In this episode of Horns and Hooves, professional hoof trimmer Adam Marshall joins the show to discuss the critical importance of hoof health and structural confirmation in miniature cattle and Highland crosses.

Adam shares his expertise on how genetics, environment, and nutrition all play a vital role in keeping your herd sound, famously noting that "it all goes hand in hand" when balancing body confirmation with foot health. Listeners will learn why miniature breeds are prone to specific issues like "corkscrew claw" and how modern feeding habits might be growing hooves faster than nature intended.

Key Takeaways

Hoof health is driven by the trifecta of genetics, environment, and nutrition, with environment often being the most impactful factor for domestic cattle. To promote natural wear, owners should force movement by placing water and feed at opposite ends of the pasture. Additionally, be wary of high-energy treats; "hotter" rations lead to faster, often problematic hoof growth.

Episode Highlights

Adam explains why sand often acts more like mud than sandpaper, failing to provide the natural abrasion needed for Highland hooves.

The discussion also covers serious health warnings regarding contagious hoof warts and the "sugar wrap" method for drawing out infections.

Finally, Adam provides practical advice for those looking to hire a trimmer, emphasizing the need for specialized equipment that can safely handle horned or miniature livestock.

Timestamps

00:20 Introduction of Guest Adam Marshall

01:24 The Link Between Genetics and Foot Confirmation

04:41 Environmental Factors and Promoting Natural Wear

05:27 Why High-Energy Treats Can Harm Hoof Health

09:50 Identifying Genetic Issues Like Corkscrew Claw

12:18 Managing Contagious Warts and Hoof Rot

18:40 Differences Between Maintenance and Show Trims

22:30 Maximize Your Chute Time with Extra Services

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Horns and Hooves, Taylor returns from a transformative week at the Graham School in Garnett, Kansas. Stepping far outside her comfort zone, she dives into the technical world of cattle management, covering everything from ultrasounding and pregnancy checking to nutrition and herd health.

Taylor shares her excitement about bringing these new skills back to her mini highland herd, noting that "you're learning everything you need to know from the moment that calf is in the womb... to taking it to the sale barn". The duo also discusses a fascinating product called Bovi-Thera (referenced as "therapies") that mimics a nursing calf to calm livestock during high-stress events like weaning, shipping, and AI.

Key Takeaways

The Graham School offers an intensive five-day cattleman course providing hands-on experience with pregnancy checking, ultrasounding, and fertility management.

Once you pay the initial fee, students can return to future classes for free to refresh their skills.

Calming products that mimic natural maternal pheromones can significantly improve conception rates during AI and reduce weight loss during shipping.

Proper semen handling is critical, as even slight temperature changes in the neck of the tank can damage motility and lower success rates.

Episode Highlights

Taylor describes her experience as a "niche breed" owner among 19 students from across the country, including Hawaii and Florida.

We discuss the challenges of confirming pregnancies in miniature donkeys and horses, hoping that external ultrasound techniques might provide a faster solution than waiting a year for a foal.

We also touch on the emotional side of ranching, acknowledging the mourning process cows go through after losing a calf.

Finally, we look forward to the National Western Stock Show in Denver, discussing the preparations for showing heifers in the new facilities.

Timestamps

00:11 Graham School overview and location

01:04 Skills learned: Ultrasounding and preg checking

05:29 The "Return and Learn" free tuition policy

07:18 Benefits of calming pheromone products

10:40 Testing external ultrasound on mini donkeys

14:07 Technical tips for AI and semen handling

16:43 Coping with calving losses and breech births

19:18 Preparing for the National Western Stock Show

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horn N Hooves

Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast

TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast

Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

In this episode of Hooves and Horns, we sit down with Courtney Henson from Little Finger Farms to discuss the reality of starting and scaling a small livestock operation. We dive deep into the lessons learned when transitioning from a hobby to a production farm, emphasizing that "Progress, not perfection" is the key to success in the homesteading world.

Courtney shares her experience moving from Virginia to Northwest Georgia and how she navigated the challenges of regional differences in cattle management and pasture care. From the importance of soil sampling to the brutal honesty required when managing animal numbers, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to optimize their farm forages and livestock safety.

Key Takeaways

Utilize local resources like your county extension office for free soil sampling and expert regional advice.

Implement rotational grazing and stockpile forages to offset the high costs of hay during drought seasons.

Maintain a "brutally honest" assessment of your property’s carrying capacity to avoid overgrazing and financial strain.

Understand livestock safety and behavior, especially when integrating different species like cattle, donkeys, and goats.

Episode Highlights

The transition from hobby farming to intentional livestock production.

Regional differences in forage quality and the impact of Georgia droughts.

How to effectively use temporary fencing and rotational management.

Managing animal temperament and safety tips for handling fluffy but pushy cows.

Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Courtney Henson and Little Finger Farms.

05:22 - Moving a farm from Virginia to Georgia.

12:15 - The importance of soil sampling and extension offices.

18:45 - Strategies for rotational grazing and drought management.

25:30 - "The Math": Balancing animal numbers with available acreage.

32:10 - Safety tips for livestock owners and "Cow Math".

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves

Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast

TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast

Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Contact Courtney Henson: Little Finger Farm

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/