APPROACHING SENSITIVE TOPICS: HOW NEBRASKA EXTENSION IS FOCUSING ON ANIMAL WELFARE AND CARE
Animal Science
Lindsay Chichester
EXTENSION EDUCATOR
University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Gardnerville
Abstract
There is no doubt that Nebraska has strong agricultural ties through the production of beef and pork animals, row crops, dry beans, or popcorn production – agriculture is key to Nebraskans and the economy. As animal welfare regulations increased and a HSUS Director moved into Nebraska, creating a team of Specialists, Veterinarians, and Educators to begin to address animal welfare was seen as a need by Administration. As this was a new topic for UNL, collaboration with Iowa State University to develop a joint Animal Welfare professional development for Extension personnel (n=95) was the beginning. Stemming from this professional development, a series of Animal Welfare and Current Industry Issues for Livestock Producers meetings (n=121) were held around the state. In an effort to provide current and useful information to Extension personnel working with 4-H and FFA families, a website was created to house educational materials and a series of youth best management guidelines for livestock are being developed. In addition, Animal Care Wednesdays Webinars (n=40, March 7) provide Extension personnel in NE, IA, MO, and WY a chance to chat about an animal welfare “hot topic” with specialists and industry producers. With a steep learning curve, there have been some successes and tribulations which include but are not limited to being a relatively new faculty member, working with industry leaders, and development of new materials. Future plans include providing resource materials and fact sheets for Extension personnel and 4-H/FFA youth, as well as programming on good management practices for producers.
Authors: Chichester, L.M.
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Chichester, L.M. Extension Educator, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension, Nebraska, 68355