February 2024

THE HUMANE HAND:

A resource for developing careful and confident livestock handlers in meat plants.

TRAINING TIP:

Taking the animal's viewpoint into account can greatly alleviate frustration for both handlers and animals.

RESEARCH UPDATES

Head-only followed by cardiac arrest electrical stunning is an effective alternative to head-only electrical stunning in pigs. Click on image for a printable view.

Created by Beth McIlquham

'MEAT' THE TEAM

Kurt Vogel, Ph.D.

Director, Humane Handling Institute

Professor of Animal Welfare and Behavior, UW-River Falls

A unique and valuable set of experiences helped Kurt see the need for an industry training center, and fueled his vision, passion, and drive to create the Humane Handling Institute in 2022.

Kurt credits the skilled and patient farmers, butchers, and mechanics he’s worked with throughout his life with influencing his teaching and coaching style. He’s as comfortable on the slaughter floor as he is in the classroom and laboratory. His range of industry experiences, including serving as a livestock handling specialist, managing a small meat plant, consulting with slaughter establishments on animal handling and stunning issues allow him to truly relate to workshop participants. Kurt’s formal education is noteworthy as well, completing his Ph.D. under Dr. Temple Grandin, a revolutionary leader in humane handling practices. At UWRF, Kurt is an active researcher who enjoys mentoring students on projects to find practical solutions to animal welfare challenges including preslaughter handling and stunning. You’ll see Kurt’s philosophy on learning shine through in HHI workshops – “people learn best when they’re having a good time!”

Remaining Spring Workshops

Building a Robust Systematic Approach Workshop: Create a humane handling plan that is specific to your establishment.

Feb. 29-Mar. 1
May 2-3

Humane Handling and Stunning Workshop: Learn about animal head anatomy, accurate stun placement, animal behavior, and how to maintain and repair stunning equipment.

April 4-5
April 18-19

Next workshops

will be scheduled in the Fall.

To Register Click Here

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT

Tuition reimbursement is available for people associated with slaughter plants in Wisconsin.

How to confirm if you qualify:

If you qualify, you will not be billed for the workshops focused on:

Effective and Humane Restraint and Stunning
Building a Robust Systematic Approach to Animal Welfare

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