A world-renowned American animal scientist whose story was turned into an award-winning US TV film is coming to Cumbria to share her expertise on livestock handling..

Dr Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University, will be demonstrating her safe practice techniques at a seminar organised by Harrison & Hetherington, in association with Eblex, in Carlisle on July 7. The talk will concentrate on how good handling can help reduce anxiety in cattle during the handling process.

Some of the world’s biggest animal processors have used her advice on welfare, handling and facilities for livestock, with around half of all cattle slaughtered in the US handled through systems she has developed. Many livestock farmers around the world also use her advice when planning their livestock handling and holding systems.

The evening seminar at Borderway Mart is the first event of its kind to be held in the North of England. Dr Grandin, whose tale is told in the 2010 biopic Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, will host a safe handling forum before taking part in a question and answer session with the audience.

H&H chief executive Brian Richardson, who will open the evening event, said: “The safe handling of livestock is something that has always been fundamental to our business and our success. So it is important to look at new initiatives and new ideas to improve safety and minimise the risk for both the animals and people handling livestock. This forum really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome Dr Grandin to Carlisle and to give livestock farmers a chance to learn from a world authority.”

“Harrison and Hetherington run seven auction marts and we are one of the biggest livestock auctioneering companies in the world, so safe handling of cattle is at the heart of what we do. During her short visit, Dr Grandin will also be examining our systems here at Borderway Mart, giving us her constructive feedback.”

Considerate handling of livestock is a vitally important skill from an animal welfare point of view and to protect the handler from injury, and also with regard to meat quality. Educating people about good livestock handling systems and understanding the psychology of the animal improves both management and safety.

To conclude Brian said: “We hope this event will make producers stop to think about their behaviour, their cattle’s behaviour and their handling facilities, and learn how they can improve them on their own farm. It really is a coup for us that such an internationally-acclaimed expert as Dr Grandin has agreed to share her potentially life-saving expertise with us.”

This free event is open to all livestock farmers and will run from 5pm – 6.15pm on Monday July 7 at Borderway Mart in Carlisle. To book a place, please contact Carolyn Charlton on 01228 406232 or email carolync@borderway.com.