An Evening With Temple Grandin

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Temple Grandin, PhD, is a renowned American professor, author and animal behavior expert, best known for her pioneering work in livestock handling and autism advocacy. Despite facing childhood challenges associated with autism, she excelled academically, particularly in fields related to science and engineering. She was one of the first people to advocate for humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and has helped improve livestock handling processes. She speaks widely about autism, challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding of the neurodiverse community. Attend one or both presentations, free!

4–5 pm: My Experience with Autism

My Experience with Autism will explore Temple Grandin's childhood and early years, highlighting the challenges and successes she faced in her personal and professional development. She will share how mentors, such as her mother, teachers and peers, played a key role in her growth and provide valuable insights into how individuals with autism experience the world. With a focus on sensory processing and "seeing in pictures", Grandin will discuss how these unique perspectives contribute to problem-solving and collaboration of the minds.

5:30–6:30 pm: The Importance of Good Stockmanship

The Importance of Good Stockmanship will focus on the essential principles of livestock handling, with a particular emphasis on cattle. It will explore key behaviors and techniques that every good stockperson should understand, such as using the flight zone and point of balance to guide animals calmly and efficiently. The talk will also highlight the importance of minimizing visual distractions in handling facilities, like shadows, dangling chains or moving people, to ensure smooth animal movement through chutes.