51AVÊÓÆµ

2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "For some, the battle was too much"

Tenant Farmers Association chief executive George Dunn reflects on the outbreak 25 years ago, the heartbreaking conversations he had with farmers, the devastating open-air pyres of livestock being culled to stop the disease from spreading, and the determination of farmers to never let things become so bad again

clock • 3 min read
TFA chief executive George Dunn said: "I remember reading the note left behind by one young livestock farmer who simply said she could not live with what her livestock had had to go through. For those who had to watch their precious livestock being culled and burned on their farms, either because their animals had contracted disease or had become dangerous contacts with another diseased premises, the pain was deep and acute."
Image:

TFA chief executive George Dunn said: "I remember reading the note left behind by one young livestock farmer who simply said she could not live with what her livestock had had to go through. For those who had to watch their precious livestock being culled and burned on their farms, either because their animals had contracted disease or had become dangerous contacts with another diseased premises, the pain was deep and acute."

February 21 2001 is etched firmly in my consciousness as a dreadful day and the start of a dreadful 11 months. Reg Haydon, the TFA's national chair at the time, and I had just stepped out of English...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµLife

Food Waste Action Week: By Sunday an average UK household of four will have already wasted £200 of edible food this year

Food Waste Action Week: By Sunday an average UK household of four will have already wasted £200 of edible food this year

A new survey has revealed the amount of food that is wasted daily and shares its top tips for preventing food waste which in turn saves money, time and improves health and headspace

clock 09 March 2026 • 4 min read
Timeline set for ban on lead shot ammunition

Timeline set for ban on lead shot ammunition

Rural organisations have warned the changes could place pressure on the cartridge manufacturing sector

Chris Brayford
clock 08 March 2026 • 5 min read
International Women's Day: "Younger women entering the industry now expect equality rather than hope for it"

International Women's Day: "Younger women entering the industry now expect equality rather than hope for it"

The fresh produce sector celebrates the women in the industry by highlighting the important roles they play, the barriers they overcome and the growing opportunities within the sector for them

clock 08 March 2026 • 4 min read