I'm a clinical director of Steffan Vets and I’m also chair of the Farm Animal Clinical Board.

Can you tell us more about the Farm Animal Board?

The Farm Animal Board is a group of farm animal vets within IVC Evidensia who are deeply passionate about our work. We get together to develop best practices and forward-thinking new projects to support farm animal practice.

Your episode of Beyond the Clinic is about sustainability in farm animal practice. Could you tell us about what sustainability means to you?

Sustainability for me began with being a responsible citizen—recycling at home, which then got me thinking about how we can recycle in practice and make the practice more sustainable. I then joined the Farm Board’s sustainability working group. IVC Evidensia’s Positive Pawprint sustainability strategy was initially focused on small animals, we developed guidance and KPIs to expand into farm animal practice as well.

Sustainability can be a scary word for a lot of people, but it boils down to efficiency. From a farmer's point of view, we're trying to make them more efficient: reducing chemical usage, antibiotic usage, and anthelmintic resistance, while also making their businesses more profitable and improving animal health and welfare. It's a win-win situation. In many farm practices, sustainability is just what we do day-to-day, even if we don't label it as such.

Tell us more about what you’re doing at Steffan Vets to be more sustainable!

When you sit down and examine what we do as a practice, you can find areas for improvement, particularly with vehicle usage, which is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. Which is why we're investing in EV charging points. I've also instilled a passion for sustainability in one of our nursing team members. She's taken the lead, looking at everything from specific PPE disposal to doing the carbon literacy course. She's sharing all that knowledge within the practice, raising awareness about recycling soft and hard plastics. Education is key—making people aware of what to do is crucial.

Do you think education is a key factor in promoting sustainability?

Absolutely. It's about constantly positively promoting the message. The media often makes sustainability seem daunting, but small changes can make a big difference. If everyone makes a small contribution, globally the effects can be massive.  Every little bit counts, and it's bigger than just the individual practice or farm.

What role do you feel farm vets can play in helping farms implement sustainable practices?

We're integral to it. Farmers trust vets for reputable advice. There's a lot of misinformation out there, and we can be a positive advocate for simple, effective changes. Many farmers view sustainability negatively, as something imposed on them by the government or supermarkets. But if we frame it as efficiency—saving money, improving animal growth and welfare—they engage more positively. Farmers generally want to do the right thing. Our work is about reframing and educating on efficiency and sustainability in ways that resonate with the farmers.

What is the biggest challenge you face in your work?

The biggest challenge is the negativity around the word ‘sustainability’. People often think only of carbon and methane emissions, but sustainability covers a broad range, including water, energy, communities, equality, and diversity. It’s about broadening that understanding.

What keeps you motivated?

The greater good. Improving things for future generations. The phrase ‘enough for all, forever’ resonates—it's about sustainability now and for the future.

How has your perspective on sustainability and efficiency changed over your career?

My awareness of sustainability has grown, especially in the last five to ten years. Reducing reliance on antibiotics and anthelmintics has been a focus throughout my career. It's gaining momentum now, but these efforts have been ongoing for years.

Could you share something you're proud of from your veterinary career?

I’m involved in many things. Apart from being in IVC and on the board, I'm the director of Lechyd Da and Wales Veterinary Science Centre. Networking and meeting people has been very rewarding. But the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing a happy farmer who’s pleased with the work we've done - sustainability is really about making people happy and improving things for them.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I’ve been involved in scouting since childhood. I was Chief Commissioner for Wales and worked with Bear Grylls. Now, I'm Chairman of the County, focusing on governance, finance, and regulations. It's easier to fit around work, than the commitment of weekly meetings with young people, but still rewarding.

If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?

Go for every opportunity that comes your way. It's worse to regret something you didn't do than something you did. Take every chance you get.