Dairy herdsperson – Register your interest
Unlock Your Future in Dairy Farming
Are you passionate about dairy farming and want to progress within the industry? Our Herdsperson Training Course is your gateway to a successful career in the dairy industry.
Our new modular approach will give those who attend an introduction to all the topics that are essential to running a successful dairy herd. Hosted on-farm with both practical and theory elements, this is aimed at giving any herdsperson a rounded view of the fundamental skills needed day-to-day.
Join our Modular Dairy Herdsperson Course
Why choose this course?
- Hands-On Learning: This course is held on a working farm, where you’ll gain practical, real-world experience in the day-to-day management of a dairy herd.
- Expert Instruction: Learn directly from experienced vets who will guide you through each aspect of dairy herd management essentials.
- Modular Format: Our course is designed to fit within your day-to-day schedule.
- The course will run every Wednesday in November between 10:30am and 3pm.
- The weekly format allows you to return to your farm and apply the principles you have learnt after each session. We finish the course with a farm walk and roundtable discussion to consolidate your knowledge and apply your learning.
- Flexible and cost-effective: Full course or day attendance: Attendance to suit your/your teams learning objectives.
- Career-Ready Skills: Upon completion of the full course, you’ll be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required day to day by a herdsperson, as well as a Mastering Medicines qualification for those who complete weeks 1–3.
Key learning objectives:
Over the first three weeks you will learn about:
- Sick cow care and foot health
- Fertility fundamentals and mastitis
- Fresh cow care and young stock health
The weekly format allows you to return to your farm and apply the principles you have learnt after each session. We finish the course with a farm walk and roundtable discussion to consolidate your knowledge and apply your learning.
Course Agenda:
Week 1
Sick cow care with Bibby Thomas, learn how to –
- Place a needle in a simulation jugular
- Identify an optimal environment to nurse sick cows.
- Diagnose common reasons for down cows.
Mastering Medicine – Antibiotics, NSAIDS,
Foot health with Rosie Lyle, learn how to –
- Identify a lame cow using AHDB scoring system
- Understand foot anatomy and identify common lesions.
- Apply a block correctly.
Week 2
The fundamentals of fertility with Rob powell.
A mastitis deep dive with Charlie Neale.
Week 3
Fresh cow care with Paddy Gordon, take a closer look at –
- The knowledge of disease risks in fresh cows
- How to monitor health, in particular body condition, rumen fill and test for ketosis
- What good herd performance looks like
Understand youngstock health with Anna Hewison, Learn how to –
- Place a stomach tube
- Assess a colostrum protocol
- Understand the nutritional needs of a dairy heifer calf.
Mastering medicine – Parasite products
Week 4
We finish the course with a farm walk and roundtable discussion to consolidate your knowledge and apply your learning.
Our Herdsperson training is delivered and led by vets. Shepton Vets Farm team are experienced trainers.
Bibby and Rosie will deliver week 1 . Rob and Charlie then takes delegates through week 2 and Paddy and Anna will run week 3 . We will end with with the on farm portion and round table discussion.
Course Duration:
4 Days, across 4 weeks
Day course attendance also available.
Course Format (e.g. in-person, online, hybrid):
In person
Course Materials Provided:
NA
Course location:
Classroom theory – Shepton Vets Shepton Veterinary Group Limited Allyn Saxon Drive Shepton Mallet BA4 5QH
On farm practical location –
TBC, farms around Shepton Mallet
Prerequisites:
Delegates must be 16 or over to attend this course. We limit places to ______ on this course. Booking early is recommended
To bring
On week 4 bring a clean pair of wellies, waterproof trousers, and a parlour top.
Is lunch included?
Yes
What sort of lunch?
Lunch will be a cold sandwich selection
Dietary requirements needed?
Please contact the farm office if you have any dietary requirements, we should be aware of
Cost/Fees:
£450 + VAT per person – Full course atendance
£150 + VAT per person – Day course attendance
A 50% deposit will be payable upon booking confirmation with the farm office. Reserve a space below by completing the form. The office team will contact you to complete your booking. The balance will be due before the course start date
Payment options:
You will be contacted following your reservation to complete payment, Alternatively please call the farm office directly. Please call the office to make a payment following reservation online ***
Cancellation policies:
Cancellations up to 7 days before the course will result in a refund. Please contact the office if you need to cancel
Enrolment Process:
- Complete online reservation form
- Await contact from our office team or call them directly in order to complete deposit payment
- 2 days prior to course date, receive advanced course materials
If you have any questions, please email training@sheptonvets.com or call 01749 341 761
