Opening the ranch gate? Keep biosecurity in the picture

New guidance from the Beef Cattle Research Council offers practical ways to welcome visitors while protecting cattle health.

Farm tours provide an opportunity to showcase the beef industry, share knowledge and connect with people who may have little experience with agriculture. But every additional visitor also brings potential biosecurity risks.

Whether hosting a school group, industry tour or neighbouring producers, a little preparation can help prevent the movement of disease between animals and operations.

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is highlighting a collection of resources to help cattle producers, tour organizers and visitors manage those risks before, during and after a farm visit.

While spring and summer are typically the most popular seasons for farm and ranch tours, the winter months are a great time to plan ahead, says the organization.

Here’s a look at a few key tips:

1. Plan before visitors arrive

Biosecurity begins well before anyone sets foot on the operation, the BCRC advises. The organization recommends that producers work with tour organizers to establish a route, identify areas that should remain off-limits and communicate any existing biosecurity requirements.

The level of animal contact is an important consideration. A tour that remains on a bus or outside livestock areas presents different risks than one involving direct contact with cattle or access to handling facilities.

Visitors’ recent activities also matter. Those who have visited other livestock operations, handled sick animals or travelled internationally may require additional precautions.

Simple measures such as clean footwear and clothing, appropriate boot covers and designated parking areas can help reduce the risk of introducing or spreading disease.

2. Good practices don’t end with the tour

During a visit, producers should guide participants through approved areas and explain the importance of following the operation’s biosecurity protocols.

Visitors should avoid unnecessary contact with livestock, follow instructions about restricted areas and practise appropriate hand hygiene.

Once the tour is complete, the BCRC recommends cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces and equipment, monitoring cattle that may have had contact with visitors and maintaining accurate visitor records.

Those records can be particularly valuable if a disease concern emerges after the visit, allowing organizers and producers to contact people who may have been exposed.

3. Use resources for producers and tour organizers

The BCRC’s 27-page guide, Tours of Beef Cattle Operations Biosecurity Resources and Recommendations, provides detailed information for planning and managing farm tours.

It includes recommendations tailored to producers, hosts and visitors, along with risk assessment tools, communication templates and guidance for international visitors.

The resources are intended to make farm visits safer without discouraging the valuable exchange of knowledge and experience that comes from opening an operation to others.

Producers can access the full guide and supporting materials through the BCRC’s farm tour biosecurity resources.