Hannah Storey – A New Role Within Cornwall Farmers

April 2010

Cornwall Farmers’ field sales team has been boosted with the appointment of Hannah Storey to the position of Animal Health Specialist. Hannah is picking up the reigns following the recent retirement of John Brewer, a very well known figure in agricultural circles in Devon and North Cornwall.

Over the last few weeks John has been introducing Hannah to farmers in the region and helping the period of transition.  “John has been a great help to me and I’m very grateful to him for actively promoting me to people within Cornwall Farmers as his successor,” says Hannah.

Hannah is in fact known to quite a number of the local farmers as she has worked in Cornwall Farmers Kingsbridge Country Store for several years, specialising in Animal Health.  Most animal health products, such as wormers and fly control for cattle and sheep are classified POM VPS meaning that only SQP’s (suitably qualified persons) are legally allowed to prescribe them to farmers.

In the last two years Hannah has won two national awards that recognised the achievements of SQP’s, and in 2008 she was awarded the title of SQP of the year. Now she is looking forward to building on this experience by visiting farmers on site.

“I can’t wait to get a better understanding of the wider farming community by visiting their farms and seeing the opportunities and constraints of their businesses,” says Hannah. “There isn’t always the opportunity to speak to farmers in the shop so I will enjoy the chance to go and visit them and learn more about their needs and challenges.”

Hannah is also encouraging farmers to visit her, at the regular Farmer’s Meetings which she has been running with John Brewer and which she will now take on the full responsibility for managing and staging. “The Farmer’s Meetings have been really successful. We have welcomed many farmers along to discuss topical points, such as in recent weeks the issues that can arise at cattle turn-out and a sheep meeting where we discussed anthelmintic resistance and the feeding of in-lamb ewes. The idea is to give farmers the information they need so that they can act now to prevent future problems arising. This is always more cost-effective and less labour-intensive than looking for a cure after the event. We now have so many more ‘tools in the box’ for preventing health issues that we actually need these meetings to explain exactly what is available and so far, the farmer’s response has been positive.”

To contact Hannah to discuss you animal health challenges telephone 07766 416829.