The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Community => Events => Topic started by: Backinwellies on August 14, 2013, 04:04:11 pm

Title: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 14, 2013, 04:04:11 pm
Hi All

summer rapidly vanishing  :'(  so time to think about an autumn meet .   

Is a Friday eve any good for the majority?  14th or 21st?  No venue yet .... but think Henchard has contacts in llandeilo.   

It would be good to have a focus for the first hour of the meeting then a chat and pint time.

Look forward to catching up with you all ..... and all the others who didn't make the last meet.

linda
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: henchard on August 14, 2013, 04:41:30 pm
Not so much contacts more that I know that the Angel in Llandeilo has a room upstairs that may be available (although less likely on a Friday). The White Hart in Llandeilo also has an upstairs room that may be useful.

 I think I'm ok for either but currently 'tied up' arranging a family funeral so unable to sort a venue in the next few days

So could someone else try and nail down a venue?


Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: mab on August 16, 2013, 12:24:00 am
Ooh! don't usually check 'events' just happened to see carmarthenshire in the last post line.


I'm OK for Friday eves (don't get out much).


As for organising a venue - I'm probably the worst person and am hoping someone else will volunteer soon  :fc: [size=78%], especially as I don't know any venues except the last one we went to (why does this forum keep randomly changing my font size?? [/size] :rant:  Dan??[/size][size=78%]).  [/size][/size][size=78%]let's see if there's more interest or it'll be a moot point anyway...[/size]
[/size]
[/size][size=78%] marcus[/size]
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Lync on August 16, 2013, 08:46:46 pm
Hi  :wave:


Just noticed this posting, live in Llandovery area and not met anyone yet so I wondered if I might be able to come along with the date and venue were convenient - not sure I can make the 14th though!  Will keep an eye for more postings re info for the meet.  Hope to meet some fellow smallholders soon!!  Lyn
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: cloddopper on August 16, 2013, 10:52:00 pm
It seems OK for me , I'm also on funeral duties in the next ten days or so in ( East Anglia ) and estate sorting out etc. but I should be back in Carmarthenshire in time .
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 17, 2013, 07:58:27 am
I'm up for it. Any Friday is ok for me but as henchard has suggested it may be difficult to get a room in the Angel on a fri evening.
I can give them a call. Falling that how about the place we went for the worming talk? I can't remember the name at the moment but its fairly easy access and has lots of parking.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Jimbofish67 on August 17, 2013, 09:42:52 am
Hi All
 
although we have been in conversations on the forum we haven't as yet met anyone from the site locally, so would be quite keen to come along.
J
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 17, 2013, 01:34:35 pm
Sally do you want to try for a venue/     The rugby club where fluke talk was is OK too ..... but probably busy on a Friday.   
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 17, 2013, 01:43:10 pm
Ian just said 14th not good for him either .... so try for 21st.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 17, 2013, 01:47:09 pm
Ok I will see what I can find for 21st
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 17, 2013, 02:04:09 pm
14th and 21st are Saturdays. I am trying for fri 20th. Is that ok.

Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: henchard on August 17, 2013, 02:05:03 pm
Ok I will see what I can find for 21st

Try the White hart

http://whitehartinnwales.co.uk (http://whitehartinnwales.co.uk)

and see if the upstairs room is available. It's about the right size and just above the bar! Easy to get to and OK parking just off the main road
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 17, 2013, 02:41:53 pm
ok. White Hart is booked for Fri 20th Sept at 7.30pm
If we want food then it is free but if we don't want food then there is a £10 charge. I am sure we can manage that between us.
If people do want food then they need to know in advance so can you let me know one way or the other please.
 
thanks
Sally
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 17, 2013, 02:44:16 pm
Brilliant   Thank you  Sally
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 20, 2013, 07:15:02 am
So we have a date and time ....... anyone coming?  :fc:
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 20, 2013, 08:20:35 am
ME
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: henchard on August 20, 2013, 07:27:39 pm
I should be along.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: mab on August 21, 2013, 09:26:10 pm
me! (thanks Sally)




marcus
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Miss Piggy on August 22, 2013, 06:46:44 am
On the calendar, hoping to make it  :excited:
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 22, 2013, 09:26:11 am
Well that is about 8 of us ............. any more?
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: ferretkeeper on August 22, 2013, 12:21:50 pm
Just spotted this, I'll be there, will check with the rest of the village contingent to see if they've spotted this...(Beewyched and LittleLugs)  :thumbsup: Jimbofish - are you upper or lower? There's several of us in Upper and a FB Brynamman smallholders page you should join!
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Lync on August 22, 2013, 02:57:06 pm
Hi All


I'll pencil in diary and and try to come along as I'd  like meet some "locals" and like minded people if you don't mind!


Lyn




Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Jimbofish67 on August 23, 2013, 09:05:50 pm
Hi All
should be able to come along, Ferretkeeper, we are upper, will take a look at the FB page.
 
