51AVÊÓÆµ

VIDEO: 8 top tips to help farmers through the stress of TB

Well-known dairy farmer Abi Reader knows all too well the stress that TB testing can bring. Here are her top tips on how to deal with it.

Emily Ashworth
Digital Editor
clock • 1 min read
VIDEO: 8 top tips to help farmers through the stress of TB

TB testing can bring on a lot of stress.Ìý

Abi Reader, a dairy farmer from Wales, gives us her tips on how to deal with the emotional rollercoaster of it all.

Ìý

  1. Communication is key - there are occasions where you will have to open letters from or make a phone call to The Animal and Plant Health Agency. If you do not want to do this, you do not have to. Someone else will do it for you - friends, family, advisors or contact a charity.
  2. Share what is happening with the rest of the team - a problem shared is a problem halved.
  3. Remember you are not alone - other people are going through it and know how you are feeling.
  4. As hard as it is, try and not dwell on it - go to the pub, see a friend, or do some sport to take your mind off it.
  5. Pull in as much help as you can - Abi says she tries to time it with school or university holiday times as students are willing and want to gain experience. Farmers are also glad of the help.
  6. Go online to the TB hub - this has useful advice.
  7. If you are feeling really down, take some time out - this does not come naturally, says Abi, but she has a favourite spot on the farm and watches the sun go down.
  8. Use those farming charities - You do not have to feel suicidal, says Abi, just to make a phone call. They are there to help.

More on Livestock

Future proofing is key to success of Gold Cup winning dairy business

Future proofing is key to success of Gold Cup winning dairy business

Almost 1,000 producers and industry professionals attended the Gold Cup open day hosted by the 2026 winners, T.N. Morrow and Partners

Athwenna Irons
clock 13 July 2026 • 6 min read
Beef and Lamb Roadmap sets out practical route for sectors environmental progress

Beef and Lamb Roadmap sets out practical route for sectors environmental progress

The roadmap aims to capture the ambition, goals and commitments made towards improving the environmental sustainability the sector

Mia Willemsen
clock 13 July 2026 • 4 min read
Free-range poultry sees increasing investment

Free-range poultry sees increasing investment

Farmers are increasingly turning to free-range poultry as they look to diversify their businesses and increase farm income

clock 12 July 2026 • 3 min read