17 November 2008

2 minute read

North America

This conference aims to give the industry a one-stop forum to learn about the latest progress, trends and expectations related to animal care. The conference will take a North American focus on how to achieve humane, safe and effective livestock transport.

“The Livestock Transport Conference is an opportunity to learn and work together on a component of our business that is seeing more focus, progress and new expectations every year,” says Dr. Bill Ballantyne, vice-chair of NFACC and director of technical services for Maple Leaf Foods.

“There are thousands of trucks on the road everyday transporting livestock,” says Doug Sawyer, beef producer and chair of AFAC. “Providing the best in livestock care and handling at all stages is not only our responsibility, it’s an integral part of delivering high quality products.”

The conference targets all those involved in livestock transportation, including truckers, producers, processors, as well as representatives from transport and food companies, enforcement and government.

The agenda covers global initiatives, training, audit systems, science and regulations. The aim is to address the well-being of animals, raise the profile of livestock transportation in the value chain, provide continuing education, and explore cross-border collaboration.

“We need to align our approaches and explore more ways for Canada and the U.S. to work together on everything from trucker training to audit systems,” says Dr. Ballantyne. “The conference agenda offers a big picture view of what is happening in both countries and globally, so we can see clearly those opportunities and how to capture them.”

The international Animal Transport Association and the National Cattle Feeders Association support this conference.

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