Local vet nominated for national award
The work of a Cheshire based vet in support of British agriculture has been recognised with a nomination for a prestigious national award. Neil Howie - a partner at the Nantwich Veterinary group, which operates from a purpose built veterinary hospital on Crewe End Road, as well as practices in Crewe, Hurleston and Market Drayton - has been shortlisted for the Livestock Advisor of the Year category at the Farmers Weekly Awards. This category, which is sponsored by Silotite®, the market leading brand of silage balewrapping film from bpi.agri, hopes to recognise those who have made an outstanding contribution to the UK’s livestock farming community. Neil has worked tirelessly to change the emphasis in livestock farming towards health management, rather than purely health treatment. By acquiring a detailed understanding of his clients’ stock, he aims to provide a consultancy service based on complete packages of advice that relate aspects of feeding and housing to health and fertility. In particular, Neil is an advocate of the need to invest into farm buildings. He believes that improving the environment in which cows live is crucial to managing herd health. Neil’s dedication is such, that in conjunction with a colleague, he has created his own computer programme. Dairy Cow Watch is a soon to be launched tool which will be invaluable to feed consultancies, veterinary practices and livestock farmers. Speaking of his nomination, Neil said: “To be shortlisted in the Livestock Advisor of the Year category at the Farmers Weekly Awards is brilliant news for me and for the practice as a whole. It’s always great to receive recognition and even more so when it comes not from your peers but from the industry you serve. However, I can’t take all the credit for the Nantwich Veterinary Group’s innovative approach to livestock health management. A whole team has been involved in its development and its continued delivery.” Louise Aplin, Marketing Manager from award sponsor bpi.agri, added: “As part of our commitment to British agriculture bpi.agri is proud to once again be sponsoring the Livestock Advisor of the year category at the Farmers Weekly Awards. As a business that strives for excellence we are delighted to be involved in recognising this quality in others. “The work of Neil and his fellow finalists has been a crucial element in the success of all their clients’ businesses, and has made a major difference to both British agriculture and to the livelihoods of individual farmers. We wish him the very best of luck.” The results of the Farmers’ Weekly Awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 7 October 2010. ENDS IMAGE: Neil Howie.jpg CAPTION: One of the best in the business. Locally based vet Neil Howie has been shortlisted for the coveted title Livestock Advisor of the Year at the 2010 Farmers Weekly Awards.
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