Cattle foot health: best foot forward

I am eagerly anticipating attending a BCVA Foot Health Trainer course this week, run by the champions of foot health in cattle Sara Pedersen and Tim Carter. Once I have attended the course, I will be accredited to run Lantra-approved foot trimming courses for cattle farmers, in part-nership with a Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board instructor, who is a fully qualified and audited professional foot trimmer.

Teaching practical foot health is something I have wanted to do for a long time, motivated by my experiences of watching feet being trimmed by my dairy farmer clients. Many have never had any formal training in foot trimming and have likely been taught by an older colleague or relative. Unfortunately, in some cases, I have seen this results in poor trimming practices, unsuitable or unmaintained equipment and facilities, and a lack of enjoyment of foot trimming. This often results in them putting off the job for as long as possible.