All course content is developed in conjunction with Nadis (the National Animal Disease Information Service) and delivered by participating veterinary practices across Wales and the interactive workshops will be available either in regional group workshops in face-to-face (maximum duration of three hours), or online.

Matthew Evans of Pembrokeshire-based Fenton Vets, one of the firms that will deliver the training, explains that the aim of the new module is to help all sheep farmers improve and maintain animal performance and productivity .

“Special emphasis will be placed on disease awareness and prevention, as well as the importance of record keeping, to assess lamb performance and aid in production and management decisions,” Evans said.

This workshop will focus on withdrawal management, identification and management of infectious diseases, parasite control and nutrition – but health planning, biosecurity and responsible use of antibiotics and anthelmintics will also be an integral part of each workshop.

“We need all farmers to understand the basics of the economics of raising lambs for fattening or breeding, and the importance of weighing lambs and recording ewes’ body condition to facilitate withdrawal decisions.

“This training will cover all the key factors that should influence weaning management decisions, even though these may need to vary from year to year depending on the body condition of the ewes, the availability lambs’ feed and growth rates, and will also help them set realistic goals. ”

To find out which veterinary practices will be offering the training modules, and for locations and dates, visit the skills and training section at gov.wales/farmingconnect or call your local development officer.