January 30, 2008

Bi-state Livestock Conference to feature animal welfare expert

The conference, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. EST, will start with keynote speaker Temple Grandin, a Colorado State University animal science professor and animal welfare expert. She will speak on understanding livestock and designing facilities to reduce stress in handling animals. The Bi-State Agriculture Program Group, a collaboration of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service and University of Illinois Extension, is hosting the conference.

Grandin, who suffers from autism, is an expert in livestock handling facilities and animal welfare. She has written several books, including "Animals in Translation," a New York Times bestseller, and also works with many fast-food companies, such as McDonald's, on animal welfare. 

A special session called "Autism in the Workplace" will take place for participants wanting to learn more about autism and how people suffering from the condition fit into the workplace.

 "There are two audiences for this program. One audience is livestock producers and the other is anyone interested in working with autism," said Kelly Pearson, Purdue Extension educator.  "We are honored to have Grandin, and giving others the opportunity to hear her speak is very important." 

Three livestock-related breakout sessions on beef, sheep and meat goats, and equine will follow Grandin's speech.

The beef session will include:

- "Developing a Forage Cycle for Your Farm" - Ed Ballard, University of Illinois Extension retired grazing specialist

- "Nutrition for Improved Beef Production" - Matt Claeys, Purdue Extension beef specialist

- "Cow/calf Management" - Cliff Shipley, University of Illinois veterinarian  

The sheep and meat goat session includes:

- "Lamb and Kid Nutrition: Understanding Labels" - Richard Cobb, University of Illinois Extension sheep and meat goat specialist

- "Parasite Management for Your Flock" - Shipley

- "Understanding Grazing Preferences and Needs" - Victor Shelton, Natural Resources Conservation Specialist grazing specialist

The equine breakout session includes:

- "Handling Techniques" - Shipley

- "Supplemental Forage Feeding in Times of Shortage" - Mark Russell, Purdue Extension equine specialist

- "Managing Horse Pastures" - Russell

The autism breakout session includes:

- "Autism in the Workplace" - Carole Dunning, Purdue coordinator of learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder, psychological disorders and head injuries

- "My Experience" question-and-answer session - Grandin

Registration for the conference is $20 in advance by Feb. 4, and $25 at the door, and includes a buffet lunch catered by The Beef House. To register, visit https://web.extension.uiuc.edu/edgar/.  For more information or to register via phone, contact Lisa Ellis, University of Illinois Extension director in Edgar County at (217) 465-8585 or laellis@uiuc.edu. 

Writer: Hannah Brescher, (765) 494-8402, hbresche@purdue.edu

Sources: Kelly Pearson, (765) 762-3231, kppearson@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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