51AVÊÓÆµ

2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "It was the worst time of my life"

Auctioneer Andrew Templeton, of Harrison & Hetherington, reflects on a defining chapter in British agriculture's history, the emotional impact of working in the industry at the time, and why the sector has still not fully recovered since

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Andrew Templeton, auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington, said: "We must remember, for livestock farmers, it was total devastation. Since that day, there is not a livestock farmer who has not uttered the words, ‘We must not let the marts close again', at some time or another."
Image:

Andrew Templeton, auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington, said: "We must remember, for livestock farmers, it was total devastation. Since that day, there is not a livestock farmer who has not uttered the words, ‘We must not let the marts close again', at some time or another."

It has been 25 years since the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak brought the livestock industry to a standstill. For Harrison & Hetherington auctioneer Andrew Templeton, it remains the most devastating...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Family farm tax: key changes being introduced today

Family farm tax: key changes being introduced today

Expert warns early succession planning will be key to negotiate Chancellor's changes to Inheritance Tax rules

clock 06 April 2026 • 3 min read
New guidelines hope to boost tenant-landlord relations

New guidelines hope to boost tenant-landlord relations

Welsh Gov publishes Code of Practice to foster and encourage clarity, communication and mutual respect in the tenanted sector in Wales

clock 03 April 2026 • 2 min read
Labour MP urges Gov to take wildfire threat more seriously

Labour MP urges Gov to take wildfire threat more seriously

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume says damage caused by last year's North Yorkshire blaze must not be allowed to happen again

clock 03 April 2026 • 2 min read