104 | nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Hoof-it Waikato Hoof Trimming Regular hoof trimming is recommended as part of any lame cow prevention program. Using purpose-built trimming crushes, the Hoof-It team can safely handle each animal. Highly trusted dairy hoof care operation Bernadette Cooney Hoof-It have grown into one of New Zealand’s most trusted dairy hoof care operations. Based near Ohaupo in the Waikato and serving the wider North Island, Hoof-It delivers expert hoof trimming, lameness assessments, hoof care training and products that help ensure healthy herds and productive farms. Since 2009, Stuart Rogers has been providing certified and expert hoof trimming services safely, efficiently and cost effectively. Hoof-Its core service is professional hoof rimming, a critical step in preventing and treating lameness. “There are over 20 different hoof lesions,” says Stuart. “You can’t expect dairy farmers to find time to become hoof experts, so that’s where we can help. Identifying to the farmer, which infections to treat and providing hoof trimming skilfully and stress-free for the cow.” Regular hoof trimming is recommended as part of any lame cow prevention program and Hoof-It can assess a herd for lameness, helping farmers identify which animals need further care. “A full herd trim isn’t always necessary,” says Stuart. “We can assess the entire herd and pinpoint those that will benefit from hoof trimming which in turn is more cost effective and improves outcomes.” Hoof-It maintains precise records, providing farmers with a clear picture of herd hoof health to share with vets and advisers. Stuart is a certified hoof care instructor in the White Line Altas Method, the only such instructor in New Zealand. Stuart offers hoof care training that aims to empower farmers and staff to manage minor issues themselves before they worsen. It’s not always practical to call in a pro for one lame cow but with the right training, farm teams can step in early and help the animal whilst preventing bigger costs down the track. Hoof-It operates with high biosecurity awareness and every measure of their work is to the highest hygiene standards. “We don’t do multiple farm visits in a day,” says Stuart. “We follow stringent contamination prevention protocol.” Having experienced firsthand the 2001 Foot and Mouth outbreak in the UK, Stuart is very thorough about hygiene. Raised on a dairy farm in Northern Ireland, Stuart’s hoof care journey began during a working holiday in Canterbury, New Zealand where he saw a gap in the market for structured hoof care services Orahiri Farm Services JEREMY CONNOLLY 021 037 9949 | orahiri@gmail.com Hoof Care for Dairy Cows Since 2014 Waikato | Taranaki
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