Thought to be the first agreement of its kind between a buying group and a veterinary practice, Norfolk Farm Vetsand agricultural purchasing group Anglia Farmers Limited have come together to offer mutual members and clients a beneficial discount on their monthly vet account when invoiced through Anglia Farmers.

“With more than 650 livestock members, Anglia Farmers is keen to give a financial edge wherever possible,” said the group’s livestock manager Simon Leach. “Veterinary costs are as much a part of the overall costs we already help with such as feed, equipment and fencing. In terms of dairy, they account for around 0.8p a litre of milk, accumulating to an average of around £1,200 a month for a typical East Anglian dairy of 150 head. Our discount agreement with Norfolk Farm Vets is a very positive step in aiding our members to save even more money through Anglia Farmers.”

Both parties agree that the time and administration cost saving benefit is equally important.

Molly McKay of Norfolk Farm Vets, which has clients throughout the Eastern Counties as well as Lincolnshire, said: “Anyone involved with livestock knows how time-consuming all the paperwork can be. Each month Anglia Farmers collates all the supplier invoices, sends them on to members as part of their monthly statement with a single covering invoice which is so much easier than receiving them piecemeal. And it streamlines administration and cashflow for us as well.”

The agreement is effective from 31^st December 2009. Participants are assured that invoices will be treated in the strictest confidence and not used in anyway to collate information.

For more details contact Anglia Farmers on 01603 881881 or Norfolk Farm Vets on 01485 609031.