A Farmers Perspective – Jade Derbyshire

What advantages do you believe completing the AI course has brought to your farm or the farm owner in terms of cost savings, time efficiency, and enhanced productivity?

The main benefit to our farm gained from completing the AI course myself is that we can join our cows to the AI program whenever we want, day or night. Our farm uses sexed semen collars on our cattle. This means there is a precise time to achieve a higher success rate of pregnant cows.

From a personal perspective, how do you feel the course has played a role in helping you have a successful career for you?

In the past, I had been shown the AI technique a few times by the AI Tech we use at the farm. After completing the course and being able to practice the full technique many times and gaining feedback from the trainer, I now feel extremely confident in being able to AI our own herd successfully.

I learned the correct AI technique, including loading the AI gun, thawing the semen straw, and depositing the semen in the cow’s uterus.

Did you like the way the course was organised, including the balance between theory and practical aspects?

The course included a very good balance of theory and practical application. I appreciated the opportunity to practice numerous times with various cows, which enabled us to feel successful in maneuvering the AI gun to the uterus.

How was the experience of gaining knowledge about the course and going through the enrollment process?

The Orion Training office made the enrolment process very easy. I could quickly and easily click on the link in the email that was sent to me and complete the enrolment process on my phone.

Did the pre-learning links we provided help you gain prior knowledge for the AI course?

I completed all the pre-learning links before attending the course. Feeling more confident and at ease, I joined the course, knowing that I had acquired some prior knowledge about the course and its content.

How effective was the trainer in explaining the concepts and techniques of artificial insemination?

The trainer, Paul Kenny, was excellent. He is very knowledgeable, and I felt I learned a lot from him. He explained everything clearly and helped every student thoroughly, regardless of their level of proficiency with the AI technique.

Were you able to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the course in real-life situations?

I have absolutely gained the knowledge to AI our own herd. I feel very confident participating in the farm’s AI program and achieving success in getting cows pregnant.

What were your overall impressions of the artificial insemination course?

I was very happy with the AI course; it was really good and exactly what I was hoping for. I would highly recommend this course.

Do you have any specific recommendations for making the course more beneficial for future students?

Keep the course going exactly as it is, and all the students will be as happy as I am.

AHCAIS304 Artificially Inseminate Livestock Student

Jade Derbyshire