USA Expert Temple Grandin is Key Guest at Beef Expo 200822/04/08
Beef farmers from across the UK who attend Beef Expo 2008 at the Perth
Agriculture Centre in Scotland on Wednesday May 21st will be able to listen
to Professor Temple Grandin from the United States. Professor Grandin is
acknowledged as the world’s expert on cattle behaviour and handling
systems.
Professor Grandin will demonstrate that improved handling systems will
not just introduce much needed improvements in operator safety and animal
welfare but will also highlight how the beef sector can save millions of
pounds by cutting back on labour.
Speaking at the invitation of the National Beef Association, Professor
Grandin will be giving practical demonstrations at Beef Expo 2008 using
equipment provided by David Ritchie (Implements) and American Squeeze Crush
Systems.
And she will also co-ordinate an on-farm demonstration using the cattle
handling system provided by Ballathie Estate, Kinclaven, in Perthshire
when it is visited during a pre-event farm tour on May 20th.
“Professor Grandin is respected globally for her far sighted practical
work on cattle behaviour and handling and I am sure that every beef farmer
in the country would welcome the chance to listen to her first hand advice
and have a chance to follow it up with questions,” said NBA director,
Kim Haywood.
“Most beef businesses list labour, which accounts for up to 18 per
cent of cost, as their second highest input after feedstuffs and with good
stockmen in extremely short supply her knowledge on how to reduce labour
input and cut back time taken in routine cattle handling is invaluable.”
“Professor Grandin can show how the vaccination of forty energetic
store cattle can be reduced to just one hour which represents a saving
of £1 per head.”
“She will also provide farmers with good practical tips for routine
handling procedures needed for tagging, weighing, worming, blood sampling,
TB testing, pregnancy scanning, and loading stock for sale or slaughter.
“And demonstrate beyond doubt that as well as saving time a good
handling system reduces animal and operator stress while also helping to
cut back on income reduction through penalties on dark cutting meat or
injury to both stockmen and to animals.” “One of her recommendations is the adoption of curved chutes and
race systems. Farmers who want to know why she is so certain these are
necessary should come to Beef Expo 2008 at Perth on May 21st and hear her
ideas for themselves,” Ms Haywood added. |
