SDSU Extension to Host Training for Livestock/Vehicle Emergencies

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a Bovine Emergency Response Plan training for anyone who may respond to the scene of an accident involving livestock. 

The training is from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST on March 22, 2025, at the Hanson County School in Alexandria. It is free to attend. Registration is requested by March 14 by contacting Brandon Wingert, Hanson County Sheriff, at 605-630-2602 or brandon@hanson.co.sd.us. 

Typical first responders include law enforcement, fire departments, EMTs, emergency management and other public safety officials. Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, said for livestock-related accidents, veterinarians are also an important part of the team. In rural South Dakota, she said farmers and ranchers often respond, as well. 

“This training is about bringing teams together so they can develop a quick and safe response plan to accidents involving livestock,” she said. “The national team that developed BERP says, ‘The scene of an accident is the not the place to build a team.’ ”

Training will include hands-on and classroom instruction, including how to assess and secure an accident scene and a walk-through of different kinds of livestock trailers. Throughout the day, participants will learn what is expected in a vehicular-cattle emergency, how to recognize potential hazards, what equipment is needed and how to develop a plan that fits their own community’s needs.

“A common response to a training related to livestock is ‘I have experience with cattle, I don’t need to attend.’ After visiting with participants that have been around cattle their whole life, they valued the BERP training,” Salverson said.

The Bovine Emergency Response Plan was developed with grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Beef Checkoff program.