Health plan Q&A

What is Red Tractor proposing for livestock health planning? 

The proposed standards introduce a more practical, farm-specific approach to livestock health planning in both the Beef & Lamb and Dairy Schemes. 

The proposal would see an annual livestock health review carried out with the farm’s nominated vet, followed by an action plan tailored to the farm’s specific priorities and objectives for the year ahead.

How would the new approach benefit farmers? 

The proposed changes are designed to make health planning more relevant, practical and useful. 

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all process, farmers and vets would be able to focus on the health challenges, opportunities and priorities that matter most to their individual farm. 

What would a livestock health review involve? 

The review would be an annual discussion between the farmer and their nominated vet or veterinary practice. 

Together, they would look at the farm’s livestock health data, identify priorities and agree actions that support continuous improvement over the coming 12 months. 

How would the Action Plan work? 

Following the review, the farmer and vet would agree a farm-specific action plan. 

This would set out agreed priorities and actions, such as vaccination programmes, parasite control, disease prevention measures and routine testing, creating a clear roadmap for the year ahead. 

Why is Red Tractor proposing an Action Plan rather than a traditional Health Plan?

Feedback from farmers and vets highlighted a desire for a more flexible approach that reflects the needs of individual businesses. 

The proposed Action Plan is intended to focus on the issues that are most relevant to each farm, helping ensure time and effort are directed where they can deliver the greatest benefit. 

Will vets continue to play an important role?

Yes. The proposed approach places vets at the centre of the annual review process, encouraging closer collaboration between farmers and their veterinary teams and supporting informed decision-making on livestock health and welfare.

Will supporting health records still be required?

The proposal recognises that existing health records remain important, as they provide the evidence needed to identify trends, support informed decision-making and underpin the annual health review. By separating these records from the review itself and reducing the prescriptive nature of record-keeping, the aim is to reduce duplication and unnecessary administration while focusing on information that is genuinely relevant to the farm, making records more meaningful and useful.

Does this proposal change Red Tractor’s animal health and welfare expectations?

No. The proposal does not lower Red Tractor’s animal health and welfare expectations. The expectation that animal health is actively reviewed with veterinary input and that actions are identified and implemented remains. The change is intended to make the process more relevant, outcome-focused and farm-specific, reducing reliance on prescriptive templates and encouraging more meaningful discussions between the farmer and their vet.

How does this fit with the wider standards review?

The health planning proposal forms part of a broader review of the Beef & Lamb and Dairy standards. The review aims to create standards that are clearer, easier to navigate and less prescriptive where appropriate, while maintaining the outcomes that matter most to farmers, supply chains and consumers.

Would the same approach apply across Beef & Lamb and Dairy?

Yes. A common approach to livestock health planning has been proposed across both sectors, helping to reduce duplication and improve consistency across the standards.

How can I share my views on the proposal?

These are proposed changes and no final decisions have been made. Red Tractor is inviting feedback through the consultation process, and all responses will be considered by the Technical Advisory Committees and Sector Boards before the standards are finalised.