James.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on August 26, 2013, 12:06:36 pm
I hope to have a vet, who is also a smallholder, at our meeting to do a slot at our meeting .... 

What 5 questions would you like answered? (please remember we all want a beer after about 45mins-an hour!)

.... I hope those of you without animals are Ok with this ... there will be lots of time for socialising after this
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on August 26, 2013, 12:34:17 pm
Q. What do we as smallholders need to do to encourage vets to sell meds/vacs in small/single doses?
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Miss Piggy on August 31, 2013, 10:29:32 pm
Maybe change your vet Sally, ( sorry not meaning to sound flippant) we are very lucky our vets bend over backwards for us smallholders, they always sell single doses or just enough of what ever you need to dose the number of animals you have. You just tell the receptionists how many beasts you want to treat and they measure the exact amount into a separate bottle. You are only charged for the actual amount you have if it's a 1/6 th of a bottle then you are only charged 1/6 of the full bottle price. You should certainly be able to negotiate your vet to do the same I would have thought. It is just routine practice here. We can purchase all sorts of drenches, wormers, spot on treatments etc in this way.


Maybe what is good practice in nutritional supplementation. There is a whole array of different mineral products that can be purchased,  My cattle get high mag licks and rock salt routinely.  You can get different licks for pre and post natal cattle should we be using them routinely. My lambs get nothing in the 6-8 months we have them..... that is additional to the grass and some finishing pellets if it has been a poor grass year.  Just a thought as I know some members do not have livestock so it maybe not appropriate to all.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 02, 2013, 10:46:12 am
Just bringing this back to the top ................. anyone else???
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: ferretkeeper on September 02, 2013, 06:13:57 pm
I'd like vets to offer a more in depth service to small scale farmers - I am not that confident in certain aspects of livestock keeping and to have a vet show/help/teach me esp with the more medical stuff would be worth paying for.

Some sort of plan where you pay monthly for regular visits and check ups, maybe quarterly, to monitor progress etc, I'd certainly appreciate the continuity of care. I have to do things like giving injections so infrequently on our scale when the time comes I get so anxious about doing it wrong, we don't get a lot of practice and I need a lot before I am happy to go ahead on my own.

In terms of getting small doses of vaccines etc, I can't see the vet opening a large bottle to sell a few quids worth then having to chuck it out - a lot have very short windows to use once open. That said I think if WE could organise ourselves in conjunction with a vet it could be done. It has potential to be complicated initially with everyone getting in sync but for me it would be great, esp to have a proper routine imposed on me! 
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Miss Piggy on September 02, 2013, 11:03:29 pm
Ferret keeper, our vets do, any surplus they use themselves on other animals as its always common stuff and they split bottles of spot on, ivermectin etc just enough to dose what you want. In a large vets practice it doesn't hang around for long. Have you actually asked them. I didn't know until someone else said just go into vets and tell them how many animals you want to treat and they have always obliged.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Penygroes Farm on September 03, 2013, 08:20:10 am
Carol and Ray will be there on 20th... Just moved into the area.
We have already chatted with Sally and are keen to meet other like-minded locals
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 03, 2013, 09:28:31 am
Great to see we will have some new people along .... looking forward to meeting you all.

Still asking for questions to ask the vet ...... whether to vaccinate for schmallenburg is my addition


....... the discussion on sharing drugs between us is a good one....   would be useful to have a list of what you would want to share.   
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Miss Piggy on September 03, 2013, 10:12:30 am
Going back to ferret keepers concerns about injections etc. may be just a brief overview of main injection sites for the different types of animals, intramuscular and subcutaneous and technique for each type. Aware that time is limited but could be useful for those feeling a bit rusty because as ferret keeper said we hopefully don't have to do it often. Lady has developed summer mastitis in one quarter despite spot on treatment and all the usual precautions so she is on IM antibiotics for 5 days so getting plenty of practice at the moment.


Possibly just a little about liver fluke and prophylactic management in sheep and cattle ie dosing regimes etc
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 06, 2013, 12:01:50 pm
Hi All

So main areas suggested for our discussion so far are    ............. injection sites,   whether to worm/fluke dose and when,  schmallenburg vaccine,  and possible sharing of drugs to reduce cost.............. have I missed anything?

Anyone else coming?

Oh and if anyone is interested I could do training on injections ......... and wouldn't charge vet rates!  (20 years experience teaching agric students)
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on September 06, 2013, 01:41:30 pm


Oh and if anyone is interested I could do training on injections ......... and wouldn't charge vet rates!  (20 years experience teaching agric students)
a


Linda showed me and I haven't had a disaster yet  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: ferretkeeper on September 06, 2013, 09:09:31 pm
Good idea on the SBV - my vet and I discussed it and we decided not to (she wasn't vaccinating her sheep) but I can't remember for the life of me how we came to that conclusion!

In terms of sharing drugs and in light of my recent goat disaster maybe we ought to discuss best practice for each type of animal, in terms of vaccinations at least. We'd need enough people/animals to be following the same regime of drugs and timings for the idea to work. I mean there are soooooo many types of wormer, some cover more than others, some are not as effective, and they are all priced differently. How would we decide what to use?

