The first day will focus on the expanding role for veterinarians as trusted advisers and consultants to farmers with the focus on increasing farm productivity by driving efficiency and profitability as well as improving environmental outcomes.

A keynote presentation during these sessions will be from well-known commentator Alison Dewes, who will talk on “Agriculture and the Environment 2015 and Beyond”.  Alison, a veterinarian, is lead consultant for Headlands, a growing agribusiness consultancy that specialises in helping farmers design their farm systems with the future in mind (optimal profit, minimal footprint).

Other speakers on Wednesday June 3 include Richard Wild from the Ministry for Primary Industries on veterinary input into the Red Meat Profit for Partnership – the $65 million programme driving sustainable, long-terms profits for New Zealand’s red meat sector.  Richard will discuss the veterinary role, not just in helping farmers adopt best practice behind the farm gate, but also the profession’s roles in food safety assurances, biosecurity and animal welfare.

Veterinarian Mark Bryan will talk about the swede related deaths in dairy cattle last winter in Southland. Thursday June 4 sees a range of more technical papers and discussions on issues like Massey’s Working Dog Centre’s current research projects and a topical presentation from Ivan Holloway on Real time Foot and Mouth Diseases training in Nepal.

The highlight on Friday June 5, before lunch, will be an interactive debate on animal welfare.  Topics will include dehorning cattle, disbudding calves, tailing lambs, post velveting pain relief and the role of the National Animal Welfare Advisory Council.  Jeremy Leigh, Greg Chambers and John Smart will be among the debaters.