Equipping Agencies for Livestock Welfare and Emergency Response through Extension Partnerships
Animal Science
Robyn Stewart
County Extension Coordinator
University of Georgia
Lincolnton
Abstract
Limited training resources are available to agencies that respond to livestock neglect, animal welfare, neighborly disputes, and emergency situations with production and hobby agricultural producers. Agency employees must have general knowledge and understanding of common livestock species and behavior, management and production practices, and legal considerations when responding to these needs. Land grant universities and Extension are uniquely poised to provide needed education and training to these agencies due to the knowledge, expertise, and facilities they possess. This session will explore the mechanics of how Extension can collaborate with these agencies to establish an informed and science-based approach to animal care and management. Such a collaborative effort stands to benefit both producers and the animals under their care, fostering a win-win scenario for all stakeholders involved. Three programmatic models of success will be shared: Livestock Education and Certification for Agricultural Law Enforcement, Livestock/Equine Welfare Skills Assessment Certification, and Large Animal Emergency Response Programs. Since their inception, these programs have trained and certified approximately 800 participants, equipping agency personnel with the necessary tools to handle diverse situations involving livestock. These examples showcase the potential of inter-agency collaborations through models that can be replicated in other regions.
Authors: Robyn Stewart, Jason Duggin, Carissa Wickens
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Robyn Stewart County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30817
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Jason Duggin Beef Extension Specialist, University of Georgia, Georgia, 30701
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Carissa Wickens Associate Professor, University of Florida, Florida, 32611