Building relationships

Irecently had the pleasure of hosting our first in-person meetings for farmers since the outbreak of COVID-19. With great satisfaction I observed the animated conversations among our beef cattle clients. Gathering farmers in a group and engaging in discussion with them is, for me, one of the best parts of my job. I see the benefit of holding meetings for farmers as threefold: first, building community between farmers, and between vets and farmers; second, an opportunity to guide and inform those working on the frontline of animal welfare; and third, increasing job satisfaction and reward, both for myself and my clients.

Social engagement is important for all our wellbeing but perhaps particularly for farmers, who can be isolated and may struggle to operate technology and attend remote meetings. Time and again, when out on farm visits, I see the power of conversation, relationship and trust between farmer and vet. If I expect clients to trust me with their animals, their data, and their business, and communicate honestly with me, I must invest time in building and nurturing relationships with them.