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2002 - AGM |
AFAC Awards of Distinction 2002 April 2, 2002 ... The Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) Association has announced the recipients of its second annual Awards of Distinction. The award categories include: Innovation, Industry Leadership and Communication. Recipients, Tim O’Byrne and Manfred Kanehl, were recognized at the AFAC Annual Meeting held March 27 in Edmonton. Tim O’Byrne of Calico Beef Consulting was recognized in two categories: Communication and Innovation. He received the Award of Distinction for Communication for his efforts in promoting humane livestock transportation and handling through courses, presentations and published articles. The Award of Distinction for Communication acknowledges a person, organization or company that takes an active role in effectively ‘getting the message out’ about livestock issues and informing the public and agri-food industry about farm animal care in a factual and honest way, to build trust and credibility. With AFAC and industry, O’Byrne has developed and taught courses on cattle and pig handling and transportation to truckers, farm workers and agriculture students. "Tim’s communication is two-way. He delivers information to those who handle and haul livestock. And, he makes sure their concerns are fed back to the industry, in venues that didn’t exist before" says Susan Church, AFAC Manager. The courses, which cover livestock welfare and transportation laws, also address the differences between animal welfare and animal rights. O’Byrne discusses how the Alberta SPCA works with industry to promote good animal care. He says, "It is important for everyone to recognize that good animal welfare is important to the entire industry." O’Byrne also writes extensively in livestock publications on humane livestock handling The Award of Distinction for Innovation recognizes a person or company that has developed a new process, product or source of knowledge that has made a significant impact on the improvement of livestock welfare and the livestock industry. Honorees are saluted for their effort to work collectively with the industry to share the innovation. Tim O’Byrne is receiving this award for his efforts in developing products that improve livestock handling and welfare. The 'Buller patch', developed by O’Byrne is an odor repellent that prevents mounting behavior in cattle, an animal welfare advantage. O’Byrne has also developed a vibrating prod as an alternative to electric prods. The vibrating prod emits a sound and vibration that motivates animals to move, by way of annoyance instead of pain. O’Byrne is also spearheading an organization called The Livestock Transport Association of North America (LTANA) that represents livestock transporters, addressing the many challenges they face, including the humane transportation of livestock. Manfred Kanehl, of Holborn Poultry Farms Ltd., is receiving the Award of Distinction for Industry Leadership due to the Kanehl family’s ongoing tradition of industry leadership and advocacy with regard to responsible farm animal care. The Award of Distinction for Industry Leadership honors a person or company that has integrated animal welfare into their core business strategy and set their own bar higher regarding animal welfare. The honoree demonstrates leadership and commitment in dealing with relevant animal care issues and acts as a ‘teacher,’ leading by example. This award recognizes an active producer or livestock production company. For years Holborn Poultry Farm has been open for farm tours, particularly encouraging SPCA visits to show that well-managed layer barns are humane. Manfred and his wife Elke have passed along their humane ethic to their children, Martin and Susan. Susan and her husband, Tom, now run the day-to-day operations of Holborn Poultry Farms. AFAC exists in large part due to Manfred’s foresight, effort and leadership. He recognized the need for an organization dedicated to promoting responsible animal care before animal welfare became the significant public issue that it is today. Manfred was also instrumental in developing Alberta Egg Producer Board policy to adopt a minimum cage size requirement for laying hens. Manfred and Martin, started Specht-Canada Inc. in 1998. The company sells and installs European made enriched cage systems that meet or exceed European guidelines for humane standards. They are also involved in research on enriched cage systems through Alberta Agriculture and the University of Alberta. Click here for more information on AFAC's Awards of Distinction or contact: Susan Church, Manager AFAC
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