It's taken me a very long time researching on my own and then two hours discussion with my vet to come up with a whole farm health plan...only to find out the vet didn't recommend the best product for each animal - I was looking for a 'one size fits all' approach on the farm for example, injectable noromectin is suitable for use on all my livestock, but I was then told by a very experienced goat keeper that goats don't respond to injections, best to drench them. That's the sort of thing!

And Linda I'd love a bit of tuition on giving injections, maybe when I've got a load to do at once...will check my health plan!
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: mab on September 06, 2013, 09:51:21 pm

It sounds like there's a lot for the vet to talk about already, and I've been struggling to think of questions that were not specific to my own problems anyway, but one of the threads on the sheep section prompts me to ask about emergency euthanasia options - The question came up for me when Estelle the sheep was dying - but the opinion on the sheep thread seemed to be that a gun is the most effective.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on September 07, 2013, 09:05:22 am
With regards to sharing drugs it will obviously depend on which vets we are with. Maybe we could help ourselves by sharing which surgery each of us if with.


I don't mind putting the list together if you all think it might be useful.


Perhaps a form for completion at the meeting that also includes the types of animals we keep?
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 07, 2013, 04:32:29 pm
Definitely be useful to know who has what animals and what if anything they are wanting to share.   

Wormer / fluke drench wouldn't necessarily be bought from vet.... so although I can see that knowing who visits the same vets to encourage the vet to deal out small doeses would be useful .... we also need to be able to trade amoungst ourselves possibly.    A form of some sort would be good Sally.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on September 07, 2013, 05:20:07 pm
ok, let me see what I can put together.  If anyone has any smart ideas please let me know
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Miss Piggy on September 19, 2013, 09:45:52 am
Our sincere apologies for this evening, having building work done and just had the digger man ring up to say he will be over this afternoon and work under floodlight until work done and that on top of ill dad we won't be able to make it. If it had been 10 mins down the road not at least 1 hr 15 may have been able to sort something. Have fun and look forward to the feed back and meeting up next time.  :wave:
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 19, 2013, 09:51:36 am
It is tomorrow not today Miss Piggy ..... will miss you .   
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Penygroes Farm on September 19, 2013, 12:28:55 pm
so... just recap:

venue =

The White Hart Inn
 Carmarthen Road
 Llandeilo
 Carmarthenshire
 SA19 6RS

at 19:30  ????

See you all there.
Carol & Ray
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 19, 2013, 01:16:54 pm
 :excited:

The White Hart Inn
 Carmarthen Road
 Llandeilo
 Carmarthenshire
 SA19 6RS

7.30pm

Friday 20th September
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: ferretkeeper on September 20, 2013, 04:10:58 pm
Sorry for the late notice I'm afraid I can't make it after all.

Hope it's a successful evening!
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Lync on September 21, 2013, 11:04:06 am
 :wave:  So sorry I did not make last night was looking forward to it but a job came up and as I am trying to build up the business could not turn it down!   Do hope there will be another meet soon.


Lyn
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: mab on September 21, 2013, 08:24:26 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for organizing yesterdays event Sally & Linda - it was great to have an extended Q & A session with a vet/farmer  :thumbsup: 
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 22, 2013, 09:16:28 am


Thank you to those who did come along on Friday ..... we had a really useful discussion session with the vet.  Shame more people weren't there.

If you are interested in a meet in the new year can you let me know what time of day is best for you and where you are so a central venue can be arranged. 
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Penygroes Farm on September 22, 2013, 12:48:55 pm
Hi there

It was an informative evening for us and nice to put faces to names.
The room we used on Friday was very suitable.... and reasonable...... and available....
Carol & Ray
 :D
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Tudful Tamworths on September 25, 2013, 10:16:58 pm
Sounds like you had a great event planned. I was away at the Royal County of Berkshire Show (won Champion of Champions again - over the moon!) last weekend, otherwise would have loved to have come.
Really glad you lot are making a go of it. I hope we can do something similar in the south-east some time in the future. Just a thought - have you considered a day-long event on someone's farm? Maybe with some vet input (for a fee, of course) on practical tasks etc? Might be an opportunity for those further afield to join in if it was a whole day.
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on September 25, 2013, 10:43:02 pm
Liz,
I think that sounds like a good idea.
My patch isn't big enough to hold day long interest and my veg patch would only cover about 10 mins  :)  but if there is soeone out there who thinks they have the right place then perhaps we could put something together.
 
 
 
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Backinwellies on September 26, 2013, 08:04:09 am
Great Idea ..... and had thought visiting each other's smallholdings was probably the way forward.

Happy to host here ...............   :thinking:  and could visit yours for tea Sally?
Title: Re: Carmarthenshire 20th Sept Meet
Post by: Bionic on September 26, 2013, 09:47:26 am
As I said previously there isn't much to see here but definitely ok for tea