– Andrew Holden, Extension Educator, Agriculture & Natural Resources, The Ohio State University Extension
Impetus for this training was a livestock trailer rollover that happened last year in Trumbull County
On a sunny October Saturday, over 20 Northeast Ohio first responders gathered at the Bloomfield Livestock Auction facilities to receive training on traffic emergencies that involve livestock hauling. The three-hour training was organized by the Ohio State Extension Office of Ashtabula County and taught by Ashtabula County Extension Educator, Andrew Holden, and Ohio State University Beef Specialist, Dr. Stephen Boyles.
The event was generously sponsored by the NE Ohio Farm Bureaus, Nationwide Insurance, and Mark Bruns Agency. Fire departments from Ashtabula, Trumbull, and Geauga Counties, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol were all represented at the training.
The training came about in response to a livestock trailer rollover that happened in Trumbull County in 2021. While accidents like that are rare, they are always a possibility in rural counties intersected with major highways.
The goal of the training was to start the process of preparedness for livestock traffic accidents by encouraging local departments to assemble an emergency response plan.
Some of those who responded to the 2021 accident were at the training and were able to share their experience and questions that came from that day. The ability to share experiences and have open conversations allowed for the group to learn from each other, not just the presentations.
The three-hour training consisted of presentations from both speakers on the history of the training, why emergency response plans are needed, humane euthanasia, emotional effects of livestock incidents, a hands-on tabletop exercise, a trailer tour of a semi-trailer and a smaller stock trailer, and a live animal handling demonstration.
Livestock accidents add a level of complication to an already challenging situation. The Ohio State University Extension was pleased to have an opportunity to offer insight into these challenges from an agricultural perspective.
Moving forward, OSU Extension – Ashtabula plans to work with local first responders and Emergency Management Agencies on developing a contact list for livestock emergencies. Those interested in learning more about, or contributing to, this project are encouraged to call Andrew Holden at 440-576-9008 or email Holden.155@osu.edu.