When and why did you start hoof trimming? I started trimming in 2009, while farming at my family’s dairy. I wanted to take on more responsibility and expand my skill set. Hoof trimming always interested me and we had plenty of cows to trim, so it seemed like a good fit.
What kind of training did you receive? I received hands-on training from an experienced trimmer. Then I went home and kept learning from trial and error. Having the ability to watch a cow after you trim her gives you a unique perspective. I have also been able to trim alongside other hoof trimmers and learn things along the way that made me better at what I do.
What is a typical day like? Every day is different yet similar. Getting up at 5-6 a.m. is a typical day, along with putting on 200 miles round trip. Some days I trim 100-plus cows, other days 30-40 cows.
What do you like most about your job? The farmers I meet. There are a lot of different types of farms out there, and getting to know a little bit of the history of everyone’s farm is fun.
What is the most challenging part of your job? The wind and cold. It is miserable and makes everything more work than it needs to be. Seventy-five degrees with sun is the best weather.
Tell us a fond memory while out trimming hooves. I was in Nebraska and finished trimming and was trying to go home during a blizzard. I buried my truck in the ditch and the farmer made a couple of phone calls and got his neighbor to pull me out with his biggest tractor. I spent the next two days snowed in at John Steffens. They closed the interstate until the wind stopped.
What changes have you seen in the industry since you first started? The social media aspect is the biggest, I think. Trimmers from all over the world share their opinions and thoughts on forums. The information you can get from other trimmers makes you better at what you do.
What is one common misconception about your job? Anyone can do it. Not everyone has the disposition for this type of work. It requires you to work in challenging conditions and fix problems that you don’t learn how to fix from formal training.
What do you like to do in your free time? Spend time with my wife and kids. We’ve gone skiing and ice skating this winter and plan on going camping and enjoying the warm weather when it returns again.
Tell us about your family. Heidi and I live in rural Chokio, Minnesota. We have eight kids between the two of us: Daniel, 14; Faith, 12; Franklin, 12; George, 11; Charlie, 10; Faith, 9; Rosemary, 6; and Levi, 6.
Share with others
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here