[mwncigirl]

  Hi
Does anyone have any experience of  routine farm inspection from the council? We've had a letter through stating all the things they want to inspect and some of them I haven't even heard of! SHould I be concerned?


We have a smallholding, only two gilts at the moment that we want to breed from, but have had three weaners at a time for the past year. And lots of chickens.


Any thoughts or advice appreciated!


Thanks
 

[lachlanandmarcus]

When we had ours they were most concerned with feed storage and labelling and also checking that we appeared I have good records, tho they didn't check any of the records against the actual animals.


So make sure all the feed is in vermin proof containers, labelled as to what animal it's for and that chicken food is kept very separate from pig food ( since chicken food can contain some animal derived products for their bone health which are strictly banned for other animals including pigs )

[RonMinch]

We found them more interested in records for sheep and pigs. Were quite helpful and left information on where to obtain movement docs etc. Did'nt even look at the animals.

[sabrina]

I had 2 years  ago and like the others have said how you store your food is very important. Did have a quick look at my records and that was that.

[happygolucky]

  , no farm but we do get inspected!!! they are there to help not shut you down 

[mwncigirl]

Thanks guys, that really helps. Regarding the chooks, would they be interested in for example, where we clean/store eggs? Getting a bit paranoid.

[Mrs Snoodles]

They are interested in the amount of poultry - over 50 and you need to be registered.  they will want to see that you do not wash eggs (maybe make sure your nest boxes look pristine so that you obviously would never have to bother wiping poo of an egg), and that where you sell them is in a cool, shaded position.  you might want to explain how you sell in hot conditions (ie: restricted to times of the day, early mornings and evenings, door sales etc).   Food storage needs to be fairly secure and rodent free and separated.
keep your records up to date, movements and medicines.

My local Trading Standards people wanted ALL pigs tagged (obviously wrong, fir the young ones)  yet animal health couldn't care less about any aged pig whilst the pigs were on my land. If they moved, that was a different matter altogether.

If you talk about your pigs, the ones you raised in the past, they might ask you about what you did with your meat. was it sold, were you registered etc, etc.   

[mwncigirl]

Thanks Mrs Snoodles, that really helped. 

[raindogs]

I had a cold call inspection! Mostly concerned about feed storage and my knowledge of basic welfare. Looked at the enclosure, and asked to see me feeding my two piglets. In the hour he was there, we spent ten minutes on pigs and the rest on football.


Good luck!

[mwncigirl]

We had the inspection today. The lady was with us for less than 10 minutes, gave us a leaflet and said we needed to keep our pig movements written in a book. She didn't ask any questions and look at anything.   


I think it may have had something to do with the freezing conditions and blizzard going on outside, but to tell you the truth, I think she wasn't at all bothered as we are not a commercial business.


Phew    

[lachlanandmarcus]

Thats good news!! I can imagine in this weather it would be a bit cursory if they can be away with it, I bet they don't do any big farms on days like this either....

[mojocafa]

That must be a relief,  you'll sleep tonight!

[happygolucky]

    at least if we think the worset and are ready then its bond to be better than we expect!

[hughesy]

said we needed to keep our pig movements written in a book.        

Why? Aren't they aware that all pig movements are recorded online now and that they can be looked up anytime?

[kja]

said we needed to keep our pig movements written in a book.        

Why? Aren't they aware that all pig movements are recorded online now and that they can be looked up anytime?

you are still required to record all movements in your movement book, we have to send photo copies of said book recording all movements once a year to TS.