Project Name: Livestock Handling Session with Dr. Temple Grandin

Project summary and highlights:

The Cochrane Federation of Agriculture provided funding so that Dr. Temple Grandin could participate in several sessions on May 28, 2024, in Temiskaming Shores, ON.  One event was targeted specifically at local livestock producers and focused on improved animal handing and movement, including a question-and-answer segment.  A second session was open to the public and focused on visual learning, how this impacted Dr. Grandin’s work within the livestock sector and how important it is to nurture visual learners.

The funding provided by Revive made the visit by Dr. Grandin possible, which had further benefits.  Dr. Grandin also held sessions with the Ontario Veterinary Technician Educators, helping inform how they educate about livestock handling, etc. A session was also held on-site at a local bison farm, where Dr. Grandin assessed the handling facilities.

Use of funds and partner contributions besides the Federation:

Funds were used to help cover Dr. Grandin’s speaker fees, travel fees and costs associated with the farmer session (lunch, etc.).  Other groups also contributed, including the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance (who facilitated the funding of the event), Northern College, Dairy Producers of Cochrane, Temiskaming Federation of Agriculture and more.

Lasting and relevant impact to the OFA membership.  

Having a speaker of the calibre of Dr. Grandin wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution from Revive, which helped offset costs that other local groups wouldn’t have been able to cover on their own.  Many farmers in Cochrane and Temiskaming have livestock and learned valuable lessons in animal handling and movement.  Additionally, the skills and knowledge that Dr. Grandin shared with Vet Tech Educators will be shared with Vet Techs moving forward, which will also help livestock handling.