Manners Matter
Behavior around the chute can prevent serious injury.
There are certain things you do and don’t do around a cattle-processing chute, said Arn Anderson, of Cross Timbers Veterinary Hospital in Bowie, Texas. A chute is a tool, and safety must be top of mind when working, he told attendees of the 21st Cattlemen’s College® at the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 3.
Anderson outlined five Ps to consider when working chuteside: Purpose, planning, people, paying attention and politeness.
- Purpose: Why are you working cattle? Does everyone understand this? Are you vaccinating cattle, pregnancy checking or working as entertainment for a corporate retreat? Actions may be different for each purpose, so the whole crew must understand and agree on the purpose of working cattle for that instance.
- Planning: Anderson said his mom used to say, “Your emergency is not my problem.” Know what you’re going to do and how you’re going to do it if something doesn’t go as planned. Make sure the chute is functioning, that all of your tools are prepared and vaccinations are ready. He gave an example of another veterinarian in Texas who always cleared the alleyway before working cattle. This was to scare away the snakes — you can imagine what could go wrong had she not planned and the alley not been cleared prior to working cattle.
- People: Have good people and tell them the plan. He said his mom also said, “You are who you run with.” Have competent people working with you, and understand the project so you have the correct number of people so they aren’t standing on top of each other or stretched too thin. The goal is to maximize efficiency, he noted. The quickest way to do that is to recognize who is the boss for the task at hand, and remember that it’s not always the owner. Answering to one person — and one plan — will increase efficiency and decrease accidents.
- Paying attention: The quickest way to hurt someone is by not paying attention. Once a rhythm gets set, it is easy to get distracted, but then accidents happen. Anderson gave several personal examples of getting caught in bad situations because someone got distracted and pushed a cow into the alley too soon or released the tailgate early. In one instance, he was caught between two angry females while palpating. The resulting injury from what he termed the “Brangus enema” sidelined him for several weeks because he couldn’t move his arm.
Know distractions and keep them away while working cattle. These can include cell phones, a cowdog, a 2-year-old rough-broke colt, children/grandchildren, and teenage boys near teenage girls. - Politeness: “There is no excuse for rudeness,” Anderson cited his mom again, who he credited for teaching him manners. He emphasized that what is considered polite may vary by chute and crew boss, but the boss sets the standard. This is what can make a whole operation run smoothly.
Arn Anderson cautioned cattlemen to know distractions and keep them away while working cattle. These can include cell phones, a cowdog, a 2-year-old rough-broke colt, children/grandchildren, and teenage boys near teenage girls.
He recommended keeping one job until the boss tells you to switch. This helps you pick up a rhythm and, if paying attention, can increase efficiency. Communication is more effective when everyone is where they are supposed to be.
“It is different at every chute. You can learn from mistakes and share experiences, but know that the rules may be different wherever you go. Understand that the chute is a tool, and that it can hurt you. By following the five Ps, it will be a much safer experience,” he concluded.
Editor’s Note: This article contains information compiled from the Angus Journal’s online coverage of the 2014 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, which is available online at www.4cattlemen.com.