At , our interest in low stress pig handling arose out of frustration with moving pigs on our own farm. We had few problems most of the time but results weren't consistent. We were most likely to have difficulties when we were in a hurry. Our big breakthrough was working with Bud Williams and learning about his low stress livestock handling methods. Using video, we were able to see why pigs respond as they do and understand how our behaviour was creating problems.
In the past 7 years we have videoed handlers in barns, trucks, assembly yards, and packing plants. All of them have faced deadlines. All have done their best to move animals effectively and humanely. Some handlers struggle while their co-workers accomplish the same tasks with very little effort. Our focus has been to identify what handlers do to get positive, easy movement and, help other handlers make the necessary changes to achieve similar results.
