The National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers: The UK’s representative body for professional cattle foot trimmers

Objectives

The National Association of Cattle Foot Trimmers (NACFT) works to increase the credibility and professionalism within the foot trimming industry. Additionally, The Association hosts a range of continuing professional development events with the aim of sharing best practice with its members.

Materials and methods

NACFT was initiated by a group of trimmers, vets, academics, and other interested professionals in 1997. Since it’s initiation, the NACFT and its organizational committee have been involved in a wide range of knowledge exchange with both farmers and trimmers alike. These have ranged from the promotion of the “Healthy Feet Programme” (A lameness control programme developed by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)) through to the running of an annual UK lameness conference which is open to farmers, trimmers, vets, and anyone interested in cattle mobility. The NACFT now has approximately 150 trimmers listed as members on its website from across the UK with a range of affiliate members (from aligned professions mostly) also listed. Throughout this, the key goal has been to promote the positive welfare of dairy cattle, the improvement of the UK dairy herd’s lameness status, and to ensure all trimmers are working to a high and safe standard. [...]