Emergency document allows farmers to outline stock care during Covid-19 crisis

An emergency document has been produced to allow farmers and crofters to outline plans for looking after their stock should they fall ill during the coronavirus pandemic.

The document, which has been created by SAC Consulting on behalf of the Scottish Government’s Farm Advisory Service, allows farmers to record the names and numbers of key contacts such as vets, feed representatives and contractors.

It also has a section where farmers can provide additional information like the location of stock in isolated facilities, such as outlying sheds and over-winterings, when lambing or calving is due to start, and the location of the farm’s medicine cabinet.

SAC principal consultant Chloe McCulloch urged farmers to complete the document as soon as possible.

“The key to success this year, regardless of the type of farm, is to have a robust plan and to take some time now to think through what you would do and who you would phone in the event you or members of the team become unwell,” she said.

“The template won’t take long to complete and will ensure that if you become ill, your livestock can still be cared for.”

She said the template document can be downloaded from the FAS website at fas. scot/publication/farmemergency-plan/

Farmers are advised to ensure it is kept somewhere that is accessible to all staff, such as the farm office.

Ms McCulloch said additional templates allowing farmers to record sector-specific information were also available on the website, along with additional guidance and information.

This includes a link to rural charity RSABI’s free and confidential helpline – 0300 111 4166.

Chloe McCulloch