By Andi Anderson
First responders from Muskingum and Perry counties will have the opportunity to strengthen their livestock emergency response skills through a specialized training program scheduled for February 21, 2026.
The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at LinJus Farms in Duncan Falls, Ohio, and is offered at no cost to participants.
The training is hosted by the Muskingum County Farm Bureau and the Perry County Farm Bureau in partnership with Ohio State University Extension.
While priority is given to first responders from Muskingum and Perry counties, the program will open to surrounding counties if space is available.
This one-day program is designed to provide both knowledge and practical experience for emergency situations involving livestock.
Participants will receive a resource handbook for their department and take part in classroom instruction covering key topics such as livestock behavior and handling, biosecurity, livestock trailer design, euthanasia, mortality management, scene response, and the importance of post incident debriefing. These sessions aim to improve safety for responders, animals, and the public.
Hands-on learning is a major component of training. Demonstrations will include an incident tabletop exercise, a guided walkthrough of a livestock trailer, and beef cattle handling practice.
These activities help first responders apply classroom concepts in realistic settings and build confidence when responding to farm-related emergencies.
In addition to training materials, attendees will be provided with coffee and doughnuts in the morning and a catered lunch during the day. The program is structured to support learning while encouraging interaction and discussion among participants.
Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP or request additional information by calling 740-452-2356 or emailing muskingum@ofbf.org.
Event organizers note that safety remains a priority. If a Level 2 snow emergency is declared in Muskingum County or in areas where speakers are traveling from, on the morning of the event, the training will be canceled or postponed. In that case, the snow date is scheduled for February 28, 2026.
Overall, this training supports emergency preparedness in agricultural communities by ensuring first responders are better equipped to handle livestock related incidents safely and effectively.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Ohio, Livestock