[Veterinarians, and agriculture. Views of an agriculturist who taught at the veterinary school in Munich].

This article reflects on future developments in the relationship between farmer and veterinarian by an agricultural expert who lectured at Munich Veterinary Faculty from 1970 to 1993. The first chapter gives the reasons for the changes in this relationship over a period of 200 years. The present agricultural crisis is mainly caused by economic and social developments and by political decisions. The effects of these rapid developments on animal husbandry and veterinarians are discussed. History and new technologies in animal husbandry (for example micro electronics) lead to the thesis that the trend to larger and more specialised herds in family farms will continue. Assuming this thesis to be correct, veterinary herd health management and computerised health programmes will gain more importance in veterinary practice whereas therapy of individual animals will decrease.