2001 UK foot-and-mouth outbreak - 25 years on: "It was the worst time of my life"

Auctioneer Andrew Templeton, of Harrison & Hetherington, reflects on a defining chapter in British agriculture's history, the emotional impact of working in the industry at the time, and why the sector has still not fully recovered since

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Andrew Templeton, auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington, said: "We must remember, for livestock farmers, it was total devastation. Since that day, there is not a livestock farmer who has not uttered the words, ‘We must not let the marts close again', at some time or another."
Image:

Andrew Templeton, auctioneer at Harrison & Hetherington, said: "We must remember, for livestock farmers, it was total devastation. Since that day, there is not a livestock farmer who has not uttered the words, ‘We must not let the marts close again', at some time or another."

It has been 25 years since the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak brought the livestock industry to a standstill. For Harrison & Hetherington auctioneer Andrew Templeton, it remains the most devastating...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Farm Life

Women's History Month: Hannah Hauxwell, 'Daughter of the Dales' – a one woman farming force
Farm Life

Women's History Month: Hannah Hauxwell, 'Daughter of the Dales' – a one woman farming force

Many in the farming community will have heard of Hannah Hauxwell, and even more will have been inspired by her well-documented way of life. In honour of International Women’s Day, Emily Ashworth takes a deeper look into her story

Emily Ashworth
clock 15 March 2026 • 5 min read
Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes
Farm Life

Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes

Sector issues plea to Government as landlords withdraw rented farmland plans to offset tax liabilities

Jonathan Wheeler
clock 13 March 2026 • 2 min read
Organic North Yorkshire dairy farm wins Tye Trophy for conservation
Farm Life

Organic North Yorkshire dairy farm wins Tye Trophy for conservation

An upland family farm in the north Craven district of Yorkshire is demonstrating that conservation and working with nature can go hand-in-hand with commercial farming

Howard Walsh
clock 12 March 2026 • 8 min read