Training Courses
Our DEFRA approved DIY AI course runs over 3 days. The first day is used to cover theory and practice technique using abattoir specimens, whilst the second and third days are both on farm, where you will practice on live cows under the guidance of an experienced vet. To ensure everyone gets the most out of the course places are limited to 6 people.
We typically run 2 AI courses per year and one refresher course.
This highly practical 2 day course equips participants with the skills to identify and treat lame cows at their own farms.
The course includes a mix of classroom and practical sessions, covering the common causes of lameness, how to prevent these and how to use mobility scoring effectively on the farm.
We teach the Dutch 5 step method for foot trimming, and practice trimming technique and applying blocks on abattoir specimens. All essential equipment is included in the course price, including PPE and knives. If participants wish to use electric grinders, they can bring their own equipment on day 2 for extra guidance on their use.
We typically run 1 Hoof Trimming for Lame Cows course per year.
Next course date: 11am-3pm, 7-8th December
This condensed course comprises 2 days on farm where we recap bovine reproductive anatomy and semen handling, as well as practice on live cows to refine technique and check where semen is being deposited.
During the AI refresher course we trouble shoot common mistakes, check technique and talk about non-AI related factors which can affect conception rates.
The course is suitable for anyone with prior experience of bovine AI looking to refine their technique, including those returning to AI after a break, or anyone who has recently started AI but feels they would benefit from a refresher.
Next course date 12-1.30pm, Weds 25th November (Lunch provided)
This Red Tractor-approved course is suitable for everyone involved in treating animals on farm, and takes approximately 90 minutes. It covers all essential information on medicines use, storage and administration, as well as how to prevent medicine residues entering the food chain.
Most farm assurance schemes require at least 1 member of staff to have attended this training every 4 years.
This is suitable for dairy farmers and is an alternative to completing a medicines course. It is a nationally run scheme, first developed in response to milk processors wishing to reduce the risk of medicines residues entering the food chain. It is particularly useful for farms which have experienced a bulk tank failure in the past year, or who employ larger teams.
We can run Milksure for a single farm business, where we encourage all milking staff to attend, or alternatively we can run this as a small group at the practice subject to demand.
This 1 day course is taught by an external company who specialise in providing first aid for farmers. As well as the essentials you would expect to learn on a conventional first aid course such as CPR; attendees will also prepare to deal with serious farm accidents, like bleeds, crush injuries and maimings, and prolonged wait times for emergency services.
This is a recognised First Aid at Work course and fulfils Red Tractor recommendations.
