Veterinary students get hands-on at farm academy

The fully funded farm academy has been praised for its emphasis on real-farm scenarios and the chance to put theory into practice.

This year’s cohort of 16 student vets took the opportunity to increase clinical knowledge and gain skills on-farm, under the tuition of experienced farm vets Stuart Gough and Michael Head and their colleagues at Calweton Veterinary Group’s training facilities in Callington, Cornwall.

The academy workshop included simulated practical calving techniques, surgical anatomy procedures, fertility intervention and decision making as well as appropriate medicine selection and first opinion sheep and camelid vetting.

Students also gained hand-on experience during on-farm sessions with local farmers Avril Crabb and Hannah Price.

Ms Crabb explained why she wanted to offer students dairy farm experience: “I am very proud to be a dairy farmer so it was a great opportunity to showcase this industry as well as benefit the students with some handy tips when it comes to them going out on farm as qualified vets.”

“As with farming, there is a shortage of new entrants coming up into the farm vet industry. It’s really important farmers understand their influence on young vets and that by spending a little time with them, they are in fact helping them become great farm vets of the future,” she said.

“All students need to have some experience and have to start somewhere – we feel it’s an important thing to support them. We regularly see Calweton placement students here – its lovely to see them progress in their career.

“Our vets are always helpful and willing to give their time to talk to us, so it’s nice to do something for them,” she added.

University of Surrey student Becca Langford, who will graduate in 2025, says the experience has strengthened her passion for veterinary medicine and supported her studies.

“I’ve always wanted to be a farm vet and having attended the academy, I’m now even more excited to begin a career in large animal practice after I graduate.

“The academy was a great opportunity for me to practice skills such as aesthesia techniques that I’ve never done before and put theory from university into practice,” she said.

To find out more about the academy and to view photos, head to the VetPartners website.