The recent National Farm Safety Week promoted low-stress stock handling practices as a cornerstone of farm safety and in fostering better animal welfare outcomes.
Low-stress stock handling focuses on creating a calm and controlled environment during the movement and management of livestock.
Farmsafe Australia says this approach not only reduces the risk of physical injuries to both animals and handlers but also enhances the overall psychological safety of the yard or paddock environment.
With horses and cattle accounting for a combined 28 per cent of severe injuries on farm in 2023, Felicity Richards, Farmsafe Australia chair and a Tasmanian cattle farmer, underscores the significance of handling livestock with care.
“Low-stress stock handling is a win-win for both farmers and animals,” she said.
“It ensures that our farmers are minimising the risk of injuries to themselves and their workers, while also prioritising the welfare of our livestock.
“There are other factors that often come into play in the paddock when mustering.
“When you couple handling techniques with other protective equipment such as rollover protection and helmets on quads, seatbelts and helmets in SSVs and helmets when riding horses, you start to build a multi-pronged approach to risk management that reduces the chance of injury much more effectively.
Five suggestions for working with livestock to reduce the risk of injury are:
- Understand animal behaviour: Take the time to learn about the natural behaviours and instincts of the livestock you are working with. Recognise signs of stress, fear, or aggression, and use this knowledge to anticipate and prevent potential problems.
- Use calm and consistent movements: Approach animals slowly and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle them. Consistent, calm movements help keep animals relaxed and reduce the risk of provoking an aggressive response.
- Maintain proper equipment and facilities: Ensure that all handling equipment, such as gates, crushes, yards and loading ramps, are in good condition and designed to facilitate low-stress handling. Regularly inspect and maintain facilities to prevent injuries.
- Work as a team: When handling large or potentially dangerous animals, always work with at least one other person. Clear communication and coordinated efforts can significantly reduce the risk of injury by ensuring that all handlers are aware of the animals’ movements and behaviours.
- Provide regular training and refresher courses: Continually educate yourself and your team on the latest livestock handling techniques and research. Regular training sessions and refresher courses help to keep skills sharp and ensure that everyone is up to date on the safest methods for working with livestock.
For more information, visit: https://www.farmsafe.org.au