b'ARTICLEPassion andPositivityenthusiasmTrust Understanding CostFarmerTime Humourbenet engagementShareddiscussionsListeningCondenceand asking Vet: Farmer relationshipFig 2. Graphic illustrating the importance of Vet : Farmer relationship to achieve successful farmer engagementIf you read all the social science papers,remunerate you to make them feel bad the central plank of success withabout what they have not done. If you farmer engagement is the quality of thedont feel the farmer has taken the right vet : farmer relationship. If that is notapproach, its much better to translate there, then progress will be limited. Thethis into Great that you have done foundations of the relationship centre onthis Even better if conversations. I a pyramid of factors. always sought to make the farmer laugh, You must show passion and genuineor at least enjoy the vet visit. Lifes just interest in the farmer and his life. Onlytoo short for 100 per cent intensity and through building understanding andconversations about failure! Encouraging trust can you make progress. Listeningmarginal gains and behaviour changes is is more important than talking orvital for progress. (Higgins 2012)knowing stuff. If you are ever stuck, askBring positive energy to the farmers day a question. Present the farmer withrather than worries and despondency. problems and develop a shared solutionThis reinforces positive change. You rather than try and be the expert all thedont have to be the expert all the time. time. If you provide solutions the farmerJust be human and seek to develop will find problems with them and seldomthat great professional relationship. apply your plan! Trust, confidence and competence then If you give a farmer a problem, he/shebuilds on the solid foundations of the will find a solution. If you give the farmerrelationship. Your knowledge base will a solution, he/she will find problems withexpand exponentially once you listen it. Dick Sibley more effectively to your clients. You will be that good vet in the clients eyes and Positive interactions and body languagethats ultimately what matters. The same are so important. Dont just talkapproach works brilliantly with your negatively about disease. Use dynamiccolleagues too. body language that enthuses (and neverThe systematic approach of farmer fold your arms to keep warm!)Celebrateengagement is the next step. You need achievements and focus on what hasto build upon this relationship to achieve gone well rather than just point out thebehaviour change in the farmer. I have failures every time you visit. Farmerssummarised this using JD as an example are happy to pay for you to motivate(Orpin and Sibley 2024), (Grant et al 2023). the team and less enthusiastic to www.inspiredvet.co.uk7'