As part of our Over the Fence project, Grahame Rees will conduct a two-day Low Stress Stock Handling School in conjunction with our hosts, Maslin Pastoral, at "Caragabal West".

This popular school takes stockmanship to another level. Low Stress Stockhandling places the emphasis on mutually beneficial outcomes for stock and handlers, regardless of yard design to make the world a better place for people and animals.

The foundation for Low Stress Stockhandling is 4 Basic Animal Instincts that explain what animals want and why they behave the way they do. In addition there are 7 Principles that guide how we can interact with the animals to work with those natural instincts and produce low stress outcomes. If the right methods are implemented, livestock will move with less stress through most facilities. Moving stock can be a low stress, painless activity for the livestock and the handlers.

The business benefits of training people in animal handling are enormous as it leads to improved production gains, better meat quality and higher economic return for the livestock industry.

LSS aims to

Foster an environment of low stress interaction between people and animals.
Impart knowledge that promotes a positive attitude to low stress stockhandling.
Show people the economic benefits of a low stress environment.

The course includes both theory and practical sessions for both sheep and cattle. By the end of the course you will have learnt how to handle stock in a calm and confident manner in ALL situations. A 100% money-back guarantee is offered that if, at the end of the school, you are not fully satisfied that the school has given you value for money or it is not what you expected.

Cost:

Tickets cost $880 (GST incl.) per person.

Landcare members (or those willing to become members) in the Weddin Landcare district can apply for a 50% subsidy - contact Weddin Landcare on 0493 416 442 to check if you are eligible.

Cancellations are permitted with full refund up to 7 days prior to the event. 100% money back guarantee that if at the end of the school you are not fully satisfied that the school has given you full value for money or it is not what you expected.

School-aged children may attend with a parent/guardian - contact Weddin Landcare on 0493 416 442 if you have children wishing to attend.

Inclusions:

Course materials, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea will be provided for the two days. Participants are asked to bring their own water bottle.

About the trainer:

Grahame Rees grew up and spent most of his life on the family properties at Ivanhoe in western NSW. After attending a Stockhandling school in 1999 with Bud and Eunice Williams he realised there were huge benefits in handling animals differently. In 2002 he teamed up with Jim Lindsay to share these advanced animal handling skills and has since trained over 1800 people across Australia.

Grahame says "I am constantly surprised by the achievements by Graduates of LSS. Both sheep and cattle producers are finding increased animal performance, easier handling in all situations with less effort and labour. Whether it is imprinting and weaning calves and lambs, settling bought stock or handling our livestock in the paddock or the yards everyone seems to find something to improve their livestock operation."

He believes the added benefit of having people work in a Low Stress environment leads to a safer workplace and staff satisfaction.

This field day is supported by the Australian Government through funding from the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program under the Natural Heritage Trust.

Contact the host of Low Stress Stockhandling School