Three people and companies prominent in Alberta livestock circles were honoured by the Alberta Farm Animal Care conference March 19 for their contributions to livestock welfare.
Barbara Duckworth, livestock specialist with The Western Producer, received the award of distinction for communications, Rich Vesta, the chief executive officer of Harmony Beef received the award of distinction for leadership and Gateway Carriers of Taber, Alta., received the award of distinction for innovation.
Duckworth has worked for The Western Producer since 1988 and during that time has written extensively about livestock, animal health and welfare issues.
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“Known for her professionalism, integrity and devotion to informing Canadian farmers and ranchers on a broad range of important livestock issues and developments, she is a recognized and respected figure at the provincial, national and international levels,” AFAC said in its announcement of the awards.
Vesta, who established the Harmony Beef processing plant in Balzac, Alta., 10 years ago, has emphasized good animal handling practices that exceed industry standards.
In nominating Vesta, Harmony’s marketing director Cam Daniels cited his dedicated work to integrate animal care into the building and operations of the plant.
Respect and dignity for each animal is part of the company culture, and Vesta has ensured that outside advisers are used to monitor and continually improve on-site humane animal handling practices.
Gateway Carriers was awarded for its innovation in livestock transport. The Taber, Alta., company worked with livestock trailer manufacturer Wilson Trailers to design and produce trailers with a liftable doghouse.
“Commercial livestock trailers don’t have enough clearance in the back end to haul large-breed cattle. Holsteins are a prime example,” said Trevor Currie, logistics manager with Gateway.
The company is now using 10 trailers with the new design and hopes to have another three or four units rolling by this summer.
“We’re in charge of these animals’ wellbeing. It’s up to us to look after them,” said Currie.
“When they’re in our care, it’s our responsibility. A producer spends all day trying to save this baby calf and raise it to be mature in the safest environment they can. It’s up to transporters to handle it in the safest manner they can.”
Currie said other carriers might adopt the new trailer design. Updated livestock transport regulations under the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may require it but Department of Transport (DOT) rules must also be met regarding axle weights.
“We were pretty much at the point that we had to be non-compliant with one of the two agencies (CFIA and DOT), and we try pretty hard to be compliant,” Currie said.
“It was a little bit of extra effort and now we can remain compliant. We can meet our DOT requirements for axle weights and at the same time protect our animals from harm during transport.”
