HBO Airing Special on Temple Grandin
The show will show how the woman revolutionized livestock handling.
Compiled by staff
Published: Feb 5, 2010
On Saturday, Feb. 6, HBO will air a special honoring Temple Grandin's impact on the on cattle production. Grandin developed a deeper understanding of animal behavior by using her ability to see the world differently as an autistic, which revolutionized livestock handling.
"There's not a rancher in this country that isn't aware of her work. We have all been influenced by Temple," says Clint Peck, Director, Beef Quality Assurance at Montana State University. "There is no question her work has helped us all understand more about our animals and how to handle them in a caring and humane manner."
The beef checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance program sets cattle handling and beef quality standards that are followed throughout the beef production process—from farm to fork—to ensure cattle are receiving proper care.
"Temple's insight into animal behavior and low-stress handling is the foundation of the BQA assessment, which is the scoring system we use to verify cattle are handled properly. Her contributions are monumental," said Ryan Ruppert, director, Beef Quality Assurance, National Cattlemen's Beef Association.
Heartland Cattle Company in Nebraska pioneered the heifer development business in the beef industry. Heartland's heifer development and research center has bred more than 71,000 heifers and weaned more than 120,000 calves since its inception in 1990.
"Our facilities have been designed with Dr. Grandin's philosophy in mind, and over the years we have continued to improve on this low-stress handling approach," said Heartland Cattle Company owner Patsy Houghton. "We know these processes work based on how calm and quiet the cattle stay and ultimately how much easier it is for us to get our work done."
Grandin's unique understanding of animal behavior is used to teach low-stress handling techniques in feedlots, auction markets, and on farms and ranches across the country through the BQA Stockmanship and Stewardship program.
"Temple has been a wonderful advocate for animals and animal agriculture by improving the overall management and well-being of livestock. We take it to the next step and teach cattlemen how to effectively implement procedures to take advantage of the principles she has promoted throughout her career," says Ron Gill, Associate Department Head for Extension, Animal Science Department, Texas AgriLife Extension.
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Tagged: Extension, farm, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, checkoff, ranches
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