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Albert Cousineau recently set down the hoof knives and grinders after an impressive 42 years in business. As of Jan. 1, and nearly 200,000 cows later, Cousineau retired as one of Ontario’s staple hoof trimmers and sold the business to his son, Joël.
Progressive Dairy Editor Jenn Coyne spoke with Cousineau to learn more about his career in hoof health.
Tell us about your career in hoof trimming.
COUSINEAU: I started in 1980 when I was 27 years old. First, my wife and I had a dairy farm that didn't quite work out. I was looking for a job where I could be self-employed, and a friend suggested I start trimming in southwest Ontario. I spent a week with Hank Vanderpost, and he taught me how to trim with a hammer and chisel. [Vanderpost] called me in November; we had a lovely chat.
I did that for close to 20 years. Then, I purchased a tilt chute and trimmed with a tilt table for about eight years before switching to a stand-up chute. At that time, my son was entering the work market and asked if he could trim with me. He started working with me about 16 years ago. We’ve traveled all of Ontario and northwestern Quebec. About four or five years ago, we bought a newer hydraulic, stand-up chute.
That first year of my career, I would average maybe 15 to 20 cows a day. Today, we can trim 20 to 25 cows per hour. It's like going from a horse and buggy to a car.
When did you officially retire?
COUSINEAU: I officially retired Dec. 6, 2022, but Joël took over the business Jan. 1. The last farm I trimmed at happened to be the very first farm that I went to some 40 years ago in northwestern Quebec, and the farmer’s grandfather was the one that paid me at that time.
Albert Cousineau began his career with a chisel and hammer. Later, he adapted modern technology to provide hoof care services on dairy farms. Photo provided by Albert Cousineau.
When you think of your years of trimming, how has the profession changed since when you first began in 1980?
COUSINEAU: As trimmers, we take a hoof-trimming course, but we don't think to take a PR course or do something to help us build those relationships and communicate with the farmer. I always wanted to educate the farmer, but I didn’t want to tell them how to do their job. Today, we have conferences and gatherings to learn how to communicate with people. Communication has been such a big thing in the industry.
Describe one of the most memorable moments in your career.
COUSINEAU: For the first 20 years, I traveled a lot away from home. I would eat and sleep at the farmer’s house.
When I was at this particular farm, the farmer's wife was pregnant. When I called the farmer to book the days, he said, “Well, my wife is expecting any day, but we'll play it by ear.” That day comes, and we trim the cows and then head to the house for the evening. At 2 a.m., there’s a knock on my bedroom door. The farmer said, “Albert, my wife’s going to have the baby. Do you mind looking after the other kids? My mother-in-law will be here when you get up in the morning.” So I looked after the kids.
I don't think I could meet any other hoof trimmer who'd say that’s been part of their job. They trusted me with their children. That’s the thing, when you are there to do a job but then stay to eat and stay over at the farmer’s place, you get to know them and watch their family grow up.
What was the most important improvement you made to your business that you feel helped its longevity in the dairy industry?
COUSINEAU: When I went from a hammer and chisel, then went to a tilt table, then I bought a stand-up chute. But when I went to the Appleton chute, that was a defining moment. That chute is made so cow friendly.
What will you miss most about trimming feet and your career in the industry?
COUSINEAU: The smell of the hoof because every barn has a different smell.
How did you transition out of the business and allow your son to help serve your longtime clients?
COUSINEAU: Since Joël has been with me, we always knew the transition was going to be there. The clients will like the continuity that it's still the same people coming to the farm, basically. And, my son asked me if I could do his bookings, so I do his scheduling, and I purchase his supplies.
There are still a handful of farms that Joël goes to that I went there 42 years ago. You know, it's nice when sometimes you’re treated more like family or friends, rather than just showing up to do the job.
What are you looking forward to about retirement?
COUSINEAU: I'm not a big traveler; I've never been outside Ontario and Quebec. My wife would like to travel. I think we're going to visit Canada and then, who knows, I might enjoy doing that kind of thing. I've also offered to drive tractors for a few local farmers.
