This archive report was first published on 20 July 2019.
As a veterinarian, I've often been asked by farmers how they can become knowledgeable about animal health and production without becoming experts. My response is simple: act like a parent.
Just as parents learn to care for their children through experience and observation, farmers can develop their knowledge and expertise through continuing learning, training, and documentation. By doing so, they can make informed decisions, engage effectively with service providers, and improve the health and productivity of their animals.
One of the key challenges farmers face is being able to question and diagnose diseases in their animals. However, with the right knowledge and skills, farmers can learn to identify normal and abnormal vital parameters, such as temperature, breathing rate, and coat color, and make informed decisions about their animals' health.
According to my article published on March 11, 2017, farmers should be able to assess the work of their vet and identify quacks. By doing so, they can ensure that they receive high-quality care for their animals and avoid costly mistakes.
As experts, we also learn from farmers because they have experiences that we have not encountered. Farmers all over the world contribute to new knowledge by observing occurrences that are not scientifically documented. By sharing their experiences, farmers can help to advance our understanding of animal health and production.
Ultimately, farmers have the right to seek a second opinion and express their dissatisfaction with a service provider. If a service provider does not offer a second opinion, then it may be time to seek alternative advice.
By adopting a parenting analogy, farmers can learn to take good care of their animals and make informed decisions about their health and production. With the right knowledge and skills, farmers can become empowered to take control of their animals' health and improve their productivity.
