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Illinois Beef Association kicks off Summer Conference

Cattle handling techniques were a hot topic as day one of the Illinois Beef Association’s Summer Conference kicked off in Macomb today.  Dr. Thomas Noffsinger, a cattle handling expert, started the day talking about utilizing mixed practices in cattle handling to show Illinois beef producers how to improve cattle performance and health.   

Noffsinger teaches producers to work quietly from in front of the cattle.  By using non-verbal techniques like not talking, by using proper posture and positioning, the correct distance and appropriate angles – he says producers can efficiently teach cattle to belong.    Dr. Noffsinger moved cattle in a fluid motion during a brief demonstration at the Western Illinios Livestock Center.  In a couple of short training sessions he had the cattle responding to his movements.  Noffsinger said  beef producers are utilizing these handling procedures not only because it is beneficial to the producer – but it’s the right thing to do (for the cattle).

 The conference continues tomorrow and Wednesday.