AN EMERGENCY document is being made available to farmers to help them plan ahead in case they fall ill during the coronavirus pandemic.

This 'Plan B' template has been created by the Farm Advisory Service to allow farmers to record the names and numbers of key contacts such as vets, feed representatives, accountants and contractors.

They can also provide information about where stock is housed – including in isolated facilities such as outlying steadings and out-winterings, and when lambing or calving is due to start.

This information will be vital for ensuring livestock can continue to be cared for in the event an owner falls ill.

With sheep enterprises in particular facing a challenging lambing season, farmers are being urged by SAC Consulting, which delivers the FAS programme, to make their emergency plan as soon as possible by completing this document.

Principal consultant Chloe McCulloch said: “The key to success this year, regardless of the type of farm, is to have a robust plan and to take some time now to think through what you would do and who you would phone in the event you or members of the team become unwell.

“The template won’t take long to complete and will ensure that if you become ill, your livestock can still be cared for.”

Farmers can download the template from the FAS website and are advised to keep it somewhere that is accessible to all staff, such as the farm office.

More templates allowing farmers to record sector-specific information are also available on the www.fas.scot website, together with additional guidance and information, including support for less experienced people who may find themselves helping on the farm. There are also links to other sources of support during the crisis including the farmers’ charity RSABI, which can be contacted on 0300 111 4166.

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