Hoof Health and Maintenance

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.

If you’re looking to learn to trim your own animals’ hooves, join us for this opportunity to learn from the 2025 Conservation Farm of the Year farm owner Nanne Kennedy and MOFGA’s Dairy and Livestock Specialist by taking this in-person, interactive course.

In this 4(+) hour hands-on course, we will discuss 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 trim sheep hooves utilizing several catchment options and tools and ask targeted questions throughout the course.

Biosecurity is paramount, so show up in clean clothes and rubber boots that can be sanitized. Hoof trimming is physically demanding work, and disposable booties aren’t sufficient for this workshop.