Meet Jim Hopkins, New Chair of the Vet Sustain Food and Farming Working Group
Jim Hopkins has recently taken over as the Chairperson for the Vet Sustain Food and Farming Working Group (FFWG) which focuses on supporting the transition to a more sustainable farming future through the conservation and regeneration of natural ecosystems and agriculture. He is also Clinical Director of Steffan Vets Lampeter and Priory Vets Cardigan as well as the Chair of IVC Evidensia UK Farm Animal Clinical Board.
Vet Sustain
Hi Jim, Please briefly describe your current role and professional interests?
I am a busy clinical director of two practices but remain passionate about making farms better! Better for the livestock, environment, the farmer, their family and community. I really get into parasitology, and health planning.
I enjoy seeing people flourish and grow, be this clients or members of my teams in the practices.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day starts with waking my daughters! Taking the dogs for a walk, feeding the chickens and guinea pigs followed by quick breakfast and the school run! I spend most of my day in the practice doing management but given half a chance, if the vets are busy, I will get out on farm! Evenings involve being a taxi, paperwork, sorting the animals and finally dropping on the sofa to read or watch TV!
What is your favourite part of the job?
I enjoy seeing people flourish and grow, be this clients or members of my teams in the practices.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
People! I am an outdoors person so I don't like to be stuck in the office for too long!
Do you have any tips for achieving a good work-life balance?
Make time for yourself, no one else will. I make time to walk the dogs and go for a cycle as much as I can.
How do veterinary professionals currently help to drive sustainability?
I believe farm vets are good at it and doing a lot of sustainability without realising or labeling it. Farm vets are improving health and welfare on farms and thus increasing efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
What do you feel are the major opportunities to drive sustainability in the veterinary sector?
I think our greatest opportunity is our knowledge and we need to shout about it!
Vets should get involved with as many conversations as possible! Engage in conversations with clients/farmers and discuss their concerns or worries, impart knowledge and help them make small achievable steps. Our Vet Sustain Farming Factsheet is a great starting point to help vets drive these conversations. Conversations may include encouraging better manure management, welfare standards or challenging their thoughts around chemicals, water or biodiversity.
What are your top tips for veterinary professionals wishing to take the first steps to drive sustainability in their roles?
The first step is to have some knowledge, then talk about it.
Remember there is no harm in telling a client that you don't know but that you will go away find out and come back to them. This shows that you care.
Our Vet Sustain Veterinary Approach to Sustainable Food and Farming CPD course is a great stating point for any veterinary professionals wanting to learn more.
If you could wave a magic wand and make one improvement to drive the sustainability impact of the veterinary profession, what would it be?
Remove the stigma and negativity associated with the word "sustainability". Just think efficiency, improved health and welfare (of people and livestock).