NFU Scotland is encouraging its members over the next four weeks to consider a new system of rural development support. Scottish farmers will receive application packs for the new Land Management Contract Menu Scheme next week. The scheme includes 17 options farmers can choose from which will provide funding to undertake a variety of measures with specific public benefits.

The Menu Scheme represents a first step towards more accessible rural development measures. NFUS is working with the Executive to ensure this Scheme is broadened in the coming years.

One of the options is for farmers to work with their own vets to develop a comprehensive health and welfare management programme. The aim is to further improve the industry's animal health status and strengthen both farm sustainability and the quality of Scottish farm produce. The programme encompasses a variety of measures from blood sampling to nutritional analysis.

NFUS Vice President David Mitchell said:

"I have seen the benefits of this kind of measure on my own farm. I have just gone through the process of blood sampling all 220 breeding cattle on the farm. The results are extremely useful as it gives me a comprehensive health profile of the herd. I can replace persistent infectors, vaccinate others and base developments around the best performing animals.

"Many people may think this kind of measure is just for pedigree breeders. It is not. I run a commercial suckler herd and this kind of practical measure delivers results.

"This LMC measure means a farmer can work with his own vet to individually tailor a programme to the specific needs of the farm. It provides a helping hand with practical measures farmers can implement in their own business. The clock is ticking however, and farmers have four weeks to digest this option and assess how it could benefit their own stock and their business as a whole.

"Whilst it is an extremely busy time of year, I would encourage our members to set aside some time to going through the LMC information packs when they fall through letterboxes next week.

"The animal health measures sits well with the Executive's health and welfare strategy which we see as crucial to taking the industry's health record to the next level. With veterinary training ongoing, each large animal practice in Scotland should have a qualified individual to assist with drawing up a comprehensive health programme. That maximises the number of farmers who can take advantage of this."