As we approach the end of another busy year, there is plenty happening within the Australian Cattle Veterinarians, with preparations well underway for what promises to be an exciting 2027.
Our Education subcommittee have been working hard putting the final touches on the program for the upcoming Conference, “Modern Ruminant Practice in a Changing World,” to be held in Hobart from 15–17 March 2027 in collaboration with the Sheep, Camelid and Goat Vets.
The lecture program is shaping up to offer some excellent content, with a great mix of practical, relevant and thought-provoking topics for cattle veterinarians. Alongside the lectures, there are also some exciting workshops in the pipeline, including a parasitology workshop, a milking machine masterclass and facilitation and communication skills workshop. These will provide some fantastic opportunities for hands-on learning and professional development, not just enhancing your clinical skills but client-relation skills as well.
I encourage everyone to block out 15–17 March in your diaries now and make the trip to Hobart. Our annual conference is not only a great opportunity to further our knowledge and skills, but also a chance to catch up with colleagues and trade, share experiences and enjoy the camaraderie that makes ACV such a great group to be involved with.
On the topic of workshops, I would also like to put out a reminder to anyone considering becoming BULLCHECK accredited, or those interested in attending a beginner-level course introducing the BULLCHECK scheme, to please register your interest with the ACV office as soon as possible.
Interest in BULLCHECK Accreditation and Training – Fill out form
Organising these workshops requires considerable forward planning, particularly around animal ethics approvals, suitable facilities, cattle availability and examiner arrangements. Having an indication of interest well in advance is essential to making these opportunities possible. If we receive sufficient interest, we may look at running a BULLCHECK workshop in conjunction with our conference in Tasmania next March.
I would also like to remind members about our new member engaged platform, which has now replaced the old ACVlist. If you haven’t yet signed up, please contact the ACV office, who can provide instructions on how to access the platform.
Finally, an important reminder for our PREGCHECK & BULLCHECK accredited members. If you have not completed an annual return in the past few years, please contact the ACV office to discuss an extension and receive instructions on how to bring your accreditation requirements up to date.
Annual returns are an important requirement for maintaining PREGCHECK & BULLCHECK accreditation, and failure to complete them may result in your accreditation lapsing. Members who are currently overdue will receive an email shortly outlining what is required and how to proceed. I encourage anyone in this position to act promptly once they receive this correspondence.
