A series of rodent control workshops, starting on October 23, has been announced by BPEX, working together with FarmTrain.
Free to levy payers, the workshops include the opportunity for producers to obtain an Effective Rodent Control certificate that’s accredited by Lantra.
“It’s well known that rats and mice carry a plethora of disease, both between units and throughout the holding itself,” said FarmTrain partner Oliver Madge. “For this reason, best practice and responsible use of rodenticide products is vital in rodent control plans to ensure they are as effective as possible.”
In addition, while agricultural users have always been deemed professional users of baits, this is set to change with the likely introduction by HSE of new conditions of use for rodenticides.
“The proposed new conditions will require all agricultural users to have an HSE-recognised qualification, so any training producers can do now, will both improve rodent control on their units and put them a step ahead, ready for when the HSE’s changes come in,” said Mr Madge.
Cost is another reason for producers’ seeking to be properly trained, he added, pointing out that a unit with a rodent problem could easily have in excess of £5,000 of feed a year being consumed by mice alone.
“A small investment in time to attend the workshops can pay dividends in the day-to-day fight against rodents,” he said.
Workshop dates & venues
- Oct 23, 2014 – York
- Nov 12, 2014 – Blewbury
- Nov 20, 2014 – York
- Nov 21, 2014 – Kidderminster
- Dec 3, 2014 – Boroughbridge
- Dec 16, 2014 – Shepton Mallet
- Jan 6, 2015 – Bury St Edmunds
- Jan 7, 2015 – Great Dunmow
- Jan 20, 2015 – Exeter
- Jan 22, 2015 – Beverley
- Feb 11, 2015 – Diss
- Feb 19, 2015 – Dorchester
To register call Samantha Bowsher on 02476 478801
