Well-known livestock handling educator and cattleman Boyd Holden will deliver a low-stress stockmanship clinic near Rockhampton next month aimed at demonstrating the economic benefits of LSS and safety by design in yards facilities.

Boyd Holden

The one-day program will happen at the Old Nerimbera School near Rockhampton. The original date of Wednesday 12 April has been postponed due to flooding around Rockhampton. The new date is Tuesday 16 May.

The day will include guiding principles of good stock handling and low-stress concepts in action that improve operator safety and minimise weight loss in cattle.

Mr Holden is a livestock handling and animal welfare consultant based on the Northern Rivers of NSW. He has provided training and advisory services across the cattle production live export and processing sectors of the red meat industry for many years, working extensively in Australia, South East Asia, the Middle East region, and Russia.

As an experienced facilitator and Certificate IV qualified workplace trainer and assessor, Mr Holden is currently conducting training for MLA, NSW DPI, and MINTRAC.

His Rockhampton presentation will focus on the financial impact that stressed cattle can have on the cattle business, using a “no-touch, no-noise” approach to working cattle in the yards and crush.

The day will also provide an understanding of producers’ responsibilities in Workplace Health and Safety compliance, and meeting animal welfare requirements. Industry updates will be provided from Workplace Health & Safety QLD and Meat Standards Australia on safety by design in livestock handling facilities, and the importance of low stress handling on MSA and eating quality outcomes.

The clinic is being supported by Arrow Farmquip, Savage Barker & Backhouse; the Queensland Government and MSA.

• Workshop cost is $88 per person, including BBQ lunch and refreshments.
• Click here to register, or phone 1800 814 107.
• Click here to view the full program.