Devon Farmers Invited to Events Focused on Improving Herd Mobility and Boosting Profitability

Organized by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the events are part of the 'Confident Strides' initiative, designed to tackle lameness issues that negatively impact milk yields, increase labor costs, and shorten the productive lifespan of dairy cows.

The events, scheduled for this summer and autumn, will take place across ten locations, with two key meetings set in Devon. These sessions will focus on practical strategies for addressing lameness in grazing herds—a persistent problem for dairy farmers, leading to reduced profitability.

Each meeting will feature expert guidance from a mobility mentor, who will provide actionable advice on identifying and managing lameness. Host farmers will also share their own experiences and successful approaches to improving herd mobility.

Attendees will learn about the primary factors affecting herd mobility during grazing, practical interventions to reduce lameness, and the advantages of adopting AHDB’s Healthy Feet programme. By implementing the strategies discussed, farmers can enhance herd productivity and improve overall farm profitability.

These events present a valuable opportunity for farmers to gain insights into best practices and proven methods for maintaining healthier, more mobile herds, ultimately driving stronger business outcomes.