Guild Members have the opportunity to visit Germany and Holland on the first low-budget press trip of 2018 organised by the European Network of Agricultural Journalists.
A technically focused visit on 5-7 April will tackle the challenges and opportunities of dry cow management, and the roles played by feeding, housing and herd management.
The trip comes at a time when farming faces greater pressure than ever to reduce its use of antibiotics, amid growing concerns about resistance and the drugs’ continued effectiveness in human health.
Research shows how selective dry cow management – treating only those with high somatic cell counts – can reduce overall antibiotic usage.
Such treatment protocols require close attention to detail, precise and fast diagnostic tools, and a strong relationship between farmer and vet.
Hosted by VDAJ (the German Guild of Agricultural Journalists), this press trip heads to the thriving dairy region between Germany and the Netherlands.
It will include visits to laboratories, research farms, working farms, and a meeting with the managing director of MSD Animal Health at the company’s Boxmeer HQ.
Delegates will gain an insight into the planning of selective dry cow management.
They will see how German and Dutch vets are using modern mastitis treatment strategies, and how other factors such as housing can influence drug use and selection.
There’ll also be a closer look at the strategies being pursued in pharmaceutical circles to ensure a safer, more responsible handling of antibiotics in agriculture.
Thanks to sponsors, the all-inclusive price is €130.
Two includes nights’ accommodation, meals and transportation within Germany and Holland. Delegates must make their own way to and from Germany.
A full itinerary is available here.
Any agricultural journalist from ENAJ members and observer nations may apply for a place on the tour – but places are limited to one working journalist per guild.
To register your interest in attending, please email Adrian Bell at adrian.bell@agromavens.com by 3 March 2018.
The closing date for national guilds to nominate their members is 5 March 2018.
