86 | nzdairy Elevating hoof care in the dairy industry Randall Johnston Based in Canterbury, VeeHof Dairy Services has been a dedicated advocate for the dairy industry for years, specializing in the treatment and prevention of lameness while working to raise the standard of hoof care across New Zealand. Founded in Ashburton in the mid-1990s by Fred Hoekstra, VeeHof has remained committed to addressing lameness and related issues in dairy herds. Fred leads a highly skilled team providing expert hoof trimming services throughout the South Island, along with supplying premium hoof care products nationwide. Expanding Hoof Trimming Services VeeHof offers the expertise of a certified hoof trimmer capable of handling everything from routine trims to complex hoof care procedures. Their service area spans Canterbury, Otago, Southland, and the West Coast, ensuring farmers across the region have access to professional hoof care. Prior to each farm visit, all equipment is meticulously cleaned and disinfected in accordance with strict biosecurity protocols. With growing demand for hoof trimming services, VeeHof is currently looking to expand its team to meet the needs of the industry. Investing in High-Quality Equipment Beyond trimming services, VeeHof imports and supplies high-quality hoof trimming machinery, including the WOPA 61 Hydraulic Crush and manual crushes. “We recently brought in a WOPA track for a North Island hoof trimmer, which is a fantastic piece of equipment. It’s encouraging to see more people investing in their hoof trimming businesses, reinforcing our confidence in the industry,” says Operations Manager Frikkie Greybe. Strengthening the Team VeeHof recently welcomed Joe Oelofse, who brings a strong background in business along with farming experience. He has quickly become an asset to the team, supporting the company’s expansion efforts. “We’re excited to grow our retail presence, making our hoof trimming products more accessible in farm stores and vet clinics across New Zealand,” Joe shares. “We’ve introduced several new products to the market such as Intracare Repiderma and Hoof Grip Pro Glue, With growing demand for hoof trimming services, VeeHof is currently looking to expand its team. RURAL SERVICES » Veehof Dairy Services and these will be a major focus for us in the coming year.” Addressing Lameness: A Critical Issue in Dairy Farming Lameness remains one of the most pressing challenges in the New Zealand dairy industry, ranking alongside mastitis and reproductive issues as a top welfare concern. Often referred to as the “mental health issue” of farming, lameness affects many but is rarely discussed openly. At VeeHof, the team believes that fostering open conversations about lameness will help farmers identify risk factors more accurately, enabling them to implement better hoof care and management practices—ultimately reducing this costly problem. Education and Training: The Dairy Hoofcare Institute VeeHof’s sister company, the Dairy Hoofcare Institute (DHI.ac.nz), oversees industry-leading training programs, including Advanced Hoofcare Courses and One-Day Introductory Lameness Workshops These programs equip farmers and professionals with the knowledge needed to prevent and manage lameness effectively. A Changing Industry with Growing Potential Fred, a certified hoof trimming instructor trained in Europe, holds a diploma in hoof care based on the Dutch method, a globally recognized approach JOANNE MCCLOY JOANNEMCCLOYPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.NZ A u t h e n t i c , G E N U I N E , & J o y f u l P e r s o n a l B r a n d i n g p h o t o s S t e p h P e i r c e | L o c a l & F r i d a y Micronised powdered organic minerals Patented antibiotic free product Protective layer with strong adhesion, for at least 3 days Sprays at every angle, even upside down ANTIBIOTIC FREE FOR HOOF, UDDER CLEFT, DEHORNING, NAVEL AND SKIN CARE The Unmatched Green Choice in Hoof & Skin Care Would you like to know more? www.veehof.co.nz DEHORNING SKIN CARE NAVEL CARE HOOF CARE UDDER CARE 2025_intra_repiderma_cow_126,4x100_adv_en_d02.indd 1 18/03/2025 09:01:06 for preventing and treating lameness in dairy cows. Having come from Europe - where regular professional hoof trimming has been integrated into farming systems for decades - Fred is encouraged to see it becoming increasingly accepted as best practice in New Zealand. More farmers are investing in understanding lameness and training their staff, while a growing number of professionals are pursuing careers in hoof trimming. However, Fred cautions that hoof trimming is a highly skilled trade, and without proper training, individuals risk doing more harm than good. With approximately 4.8 million dairy cows in New Zealand and only about 25 hoof trimmers nationwide, the industry has significant growth potential. As hoof care gains greater recognition, VeeHof remains committed to leading the way in expertise, training, and innovation, ensuring healthier cows and a more sustainable future for the dairy industry.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=