The Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) together with the Algoma Cattlemen’s Association and the Algoma Autism Foundation are pleased to announce a presentation to Algoma farmers featuring Dr. Temple Grandin on January 24, 2016.
Temple will discuss how good animal handling practices improves productivity and animal welfare. Topics will cover cattle behavior principles during handling and the importance of measuring animal handling.
Dr. Temple Grandin is an American professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and a leading expert in the field of cattle handling, pen design, and autism education. Dr. Grandin has spoken around the world, sharing insights into the world of animal behavior, evaluation and consultation of correct animal handling, and is an advocate for the proper respect of animals for cattle management. Dr. Grandin’ designs for her innovative stockyards, lairages, corrals, races, chutes, and loading ramps are currently in use in over half of the beef plants in the United States. She has also developed an objective scoring system for assessing the handling of pigs and cattle at meat plants.
“I first saw Dr. Grandin speak when I was an undergrad at the University of Guelph in 1997” said Dr. Jason Koivisto, Chair of the Algoma Federation of Agriculture. “It was clear that she has passion for both farmers and the welfare of the food animals that many of us raise. Many of her ideas on handling systems and understanding what motivates animals have stuck with me and I try very hard to make use of them in the running of my farm. It will be great to have an opportunity to see Dr. Grandin speak again this January in Sault Ste. Marie and I encourage all those who have an interest in the welfare of livestock to come and listen to her presentation”.
Dr. Grandin has published nine books and received over 30 awards for her work in her field. Her books “Animals in Translation” and “Animals Make Us Human” were both on the New York Times best seller list. Dr. Grandin has appeared on numerous television shows including 20/20, Larry King Live, 60 Minutes, and 48 Hours. In 2010, HBO released a movie based on Temple Grandin’s life, which shows her early life and how she began her career. The film received seven Emmy awards and one Golden Globe.
Tickets for the January 24th presentation may be purchased at the Co-op Ag Centre in Echo Bay, the 17E Trading Post (St. Joseph Island turn off), TSC in Sault Ste. Marie, or online at www.templegrandincattle.eventbrite.ca. All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Algoma Autism Foundation.
For more information on RAIN please visit: www.rainalgoma.ca or contact David Thompson at
705 942-7927 ext. 3027 or dthompson@ssmic.com.