The meeting will cover:
- the background to the outbreak
- what the Control Zones mean for farmers
- implications for farmers in the north of England
- latest in potential vaccine rollout
- thoughts on the future policy in dealing with the disease
- a farmers' perspective on lessons from Europe.
The speakers will be NFU chief livestock adviser John Royle, NFU chief animal health and welfare adviser Catherine McLaughlin, NFU national Dairy Board chair Paul Tompkins and a representative from Defra.
Regional livestock and dairy representatives will also be in attendance at the meeting.
How to book
Use the green registration button to book, or alternatively you can email [email protected] or call 02476 939401.
Meet the speakers:
John Royle
Chief Livestock Adviser
John is responsible for representing the interests of beef and sheep members on a wide range of policy issues. The livestock team manage the national livestock board and uplands forum.
Cat McLaughlin
Chief Animal Health and Welfare Adviser
Cat is听also the Chair of the RUMA Targets Task Force and a director of AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority).
Her previous roles have included Scottish extension officer of the Milk Development Council and Market Information Manager of Quality Meat Scotland(QMS)/Meat and Livestock Commission (Scotland).
A graduate of the University of Aberdeen (Agriculture, with Honours in Animal Science) she also holds a PG Diploma in Farm Business Organisational Management from the Scottish Agricultural College (Aberdeen).
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Paul Tompkins
NFU National Dairy Board chair
Not from a farming background, Paul worked in the financial sector before meeting his wife and joining the family dairy business.
Paul joined the National Dairy Board in 2017 as an appointee before being elected as the North East representative. He served nearly four years as Vice chair in total before being elected National Dairy Board chair in 2024.
Paul is enthusiastic about educating people of all ages about dairy farming and is keen to continue developing relationships with milk processors and other farmer representatives to ensure a joined-up industry approach to future farm policy.
Paul believes a fair and transparent supply chain is critical if dairy farmers are to meet the demands of a quickly changing society. He also works hard to ensure the dairy sector is represented throughout the supply chain and at government level so dairy farmers can make the most of future opportunities and have a bright and prosperous future.
Bluetongue information
For the latest information and advice on the bluetongue situation in the UK, visit: Bluetongue - essential information.听