the need to consult numerous organisations before achieving the desired result.

Defra's new Farming Advice Service will provide a single easy-to-use source for farmers needing information on subjects such as nutrition management, competitiveness, cross compliance, climate change adaptation and mitigation. The previous cross compliance advice programme will be replaced by the new Service. A central contact point to assist farmers in finding specialist advice on improving environmental and economic performance will also be available.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Paice said: “The current array of advice from numerous organisations is bewildering and this more integrated service will make access to help both faster and less complicated.”


The service will launch on 3rd January 2012. The helpline number for technical matters is 0845 345 1302 and the website will be accessible here.

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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.