Humane Handling Institute
Built for Real-World Processing Operations
Whether you're onboarding new employees, improving stunning performance, or developing future supervisors, the Humane Handling Institute provides applicable skills that you can immediately use in your facilities.
Responding to Industry Need
Facilities across the meat industry face increasing pressure to maintain animal welfare standards, demonstrate regulatory compliance, and retain skilled employees. The Humane Handling Institute was built from the ground-up to provide practical training and technical expertise that helps processors reduce risk, improve operational consistency, and strengthen humane handling performance at every level of their organization.
Uniquely positioned at the intersection of industry experience, applied research, and workforce education the Humane Handling Institute provides:
- Practical methods that improve handling and stunning outcomes.
- Training and documentation that strengthen humane handling systems.
- Increased competence, confidence, and consistency across your workforce.
- Reduced variability, strengthened processes, and support for long-term success.
90%+
of humane handling enforcement actions involve stunning
~216
cattle are stunned in the US every minute
175M+
swine, cattle, sheep, goats are harvested in the US per year
Humane Handling Workshops Help Employees:
✓ Recognize problems sooner
✓ Respond appropriately under pressure
✓ Maintain stunning equipment correctly
✓ Understand animal behavior more effectively
✓ Apply humane handling principles consistently
Even small improvements in employee performance can create meaningful operational benefits over time.
Captive Bolt Maintenance and Service
Our experienced technicians will clean, service, inspect, and test captive bolt equipment. This provides evidence that your stunning equipment is functioning properly. Please reach out via email to let us know how we can help.
Contact Us
Humane Handling Institute
hhi@uwrf.edu
715-425-4987
Support the Humane Handling Institute
Your contribution to the Humane Handling Institute goes towards strengthening the skill development of industry employees and ensuring humane practices in meat processing establishments of all sizes. Together, we can create a lasting positive impact.