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At Diamond Hoof Care, we are very serious about our presence at dairy trade shows. After all, such visits are central to achieving our primary purpose – to help farmers when hoof health problems assault their herds. For this reason, we make it a point to attend industry events. We go there and listen very carefully to producers. In fact, you could say hoof problems and treatment strategies are our delights of the day.
With this blog post, we aim to give you a bit of insight into our latest trade show experiences. They include our visit to the Lethbridge AG EXPO. This is a general ag-industry event for farmers dealing in all kinds of livestock. There was also the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar in Red Deer. This convention-type event brings together researchers, industry professionals, and many dairy farmers.
The Western Canadian Dairy Seminar
What usually happens at such trade shows – and these were no exception – is that many people stop by at our booth to learn about hoof diseases. In general, they ask us how to solve such problems. The Western Canadian Dairy Seminar includes lectures about hoof health. Thus, it offers highly valuable information to the industry. In addition, we regularly meet dairy producers who face challenges on their farms. We like to think we have helped these people by recommending our hoof care protocols. As a result, they have helped their cows walk better. Producers’ feedback is key for developing consistent hoof care protocols, manual treatments, and preventive measures for future years.
Another thing we like about the Western Canadian Dairy Seminar is that it gives us the chance to meet with many veterinary students. These young people are very keen on learning more about hoof health. They do a lot of research and presentations about hoof care and lameness. We highly recommend supporting and visiting the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Calgary.
Insights we get from trade shows
Hoof care problems such as digital dermatitis are always among the first topics producers taking part in our trade shows want to discuss. As it usually turns out, dairy farmers have tried many protocols and products. They have tested them either as preventative measures or as a treatment. Unfortunately, they have had limited or no success. When they stop by our booth, we talk about what they have done in the past. Then, we discuss in detail the kind of protocols they are currently using. We often suggest sticking to a protocol for a longer period of time to get the lameness problem under control.
This year, our participation in the trade shows once again brought us in touch with people from both sides of the frontline. On one side, there are the farmers, who always search for effective and safe solutions to hoof health problems. On the other side, you have people like us, who strive to deliver these solutions, be it through R&D or distribution. These events always provide an opportunity for knowledge updates, new business contacts, and invaluable feedback. We are already looking forward to what next year has to bring!
Do you have a dairy industry event in your area and know a local dealer who takes part in it? If so, we would like to get in touch with you and explore possibilities for our participation in your trade shows.
Final thoughts
In parting, let us say this: if your farm is struggling with hoof problems, don’t be quick to lose heart! Remember: these problems have a solution! Reach out to our team with your questions and suggestions via our contact page, and we will promptly get back to you.
