Torch Farm Vets - Farm Animal Services

Torch Farm Vets - Farm Animal Services As Independent Farm Vets, we are committed to providing the very best service to our clients across North Devon and Exmoor.

Serving the North Devon and Exmoor farming community is our farm animal department. We have extensive experience managing large single species of dairy, beef, sheep, pig, goat and alpaca units as well as caring for smaller multi-species holdings. Being committed to animal welfare means we are always updating ourselves on new practices and new thinking. That way, our clients get the best levels of

care at all times. The scale of our department allows us to offer a wide range of specialist skills to meet your needs.

Parasite challenges are changing – two useful webinars for farmerParasite patterns are changing, and two upcoming webina...
24/06/2026

Parasite challenges are changing – two useful webinars for farmer

Parasite patterns are changing, and two upcoming webinars may be useful for farmers looking to better understand current risks and treatment decisions.

Haemonchus – The challenge of treatment decisions

Haemonchus has become a current topic of discussion, with 2025 being the first year many farms experienced it. However, there is a big difference between the presence of the parasite and it causing clinical disease, known as haemonchosis.

This webinar, hosted by RUMA with experts from SCOPS, Moredun and Edinburgh University, will cover:

• What Haemonchus is
• How to know if you have it on your farm
• How to identify clinical disease
• An introduction to the FAMACHA card system and online training
• Case studies from 2025 and what they can teach us for 2026

Register for the Haemonchus webinar here:
[https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haemonchus-the-challenge-of-treatment-decisions-tickets-1990377851734?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/haemonchus-the-challenge-of-treatment-decisions-tickets-1990377851734?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Lungworm – a changing challenge for cattle farmers and vets
20th July | 4.00pm–5.30pm

Hosted by RUMA Agriculture, this webinar will explore the growing challenge of lungworm in cattle. Outbreaks can be severe and difficult to predict, and cases are now being seen in a wider range of animals, including older cattle as well as youngstock.

The session will consider the challenge lungworm can present on cattle farms and what can be done to help minimise its impact. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion.

Register for the lungworm webinar here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lungworm-a-changing-challenge-for-cattle-farmers-and-vets-tickets-1991928026348?aff=oddtdtcreator

With parasite challenges becoming harder to predict, monitoring and targeted treatment decisions are more important than ever.

Please speak to the farm team if you would like advice on parasite monitoring, testing or treatment planning for your herd or flock.

Huge congratulations to North Molton YFC for completing their incredible South West 3 Peaks Challenge!Over the 20th and ...
24/06/2026

Huge congratulations to North Molton YFC for completing their incredible South West 3 Peaks Challenge!

Over the 20th and 21st June, members took on a huge challenge, cycling 160km to reach the highest points in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, with over 8,000m of elevation gain.

They completed the challenge in aid of two brilliant charities, Devon Mind and South West Blood Bikes, both of which are close to members of the club and the wider community.

What an amazing achievement and a fantastic effort for two very worthy causes. Well done to everyone involved — from all of us at Torch, congratulations North Molton YFC!

☀️🐄 Heatwave on the way – is your farm prepared?The Met Office is forecasting temperatures well into the 30s across part...
22/06/2026

☀️🐄 Heatwave on the way – is your farm prepared?

The Met Office is forecasting temperatures well into the 30s across parts of the UK this week, with heat-health alerts in place for much of England. Hot weather can quickly affect livestock performance, welfare and productivity if animals are unable to keep cool.

A few simple steps can help:

💧 Ensure a constant supply of clean, fresh water and check troughs regularly throughout the day.

🌳 Provide shade wherever possible, whether through natural shelter, buildings or temporary structures.

🌬️ Maximise airflow in livestock buildings by opening vents, doors and side sheets where appropriate.

🐄 Move and handle livestock during the cooler parts of the day, ideally early morning or late evening.

🚜 Minimise transport where possible and plan journeys carefully during periods of extreme heat.

🥛 Dairy farmers should keep a close eye on intakes, milk yield and signs of heat stress such as panting, increased standing time and reduced feed intake.

