Empowering the Future: Workshops for High School Students in Cattle Handling

A livestock handling specialist, Lucy Morrissey from Morrissey and Friends Livestock Services, is championing a new initiative aimed at equipping high school students with essential skills in cattle handling to foster a sustainable workforce in the industry.

Innovative Workshops for Teens

Morrissey has introduced a pilot workshop that focuses on the psychology of cattle alongside safe and effective handling techniques. This initiative aims to help students grasp the practical skills necessary for a successful career in the cattle industry.

“As an industry, we need to set our entry-level team members up for success, even when they have limited experience,” Ms. Morrissey emphasized. She advocates for broader adoption of similar workshops in high schools to highlight career opportunities in the cattle sector, offering students a certificate to enhance their employability.

“We also know as an industry that we need to draw more people in from diverse backgrounds. We have labor shortages, and we need to promote the opportunities available for a career in cattle handling,” she added.

The Importance of Skilled Stockmanship

Morrissey and Friends primarily collaborates with businesses handling large volumes of cattle, such as saleyards and feedlots. “Supporting those individuals is critical as we need to retain them in the industry and ensure they meet performance standards,” she stated.

“In northern regions, the extensive pastoral industry tends to attract an adequate workforce. However, facilities like feedlots and saleyards often face challenges in staffing due to the repetitive nature of the work,” Ms. Morrissey explained.

“There is immense potential for learning and long-term career growth, regardless of where individuals start in the supply chain,” she added, accentuating the need to maintain high standards in stockmanship.

Growing Interest from Schools

Ms. Morrissey has reached out to various schools to gauge interest in hosting similar workshops. “I’ve spoken with several school leaders across the state who are enthusiastic about this concept and are discussing how to implement it in their own communities,” she reported.

“While RTO training has its place, hands-on practical experience in stock handling remains limited. We aim to create a comprehensive training opportunity for youth that meets this need,” she explained.

“Our goal is to facilitate multiple workshops across various states, supported by the community and industry stakeholders. It’s crucial for the future sustainability of the livestock sector,” Ms. Morrissey concluded.