Forge Farm Vets

13/11/2026

🐄 Calf Scour: Are you getting to the bottom of the problem?

We've looked at the immediate costs of calf scour, the increased risk of pneumonia, lost growth rates and the longer-term impact on heifer performance and herd profitability.

But how much is calf scour really costing your farm?

The first step is understanding what's happening in your calf shed and identifying where improvements can be made.

🔎 Time for a calf health MOT!

Here are some key areas worth reviewing:

🧪 Test your scour samples – Identify the pathogens involved so that treatment and prevention strategies can be targeted effectively.

📊 Review your records – How many calves are affected by scour and pneumonia? Are cases increasing at particular times of year or in certain groups?

💔 Don't overlook losses – How many calves have been lost, and what are the underlying causes?

🥛 Review colostrum management – Are calves receiving enough high-quality colostrum, quickly enough after birth? Is colostrum quality being tested and management monitored?

🧼 Assess hygiene and environment – Review calving areas, calf accommodation, stocking density, cleaning and disinfection routines.

💡 Build a prevention plan – Use your findings to identify priorities and make practical changes that will improve calf health and performance.

Healthy calves today. Profitable heifers tomorrow.

Don't wait for the next scour outbreak to take action.

📞 Speak to the Forge Farm Vets team about investigating calf scour on your farm and developing a tailored calf health plan.

11/11/2026

Not all superheroes wear capes! 🦸‍♂️🚜

Today we were called to assist following an unfortunate incident involving a cattle trailer that had sadly overturned on the Gobowen roundabout.

We were able to attend promptly to support our client and help coordinate the safe relocation of the cattle. Thanks to the quick response and generosity of our local farming community, fellow farmers stopped to help, bringing their own stock trailers so that the cattle could be safely transferred.

It was a fantastic example of how our rural community pulls together when someone needs a helping hand. Everyone worked efficiently and calmly, with the safety of all involved remaining our absolute priority.

A huge thank you also goes to the police, who helped manage traffic around the incident and ensured everyone's safety while the cattle were being transferred.

What could potentially have been a much more serious situation was brought under control thanks to the cooperation, quick thinking and willingness of everyone involved.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who stopped, helped and played their part to assist our client. This is what community is all about! ❤️

We would like to thank members of the public for their assistance earlier today (Wednesday 11 November) as we responded to a collision involving a tractor and trailer transporting cattle.

At around 12.30pm we were called to reports of a collision on the A5 near Five Crosses Roundabout in Gobowen. When we arrived we found the trailer had come to rest on its side while negotiating the roundabout.

The trailer was carrying cattle and required specialist assistance to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals, as well as those at the scene. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the local farming community for their prompt assistance, support, and expertise in helping to safely manage and recover the cattle involved. Their response was invaluable and greatly appreciated by all agencies in attendance.

We would also like to thank members of the public for their patience, understanding, and cooperation whilst road closures and traffic diversions were in place.

Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported (to the public or the cattle), and through the joint efforts of emergency services, local farmers, and members of the public, the incident was resolved as safely and efficiently as possible.

11/11/2026

🐄 Calf Scour: The cost can follow a heifer into the milking herd!

The impact of calf scour doesn't necessarily end when a calf recovers. It can affect her future performance, longevity and ultimately the return on your investment.

📉 The longer-term financial impact:

Heifers that have suffered scour are 2.5 times more likely to be sold after their first lactation.

This means many leave the herd before they've had the opportunity to repay their rearing costs.

Under standard rearing costs, a heifer generally won't recoup her investment until midway through her second lactation.

💷 Prevention really does pay!

MSD's 2020 figures estimate:

£58 per cow in the herd as the cost of a calf scour outbreak.

£47 per cow in the herd as the cost of prevention.

The difference is striking. Investing in prevention could help avoid significant losses, protect future herd replacements and improve overall herd profitability.

Don't just treat calf scour. Invest in preventing it.

📞 Speak to the Forge Farm Vets team about building a calf scour prevention strategy for your farm.

09/11/2026

🐄 Calf Scour: The knock-on effects don't stop there!

Did you know that a calf that suffers from scour is 1.8 times more likely to develop pneumonia?

Scour doesn't just affect the gut. It can compromise a calf's health and resilience, leaving them more vulnerable to other illnesses.

📉 The consequences can include:

Increased risk of pneumonia and respiratory disease.

Further setbacks to growth and daily liveweight gain.

Additional veterinary treatment and medication costs.

Longer-term impacts on performance and future productivity.

💷 What starts as a case of calf scour can quickly become a much bigger financial burden.

Healthy calves grow into productive heifers.

Prevention, early recognition and prompt treatment are key to protecting calf health and keeping rearing costs under control.

📞 Speak to the Forge Farm Vets team about your calf health and scour prevention plan.

"Scour today. Pneumonia tomorrow. Lost growth for longer."

06/11/2026

🐄 Calf Scour: The cost can last long after the diarrhoea has cleared!

Calf scour is more than just a short-term health problem. The impact of a poor start in life can follow a heifer right through to her first calving.

📉 The hidden cost of calf scour:

Even a modest reduction in growth of just 0.1kg per day can result in an estimated 2-month delay in reaching first service and first calving.

💷 What could that mean financially?