🐑 Sheep and cattle should be monitored closely for signs of dehydration, lethargy or respiratory distress.

Don't forget to look after yourselves and your teams too. Stay hydrated, take regular breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day where possible.

If you have concerns about livestock health or would like advice on managing animals during hot weather, please contact your local practice.

22/06/2026

🗣️ "An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Herdsperson to join an award-winning, progressive 400-cow family-run dairy farm in North Devon"
APPLY NOW: https://ow.ly/SAis50ZeESX

🪰 Flies causing problems this summer? It's not too late to take action.As temperatures rise, nuisance flies can quickly ...
22/06/2026

🪰 Flies causing problems this summer? It's not too late to take action.

As temperatures rise, nuisance flies can quickly become more than just an irritation. They can impact animal welfare, reduce productivity, spread disease and make life uncomfortable for both livestock and people.

We can help you build an effective fly control strategy with a range of solutions including:

✔️ Professional bucket fly traps and bait
✔️ Fly line systems for livestock buildings
✔️ H-Traps for horse flies
✔️ Fly trap stands and refills
✔️ Biological control options including BioWasp and BioFly

The most successful fly control programmes combine trapping, environmental management and biological control to target flies at different stages of their lifecycle.

If you'd like advice on the best approach for your farm or yard, speak to your local Torch team.

📞 Contact your nearest Torch Farm & Equine practice for information on products, pricing and availability.

17/06/2026

A huge thank you to Babbacombe Dairy for hosting today’s Maximising Intakes farm walk, delivered in partnership with AHDB Dairy and to Mike Wood and his team for welcoming us onto the farm and sharing their knowledge and experience throughout the day.

We would also like to thank our speakers, Dr Annie Williams, Becky Wilson, Mike Wood, Sophia Elworthy and Reb Cavill, for their informative and engaging presentations, covering topics including minerals, sustainable parasite control, carbon footprinting and maximising intakes from forage. Thank you also for the fabulous food provided by Big Birds Baps

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the discussions. Events like these are a valuable opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and take practical insights back to your own farms.

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at future events.

A fabulous family day out! 🐶 🍔 🎈 🎶
17/06/2026

A fabulous family day out! 🐶 🍔 🎈 🎶

Dr Annie Williams from Mineral Nutrition.Annie has been talking about the minerals our cows need, how we assess and anal...
17/06/2026

Dr Annie Williams from Mineral Nutrition.

Annie has been talking about the minerals our cows need, how we assess and analyse mineral status within the herd, and what the results can tell us about animal health, performance and productivity.

Importantly, the session has also focused on how farmers can make practical use of that information, helping to make informed decisions around nutrition, supplementation and herd management.

A really thought-provoking session, with plenty of discussion around turning data into actions that benefit both cows and the farm business.

17/06/2026

📸 Becky Wilson from the Carbon Toolkit is currently leading a discussion with host farmer Mike Wood at Moo Moo’s Organic Dairy.

Together they’re exploring the changes Mike and the team have made on farm, from soil management and drainage improvements to herbal leys and forage production, and how these all contribute to getting more from every mouthful.

It’s generating plenty of discussion amongst the group, with farmers sharing ideas and experiences while enjoying a fantastic day out on farm.

We’re at Babbacombe Dairy today for our Maximising Intakes Farm Walk – Getting More into Every Mouthful with AHDB Dairy ...
17/06/2026

We’re at Babbacombe Dairy today for our Maximising Intakes Farm Walk – Getting More into Every Mouthful with AHDB Dairy

Attendees are splitting into smaller groups with vets Sophia Elworthy and Rebecca Cavill first up to explore practical ways of improving herd performance. Discussions are focusing on forage utilisation, nutrition, and sustainable parasite control, with plenty of opportunity to share experiences and ask questions.

It’s a fantastic day for learning, discussion and seeing ideas in practice on farm, with Big Birds Baps cooking up a storm on site to keep everyone fuelled throughout the day.

Address

Bideford, South Molton, Roundswell, Pilton, Mullacott, Bude, Bradworthy
Holsworthy

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