Farmer Training

Course delivery: In-person

DEFRA Accredited group based practical course over 3 days.

Key topics and learning outcomes covered by this course include;

• Understand the legislation and the license rules and regulations.
• Identify the key parts of the reproductive anatomy of the cow.
• Understand the oestrous cycle and heat detection.
• Understand the principles of good flask and straw storage and management.
• Explain how to cleanly and safely carry out AI.
• Show how to thaw and handle semen correctly.
• Carry out the practical task of insemination

Upcoming Courses

• 28 - 30th January
• 25 - 27th February
• 25 - 27th March
• 29th April - 1st May
• 27 - 29th May
• 24 - 26th June

Course delivery: Online

You will find this course on the approved list of Red Tractor courses. Key topics and learning outcomes covered by this course include;

• Understand the following classes of medicine, what they do and when to use them:
  • Vaccine
  • Antibiotic
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID)
  • Anthelmintic
• Understand how an active health plan ensures effective product use.
• Safe and effective administration of medicines
• Understand AMR and OneHealth
• Comply with medicines legislation and farm assurance requirements. 

2025 Course Dates

14th January

11th February

11th March

22nd April

20th May

17th June

For more information or to book, please see contact details below. The cost is £50 + VAT and Health Scheme members receive 25% discount. The course is online from 11.30 - 13.30.

Course delivery: In-person

This course has an emphasis on practical skills around the workings of the cow’s foot in combination with knowledge of putting the modified dutch foot trimming method into practice.

Learning outcomes:

• Recognise normal bovine locomotion and relate this to the AHDB Dairy mobility score.
• Recognise lameness and grade severity.
• Understand the basic anatomy of the bovine foot.
• Know how to restrain a cow and pick up their feet using a crush.
• Understand the five key steps of the Dutch Method and know how to apply these to prevent lameness conditions.
• Trim feet effectively.
• Recognise the main disease leading to lameness.
• Know when and how to apply blocks and medical treatment and when to seek specialist veterinary advice.

Upcoming dates

13th - 14th May

For further details please contact training@bishoptonvets.co.uk

Course delivery: In-person

Trainees will learn about the importance of preparation for lambing time, including discussion of the pros and cons of housing for lambing, nutrition, body condition scoring and what equipment is necessary.

Learning outcomes:

• Adequately prepare themselves and their flock for lambing time.
• Understand the importance of good nutritional management to a successful lambing season.
• Understand the importance of prevention of clostridial diseases using vaccination.
• Understand the normal lambing process.
• Know when it is appropriate to intervene in parturition and when to get veterinary advice.
• Recognise the common pre-lambing problems in sheep and lambs and know the appropriate treatments for each condition.
• Describe the preventative strategies for each of the common pre-lambing conditions.
• Describe the common causes of ovine abortion.
• Describe the methods for investigating and reducing the incidence of abortion.

Upcoming dates:

Friday 13th February

Thursday 12th March

Sunley Raynes Farm, Ripon. 10am till 4pm. £160 + VAT.

Now introducing our 'Lambing Lite' course!

This ‘Lite’ version of our full Practical Lambing course focuses on the essential hands-on skills needed for lambing sheep. It’s ideal for beginners, smallholders, or anyone who has previously completed the full course and would like a practical refresher.
This short but highly practical session equips learners with the core skills and confidence required to support ewes and lambs during lambing. Through a mix of demonstrations, guided practice, and clear step-by-step instruction, participants will learn how to recognise the signs of normal and difficult labour, assist safely when needed, and care for newborn lambs.
The course also introduces key aspects of hygiene, basic equipment use and identifying when veterinary help is required. By the end, attendees will feel prepared to manage common lambing situations calmly, effectively, and with a strong focus on animal welfare.
Please note: This course is not suitable for pregnant women or children under 16 years old.
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Course Details
Duration: 2 hours

Price: £55 + VAT

Friday 23rd January 10.30-12.30

Friday 27th February 10.30-12.30

Location: RAFT Solutions, Sunley Raynes Farm, Galphay Lane, Ripon, HG4 3AJ

What to Bring: Warm, comfortable outdoor clothing (under cover), wellies, and waterproof trousers