Farmers help train next generation of farm vets to tackle UK-wide shortage  

Now in its third year, the VetPartners Farm Academy is run in partnership with four of the veterinary group’s practices – Calweton Vets, Rosevean Vets, Penbode Vets, and Cornwall Dairy Vets – and in collaboration with farmers who open their gates to show the next generation how theory translates into on-the-ground veterinary care.  

The VetPartners Farm Academy is run for fourth- and fifth-year veterinary students to give them a ‘taste of life in the profession’, as well as an opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical skills.  

‘What’s written in a textbook doesn’t always work on the farm’

Fourth-generation farmer Adrian Coombe, who runs Dupath Farm in Callington, Cornwall, has hosted Farm Academy students every year since its launch in 2022 and says their enthusiasm is a welcome sign for the sector.  

He added: “What’s written in a textbook doesn’t always work on the farm. Practical experience is so important, so when the students ask questions about how to do things in a farm setting, it’s really good to see.  

“There’s a shortage of farm vets in the UK, and yet, we need them, so they need all the support and encouragement we can give.”  

The collaboration explained that participation of farmers is essential for the long-term impact and success of the Farm Academy scheme, and the continued involvement of farmers like Mr Coombe highlights how mutually beneficial the outcomes can be.  

‘Great job insights’

Danny Fegan, a veterinary student at University College Dublin who attended the academy this year, said: “The Farm Academy gave me a great insight into the practical side of being a farm vet, from cow fertility to calving and breeding management. 

“I was already set on becoming a farm and mixed practice vet, and being on-farm helped to give me a greater understanding of the role.   

“It was good to speak to new graduate vets who gave us an insight into what it is like working in a farm practice, the challenges they face and the support that is available.”  

With Zoetis publishing an industry white paper showing farm vet numbers continuing to fall, initiatives which encourage and support aspiring students are vital to ensuring the future of veterinary care for farming communities, the VetPartners Farm Academy team said. 

The team explained that the academy is a practical solution to this challenge, creating a pipeline of graduates with the theoretical and practical experience required to make a valuable contribution to the profession.   

The Farm Academy has already reaped a rich harvest of vets, some of whom are working in VetPartners farm and mixed practices across the UK and Ireland. Find more info here. 

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