Look after your trailer

In order to draw crowds to agricultural shows there needs to be a big range of attractions, and for the most part this involves a variety of animals, machinery, practical activities and, of course, fun events.

These all have their own inherent dangers which show committees address. However, exhibitors too need to play their part in the smooth running of a safe show. This is particularly relevant for cattle exhibitors, as these exhibits have size and power which could cause damage if anything was to go wrong.

In this article, we look at the three most basic steps cattle exhibitors can take to reduce the chance of accidents while attending shows this summer..

Remember that what you are carrying in the trailer are some of your best and most expensive animals. Spending money on the upkeep of your trailer and jeep is invaluable to ensuring the safety of these animals.

With new trailer licences now in place, drivers should be aware of the hazards associated with carrying full loads.

Drivers need to take care and drive at appropriate speeds in relation to weight and size of the load. All tyres, brakes and lights should also be checked on the cattle box regularly to ensure safe travels.

Unloading cattle should be done in as calm a manner as possible so to settle animals in its new surroundings. \ Donal O'Leary

Loading and unloading

Initial advice to all livestock exhibitors is to always take your animals for two or three short trips at home before your first show, especially younger stock, to get them used to the trailer motion, the noise of their hooves and coming off for the first time. All these tasks can be daunting on the morning of the show so have this out of the way in advance.

When loading the animal into the trailer, always plan an escape route if the animal charges or turns on you. Make sure that the side door is open in the box. When exiting, do not attempt to walk alongside the animal to exit the back door as this could result in being kicked and causing injury.

When possible, exhibitors should unload stock close to the stalls – this will aid in settling the animal as more stock will be around in the unfamiliar site.

Travelling can affect different animals in different ways. No matter how quiet or well-trained your animal is, it should still never be fully trusted. Always be careful when working with livestock. Remember that the animal might be used to you but that doesn’t mean that it will react normally in a different environment. Different smells sights and sounds will all affect the animal, so remain vigilant when unloading the animal at the show. Never enter the trailer with the animal in case it decides to turn in the trailer and you could get crushed between the animal and the trailer. Let them exit in their own time or slowly and calmly coax them out.

Halters should be fitted correctly and with bulls a separate handling rope should be clipped to the ring or snaffle on their nose for extra control.

Halters should be fitted correctly and with bulls a separate handling rope should be clipped to the ring or snaffle on their nose for extra control.

Handling at the show

Persons handling cattle must be competent, fit and agile. From the beginning of the show to the end, it is important for exhibitors and visitors to be mindful of the nature and strength of these incredible animals.

Exhibitors should wear appropriate personal protective equipment (eg steel toecap boots). Always carry some sort of stick while handling the animal. Halters should be fitted correctly and with bulls a separate handling rope should be clipped to the ring on their nose for extra control. Neck collars should also be tied to senior animals and tied to the stall in case the halter comes loose or untied from the stalls.

It is important to remember loose animals can be dangerous to people. Wild and excitable animals at home should never be brought to shows.

All exhibitors should have their animals insured if going to shows. No matter how quiet and well-trained an animal is, something unexpected could spook it, causing you to lose control.

Finally, summer shows are usually flooded with children. While this is great to see, it does bring some extra risk. Not all children at agricultural shows come from a farming background and they might not know the risks associated with livestock, so keep this in mind when showing cattle. If they are walking by make sure they are at a safe distance from the animals.

Safe Family Farms.