Each additional day open costs approximately £6.86.

A 2-month delay could add around £412 in additional costs.

With the current cost of rearing a replacement heifer at around £2,000, the financial consequences of losing heifers or delaying herd entry can quickly add up.

Prevention is better than cure!

Good colostrum management, hygiene, nutrition and early intervention are all key to reducing the impact of calf scour.

Don't let a poor start cost you further down the line.

📞 Speak to the Forge Farm Vets team about your calf health and scour prevention plan.

03/10/2026

📢 24th November at Shrewsbury Market - PSA testing for farmers over the age of 40.

Book via the link in this post.

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗣𝗦𝗔 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 | 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 | 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

As part of the Rural Communities Cancer Project, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, The Farming Community Network (FCN) are offering free PSA tests for male farmers over 40 at Shrewsbury Market on 24th November 2026.

The simple blood sample measures the level of prostate‑specific antigen in the blood. It can help identify early signs of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions long before symptoms appear.

Booking is essential – please use the link below and enter code 'FCN26' to secure your free test: https://www.mypsatests.org.uk/Events/?5f960517-aac1-41df-8f1e-0238ca9e12e2

If you have any questions or need help booking, the MyPSATests office is ready to support:
📞01926 419959

📅 24 November 2026
📍 Shrewsbury Market
🕒 8.30am - 1.30pm

07/09/2026

Welsh clients who signed up for SFS please see below!

31/08/2026

*NOW UNAVAILABLE* If anyone could make use of 7 doses of bluetongue vaccine today we may be able to coordinate collection from us. Please let us know ASAP (bottle broached 11am) - can send us a message or email on [email protected].
For anyone who we have contacted about splitting doses tomorrow we will confirm collection time tomorrow.

26/08/2026

We'd like to highlight the work of the Badger Vaccination Field Force Project, which has commenced this vaccination project in the Shropshire Area.

BVFF is a team of trained professionals tasked with delivering fully funded badger vaccination at scale across parts of England. The goal is to create healthier badger populations that are less susceptible to contracting and spreading TB, ultimately reducing the risk to cattle.
The government’s aim is to achieve “Officially TB Free” (OTF) status for England by 2038. The Field Force is a “cornerstone” of this plan as the government transitions away from intensive badger culling. Trapping and vaccinating has begun.
Managed by Farmcare Solutions, a national contractor for Defra, BVFF recruits delivery partners, from the local farming community to conduct surveys, set traps, and administer the BCG vaccine to wild badgers.
Research indicates that the BCG vaccine reduces the rate of new infections in badgers by up to 76%. When more than a third of a badger social group is vaccinated, the risk to unvaccinated cubs drops by 79%.https://tbhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/AR-factsheet-badger-vaccination-01.06.22.pdf
If you want to know more about what's involved or would like to sign up within the Shropshire Project Area please follow this link to register : https://bvff.co.uk/landowners/

Landowners and local farmers are actively being signed up in the Project Areas to allow for the trapping and vaccination of badgers on their land. To register your interest and to get involved, please complete the form at the bottom of this page and we will be in contact with you.

17/08/2026

Bluetongue is having a major impact in some parts of the country and is a rapidly evolving situation.

A local meeting is being hosted by AHDB at Shrewsbury Auction Centre next Wednesday 26th August, 6:30 - 9pm.

Join local vets and advisors, APHA /Defra representatives and industry specialists for the latest updates on the Bluetongue situation including practical information on how Bluetongue is spread, vaccination, clinical signs in stock and how to treat affected stock.

Registration is required - please see the link below for details.

Bluetongue is having a major impact in some parts of the country and is a rapidly evolving situation.

19/08/2022

Happy Friday!

What are you and your fur babies up to this weekend?

21/07/2022

It's back for the Summer! 3 for 2 on all Vetpro products! Mix and match your favourites.

Shop now on the My Family Vets Shop!

*Cheapest item free, offer valid until 31st August 2022.

12/05/2022

Heatwave incoming! 🌡️ Are you planning on taking your dog away to the beach this weekend? Does your dog get nervous whilst travelling? Or perhaps your cat or dog will be staying in a kennel or cattery if you are away this weekend.

All of these situations can cause anxiety in pets, however Vetpro can help! Vetpro Stress & Anxiety Capsules:

🌿 Calms behaviour
🌿 Are fast acting
🌿 Helps reduce stress
🌿 High strength
🌿 No sedative effect
🌿 Easy to administer sprinkle capsules

And for a limited time, we have 3 for 2 on all Vetpro products over on the My Family Vets Shop! Follow the link below to shop

https://bit.ly/38nq9lq

04/05/2022

OFFER ALERT! 🤩 IT'S BACK! Get 3 for 2 across the WHOLE Vetpro range on the My Family Vets Shop!

You can mix and match any Vetpro products, including; Stress & Anxiety, Joints & Mobility with Omega-3s and Healthy Skin & Glossy Coat! Follow the link below to shop!

http://bit.ly/34QoqY1

28/04/2022

It's International Guide Dog Day! 🦮

A day to celebrate all of the amazing service dogs out there who help their owners every day. Do you know any service dogs who you will celebrate today?

20/04/2022

When you realise it's already Wednesday! *Two more sleeps until it's Friday again*

11/04/2022