Do you have farm animals? Do they have hooves? Do they get their hooves trimmed? Why not?
Overlooking the hoof health of our farm animals has economic and welfare consequences. While it can be a valid choice to hire someone to maintain the integrity of hooves on our farms and homesteads, as caretakers we are obligated to understand how the form and function of hoof structures play a role in the health of our animals.Â
MOFGA’s Dairy and Livestock Specialist, Jacki Martinez Perkins, has formal training trimming cattle hooves, and maintains a personal obsession trimming equine hooves in her free time. If you’re looking to learn to trim your own animal’s hooves, taking this in-person, interactive course is a great place to start.Â
In this 3 hour intensive course, learn how the external forces of the hoof affect the internal anatomy and health, what an ideal hoof should look like, and some of the diseases, along with treatment options, available to the organic grower. Participants will have the opportunity to watch sheep, cow, and horse hooves being trimmed, and ask targeted questions throughout the course.Â
Do you want to trim your own animals’ hooves, but want some guided mentorship? Invest in yourself and your farm by contracting with Jacki to work with you one-on-one to teach you balanced hoof care. Cost: $100 per session. Participants must supply your own equipment. Email [email protected] to learn more.Â
