David invited the NFU on to his Gloucestershire farm to film his beloved stock bull Ernie, and three other cows, being destroyed following a positive TB test. The emotional reality of the situation sparked huge support for David as well as renewed interest in the efforts being made to make England TB free.
Watch the video now
He has continued to discuss his situation through the blog and his story has attracted wider media interest. Last week David appeared on the Radio 4 programme ‘On Your Farm’. Charlotte Smith and the team visited David and his family to see for themselves the challenge of farming with the ever-present threat of bovine TB. Wildlife campaigner Gordon McGlone also joined them on David’s farm to talk about his situation and debate the wider issue of a badger cull.
The countdown is now on to David’s next TB test on July 15.
"...I am really not looking forward to it. It is an unknown. Will I have a clear test? If I don’t, how many reactors? How many more breeding cows /heifers will I lose? I think about it every day especially when I’m checking the cattle.
Just now they look so well and so content with huge amounts of spring grass, it’s lovely to be amongst them but July 15 hangs over all of us....read more..."
David is hoping the success of his blog will encourage other farmers to come forward and tell their stories about the impact of bovine TB as well as making more people aware of the disease. He said “I’m hoping it will make more people aware of the issues surrounding bovine TB and encourage other farmers to share their experiences.”
Read David’s blog here