School Features How-To of Livestock Handling

source: Farm and Food Report

What signs and symptoms of herd health condition should pasture riders pay attention to?

What precautions should you take when handling an animal?

The 2005 Stock Person’s School will address all these issues and more on Tuesday, May 10 in Saskatoon.

“This is a one of a kind opportunity to boost your knowledge in a one day package,” says Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan Chairman Stewart Stone. The organization puts on the school, which is in its fifth year.

“This initiative is held in partnership with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan,” Stone says. “We are very fortunate that we can count on the expertise of their faculty members to help guide participants toward better livestock handling, safety and health practices,” states Stone.

The morning consists of three presentations. First, Dr. John Campbell will speak on human and animal safety when using vaccines and implants. His presentation is aptly called: The Fine Points of Needling.

Next, Dr. Trish Dowling will talk about exhaustion and lameness in the working cow horse. She will give participants the low-down on avoiding being down one horse in the pasture.

“The school targets Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration riders, feedlot workers, and producers generally,” explains Stone. “ Since many check their cattle on horses, any tips that will help them spot problems before they become serious adds value in their work environment. Dr. Dowling will show them how to manage problematic situations.”

Before lunch, Dr. Chris Clark will share his knowledge on diagnostics in the pastures — how to tell if something is wrong early on and how to make sure your animals are healthy.

“These three U of S vets will share their wisdom with participants and help them run their activities and programs more efficiently. In the afternoon, we offer a new element this year. We have invited Dylan Biggs to talk about low-stress handling practices with livestock,” Stone adds.

Mr. Biggs has spent his life working on ranches. He is from Hanna, Alberta, and currently runs a 10,000-acre traditional cow-calf and yearling operation. He has travelled around North America to give presentations on precisely this subject through seminars, clinics and demonstrations.

According to Stone, “he provides insightful ideas on how to best handle cattle in pastures with minimal equipment and staff, and how to do this with the least possible stress.”

The Stock Person’s School is unique, and attracts participants from all three Prairie provinces. The timing is right, and the content is applicable to many industry sectors.

For more information on the 2005 Stock Person’s School or to register, call (306) 249-3227 or visit www.facs.sk.ca

For more information, contact:
Stewart Stone, Chairman
Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan
(306) 249-3227
www.facs.sk.ca

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