The Veterinary Feed Directive becomes effective January 2017, and it’s ruling will change the way many producers receive supplies for their herds.
With the coming changes of the VFD, Veterinarian-client-patient-relationships (VCPR) are a vital way producers will make it through this major policy change.
Benton County, Ark., Extension Agent Johnny Gunsaulis said it is crucial to find a veterinary the producer trusts.
“It is very important to find one they like,” Gunsaulis said.
For many products that are now found at the local co-op, it will require the producer to get a prescription from their veterinarian to purchase.
Gunsaulis said that many common products will take a couple extra steps to get, such as medicated calf feed or even starter feed.
“The veterinarian is going to need to know the producer well enough to write him a prescription,” Gunsaulis said.
Arkansas Cattle producer George Anderson said he is pleased with the relationship he has established with his veterinarian.
“We have a good relationship with our vet and he is going to help us with our needs according to the new regulations,” Anderson said.
Veterinarian-client-patient-relationships are going to be important when producers have a crisis.
A VCPR will be beneficial when a producer quickly needs an antibiotic for a sick animal the veterinarian trusts the producer and writes them a prescription.
Networking is important in any industry – and this policy change will just create a need for producers to network with local veterinarians.
Those who raise cattle are not the only producers who will be impacted by the VFD.
According to University of Missouri Livestock Specialist Andy McCorkill, who is based in Dallas County, Mo., anyone who raises livestock will be subject to he new law.
“All species must be treated differently and have a different script written for them,” he told Ozarks Farm & Neighbor. “Not all animals are uniform in their dosages for drugs and some drugs aren’t labeled for every species so you will have to work with a vet to figure out what is going to be the best solution for you.”
Livestock producers are tough to withstand anything, and will be able to make the necessary changes to keep thriving during these policy changes.
