2011 HTA Conference (Lancaster, PA)

Two hundred hoof trimmers, farmers, veterinarians, and University people gathered in Lancaster Pennsylvania for the 2011 Hoof Trimmers Conference. 23 were from all parts of Canada, One from Britain, 2 from Australia or New Zealand, 2 from Japan, and one from the Netherlands. The world industry of Hoof Trimming was well represented.

The two days of speakers covered a wide range of topics. Dr Chuck Guard talked on Anatomy and Mechanics, Lames cows and Healthy feet, the problems of feet above the hairline. He left us all feeling we were all working on the same page.

Dr Ondrej (Andre) Becvar did talks on Hoof growth abrasion dynamics in the first lactation and cork screw claw: cause and Incidence and also a talk on can we trim to affect leg angle. It is with great sadness to hear that his contract is up in West Virginia U and he is returning to Chezeslovacia.

Dr Ernst Hovingh talked on Dairy Animal care and QA programs that are moving forward and led a discussion on how to handle animal abuse situations.

We had a talk from Sheri Long a Massage therapist on treating ourselves and a Japanese trimmer dealing with cork screw toes.

Dr Rodrigo Bicalho did a talk on Getting to the root of claw legions that left many of us scratching our heads but it was hard to argue with the data but the conclusions will take a while to sink in to us who heard it.

Vic Daniels did his talk on Interdigital Cleft Space that was well received that finally hearing it for third time I finally understand. It was well received and is being picked up by other researchers for their students to do work on. I was happy to learn that he is now on the Executive of the Hoof Trimmers Association Inc as Regional Rep. Congratulations to Vic and we offer him any help we can give.

Gerard Cramer did a cattle handling talk and Treatments Ontario Research and What to do with paper and electronic records. We who do recording of DD found out it was more important to record the first time problems.

Saturday , we had two tables and a stand up chute demonstrating on 30 cows but the real interest was the Cadaver feet where there was much discussion and demonstrating of wheels.

We had 20+ trade show exhibits and they had a lot of new products to offer for our preview and most supported our Auction.

The Auction was a huge success raising almost $15,000 for the Association.

Prior to the Conference Peter Kloosterman ran a 4 day hoof trimming course and awarded Certificates to two candidates. I was sorry to hear that Utrecht is cancelling his program as of January 1st he will be out a job but it is possible that the Guild will bring him in to run a course next year for those interested.

South East Pennsylvania was extremely dry and we were all happy to be in air conditioning the first two days and happy the air cooled a little on the Saturday. The humidity was very oppressive.

The hotel air conditioning was a little to much for some of us for sleeping well and Vic was having throat problems prior to his talk.

Alan Schlabach is the new President Elect and brings a lot of experience on many levels.

Numerous plaques were given out to celebrate different peoples achievements in the hoof trimming industry.

It was a conference well worth attending and the learning curve and sharing of information among hoof trimmers will be well reflected in the future.

"PDK Hoof Trimming"
"PDK Shearing & Supplies"
Peter & Thelma Kudelka
Box 39, Mitchell, Ontario, N0K 1N0
1-519-348-4266
1-519-274-2050

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