Elise Sutton had not planned on forging a career in farming, yet when she failed her A levels, she started on a path that would lead her to work with the majestic English Longhorn breed. Elise manages the herd of Longhorn cattle at Cherry Lodge Farm in Wiltshire, South West England, a role she holds through Natural England. In this episode, we discuss: Longhorn breed characteristics and traits: including their gentle nature, calving ease and longevity, how to communicate more effectively with farmers when coming from a non-farming background and the importance of being relatable, building a strong support network within the farming community and not being afraid to ask for help when you don't know something! Listen in to discover Elise's thoughts on communication, cows and coffee! Links from this episode: Longhorn Cattle Society https://www.longhorncattlesociety.com/

Nature Friendly Farming Network https://www.nffn.org.uk/ Pasture for Life https://www.pastureforlife.org/

Accompanying his father on visits as a child, Den saw first-hand the special relationship that farm vets can have with their farming clients. Recognising that, unlike his three veterinary brothers, he would feel better suited to farm vet practice, Den began his career at his father’s practice.

After several years he decided that perhaps farm vetting could be done differently, so together with good friend and colleague Charlie Lambert, they set up a practice in Cheshire. This soon grew into Lambert, Leonard and May, a practice that would go on to disrupt the status quo of farm vetting.

But it was the business side of practice life that really became Den’s passion. Being introduced to the concept of setting a vision and values, then integrating them into everything the practice does, unlocked a realisation of the power of what some may call soft skills: communication, understanding what motivates people, and how to build a strong team of workers and clients.

Although no longer in veterinary practice, Den recently took up a role that brings him back to working with the farmers he has always felt comfortable talking with and helping.

In this episode, we discuss:

The challenges and rewards of developing a novel veterinary business model,

Reflecting on the influence our communication can have on others, how we can become more aware of this and communicate in a more constructive manner,

Stepping into the public arena to support his farmers in their challenge to control TB and the consequences associated with this.

Listen in to discover Den’s thoughts on communication, cows and coffee!