EDMONTON – The Alberta Farm Animal Care Association has given awards of
distinction to two residents.
Tim O’Byrne of Calico Beef Consulting was recognized for his
communication and innovation and his efforts to promote humane
livestock transportation and handling. O’Byrne has developed and taught
courses on cattle and pig handling and transportation to truckers, farm
workers and agriculture students.
He also received the innovation award for his work in improving
livestock handling and welfare. He developed the Buller patch, an odor
repellent that prevents mounting behavior in cattle and a painless
vibrating prod for moving animals.
Manfred Kanehl of Holborn Poultry Farms received the award of
distinction for industry leadership.
Kanehl has integrated animal welfare into his farm, which conducts
tours to show that well-managed layer barns are humane. He also was
instrumental in developing policy to adopt a minimum cage size
requirement for laying hens.