McCarty Family Farms Enhances Employee Training Through Humane Handling Institute

REXFORD, Kan. — McCarty Family Farms takes pride in their commitment to animal welfare. They recently welcomed the Humane Handling Institute based at University of Wisconsin–River Falls to all three Kansas locations. This visit marks HHI’s first on-farm dairy training experience as they work to expand their work in livestock handling education.

Founded in 2022, the Humane Handling Institute was created to support the meat industry through research, education, and outreach. Originally being funded to serve Wisconsin meat processing facilities, the program has since expanded beyond the state as well as other livestock sectors. HHI provides hands-on training focused on humane animal handling, stunning practices, and improvement in facility design.

As part of the training, HHI introduced augmented reality Cattle Vision Technology goggles designed to help employees see the world from a cow’s perspective. The goggles simulate how cattle view their surroundings, including shadows, lighting changes, and movement. This allows handlers to better understand why cows hesitate or stop in certain areas.

“The simulators allow the person wearing them to see the world like a cow would,” said Karly Anderson, Ph.D., Scientist and Trainer with HHI.

The training also allows employees to test possible facility changes before making permanent adjustments. Using temporary materials like cardboard, teams can visualize modifications and evaluate how they may improve animal movement.

McKenzie Metz, Animal Welfare Program Coordinator at McCarty Family Farms, said “this training came at an important time. As we advance, one of our top priorities is the welfare of our animals.”

“We’ve had several people evaluate our facilities, but we felt this approach would be the most beneficial. It allows employees to experience the environment from the cows’ perspective, helping them better understand potential issues, build empathy, and make improvements rather than becoming frustrated.”

The goal of the training is simple: better cow flow, less stress, and a safer, more efficient environment for both animals and employees.

Ashlynn Kirk, M.S., Program Manager for HHI., said, “the immersive technology creates opportunities for learning even beyond the goggles themselves.”

“Even though not all employees can be fully immersed in the experience, we can use what we learn from the goggles and develop training to help everyone better understand animal behavior and handling,” Kirk said.

McCarty Family Farms plans to continue implementing what was learned through the training to improve daily operations and strengthen its commitment to animal welfare.

For more information about the Humane Handling Institute, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/humane-handling-institute.

About McCarty Family Farms
Founded in 1914, McCarty Family Farms has evolved into a multi-state dairy operation grounded in the values of integrity, innovation, and stewardship. With locations in Kansas and Ohio, the family’s mission is to produce high-quality, nutritious milk while prioritizing cow care, environmental responsibility, and strong community partnerships. Through the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, the family also provides education and transparency to consumers, helping to build trust and understanding of modern dairy farming.