Part of a series on Outsmarting the Fluke: Peer-Led Strategies for Scottish Pastures.

Relying on calendar drenches and business as usual has pushed parasite control to a dangerous cliff edge. Driven by volatile weather, genetically adaptive parasites, and drug resistance, routine chemical drenching is no longer financially or ecologically viable.

Join researchers, vets, and active farmers for an honest, peer-led discussion on Fasciola hepatica. What is its lifecycle, how it engages and depends on the wider farm environment and what they do in response to each drench.

Now we’ve tested and detected, or we’ve treated what are some of the other ways that fluke uses our farmland against us.

We’re looking at how we can trap fluke in the landscape and protect our livestock by minimising interaction with it. We’ll look at other techniques, tips and tricks that can save us from forking out for drenches and having a miserable handling stock. We’ll also hear about peatland restoration designed for sheep from David Cooper at Cooper Farms in Ayrshire and the benefit of lambing on the hills.

Speakers

Dr. Philip Skuce - Principal Research Scientist, Moredun Institute

Philip is a leading livestock parasitologist at the Moredun Research Institute with decades of expertise in parasite biology, sustainable control strategies, and anthelmintic resistance. His work focuses on translating cutting-edge parasite science into actionable, practical tools for farmers; helping livestock producers navigate changing climate risks, reduce chemical inputs, and adopt targeted test-to-treat approaches.

Claire Whittle — The Regenerative Vet

Claire is a farm veterinary surgeon, Nuffield Farming Scholar, and advocate for regenerative agriculture. She focuses on the vital link between soil health, ecosystem balance, and animal welfare. By bridging the gap between clinical veterinary medicine and ecological land management, Claire champions proactive, nature-friendly health plans that reduce chemical dependency and foster long-term herd and flock resilience.

David Cooper - Cooper Farm, Ayrshire

David is a livestock producer farming in Ayrshire, actively exploring practical ways to build farm resilience in demanding weather conditions. By testing whole-farm management approaches and nature-friendly practices on his own holding, David shares honest, peer-to-peer insights on the challenges and economic realities of moving past high-input livestock management.