Will Balhatchet MRCVS from The George Farm Vets in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, has been named as Virbac's Young Dairy Vet of The Year.

Nominated by a colleague, Will graduated and joined the practice in 2021, having previously worked as a dairy herdsperson.

In his nomination, clients described Will as having an excellent understanding of the practicalities of running a herd, and said he provides realistic and achievable advice.

The judging panel was impressed by Will’s dedication to improving health, welfare, and productivity on dairy farms with his clear advice and workable action plans.

In addition, Will set up an embryo transfer service, bringing a new service to his practice, along with a robot discussion group, all of which have made a significant and positive impact to his dairy farming clients.

Will said: “It was a real privilege to be awarded the Young Dairy Vet of the Year award amongst so many talented and dedicated farm vets in our line of work.

"Above all it is a testimony to the farmers I work with day to day and the proactive attitude they take to improving their systems which has given me so many opportunities to develop my career”.

This year’s runner up was Hana Ward of Torch Vets in Barnstaple, Devon. 

Photo: Will with last year's winner, Tom Warboys.

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