Farm Vet of the Future Award

New for 2023, the Farm Vet of the Future Award recognised and celebrated the talent of the next generation of farm vets.

“We are pleased to have introduced the new Farm Vet of the Future Award,” said Paddy Gordon, director and farm vet at Shepton Vets, presenting the award.

“We asked final year vet students to share and demonstrate how they see farm veterinary practices developing with a piece of course work, as well clearly explaining what they think a farm vet of the future looks like.”

Winning the Peter Clark award, Nottingham University vet student Heather Hemingway-Arnold, impressed the judges with her Masters dissertation on investigating the use of technology and production data to predict lameness in dairy cows. And gave a detailed insight as to what she believed to be the farm vet of the future.

“She showed great insights and self assurance in presenting to the judges. She really has a good grasp on the future role of farm vets; supporting high UK animal welfare, providing training to farmers and practising evidence-based veterinary medicine,” said Mr Gordon.

“She also demonstrated adaptability, and had a clear understanding of the importance of working within a vet-led team to improve animal health and the efficiency and sustainability of production.”

On winning the award Miss Hemingway-Arnold said that what was most important to her was to be a true champion of agriculture. “I’m thrilled to have won the award – it’s a shock, I didn’t expect to win,” she added. “For me the farm vet of the future encompasses practicing veterinary medicine and using progressive research and technology in the best possible way to support the growth and sustainability of livestock production.

“And being active in the support of education, mental health and community.”

Runner-up Aiden Coe – a student at the Royal Veterinary College – mapped out the future of the farm vet as a custodian of the farming industry. “Aiden showed a consideration to how farm vets can actively promote agriculture’s place in modern culture,” said Mr Gordon.

“He also showed great ingenuity in his work using infrared camera technology to identify lameness location in cows, and determination to take his research forward.”

On receiving his award Mr Coe also expressed a keenness to promote more activity in education around agriculture. “I am very happy to receive the accolade – it’s great to receive the recognition,” he said. “I feel very strongly about education; a lot of the problems the sector faces with perception comes from a gap in public education. I want to be more involved in making change and I believe this award will help me in my endeavours.”

Both our chosen winner and runner-up are exemplary, added Mr Gordon. “Each are expecting their final examination results in the coming weeks, and we wish them the very best of luck as they start their professional careers.”

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