Meet the assessors
The role of a Freedom Food assessor is to visit everyone who applies for membership to check that all the RSPCA welfare standards are in place. They also re-assess all existing members on a yearly basis to make sure they continue to meet the scheme requirements.
60-second interview
Name: Reg Battershall
Job title: Freedom Food assessor
What does a Freedom Food assessor actually do?
The bulk of my job is spent visiting farms to carry out assessments. This may be on cattle, sheep, pig or poultry farms and they can be anywhere in the UK. The job involves a lot of travelling, and I may be in the Orkneys one week and on the south coast of England the next. I sometimes attend trade shows, which I really enjoy because I get to meet the public - many of whom are Freedom Food customers.
How do you think farm animals benefit from the Freedom Food scheme?
They definitely have a better lifestyle. Freedom Food's sole aim is to improve farm animal welfare, and treating animals with respect is high on a Freedom Food farmer's list of priorities.
How do you carry out an assessment?
I look at housing conditions, bedding, ventilation and how much feeding and drinking space is available. At the same time I look at the condition of the animals and ask the farmer about the history and health of the stock. I finish up by looking at the farm records and veterinary health plans, and the farmer usually has a few questions for me. Once an assessment is over I write up my report and complete all the necessary paperwork.
What's the best thing about your job?
Working with animals and knowing that I am helping to improve farm animal welfare.
What's the worst thing about your job?
Paperwork!
What other jobs have you done?
I am lucky enough to have worked with animals all my life. I was at the Meat and Livestock Commission for almost 30 years before joining Freedom Food in 1998. I've also worked as a farm foreman and the manager of a beef and sow unit.
What two items wouldn't you leave home without?
My map and my mobile.