This project used innovative science and cutting-edge approaches to provide beef producers with the tools and information needed to accurately record and assess farm medicine use.

Information about medicine use, infrastructure and performance on beef farms was compiled over a 12-month period. This information was then compared with prescription data from a larger dataset to assess the relative use of medicines on study farms compared to the rest of the UK.

Information collected about management of medicine use and disease incidence on study farms was also used to develop methods and procedures for effective measurement, recording and analysis of medicine use on farms. Focus groups involving farmers, veterinarians and suitably qualified persons  were used to identify both opportunities for, and barriers to, data collection and changes in medicine use.

Various metrics used in medicine reporting were trialled with study farms to identify the most appropriate choices for the beef industry. These were aligned with industry initiatives for on-farm recording of medicine use, including the prototype of an electronic medicine book for cattle (eMB-Cattle).

Novel methods were used to develop a comprehensive knowledge and exchange programme to effectively communicate key messages and results to stakeholders.