In January, with the help of several students, a significant safety upgrade was installed in the Wawawai Canyon cattle pens. This new cattle chute was made possible through funding from EH&S programs and special pricing from North 40, and it will greatly improve safety for both cattle and students in the years ahead.
The previous head catch posed multiple safety hazards for animals and for students learning to handle cattle during calving and vaccinations. The new chute includes an extended head catch for safer handling and easier administration of neck injections, as well as a walk‑through gate that improves access to the rear of the chute. Its repositioning also creates more space for students to observe and participate in handling activities without interfering with cattle movement. With more than 30 students involved in the 2025 calving season, this upgrade will be an important tool for expanding hands‑on learning opportunities for Animal Sciences students.
A few steps remain to finalize the chute’s anchoring, but it is now in place and nearly ready for use during the upcoming calving season.
Adapted from original text by Ryan Goodman.