Cattle Transporter Online Training Programme

US - An online training programme for cattle transporters was developed in English and Spanish to provide training in properly moving cattle up to and onto the trailer, distributing cattle correctly on the trailer, hauling techniques that reduce cattle stress, and handling emergency situations.
calendar icon 11 April 2011
clock icon 2 minute read

Participation in the Online Master Cattle Transporter programme, funded by the beef checkoff’s Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) programme, is one way for transporters to show their customers that they take every step possible to keep their cattle healthy and as safe as possible. The modules were developed from the checkoff-funded National Beef Quality Assurance Guide for Cattle Transporters and Master Cattle Transport video. The online training and certification programme is available at www.animalcaretraining.org through the Animal Care Training Programme.

“The Master Cattle Transporter program was developed as guidelines and suggestions for an industry that is full of variables on how different cattle handle, trailer types and state regulations,” says Ken Real, Real Cattle and Trucking. “But, there is one common goal that we all share and that is striving to achieve good cattle-handling practices. We want to create a positive public perception of the industry, and the Master Cattle Transporter programme is one way to start communication from ranch to rail and help each other improve our cattle handling and safety.”

Transporters play a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle. The proper handling and transportation of cattle can reduce sickness in calves, prevent bruises, and improve the quality of the meat from these animals.

“Completing the Master Cattle Transporter online modules is one way to prove transporters are committed to being the best at what they do,” says Dell King, BQA Advisory Board member and order buyer from Hopkinsville, Ky. “It is an extra step that shows people they care about doing the right thing.”

Web-based education

The Animal Care Training programme is a national online training program that features streaming multimedia modules in English and Spanish and is designed to provide valuable online training in various areas of animal care. Producers, animal transporters, livestock auction-market employees and bovine veterinarians use the Animal Care Training Programme.

“By completing the Master Cattle Transporter online training through the Animal Care Training Programme, transporters are educating themselves and ensuring proper cattle handling throughout all segments of the beef industry,” says Dan Thomson, DVM, Jones professor of production medicine and epidemiology and director of the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University (KSU).

“The modules focus on truck and trailer maintenance, handling, loading and unloading, biosecurity and weather. Animals are transported every day, and the safety of those people handling the cattle and the safety of the cattle is of upmost importance to our industry.”

Employees can work through the training modules in English or Spanish at any time. Training employees is essential for worker safety, employee retention, and production of wholesome products. When a training package is complete, a certificate of completion will be available for printing.

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