World renowned livestock behaviour specialist, Miriam Parker will host two free livestock handling courses in September.
The livestock handling courses will take place in Nenagh on Monday September 8th, and Listowel on Tuesday September 9th, 2025.
Each course will focus on management of cattle behaviour and how it applies to moving and handling of cattle including cattle instincts, learning and senses. The course will explore fear in cattle and what the triggers might be. It will also examine early warning signs of fear and anxiety in cattle and assessment of risk according to the handling activity, whether that be calving, transport, routine procedures or handling by contracted workers.
An on-farm animal handling demonstration will form part of the course, with a focus on facilities design and functionality. There will also be a focus on how understanding an animal’s instinctive six strategies for survival helps us develop skills associated with low stress animal movement and handling.
About Miriam Parker
Miriam Parker is an Agricultural Scientist and, after qualifying from Edinburgh, spent a number of years in practical livestock management and with the Scottish Agricultural Colleges.
In 1987, she joined a UK based animal welfare charity, the Humane Slaughter Association as the Technical Director, undertaking a number of training and technology transfer projects to improve animal handling and slaughter methods.
In 2000, Miriam moved to the Welsh Borders and set up Livestockwise the company provides specialist advice in the area of animal handling and slaughter. Clients range from major retailers to slaughter plants, farmers and national governments and trade sector bodies to NGOs.
Miriam has travelled widely and worked with livestock farmers and handlers in India, Mongolia, China, Brazil, Uruguay and Indonesia to name a few. In 2006, she was awarded an MBE for services to farming.
Book you place to learn new cattle handling skills
The free course takes place from 9.30 to 3.30 pm at both locations. For more information and to book your place, see below:
| Location | Date | Time | Contact | |
| Livestock handling course | Nenagh, Co. Tipperary | September 8th | 9.30am to 3.30pm | Phone: 06731821 |
| Livestock handling course | Listowel, Co. Kerry | September 9th | 9.30am to 3.30pm | Phone: 06821266 |
This project is receiving financial support from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, under the Open Call for Proposals for Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing Projects 2025.
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