Will Balhatchet honoured for commitment to farm animal health and welfare.

A North Wiltshire dairy veterinary surgeon has been unveiled as Young Dairy Vet of the Year at the 2024 annual Cream Awards.

Will Balhatchet from George Farm Vets received the honour in recognition of his dedication to improving dairy farm health, welfare, and productivity, and for setting up an embryo transfer service and robot discussion group, which have significantly benefitted his clients.

Summarising the achievement, the judges said: "Will's dedication to improving health, welfare, and productivity on dairy farms, combined with his practical experience as a former dairy herdsperson and innovative approach, sets him apart.

"His clear advice and workable action plans, effective problem-solving, and proactive initiatives, such as the embryo transfer service he set up and robot discussion group he initiated, have made a significant impact to his dairy farming clients. His clients say he goes above and beyond to improve the health, welfare and productivity of the animals he cares for, and they strongly endorse him as a worthy winner of this award."

Dr Balhatchet said: “It was a real privilege to be awarded the Young Dairy Vet of the Year award amongst so many talented and dedicated farm vets in our line of work. Above all, it is a testimony to the farmers I work with day to day and the proactive attitude they take to improving their systems, which has given me so many opportunities to develop my career.”

The Cream Awards are presented annually by British Dairying magazine showcasing the best that the industry has to offer. This year’s sell-out event took place at the Chesford Grange in Warwickshire.

The runner-up was Hana Ward of Torch Vets in Barnstaple, Devon, who was commended for her impactful work in client training, student mentoring, and proactive herd management.

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