Farming Forward

Season 2 Best Bits!

From hoof health to sustainable innovations, we've gathered the best moments from Season 2 of "Farming Forward" 🚜✨ 👣 James Wilson – Hoof Health Consultant & Researcher Diving into the science behind lameness prevention and the importance of teamwork in dairy farming. 🩺 Vet Tonia Simms – Farm Vet Sharing insights on reducing antibiotic use and enhancing herd fertility through nature and science. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Willie McHarrie – Scottish Dairy Farmer Discussing his journey from starting fresh to managing a thriving herd at Broompark Farm. 🎪 Janet Simpson – Secretary of The Great Eccleston Show Highlighting the growth of the show and her role in milk recording across local farms. 🧑‍🌾 Andrew Pemberton – Lancashire Dairy Farmer Reflecting on generational changes in farming and the realities of modern dairy life. 🎧 Tune in to relive these inspiring conversations and celebrate the heart of dairy farming!

The Hoof Health Revolution: Insights from James Wilson

Lameness is one of the biggest welfare and productivity challenges in dairy farming, but what if we could tackle it with a smarter, science-backed approach? In this episode, we’re joined by James Wilson, Hoof Health Consultant at Herd Health Consultancy and post-doctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool. James brings a unique perspective—combining hands-on experience as a herdsman, hoof trimming skills, and cutting-edge research into genetics and farmer engagement. We’ll be diving into: - The latest science on claw horn lesions and lameness prevention - Why farmers, trimmers, and vets need to work together for better results - How genetics could play a bigger role in tackling lameness - Simple, practical steps every dairy farmer can take today Whether you’re a farmer, a vet, a trimmer, or just passionate about cow welfare, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss! Contact: Linkedin page - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-wilson-16a3b4153/ Email - james.herdhealth@gmail.com/j.p.wilson@liverpool.ac.uk Website - https://www.herdhealth.co.uk/ Telephone - 07468495027 Links relating to the discussion: UK Hoof Health Registry: https://ahdb.org.uk/news/sharing-hoof-health-data-to-improve-uk-herd-mobility Lantra Approved Hoof Trimming Courses: https://hooftrimmerregister.co.uk/wp/services/  Ruminant Health and Welfare - GB dairy cow lameness manifesto: https://ruminanthw.org.uk/new-lameness-manifesto-launched-for-british-dairy-industry/  Cattle Lameness Academy: https://www.cattlelamenessacademy.co.uk/  National Association of Cattlefoot Trimmers is a member's organization, but they also run CPD days and conferences for their trimmers and farmers to attend - https://nacft.co.uk/  Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board offer the Level 4 qualification and LANTRA approved courses, as well as coaching for hoof trimmers - https://hooftrimmerregister.co.uk/wp/level-4-professional-foot-trimming/ The Healthy Feet Website - https://www.cattle-lameness.org.uk/ Lantra Professional Cattle Foot Trimming 4 day course - https://www.lantra.co.uk/product/35180 Healthy Feet Programme - to find out more about the programme or find your nearest mobility mentor - https://ahdb.org.uk/mobility-mentors

Smarter Herd Health with Vet Tonia Simms

In this episode, we sit down with farm vet Tonia Simms to talk about how dairy farmers can work with nature and science to reduce antibiotic use, improve fertility, and create more efficient, sustainable systems. From improving genetic gain to shortening calving periods, and reducing carbon output through healthier herds, Tonia brings practical insight and grounded advice for farmers navigating the ever-changing demands of modern agriculture. We explore how preventative approaches – like better housing, bacterial bedding products like Cobiotex, and smarter reproductive management – can support healthier cows and healthier margins. Plus, we’ll hear what a day in the life of a farm vet looks like, how Tonia balances family life, and what keeps her inspired in her work.

Willie McHarrie - From a Blank Sheet to a Thriving Herd

Today, we’re catching up with Scottish dairy farmer Willie McHarrie from Broompark Farm in Glenluce. We’ll hear about his journey—what it took to get started, the successes and challenges he’s faced along the way, his day-day life and his approach to managing a modern dairy farm. So wherever you are, sit back and enjoy this conversation!

Janet Simpson - Secretary of The Great Eccleston Show

We are delighted to introduce Janet Simpson, who is the secretary of The Great Eccleston Show. The show has continued to grow from strength to strength since she started running it a few years ago! Janet also runs a team of milk recorders for the National Milk Records for a lot of the local farms in the area - and is very well known!