Encouraging End User Engagement

 Originally formed by farmers for farmers, Moredun is proud of the close working relationship it has developed with the industry. We are aware how important it is that these links are retained, so that Moredun’s research remains rooted in the practical needs of farming today.  

Regional Representation

Although Moredun was originally formed by Scottish farmers, our work benefits anyone who may work with animals – irrespective of where they live. In order to ensure that Moredun’s work is accessible to all, The Moredun Foundation has established a group of over 30 regional advisors from different sectors of the industry in the UK who represent the local farmers and keep Moredun up to date with animal health issues in their area (Figure 1). The feedback from our regional advisors is invaluable and it is these individuals that advise Moredun as to what subjects they think will interest farmers and veterinary surgeons in their area in order that the Roadshows can be tailored to local interests. 

Encouraging 2-Way Communication

Moredun is aware that farming practices are constantly changing and it is vital that research remains focused on the needs of the industry so that we can continue to provide the agricultural community with the technology required to sustain efficient and environmentally friendly livestock production.

In order to ensure that Moredun can keep its research relevant to industry needs, the Moredun Foundation developed a four page questionnaire in 2004 designed so that farmers can give their views on a variety of subjects relating to sheep health. The questionnaire was distributed at shows and Roadshow meetings as well as being mailed to Moredun’s own members and supporters.

It is hoped that the questionnaire will provide sheep farmers the opportunity to get involved and help influence research initiatives in the future. The last sheep health questionnaire that Moredun conducted as in 1996; over 1000 UK farmers responded and highlighted sheep scab, pasteurellosis, abortion, lameness and anthelmintic resistance as the top five threats to sheep health and welfare. Of those five problems, Moredun had secured long term research funding to study four of them, illustrating Moredun’s commitment to being responsive to the farming community.

It is envisaged that the results of the survey will be ready for publication early in Spring 2005.

Fig 1: Map showing the location of Moreduns’ 33 regional advisors.

Alastair Swanson is a sheep and beef farmer in Caithness
I have sat on the North of Scotland Regional Board of the Moredun Foundation for well over ten years and continue to enjoy assisting Moredun in its very worthwhile work, conducting research and communicating its results to members and others involved in farming. Moredun has evolved greatly over the years and its aim in conducting distinguished scientific research on infectious diseases of livestock has gone on at great pace since its formation by farmers in 1920.

Ian Duncan Millar runs a mixed arable and livestock farm in Perthshire.
I have been involved with Moredun since 2002 and the standards set both in terms of its science and in its general approach continue to impress me. The scientists are all engaged in the search for a better understanding and solutions to real live problems facing the industry.

Chris Lewis is an independent sheep advisor in Shropshire
I have been involved with Moredun since 1985 and was delighted to be asked to Chair the Welsh regional board in 2001. I am fortunate to have a very strong team of regional advisors in Wales well spread geographically. One of my roles is to report the thoughts of my regional advisors to the main Foundation board on a quarterly basis – this is vital as it allows Moredun to remain focused on the needs of farmers in the UK. I find the position of Regional chairman both stimulating and enjoyable - it is always a pleasure to visit Moredun and talk through the latest results with their scientists.

Lesley Stubbings is an independent sheep advisor in Northamptonshire
Ask any sheep farmer what their main problems are and losses due to disease will be at the top of the list every time. Since records began, shepherds have been battling with sheep disease and with the pressures of modern farming and consumer demands the need is greater than ever. Sheep farmers must have effective and sustainable disease control measures in the future and the work of The Moredun Foundation has never been more important.

The Moredun Foundation plays a vital role in bridging the gap between research and its application in commercial sheep flocks. Over the 13 years that I have been associated with Moredun in Southern England, we have instigated an annual series of Roadshows, which are hugely popular with sheep farmers. These meetings are an important means of turning the results of research into practical advice and control measures that farmers can put in place and reap benefits from. Backed up by the News sheets for members, which are valued by vets, advisers and farmers alike, the Moredun makes a vital contribution to the health of sheep flocks.

Tim Bebbington is a vet in a farm practice in Cornwall
What I find particularly impressive about Moredun is the two way flow of information. Their work is communicated to the farmers and the industry through Roadshows and press releases etc, but they also listen to the industry to discover where they should target their research and how best they can communicate the results. Independent research into farm animal disease that can take a long-term view is essential and this is what Moredun does best.