CORONATION , Alta. – Blake Holtman has proof that changing the way animals are handled affects his pocket book.
Before adopting the Bud Williams philosophy of handling livestock in his 5,600 head southern Alberta feedlot, he spent $150,000 to $175,000 a year on drugs to treat sick cattle.
Now the Taber, Alta. feedlot operator spends $35,000 to $50,000 a year on drugs.
But when asked to explain what he does differently at the Shipwheel Cattle Feeders feedlot, Holtman pauses.
It’s like trying to sum up Buddhism in 10 sentences or less.
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“It’s so esoteric,” said Holtman.
Feedlot workers no longer use whips, stock prods or talk in much more than a whisper, but that doesn’t explain the whole philosophy.
Earlier that day, Holtman spent an hour with an employee explaining how to relieve stress in a load of new calves just arrived at the feedlot. The employee walked the calves to a pasture with a big dugout, where the new calves, who wouldn’t drink in the corral, could wade up to their bellies and get a good drink.
Back in the pen, they walked straight to the feed bunk and began eating. The process may have to be repeated several times, but if it means fewer sick cattle, Holtman said it’s worth it.
“Who wants to stand in a bloody treatment barn and treat cattle all day long?”
Ongoing process
Developing a non-confrontational relationship with the cattle isn’t easy. Holtman admits they still have a lot to learn but they’ve improved.
“It’s 10 zillion times better than the way we used to do it.”
Richard Davies of Lloydminster likened learning a new way of handling cattle to teaching right-handed people to be left-handed.
“You’re trying to change human instinct.”
