Boost your farm skills with livestock handling

By Andi Anderson

Farmers and livestock producers are encouraged to attend a special stockmanship event in September, featuring renowned stockman Curt Pate.

This event, hosted by Purdue University Extension in collaboration with the Indiana Forage Council, the Indiana Sheep Association, and the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, will focus on the benefits of proper livestock-handling practices.

Curt Pate, known nationwide for his expertise in stockmanship, will lead the event, sharing insights from his decades of experience. His approach emphasizes the importance of handling livestock with care, not just for animal welfare but also for the economic benefits that come with it.

With the growing public interest in sustainable livestock production, Pate will discuss how proper handling practices contribute to the long-term sustainability of the cattle and small ruminant industries.

The event will be held at the Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC) near Dubois and will offer two focused sessions:

Beef-focused program: September 27, 2024, from 1-7 p.m. ET.

Sheep- and goat-focused program: September 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

Jason Tower, the superintendent of SIPAC, emphasizes the practical nature of the event, stating, “This will be a very hands-on event. Mr. Pate will demonstrate proper livestock-handling techniques outside, allowing producers to observe and understand how and why animals react the way they do to our movements and positioning.”

Keith Johnson, a professor of agronomy and Extension forage specialist, adds, “Learning proper techniques to work with livestock is a lifelong skill. Low-stress handling of livestock results in less stress and anxiety to the livestock owner. Proper livestock handling also reduces the possibility of injuries to the livestock and producer.”

The deadline to register for the event is September 21, and a payment is required to attend. Those interested can contact Jason Tower at towerj@purdue.edu or 812-678-4427 for more information or special accommodations.

This event promises to be an invaluable opportunity for farmers to enhance their livestock-handling skills and improve their farm’s sustainability and profitability.

Photo Credit: purdue-university