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TUES , JAN 19 , 2021 Bidding Ends 7 p . m . CST
hosted on :
OFFERING 20 LOTS Limousin & Lim-Flex Show Heifers • Breds • Bulls
Past Sale Highlights ...
SALE MANAGEMENT :
KILEY McKINNA • 402-350-3447 mcmarketingsales @ aol . com www . mcmarketingmanagement . com
Your call or visit to view the offering is always welcome .
RODGER , PATTY & CASSIDY WOODARD 33004 U . S . Hwy . 24 • Calhan , Colorado 80808 ( 719 ) 541-2309 • Rodger cell : ( 719 ) 439-2011 www . woodardlimousin . com
However , the reality is cattle ranchers are ranked second in rates of farm-related accidents and injuries , followed by dairy operations in third .
The average age of the American farmer and rancher today is pushing 60 years old , and while producers may not be getting any younger , the livestock remain unpredictable and sometimes , dangerous .
I thought it might be prudent to review some basic livestock handling and safety precautions that we can take to ensure both the aging owners and their employees or family members stay safe on the farm .
In anticipation of this to-do list , let ’ s review what we can do to remain safe on the farm and ranch .
The National Ag Safety Database ( NASD ) provides us with some critical tips on this topic .
According to a NASD article titled , “ Animal handling safety considerations ,” “ Anyone who works with livestock knows each animal has its own personality . Animals sense their surroundings differently than humans . Their vision is in black and white , not in color . They also have difficulty judging distances . And differences exist between the vision of cattle , swine and horses . For example , cattle have close to 360-degree panoramic vision . A quick movement behind a cow may ‘ spook ’ them .”
Follow these general rules for safely working with animals :
• Most animals will respond to a routine ; be calm and deliberate .
• Avoid quick movements or loud noises .
• Be patient ; never prod an animal when it has nowhere to go .
• Respect livestock — don ’ t fear it .
• Move slowly and deliberately around livestock ; gently touch animals rather than shoving or bumping them .
• Always have an escape route when working with an animal in close quarters .
When looking at facilities , NASD recommends that most livestock handling injuries are directly related to equipment or building structural issues .
According to NASD , “ Poor facilities and equipment can also cause injuries to animals . This can mean a considerable economic loss at market time . Tripping hazards such as high door sills , cluttered alleyways , and uneven walking surfaces can cause serious injury and a considerable amount of lost work time . Studies have found that falls account for 18 % of all animal-related accidents .”
When looking at your facilities , NASD recommends alleys and chutes that are wide enough for animals to move freely , but not wide enough to allow them to turn around . Fencing and gates should be strong enough to contain crowded livestock . High traffic areas , such as alleyways , should be grooved and flooring should allow water to drain easily . Lighting should be
54 • JANUARY 2021