Gamekeepers get lowdown from vets
Selling more game meat is a priority for shooting estates. One veterinary practice is doing its bit.
WESTCOUNTRY veterinary practice has launched a lations.new accredited Gamekeeper Training Programme to help gamekeepers across the country to maintain standards and become certified under new auditing regu
With the new code from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs as the guideline, British Game Assurance (BGA) has implemented both the new set of shoot standards and the more recent Game Farm Audits.
The intention is to give customers confidence in buying game meat, knowing that the gamebirds have been well looked after. It will ensure any BGA-assured products will have been sourced from a supplier following best practice and with high welfare standards.
The Gamekeeper Training Programme, comprised of learning objectives developed by key members of the St David’s Game Bird Services team and leading members of the shooting and veterinary community, consists of three modules covering the three main phases of a game bird’s life:
Breeding Flocks and Hatchery Management
Game Bird Rearing – from day old to release
Game Bird Rearing – from release to shoot
Devon-based St David’s says attendees can expect to gain indepth knowledge of key aspects of bird health, management and equipment for each of the relevant life stages, with key debates in the industry also being covered as a part of the course. Moreover, whilst the programme will be delivered as a series of presentations, there will be extensive Q&A sessions to help address the huge diversity of experience between one game farm to another.
In addition, any attendees will have the option to take the modules on an individual basis, or all together, as a full three-part course. Upon completion, attendees will receive certified proof of training that will be recognised by any BGA Game Farm Auditor.
Discounts on ticket prices will be applied for those attending multiple modules and/or attending with multiple people from the same farm or shoot and the courses themselves will be taking place across the country throughout October:
Tuesday, October 19 – Winchester
Wednesday, October 27 – Tiverton
Thursday, October 28 – Salisbury
Liam Stokes, chief executive of British Game Assurance, said: “We are delighted to support any efforts to raise standards and spread best practice in the shooting sector. To reward the efforts of anyone taking up this opportunity, we are happy to offer shoots and game farms 20% off their next BGA registration upon completion of the training, whether they are new to the BGA or already participating in the scheme.”
Ben South, of St David’s Game Bird Services veterinary practice, said: “As the pressures on the game rearing and shooting industry to be fully audited continue to rise, it is important that we take a proactive approach with our farms and shoots to future-proof the industry.
“The BGA is making good progress in demonstrating to external bodies that our industry and the food we produce is to the highest of standards, as expected by the consumer. The courses we have developed are fit for audit accreditation and will help to guide gamekeepers and game rearers in best practice.”
‘As pressures on game rearing and shooting increase, we must be proactive’ BEN SOUTH, ST DAVID’S VETS