From left to right: Adam Henson, Charlotte Read, Lora Fryars and Sean Sparling.

Lancashire-based Lora Fryars claims top spot.

The CREAM Awards has announced the winner of its 2022 Young Dairy Vet of the Year Award.

Lora Fryars, a Lancashire-based veterinary surgeon currently working at Lanes Farm Vets, has received the award for her aptitude and success in the dairy veterinary field, and for her involvement in industry-wide initiatives.

Already a highly-accomplished farm veterinary surgeon, Lora grew up on a dairy farm in Lancashire, and attended Liverpool University. During her time at university, Lora was awarded the university's farm animal clinical prize for 'the student showing the most aptitude for farm animal work'. 

Since graduating in 2016, Lora has worked at Lanes Farm Vets, taking a significant role in disease prevention and health planning. 

Commenting on Lora's excellent work, farmer Andy Gibbons from Catterall Farm said: “Lora is an essential part of our team. She has successfully helped with the dramatic reduction in mastitis cases from high cell count, which, as a result, has significantly reduced our antibiotic usage. 

“She has also been proactive in reducing our calving interval from 400+ to 382, and has achieved a better conception rate from 28% to 44%, which has had a large impact on the farm’s bottom line.”

Taking an active involvement in the industry, Lora is a fully-trained Action Johne's Advisor, led the BVD 'stamp it out' campaign for her practice, and has also set up a thriving agri-business discussion group for the young agricultural community in her area, called Ignite Agri-Forum.

On receiving the award, Lora said: “The CREAM Awards was a fantastic, high-energy event and I felt totally humbled to receive such a prestigious award. I am lucky to work with some outstanding farmers, who keep me on my toes and I would like to thank them for their support, as well as my brilliant colleagues at Lanes Farm Vets.”

Hannah Kent, a Staffordshire-based veterinary surgeon from Shires Vets, was Highly Commended, and also received an award.

Also interested in infectious disease management and herd health planning, Hannah has created a discussion group for her clients titled 'Futureproof your farm', allowing her to share her knowledge.

Hannah commented on her achievement: “I really enjoy being able to build on my relationships with clients by discussing their wider herd health and infectious disease management, and using this to increase their productivity either on farm or by organising meetings for our next generation farm clients. 

“I also really enjoy my meetings with the Farming Community Network to see how vets can help support farmers through tough times. I would like to thank Krka for sponsoring the award and the CREAM Awards for a brilliant night.”

Image (C) British Dairying Magazine