An eye to the future for farm vets

Earlier this year, I was invited back to Bristol Vet School to give a lecture to Farm Animal Veterinary Society (FAVS) Congress 2023. While there, I spoke to lots of enthusiastic students about their career aspirations. The congress took place shortly after National FAVS had launched their report: ‘Why are UK vet students choosing not to become farm vets after graduation?’ (Owen, 2023). The report made me consider conversations I have had with the students on final year rotations at work and at the FAVS Congress, and our role in inspiring and supporting the next generation. This does not just relate to extra-mural studies but also how vets and the profession are presented in all forms of media.

Over 40% of students surveyed in the FAVS report did not feel represented within the farm animal veterinary sector, with the second most commonly reported reason being that they came from a ‘non-farming background’. I am proud to have entered this profession from a non-farming background, as have many of my colleagues, so why does this perception about our sector remain? Can we champion this more both to students and more widely to the public?