Farmskills Taught by LANTRA approved instructors

10am – 3pm

For anyone wanting to know how to care for lambing ewes, recognise the signs of lambing, how to deliver lambs correctly, correct problems and resuscitate the newborn lamb.

Also looks at the facilities and equipment needed at lambing time. A practical class using a lambing simulator with classes of 4-6 people.

10am – 3pm

For both experienced and inexperienced farmers, this practical course looks at the birth process and some of the problems likely to be encountered.

It shows how to recognise and correct calving problems and when to call in professional help. Resuscitation of the newborn and correct use of equipment and drugs are also covered. As it is a practical course using a simulator, numbers are restricted to 4-6 people.

10am – 1pm

One of the biggest causes of production losses are associated with the death of calves during and immediately after birth. This course explains what factors affect the calf’s viability during birth and what methods can be used to help resuscitate the newly delivered calf.

It looks at the challenges a calf faces from its environment, nutrition and disease and how they can be influenced. The role of colostrum and how to assess its value on farm is demonstrated. 

A fun and interactive course that is essential for both the experienced and novice stockman.

Worm and fluke control – 10am – 1pm

White wormers or orange wormers? Nematodirus or Haemonchus ? Drench or injection?

Confused? – Then this is the course for you. This classroom based course will give you a better understanding of:

• The different types of parasites in sheep
• What drugs to use
• How to control the problem in your flock

Footrot, Orf, Waterymouth etc – 10am – 1pm

This course looks at control and prevention of some of the other common major infectious sheep diseases.

It looks at:

• Skin parasites such a lice & scab
• Control of infectious abortion such as EAE & Toxoplasmosis
• How vaccines work and their correct use for preventing Clostridial diseases and Footrot.

10am – 3pm

This course will cover:

• Normal bovine locomotion and how to recognise lameness
• The anatomy of the bovine foot
• How to recognise the causes of foot lameness
• Equipment and facilities required for foot trimming
• Application of the theoretical knowledge of preventative trimming practically.

The day will be split between a theory session and a practical session.

10am – 1pm

This course is aimed at those who are actively engaged in preventing or controlling Johnes disease on their farm.

The aim of the course is to give a better understanding of the disease mechanisms involved in Johnes disease and how they can be used to develop specific control measures to be used on your farm. It looks at the various tests being used, biosecurity measures and other risk factors.

By the end of the course you will be able to formulate a Johnes control Health Plan that is based on your own farm’s situation.

10am – 3pm

There is increasing pressure on farmers from supermarkets and consumers to use drugs correctly and effectively.

This course covers equipment for dosing, how to correctly calculate and administer dosages, withdrawal periods and residues. It teaches how to recognise common disease conditions and what is the best treatment for them. It also looks at when antibiotics should be used, when they shouldn’t and why they sometimes appear not to work.

Primarily aimed at the beef and sheep farms. After completing this course you will have a better understanding of diseases and treatments and be able to apply this knowledge more effectively.

10am – 1pm

This course gives a better understanding of common mineral and vitamin deficiencies seen in Orkney livestock production.

It looks at the importance of different minerals, the causes and symptoms of deficiencies and the various methods used to prevent and correct them.

10am – 1pm

This course is an informative overview for the hobby hen keeper or those new to keeping hens. It focuses on hen health and looks at what health problems could come their way.